Claflin University News June 30th Claflin University to Launch Historic Capital Campaign June 30th - Two celebrations will kick off The Campaign for Claflin University Claflin University will hold two major events to launch the public phase of its $96.4 million fund-raising campaign on June 30. The campaign is the most ambitious in the institution's illustrious 141-year history and is designed to enhance Claflin's emerging profile as one of the premier undergraduate teaching and research universities in the world that prepares effective and visionary leaders with global perspectives. At 11:30 a.m., a news conference will be held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center located at 1101 Lincoln Street in Columbia. The news conference will be followed by a luncheon and symposium which will host business and community representatives, local political leaders and University officials and students. Congressman James Clyburn and Columbia Mayor Steven Benjamin will be the special guest speakers at the symposium. A dinner will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Center at the Claflin campus in Orangeburg. Members of the campus community and the wider Orangeburg community will gather to celebrate the campaign. "This is an historic and exciting time in our history," said Claflin President, Dr. Henry N. Tisdale. "Our campaign is an investment in the future of our nation. It will enable a great University to move to higher levels of distinction and excellence. It also will enable us to provide opportunities for top students who will become visionary leaders trained by a highly qualified and devoted faculty." The Campaign for Claflin University will raise funds designated to strengthen the university's nationally accredited academic programs; enhance facilities, including the construction of a state of the art science and technology center; and provide scholarships and financial aid for outstanding students who would otherwise not have the financial resources to pursue a quality education. "This capital campaign challenges us take bold steps to make Claflin University even stronger," said Mr. James Bennett, the campaign's General Chair and a member of the Claflin University board of trustees. "Claflin is well positioned among premier institutions of higher learning, but this campaign ensures that we will educate and graduate students who will strengthen our nation's workforce and use their chosen careers to solve some of the world's most critical problems," he said. As the University enters the public phase of the campaign, public and private supporters have already committed more than $55 million toward the campaign goal. "The University is pleased with the early support we've received from donors," said Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Reverend Whittaker V. Middleton. "We acknowledge that the current economic climate could present challenges to a fundraising initiative of this magnitude, but the response we've received to this point in the campaign proves to us that no matter what the condition, our supporters are willing to invest in the future of this university and the young people it prepares. They want to be a part of transforming lives and making dreams become realities," he said. Founded in 1869, Claflin University has garnered national recognition for its commitment to academic excellence. Among its accolades, U.S. News and World Report ranked Claflin as one of "America's Best Colleges" while Forbes.com ranked Claflin the Top HBCU in the U.S. and among the top four percent of all colleges and universities in the country. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org www.hbculibraries.org 404.592.4820 Skype:sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org Honor the ancestors, honor the children.