Claflin University News September 19, 2014 Evening of Tributes, Entertainment Mark Tisdales' 20th Year at Claflin University It was a beautiful evening full of fellowship and star-studded entertainment honoring Dr. Henry N. Tisdale and Mrs. Alice Carson Tisdale on their 20 years of visionary leadership at Claflin University. Also honored during Thursday's 20th Anniversary Visionary Leadership Gala at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center were employees who have provided 20 or more years of service to the institution. "Claflin University is one of the best institutions, not just in the nation, but in the world," said Clyde Bess, chairman of Claflin's Board of Visitors. "Tonight, we're granted the opportunity to celebrate visionary leadership, selfless commitment and extraordinary service." Paul Fant, chairman of Claflin's Board of Trustees, called Dr. Tisdale "Claflin's premier ambassador," adding that along with Mrs. Tisdale, the pair has worked to mold the University into the institution that it is today. "But we recognize that the Tisdales have not taken this journey alone," he said. "Many have stood with them." The exceptional transformation of Claflin, under the leadership of the Tisdales for the last 20 years, "is how I define success, and this is why we are indeed fortunate to have Dr. Tisdale as our leader." The evening kicked off with a pair of receptions before a time of tributes, dinner and live entertainment by the incomparable Bill Cosby, one of America's most beloved television fathers and comedians. Cosby was last at Claflin as its commencement speaker in 1999. Master of ceremonies for the evening was Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The Washington Post and Orangeburg native Eugene Robinson, also a former commencement speaker at the University, in 2009. Robinson grew up near the Claflin campus, where his mother, Louisa, was the head librarian for more than 31 years and served the University for more than 45 years. "This, to me, is coming home," Robinson said. "I give a fair number of speeches across the country ... and whenever I talk about leadership, I talk about Henry Tisdale. I think Henry Tisdale is the best example of what energetic and visionary leadership can accomplish." A highlight of the tributes offered to the Tisdales was the Order of the Palmetto, the state's highest civilian honor that recognizes a person's "extraordinary lifetime achievement and service to the state and nation." Individual Orders were bestowed on both Dr. and Mrs. Tisdale by South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley via video message. "What they've accomplished in the last 20 years has benefitted not just Orangeburg County, but the entire state of South Carolina," Haley said. "What do you do for a dynamic duo that has done so much for the entire state of South Carolina? You give them each the Order of the Palmetto." Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin and Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler presented the Tisdales with a resolution marking September 18, 2014, as "Alice and Henry Tisdale Day." A video featuring remarks from several of Claflin's 20-year-plus employees was played, and student Crystal McBride presented the Tisdales with an original framed work of art she created in their honor. Each gala attendee received a smaller printed version of the painting as a souvenir. A special tribute was also performed by members of Claflin University's Concert Choir, Theatre Ensemble and Pulse Dance Company. Special dinner music was provided by Clafin's Jazz Ensemble. After being recognized during the program, all 20-year-plus employees in attendance received framed autographed photographs of them with Cosby, which were taken earlier in the evening. "I feel like I'm at my own wedding reception," Mrs. Tisdale said, before sharing the story of how she and Dr. Tisdale arrived at Claflin. "It involved the three of us - Henry, me and God," she said. "We stepped out on faith and trusted in His plan for Alice and Henry Tisdale. It just never, ever occurred to us that we wouldn't get to Claflin. "We remain committed and inspired. ... There is only one team, Team Claflin. Thank you for believing in us, and thank you for believing in Claflin." Dr. Tisdale said the evening is about more than just honoring the dedicated service of those employees who have served Claflin for 20 or more years. "This evening is about the leadership and service of everyone who's served Claflin University," he said. "Today, Claflin is experiencing phenomenal transformation in all areas. We are fortunate to have committed faculty and staff ... diverse donors ... and such leal and loyal sons and daughters. "The vision of greatness is a reality today, and I know that it is due in measure to the incredible support of those who work with us. We accept these awards on behalf of Team Claflin." The purpose of the Visionary Leadership Gala was to raise $1 million in support of student scholarships and to establish an endowed chair in honor of the Tisdales. Since arriving on the Claflin campus in 1994, Kingstree native Dr. Tisdale, a 1965 Claflin graduate and the University's eighth president, and Mrs. Tisdale, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, and director of the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College, have indelibly made their mark. Under Dr. Tisdale's leadership, Claflin University has seen an increase in faculty with terminal degrees, federal funding for research, endowed scholarships, partnerships with other leading institutions, student enrollment and nationally accredited academic programs. The University has also enhanced student learning through its improved technological infrastructure. Under his guidance, facilities across the Claflin campus have been added, improved or enhanced. To highlight a few, the new Student Residential Center, University Dining Center, Molecular Science Research Center, and the James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel were built; Legacy Plaza and the Arthur Rose Museum were established; and the Tingley Memorial Hall, Lee Library and Ministers' Hall buildings were restored. Under Mrs. Tisdale's direction, the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College has been strengthened and expanded to reflect Claflin's commitment to cultivating academically outstanding students. Measures were taken to enhance the honors students' experience on every level to prepare them for success in graduate and professional schools, and as leaders in their profession and society at large. Further cementing their commitment to Claflin, Dr. and Mrs. Tisdale donated $250,000 to the University's Capital Campaign in March 2013. The gift will fund an endowed professorship in the STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - disciplines, support the Alice Carson Tisdale Endowed Scholarship in Education and the Henry N. Tisdale Endowed Scholarship in Mathematics, and provide scholarship support for students in other disciplines and student athletes. Claflin University continues to garner national recognition under Dr. Tisdale's vision and leadership. Most recently, Washington Monthly ranked Claflin University the top liberal arts college in South Carolina and the top HBCU in the nation. And U.S. News and World Report has consistently ranked Claflin as one of "America's Best Colleges" for the past 16 years. In its 2014 edition, Claflin was again ranked a top national liberal arts college, and ranked ninth in the nation among HBCUs. ________________________________ SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2014meeting-form.html for the October 26-28, 2014 HBCU Library Alliance 6th Membership Meeting in Atlanta GA!