A Night of Distinction
Friday, November 21, 2025 · 7:00 p.m.
Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, President
COMMITTEE
First Lady LaKisha Warmack
Mr. Stanley Baker
Mrs. Barbara Chappell
Ms. Veronica M. Cohen
Mr. Joseph C. Cotton
Mr. Dujuan A. Council
Mrs. Marilyn Gibbs Drayton
Dr. Sabrina Green
Mr. John Goodwin
Mr. Teddy Hayes
Mr. Eric Jackson
Mr. Timothy M. Johnson
Mr. Willie Jude II
Mr. William C. Kropff
Mrs. Zelda M. Lee
Dr. Isaiah McGee
Mr. Colin Myers
Mrs. Paula Payton
Dr. Cletra Peters
Mrs. Chicquetta S. President
Dr. Monica L. Greene Robertson
Ms. Carolyn Sherman
Ms. Kerri Walker
Mr. Melvin Williams
A MESSAGE
from the president
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff, and our dedicated students, LaKisha and I are thrilled that you will join us for an evening of celebration and philanthropy.
As we celebrate the 31st anniversary of Claflin University’s signature fundraising event, we marvel at the growth that our loyal donors have helped create here on a Hilltop High.
The venue for tonight’s event, an 80,000 sq. ft. gleaming new student center that we opened in the Spring of 2024, has already become a beloved gathering place for the campus community and our region.
Tonight’s gala will provide an opportunity for joyful camaraderie and powerful inspiration. We will also celebrate the incredible talents of our exceptional scholars and the collective strength of the Claflin community. Looking beyond this special moment in the University’s history, we are “Claflin Confident” in the University’s future. Your support and our steadfast commitment to the University’s mission and vision have catalyzed an unprecedented season of growth and prosperity for our students, alumni, and the Orangeburg community.
Your continued dedication to Claflin University is greatly appreciated, and I wish you the best as we approach the holiday season. us celebrate the spirit of excellence and scholarship that defines our beloved institution!
Sincerely,
Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack President, Claflin University
about the PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
The Presidential Scholarship is awarded exclusively to two or three students each year. This scholarship is highly selective and competitive. This prestigious scholarship is awarded to outstanding high school seniors who are committed to academic excellence and who plan to pursue graduate or professional studies after graduating from the University. Awards are made on the basis of outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and character. To be considered for this award, candidates must first score at least 1200+ on the SAT/27 on the ACT and have an unweighted grade point average of 3.5. This scholarship includes the cost of tuition, room and board, and a small monthly allowance.
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS
THE ALICE CARSON TISDALE HONORS COLLEGE
Tierra Albert
Senior • Political Science Alexandria, VA
Zecariya Fenwick
Senior • Biochemistry Waldorf, MD
Isaiah Means
Senior • History Washington, DC
Dwayne McCall
Junior • Mathematics Riverdale, GA
Rahnie Riggins
Junior • Computer Science Florissant, MO
Kemauri Joseph
Sophmore • Applied Math/Engineering Ridgeway, SC
La’Tresa Middleton
Sophmore • English Education Cayce, SC
Briana Nabriat
Sophmore • Computer Engineering Graniteville, SC
Alexis Wilson
Sophmore • Mass Communications Bishopville, SC
Aiden Donovan Freshman • Business Administration Moncks Corner, SC
Edriana Glover Freshman • Biology Orangeburg, SC
Jamila Lewis Freshman Biology
THE
31st PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP GALA A NIGHT OF DISTINICTION
PROGRAMME
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
WELCOME
Ms. Tammy J. McCottry Media Mogul
Ms. Tammy J. McCottry
OPENING REMARKS
INVOCATION & GRACE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Mr. Willie Jude II Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack
President
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS INTRODUCTION
Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack
Dr. Monica L. Greene Robertson, ‘96 Assistant Vice President for Honors and College Experiences
DINNER
Trustee Rev. Albert Shuler, ‘74 Interim Chaplain Te’Quan Coe, Violinist
CONCERT Freddie Jackson
Freddie Jackson Freddie
After almost 40 years in the music industry, Freddie Jackson is still the topic of major discussion in venues around the world. Early on in his career, Freddie became the voice of the “Grown and Sexy”, by singing some of the world’s most memorable easy flowing ballads with lyrics of personal poetry. Whether it was time to dance or time for romance, Freddie has earned the title as one of R&B soul’s most valuable living legends, as the performer of a long list of timeless music.
In 1985, Freddie landed a record deal with Capitol Records. His debut album, Rock Me Tonight stormed the R&B charts, spending six weeks at number one, and made Freddie an instant sensation on urban contemporary radio! “You Are My Lady” gave Freddie a second straight R&B chart-topper, and also proved to be his highest-charting single on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #13. With “He’ll Never Love You (Like I Do)” and “Love Is Just a Touch Away” also hitting the R&B Top Ten, Rock Me Tonight topped the R&B album chart and went platinum. The next platinum selling album for Freddie, Just Like the First Time continued Jackson’s dominance of the R&B singles charts; “Tasty Love,” “Have You Ever Loved Somebody,” and “Jam Tonight” all hit #1… and that is just scratching the surface.
Freddie is currently touring and feels blessed to see that he is gaining newer fans from all age demographics as his followers increase on social networks. Although Freddie has had enough success in the past to last a few lifetimes, he looks forward to earning new accomplishments. A lot has changed over the past 40 years with the music industry, marketing, and technology, but many things remain the same: Freddie is an amazing singer, an even more incredible live performer, and he is a Veteran at delivering #1 hits.
Jackson
presidential
Sch
NEW VISIONS FOUNDATION
Proudly supports Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala
Proudly supports Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala
President Dwaun J., First Lady LaKisha & First Daughter Morgan Warmack
Are proud supporters of Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala
Attorney William H. Johnson, ‘ 72, and Mrs. Annette Johnson
Are proud supporters of Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala
Proudly supports Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala
Proudly supports Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala
Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, ‘ 65 President
Emeritus
Proudly supports Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala
Proudly supports Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala AgFirst Bank
Mrs. Lucille Frierson-Sabb ‘ 98
Proudly supports Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala
To Claflin University on the celebration of its 31st Presidential Scholarship Gala. My late husband, Howard (class of 1968) and I have truly been grateful to the “Hilltop High.”
Theresa Thompson Davis Class of 1967
REV.
HERBERT BEARD
Proudly supports Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala
Friends of James Clyburn
Proudly supports Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala
DR. FRANKLYN SCOTT
Proudly supports Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala
CITY OF ORANGEBURG
Proudly supports Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala
Proudly supports Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala ORANGEBURG COUNTY
Proudly supports Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala thank you thank you thank you for supporting the presidential Sch sh G a presidential Sch
400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115 claflin.edu