2023 Hall of Fame

CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023 ◆ 12:00 PM Orangeburg Country Club 2745 Griffith Drive, Orangeburg, SC 29118 Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, President

about the

Hall of Fame The purpose of the Claflin University Hall of Fame is to recognize and honor Claflin University alumni and other persons who have made significant contributions to society and brought credit to Claflin University. Outstanding individuals may be inducted each year from each of the following categories: Athletics, Arts and Entertainment, Business, Communication, Community Services, Education, Government and Law, Medicine, Military, Philanthropy, Religion, and Science.

PROGRAM Presiding

Mrs. Zelda M. Lee, ’77

Ms. Matisse S. Lee, ’08

Director of the Annual Fund/Alumni Relations

Senior Associate Director of Athletics/ Senior Woman Administrator

Welcome

Mrs. Zelda M. Lee

Occasion

Ms. Matisse S. Lee

Recognition of Special Guests

Mr. George W. Johnson Assistant Vice President of Communications and Marketing

Opening Remarks

Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack President Mr. Tony O’Neal Director of Athletics

Invocation / Blessing

Rev. Larry D. McCutheon, ’72 Interim Chaplain

Lunch Presentation of Honorees Closing Remarks

Dr. Marcus H. Burgess, ’96 Vice President of Institutional Advancement

hall of fame

Biographies

p o st h u mo usly

Doris Buffett Philanthropy/Supporter Dr. Doris Buffett was the founder and chief executive officer of the Sunshine Lady Foundation, Inc. Buffett, who died in 2020, was the older sister of Warren Buffett, billionaire American business magnate, investor, philanthropist, and the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.

She was widely recognized for her generous philanthropy. She was an active participant in the Sunshine Lady Foundation, which was solely funded by her finances, and personally oversaw every financial decision made by the organization.

Buffett focused on individual recipients rather than organizations. While she occasionally made awards of up to $500,000, grants typically ranged in the thousands of dollars. For perspective, since its establishment in 1996, the Sunshine Lady Foundation has granted over $100 million.

Buffett referred to her generosity as "virtual capital," suggesting that her actions were akin to making investments. Her philosophy aligned with the familiar Chinese proverb: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish,

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and you feed him for a lifetime." She was willing to meet people halfway, using money as a bartering tool toward a greater goal, or, as in the case of the Buffett Fellowships, where students work to improve the situations of children and families in need, she asked for a "pass it on" approach. In return, all she requested was a thank-you note.

Buffett believed that inequities stem from limited choices, and her goal was to reduce those disparities by empowering people with the ability to choose. Instead of constantly acquiring "bigger and better" possessions for herself, she wanted to allocate as much of the foundation's funds as possible before her passing.

Although she didn't always possess the tools to be a professional philanthropist, giving back to people and the community was not new to her. Buffett had been a political activist, domestic violence advocate, first-grade school teacher, and, perhaps most challenging, a mother. She was undeniably a remarkable individual.

Mack H. Burgess, ’68 Education/Philanthropy

Mack H. Burgess is a retired K-12 educator and administrator. After graduating from Claflin University in 1968, he launched his career as an educator in Nesmith, S.C. at Battery Park High School as a physical and health education teacher. During his time there, he also served as head coach of the varsity boys’ basketball team.

He led the team to a conference and lower state championship, and state runner-up recognition.

Mack also served as an assistant football and baseball coach. As his career progressed, he ascended to the roles of director of transportation, coordinator for Drug-Free Programs, school safety and director of Student Services, assistant high school principal, and assistant elementary school principal.

Mack is a faithful donor to Claflin University. In 2018, he established an annual scholarship for a Claflin University student from Williamsburg County in memory of his late daughter-in-law, Sonya. In addition to his financial generosity, he is a member of the Williamsburg County Alumni Chapter.

Mack's knowledge of physical education opened doors for him to become a sports official, a role he has performed in the state of South Carolina for the past 46 years. He has been recognized for his excellence in officiating and was named the Bryan Fink Official of the Year in 2019.

While matriculating at Claflin, he became a member of the Lambda Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Since his initiation, he has received the Omega Man of the Year Award and the Omega Citizen of the Year Award from the Delta Rho Chapter.

Mack is a former volunteer firefighter for the Lake City Fire Department. He is a member of Mt. Beulah United Methodist Church where he has been Chairman of the Administration Board, a Trustee, Chairperson of Finance, and a Lay Leader.

Mack is married to Janie, ‘69, and they are parents of five sons and 11 grandchildren.

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Harvey E. Choplin, ’71 Community Service

Harvey E. Choplin has been actively engaged in various community activities throughout his life.

Currently, he is a member of New St. Luke United Methodist Church in Travelers Rest, S.C., where he teaches the Adult Sunday School class, chairs the Trustee Board, and leads the Administrative Board.

Choplin has faithfully served the City of Travelers Rest for 29 years, including a four-year tenure as Mayor Pro Tem. He has also chaired the Planning Development and Public Works Committees and has been a member of the Ways and Means and Public Safety Committees. His service on the City Council provided opportunities for middle and high school students to observe and understand the workings of local government, encouraging them to become active community builders.

Choplin’s contributions to the community were recognized when he received the Citizen of the Year Award in Travelers Rest in 2018. He is a charter member of the Travelers Rest Lions Club, where he chairs the Vision Committee, assisting senior citizens, young people, and the disadvantaged with eye exams and eyeglasses.

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He is also actively involved with the Travelers Rest Rotary Club, volunteers with the Project Host Soup Kitchen, and supports the Travelers Rest Food Crisis Ministry.

In addition to his community involvement, Choplin has a background in education, having taught mathematics, coached basketball, and served as an athletics director. He holds a Master of Arts Degree in Education from Furman University and additional certifications in Administration and Supervision from Clemson University. He later worked as an academic coordinator in the Bridges to Brighter Future Program at Furman University, aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty and low educational attainment.

Now retired, Choplin previously served as an adjunct teacher in the Education Department at Furman University. He is married to Vivian McCoy, a Claflin graduate, and they have two children and one grandchild.

Harvey is also a member of the Mu Pi graduate chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Barney R. Jackson, ’76 Medicine

Dr. Barney R. Jackson is a retired emergency medicine physician. Before his tenure at High Point Regional Hospital, he practiced at Jackson Wagner Family Practice. During his time at High Point Regional Hospital, he was President of Regional Emergency Physicians for 39 years.

He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS degree in Chemistry and a minor in Physics and Mathematics from Claflin University. Dr. Jackson earned his MD from Howard University, College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., in May 1980.

His residency in Family Practice took place at Spartanburg Regional Hospital from 1980 to 1983, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Jackson holds certifications from the American Board of Emergency Medicine and the American College of Emergency Medicine.

Dr. Jackson possesses extensive experience in emergency medicine administration and medical care delivery. His expertise covers critical care, emergency medicine, and trauma management.

He is an active member of the United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church and currently serves on the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority Board. He has previously been involved with the Wachovia Advisory Board and the High Point City Human Relations Board. Dr. Jackson is also a member of the North Carolina Guardsmen Association Inc., where he served as president from 2013 to 2016.

In his leisure time, he enjoys golf, travel, restoring old cars, real estate, reading, and listening to jazz.

Dr. Jackson is married to Gloria W. Jackson, and they have three adult children.

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Sadie Jarvis, ’63 Education

Sadie Davis Jarvis is a highly experienced educator with a strong background in counseling. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education from Claflin College and a Master of Science degree in Counseling and Administration from South Carolina State College.

During her impressive 30-year tenure in Orangeburg County's public schools, Jarvis served as an English Teacher, Director of Adult Education, and Guidance Counselor. Notably, she chaired the guidance program at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School (1984 to 1996). She also directed Claflin University's Counseling and Disabilities Program for 24 years, retiring in 2021. In this role, she coordinated the parent component of the Gear Up program, established a Disabilities Wellness program for students, and actively supported an ongoing HIV/AIDS program.

Jarvis holds professional certifications in areas such as Addiction and Substance Abuse, Conflict Resolution, and Mental and Behavior Disorders in Children and Adults. Her accolades include the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce

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Community of Character Award (2018), the South Carolina Women of Distinction for AIDS Leadership Award (2008), and the Claflin University Customer Focus Award (2007). She has also received awards from South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, and South Carolina Mental Health Association.

Furthermore, she's been recognized in Who's Who Cambridge and Who's Who Empire.

Jarvis actively participates in her church, Trinity United Methodist Church, and takes on leadership roles in numerous community activities. She currently chairs the Orangeburg Council Mental Health board and serves as a board member of Paths to Wholeness. She has also been a member of the Minority Aids Council, Orangeburg Chapter of the American Red Cross, and Orangeburg Attention Homes.

She is the widow of Donald D. Jarvis Sr., is a devoted mother of four sons and grandmother to seven grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

Barbara E. Kirkland, ’73 Education

Barbara Pryor Elliott Kirkland, a native of Branchville, S.C., holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education from Claflin University and a master’s in education from South Carolina State University. She also pursued further studies at the University of South Carolina. Kirkland enjoyed a successful career as a teacher and received the Teacher of the Year award twice. In Calhoun County, she played a key role in developing an impressive gifted and talented program and earned numerous incentive awards in Orangeburg and Calhoun County schools for her students' achievements. Subsequently, she served as a teacher specialist for the South Carolina State Department of Education. Additionally, she worked as an early interventionist for the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind and served as an adjunct teacher at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College and Denmark Technical College. Throughout her teaching career, which commenced in 1973, Barbara has felt richly rewarded for her students' accomplishments and has maintained lasting relationships with many of them.

Kirkland is actively engaged in the community.

She passionately served as the president of the Orangeburg Chapter of the Pan-Hellenic Council, successfully reviving the organization's vibrancy in Orangeburg with the support of others. She is a Golden Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and president of the Beta Zeta Omega Chapter with her administration's motto: "Continuing the Momentum of Excellence."

She was previously a member of the Orangeburg County Library Board. For over 35 years, she has served as the clerk at Canaan Baptist Church in Branchville, South Carolina. She actively participates in the Orangeburg County Alumni Chapter of the Claflin University International Alumni Association.

She is married to Freddie ('69), and they are blessed with five children: Jamie Elliott Larkin (Jermaine), Tamara Camille Catchings (Mario), Justin C. Elliott, Eric Kirkland (Cheryl), Meeka Kirkland, as well as 13 grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, whom they adore.

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Gloria R. McKnight, ’69 Community Service

Gloria Ragins McKnight is a dedicated member of the Washington, DC Chapter of the Claflin University International Alumni Association, currently serving as the Vice President. In this role, she presides over chapter meetings in the absence of the President and oversees various committees.

While at Claflin, Gloria became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Chi Chapter, and is an active member of the Prince George's Alumnae Chapter. She is engaged in various committees and community service projects within the chapter.

Her responsibilities within her alumni chapter involve recruiting for Claflin University at college fairs, coordinating transportation for chapter members, and organizing class reunions. Gloria is also the Chairperson for the Washington DC Claflin Alumni Chapter's 60th Anniversary Luncheon and a member of the Scholarship Committee.

Gloria is also actively involved in her church, Epiphany Episcopal Church, raising funds for church activities and scholarships.

Gloria's commitment to Claflin extends to her family, with her son and granddaughter being proud Claflin graduates. She has also recruited students from her hometown and Prince George's Community College.

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Gloria's professional background includes 11 years as an educator in the Sumter County School District and roles as a Varsity Coach and Cheerleading Advisor. She is a member of the Greater Charleston Drifter's Chapter and cofounded a local social group, the Ebonettes.

co lo n el

Ret. Charles D. Mills, ’91 Military

Colonel (Retired) Charles D. “Hawk” Mills is a transitioning US Army Officer who has contributed more than 35 years of honorable service in support of US strategic initiatives and Department of Defense global operations. Throughout his career, Charles held diverse positions culminating in executive leadership roles. Moreover, his influence transformed enterprise-level doctrine, policy, and procedures while developing specialized workforce expertise and optimizing training programs.

Charles’s proven ability to develop strategic planning and convert corporate designs into operational successes is evident throughout his career. His leadership synchronized multinational operations enabled rapid mobilizations of multimillion-dollar resources and assured global positioning of high-value technical systems and state-of-the-art platforms. A veteran of multiple deployments earned him distinguished service accolades including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star.

Charles is a multidisciplinary leader, public speaker, community activist, and interventionist/

mentor. He is active in his church as a Deacon, a member of the praise team, and Co-Director of Christian Education and Leadership (serving alongside his wife). Additionally, Charles is a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., recently serving as president of the Beta Kappa Lambda Chapter. The aforementioned, coupled with his interests in poetry and music, all serve as a natural progression in his matriculation process of becoming a voice-over/voice actor and founder and CEO of Charles Mills Media.

Charles earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Claflin University, a Master of Public Administration from Troy University, a Master of Military Arts and Science at the School of Advanced Military Studies, and a Master of Science degree in Strategic Studies from The U.S. Army War College. Additionally, Charles has received education at Harvard’s Extension School in Design Thinking Methodologies.

Colonel (Retired) Mills is married to Dr. Andrea Hampton-Mills. They have two sons and one daughter.

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Jamie L. Morant, ’99 Athletics Hall of Fame/Softball

Jamie Morant was born in Appling, Ga., and attended Harlem High School in Harlem, Ga. While there, she excelled in softball and basketball, and in 1994 she was awarded a full scholarship to play softball at the prestigious Claflin University.

In 1996, she was named the EIAC (Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) Player of the Year. Jamie is a 1999 graduate of Claflin where she majored in and earned a BS degree in Biology.

As a student-athlete, she made All-Conference

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each of her four years and also earned the title of Player of the Year her senior year. Some of her fondest memories were hanging out on the yard with her teammates.

Jamie is the proud mother of two children, Ja and Teniya, and the “Jama” to her precious granddaughter, Kaari J. Currently, she keeps busy supporting her children’s athletic endeavors and managing the day-to-day operations of her son’s business, Morant Enterprises, LLC.

Ronnie "Tee" Morant, ’98 Athletics Hall of Fame/Basketball

Tee Morant, a Dalzell, SC native, made his mark in high school basketball at Hillcrest High School, clinching a state championship alongside future Hall of Famer Ray Allen in 1993. His talents earned him numerous accolades during his college years at Claflin College, including All-Freshman First Team in 1993, three-time All-Conference, and two-time Team MVP. Tee's leadership led Claflin to consecutive national tournament appearances, and he was honored as the EIAC Player of the Year in 1996-1997.

Despite dreams of pursuing a professional basketball career, Tee redirected his path when he learned he was to become a father, making

the heartfelt decision to prioritize family over hoops. This decision, as Tee sees it, aligned with a higher plan. His son, the well-known Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies, has since risen to NBA stardom. Tee and his wife Jamie, also support their daughter, Teniya, attending Mississippi Valley State on a basketball scholarship.

Currently, Tee actively serves as Ja's trainer, chef, barber, and trusted confidante, sharing these responsibilities with his wife Jamie. The Morant family stands as a testament to Tee's devotion to both his basketball legacy and his role as a dedicated family man.

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Lucille F. Sabb, ’98 Community Service

Lucille Frierson Sabb is a senior manager in the market access division at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, an AstraZeneca Rare Disease company. Her mission is to remove access barriers for patients, ensuring they can receive vital therapy. She earned a B.S. degree from Claflin University and an M.A. degree from South Carolina State University.

Sabb is a passionate advocate for women's empowerment in the pharmaceutical industry.

She founded "Women Who," an organization that provides advancement opportunities for women in the field. She is a member of Women of Color in Pharma and the National Black MBA Association. At Alexion Pharmaceuticals, she co-founded the Black Professionals Network and currently serves as Vice Chair. Sabb has earned several accolades, including the Collaboration Award from Sanofi Genzyme Pharmaceuticals, the Hidden Gem Award, and the Living the Legacy Award at Alexion Pharmaceuticals.

She is a member of the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and has held various chapter, regional, and national positions.

Currently, she serves on the National Membership Services Committee. Sabb completed the Delta

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Fellows Leadership Development Program and received the South Atlantic Regional Advisor of the Year award.

Sabb is a life member of the Claflin University International Alumni Association and serves as President of the Charlotte Chapter. She also sits on the Claflin University Board of Visitors and has been involved in various initiatives to benefit Claflin students.

Sabb contributes her time and energy to various organizations, including Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Equity Committee, Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee, Black Political Caucus, and the African American Caucus of the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party. She's also been a Girl Scout Troop Leader and a volunteer at The Ronald McDonald House, nursing homes, soup kitchens, and loaves and fishes. At St. Marks United Methodist Church, she serves on the Transformation Journey team, the Nominations and Leadership Development team, and the Worship team.

She's married to Timothy Sabb.

Terrence Scriven, ’99 Athletics Hall of Fame/Basketball

Terrence Scriven is an accomplished athletic director. He served as an athletic director at three high schools in the Sumter School District (Lakewood, Sumter, Crestwood). He also had positions as district athletic director for Cherokee County School District in Gaffney, S.C., and school athletic director at Wilson High School in Florence One School District. He currently is athletic director at Crestwood High School.

He has overseen the school district's athletic programs and teams for over 20 years. He has a history of collaborating closely with the studentathletes, coaches, and administrators of various sports teams and events to ensure their success.

He has improved athletic programs' competition and performance through his leadership, strategic planning, and candid humor. He is a member of Word of God Church and Ministries in Columbia, S.C. He is also a member of both the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association and the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association

(SCBCA). He has been recognized as the 2019 4A Region VI Athletic Director of the Year because of his many achievements.

During his time as a basketball player at Claflin, Terrence achieved many awards and recognitions.

He was a three-time EIAC All-Conference selection, a member of the 1995-96 and 1996-97 EIAC Championship Team, a three-year captain, and he scored over 1,000 points in his career.

Scriven averaged 21.2 points a game his senior year. In 1997-98, Scriven led the nation in three-point field goal percentage with a 54 percent average. He averaged 15.8 pts over his four-year career.

He holds a degree in elementary education, which has equipped him with the knowledge and abilities needed to succeed in his role as athletic director.

He is happily married to Keisha Davis, and they have two lovely daughters, Kelsea, and Kaitlyn.

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Dalton J. Tresvant, ’74 Government/Law

After completing his primary and secondary education in the Washington, DC area, Dalton Tresvant chose to further his academic pursuits at Claflin University. At Claflin, he was also a talented athlete who both ran track and played basketball, showcasing his athleticism and versatility on the field and the court. In 1974, Dalton Tresvant graduated from Claflin University, equipped with not only a degree but also a vision for a career dedicated to public service and community betterment.

Tresvant began his professional journey at South Carolina Educational Television. This early role in broadcasting allowed him to combine his love for the English language with a mission to educate and inform. His dedication and aptitude for public service continued to evolve. He went on to serve in various key positions, including roles at the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission, where he worked tirelessly to address issues of civil rights, equal opportunity, and social justice.

His commitment to making a difference in the

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lives of people persisted, and he assumed the role of Executive Director of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, advocating for the rights and concerns of marginalized communities and ensuring that their voices were heard at the highest levels of government.

Currently, Tresvant serves as the Deputy District Director in the office of Congressman James Clyburn. In this role, he remains at the forefront of the political landscape, working closely with the Congressman to address the needs and concerns of South Carolinians.

Tresvant is a past president of the Columbia Metro Alumni Chapter of the Claflin University International Alumni Association. He currently is President of Claflin University's Orange and Maroon Athletic Support Association.

Outside of his career, Tresvant is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He is married to Valerie and they are the parents of five children.

Rev. Roberta S. White, ’99 Religion

Rev. Roberta Sonsaray White firmly believes that great progress emerges from great struggle. Her life has been a testament to her resilience, having faced homelessness, learning challenges, and the loss of her father at an early age. Rather than growing embittered, she embraced life's difficulties, allowing them to transform and fortify her.

Throughout her journey, she has achieved much, from serving as Senior Class president of Omaha North High School to becoming a part of Claflin University's Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College.

During her college years, she joined Mu Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. After graduating from Claflin, she attended Wesley Theological Seminary, where she earned her Master of Divinity degree in Urban Ministry. While there, she self-published a book, "Spiritual Metamorphosis.”

During her seminary years, she served as a ministry intern at Lincoln Park United Methodist Church. In the summer of 2011, she interned at Sibley Memorial

Hospital/Johns Hopkins Medicine. From 2012 to 2013, she served as a Resident Chaplain at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. After her residency, she joined the staff as a chaplain and formed a support group called "Look at What Matters.”

In 2015, she became a hospice chaplain and is a member of the Association of Professional Chaplains. In 2019, she created an educational tool for training chaplain interns in best practices for providing spiritual care to patients.

Rev. White was commissioned as Deacon of Hughes Memorial United Methodist Church during the October 2021 Baltimore-Washington Conference.

She serves as the D.C. Mental Health Coordinator for Zeta Sings the Blues, the sorority's initiative to destigmatize mental health in the African American community and beyond. In 2022, she was appointed State Chaplain for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Striving for spiritual health, Rev. White maintains a focus on physical health as a certified spin instructor.

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CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115