Claflin University Commencement Convocation Fall 2025

fall 2025

commencement

Friday, December 12, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.

Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex

Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, President 1

Claflin History

Their Rightful Place Claflin University was founded in 1869 by Methodist missionaries to prepare freed slaves to take their rightful places as full American citizens. The University takes its name from two Methodist churchmen, Massachusetts Governor William Claflin and his father, Boston philanthropist Lee Claflin, who provided a large part of the funds to purchase the campus.

Dr. Alonzo Webster, a minister and educator from Vermont and a member of Claflin’s Board of Trustees, secured Claflin’s charter in 1869. The charter forbids discrimination of any sort among faculty, staff and students, making Claflin the first South Carolina University open to all students regardless of race, class or gender.

Claflin opened its doors with Dr. Webster as its first president.

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He came to South Carolina to teach at the Baker Biblical Institute in Charleston an institution established by the S.C. MissionConference of 1866 of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the education of African American ministers. In 1870, the Baker Biblical Institute merged with Claflin University. An act by the South Carolina General Assembly on March 12, 1872, designated the South Carolina State Agricultural and Mechanical Institute as a part of Claflin University. Assembly passed an act of separation which severed the State Agricultural and Mechanical Institute from Claflin University and established a separate institution which eventually became South Carolina State University.

The charter forbids discrimination of any sort...

Scan the QR code below to learn about our Presidential Medallion, Mace and the Tingley Cupola.

Claflin has been served by nine presidents: Dr. Alonzo Webster (1869-1874) Dr. Edward Cooke (1874-1884) Dr. Lewis M. Dunton (1884-1922) Dr. Joseph B. Randolph (1922-1945) Dr. John J. Seabrook (1945-1955) Dr. Hubert V. Manning (1956-1984) Dr. Oscar A. Rogers Jr. (1984-1994) Dr. Henry N. Tisdale (1994-2019) Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack (2019-present)

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Academic Ragalia

Inspired by Monks The history of academic dress goes back to the Fourteenth Century European universities such as Oxford and Paris which grew out of church schools. In the medieval time, both faculty and students were regarded as part of the clergy and wore their caps, gowns and hoods—modeled after the garb of the monks—daily, not just on special occasions.

The gown worn today seems to have evolved from the habit of Benedictine monks. In the United States the gown is usually black, and its pattern varies according to the degree held.

The bachelor’s gown has long pointed sleeves, and the master’s gown has an oblong sleeve with the rear part square and front part in an arc. The doctor’s gown in the Middle Ages was often furred, a feature that survives today in the ornamentation of velvet panels down the front and three velvet bars across the sleeve. The velvet is usually black, but may be a color designating the subject to which the degree pertains— scarlet, for example, for divinity.

The head covering of academic regalia developed from the skull cap worn to protect

White

Copper

Art, Letters, Humanities

Economics

Olive Drab

Light Blue

Business Administration

Education

Scarlet

Brown

Divinity/Theology 4

Fine Arts

...its color heralding the major fields of learning...

the monks’ tonsured heads in cold weather. In universities, the cap acquired a point on top which evolved into the tassel, and in the United States, the cap itself became the mortarboard.

Originally the monk’s hood was worn over the head in inclement weather or draped to the shoulders as a cowl.

At first both faculty and students wore it, but early in the Sixteenth Century it became restricted to graduates, and to this day, it remains a mark of a degree holder.

Today each college or university

has added a distinctively-colored hoodlining by which graduates may be recognized in academic processions. Symbolically, the width of the hood’s velvet trimmings designates the level of the degree, its color heralding the major field of learning, and its lining identifying the institution that granted the degree.

Colors indicating fields of study by members of the Claflin University faculty are:

Lemon

Sage Green

Library Science

Physical Education

Pink

Salmon Pink

Music

Public Health

Dark Blue

Golden Yellow

Philosophy

Science

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HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT

JAMES A. BENNETT Executive Vice President and Director of External Affairs First Citizens Bank James A. Bennett was appointed Executive Director of External Affairs at First Citizens Bank in Jan. 1, 2024. In this newly created position, Bennett, a seasoned First Citizens banker, became responsible for nationwide community engagement as well as strengthening relationships with state and federal government officials, members of Congress, trade groups and other public policy stakeholders.

“We are glad to have James’ leadership in this significant, new role at our organization,” said Chairman and CEO Frank B. Holding, Jr. “As First Citizens 6

continues to grow, it’s important that we remain a valuable partner to policy and regulatory leaders as part of our ongoing work together to ensure the strength and effectiveness of the U.S. banking system.

James brings a wealth of relevant experience to this position, as well as a deep knowledge of our company, its values and people.”

From 2015 to 2023, Bennett served as Mid-South area executive at First Citizens, overseeing commercial, business and retail banking efforts and leading market development efforts in the Columbia and Aiken areas of South Carolina.

Prior to his duties as Mid-South area executive, from 2002 to 2015, Bennett was executive vice president and director of public affairs for First Citizens Bank – South Carolina, before its merger with North Carolina-headquartered First Citizens Bank.

In 2000, he was named chief executive officer at South Carolina Community Bank (now Optus Bank), South Carolina’s first black-owned financial institution, and spent two years at the Columbia bank before returning to First Citizens. Prior to this, he joined First Citizens – South Carolina in December 1994 as director of community banking, then moving to the professional banking group and then becoming director of economic development.

In addition to working closely with elected officials and the South Carolina Bankers Association, he was appointed by the governor of South Carolina to serve on multiple committees, including the S.C. State Ports Authority, the Education Oversight Committee and the accelerateSC initiative in 2020-21. He served as the first AfricanAmerican chairman of the South Carolina Bankers Association in 2020 and was named United Way of the Midlands Humanitarian of the Year in 2022.

Bennett grew up in Cheraw, S.C., and is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he is currently chair of its Educational Foundation.

He will remain based in Columbia.

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HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

CECIL J. WILLIAMS ‘60 Historian • Photographer • Designer Inventor Storyteller of the Movement Cecil J. Williams is a son of South Carolina whose life has been shaped by light—light caught through a lens, light discovered in truth, and light shared with the world. Born in Orangeburg, he came of age in a time when courage was both a necessity and a calling. With a camera slung over his shoulder, he walked into history—not merely as observer, but as witness, participant, and keeper of memory.

At just eighteen, Williams photographed for JET magazine, chronicling the Civil Rights Movement at a moment when the nation struggled to see 8

clearly. His images—quiet, unguarded, and unflinching—revealed the humanity of those who dared to stand, sit-in, march, and hope.

He photographed Claflin’s students marching for freedom and justice.

Over the decades, his camera has captured some of the most transformative figures of our time, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., President Barack Obama, and countless other leaders whose presence shaped the course of American history.

His journey was not always safe. Williams was arrested twice while covering demonstrations and mass meetings—penalties not for wrongdoing, but for bearing witness. Yet he did not retreat. He also engaged in acts of deliberate, peaceful defiance. In one now-iconic moment, he himself became the symbol, boldly drinking from a “Jim Crow” water fountain—quietly challenging unjust racism. The photograph, stark and unapologetic, has since been recognized for its historic force, often compared in symbolic power to the era’s most enduring civil-rights imagery, including Norman Rockwell’s portrayal of moral courage of Ruby Bridges integrating a school.

In 2015, Williams developed the FilmToaster, a breakthrough film digitization device now used by historians, archivists, and photographers to preserve images with exceptional clarity and fidelity. His work extends beyond documenting history; he has empowered others to preserve their own.

Over the decades, his contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Governor’s Verner Award in the Arts, the Order of the Palmetto—South Carolina’s highest civilian honor—two previous honorary degrees, and a wide range of national, state, and local awards acknowledging his cultural and historical impact.

He is married to Barbara J. Williams, his steadfast partner in life, work, and purpose. At St. Luke Presbyterian Church, Williams serves as an Elder, reflecting a lifelong commitment to faith, community, and compassionate service.

A graduate of Claflin University, Williams has remained deeply connected to the institution that nurtured his artistic purpose. Now, as founder of the South Carolina Civil Rights Museum, he continues to build sanctuaries of memories.

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Alma Mater When the sun of Carolina Mounts the eastern sky, Proudly stands our Alma Mater, On the hilltop high.

When the evening twilight deepens And the shadows fall, Linger long the golden sunbeams, O’er the western wall.

When the Shades of night shall gather, Dark the heart may be, Still the rays of youth and love Shall linger long o’er thee.

Chorus Orange, Maroon, float for aye Claflin fair o’er thee, *May we all be leal and loyal To thy memory Words: Etta Butler Rowe (1896-1903) | Harmonized by Dr. Fredericka Young (1962) *Revised by Dr. Isaiah McGee, 2014 | *original text “May thy sons be leal and loyal”

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Lift Every Voice & Sing

By James Weldon Johnson

Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us, Facing the rising sun of our new day begun Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on the way; Thou who has by Thy might Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray.

Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand.

True to our God, True to our native land.

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presiding

Dr. Michelle Mayo Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

prelude

Dr. Eunjung Choi

processional

War March Of The Priests

Professor of Music

Felix Mendelssohn

posting of the colors

ROTC Color Guard

hymn (congregation)

Lift Every Voice and Sing

invocation

Trustee Rev. Albert Shuler ‘74

Lyrics by James W. Johnson, Music by J. Rosamund Johnson

Interim Chaplain

greetings

Mrs. Lessie Price

program

Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees

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presentation of the silver class

Mr. Willie Jude II

president’s address

Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack

conferring of honorary degrees

Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack

challenge to the graduating seniors

Ms. Jada Elise Williams

introduction of commencement speaker

Mrs. LaKisha L. Warmack

Vice President for Institutional Advancement

President

Middle Level Education, BS Summa Cum Laude

First Lady

commencement address

Mr. Cecil J. Williams ‘60

presentation of candidates for degrees

Dr. Patrick Stearns

conferring of degrees

Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack

induction of graduates into the alumni association

Dr. Darralyn Hooker ‘02

Historian, Photographer, Designer, Inventor

Associate Professor of Mass Communications

Claflin University International Alumni Association President

I do solemnly vow and affirm that as an alumnus of Claflin University, I will do everything within my power to foster the spirit of intelligent inquiry in this University and harmony in mankind in the community in which I live and work, and will act to preserve these attributes at all times.

I do solemnly vow and affirm that as an alumnus of Claflin University, I will propagate and otherwise support the goals of the University and will give moral, mental and financial support, without reservation, willingly and to the fullest extent of my means.

I will, in the interest of Claflin University, assume this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, so help me God.

alma mater

arr. Fredericka R. Young

benediction

Trustee Rev. Albert Shuler ‘74

recessional

“Grand March” from Aida Giuseppe Verdi

postlude

Dr. Eunjung Choi

*The diploma will be issued based on confirmation from the Office of Records and Registration that the student has completed all graduation requirements.

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C L A S S O F 14

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025

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Fall Class of 2025 MASTER’S DEGREES

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS dr. tara saracina, interim dean Gabrielle Jeanine Cannon Business Administration, MBA | Severna Park, MD

Kingsley Cobbinah-Gyapong Business Administration, MBA | Orangeburg, SC

Marquel Jaren Henry Business Administration, MBA | Dayton, OH

DaMauri Lemmel Little Business Administration, MBA | Miami, FL

Paras Manojkumar Patel Business Administration, MBA | Elgin, SC

Christian Leonard Sashington Business Administration, MBA | Birmingham, AL

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MASTER’S DEGREES

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION dr. lelia l. vickers, interim dean Jasmine Kirkland Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed. | Lugoff, SC

Justin Pierce McKie Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed. | Columbia, SC

Gervaris Wearing Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed. | Orangeburg, SC

MASTER’S DEGREES

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES dr. isaiah r. mcgee, dean

Ja-Marius Ni-Heem Bethea Criminal Justice, MS | Simpsonville, SC

Zoe Chandler Brown Criminal Justice, MS | Columbia, SC

Dawn M. Rowan Criminal Justice, MS | Saint Louis, MO

Whitney Darlene Scott Criminal Justice, MS | Greeleyville, SC 17

Fall Class of 2025 MASTER’S DEGREES

SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES & MATHEMATICS dr. verlie a. tisdale, acting dean Kurt Abraham Cyber Security, MS | Orangeburg, SC

Nadiya Brown Nurse Leader/Administrator, MS | Blythewood, SC

Valencia Janise Brown Richburg Family Nurse Practitioner, MS | Columbia, SC

Candice Bryant Family Nurse Practitioner, MS | Sumter, SC

Varnetta Murphy Family Nurse Practitioner, MS | Columbia, SC

Kayla Rianna Glover Biotechnology, MS | Orangeburg, SC

Alice G. Hemingway Nurse Leader/Administrator, MS | Marion, SC

AaLeeyah Breona Taylor Housey Cyber Security, MS | Irmo, SC

Rodney S. Johnson Nurse Leader/Administrator, MS | Sumter, SC 18

Lawrence Ervin Jones Jr. Cyber Security, MS | Goose Creek, SC

Taylor Christin Lee Cyber Security, MS | Orangeburg, SC

Shayquell Kiera Monae Mitchell Family Nurse Practitioner, MS | Columbia, SC

Khadijah Lynn Phelps Family Nurse Practitioner, MS | Elgin, SC

Harris Renee Roach Cyber Security, MS | Douglasville, GA

Crystal Denise Williams Family Nurse Practitioner, MS | St. Matthews, SC

Antoinette Lakisha Wise Nurse Leader/Administrator, MS | Sumter, SC

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Fall Class of 2025 BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

school of business dr. tara saracina, interim dean Zaciah Lynea Bell Business Administration, BS | Rock Hill, SC

Xavier Elliot Burrell Accounting, BS | Cum Laude | Simpsonville, SC

Makiya Aisha-Kanundra Frost Business Administration, BS | North Charleston, SC

Andrae M. Fuller Business Administration, BS | Vance, SC

Courtney Gadson Business Administration, BS | Holly Hill, SC

Samantha Marie Hughes-King Organizational Management, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Latina C. Keels Organizational Management, BS | Summerville, SC

Kiera Macon Marketing, BS | Chester, SC

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LaTonya Myers Organizational Management, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Summerville, SC

Majada Odom Business Administration, BS | Cum Laude| Denmark, SC

Austin Partlow Organizational Management, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Gastonia, NC

Jacelyn Cristina Porcher Accounting, BS | Awendaw, SC

Breyonna Melekayh Ravenel Business Administration, BS | Charleston, SC

Wilhemena Alice Summers Accounting, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Jayla M. Tyus Organizational Management, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Jay Steven Loyd Welbon Jr. Business Administration, BS | Irmo, SC

Alicia Wigfall Organizational Management, BS | Columbia, SC

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Fall Class of 2025 BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

school of education dr. lelia l. vickers, interim dean Derrion Campbell Elementary Education, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Florence, SC

Keymara Y. Coleman Human Performance and Recreation, BS | Spring, TX

Justice Charmaine Foster Early Childhood Education Administration, BS | Piedmont, SC

JaKeya D. Paylor Human Performance & Recreation, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Timberlake, NC

Kaleb Jamauri Richardson Early Childhood Program Administration, BS | Clinton, SC

Sharia J. Washington Early Childhood Education, BS | Cum Laude | Marion, SC

Kendall Austin White Human Performance and Recreation, BS | Cum Laude | Temple Hills, MD

Jada Elise Williams Middle Level Education, BS | Summa Cum Laude | Milwaukee, WI Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student 22

BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

school of humanities & social sciences dr. isaiah r. mcgee, dean Dezyre Rayana Anthony Psychology, BA | Florence, SC

Alon Tawio Barksdale Psychology, BA | Cum Laude | Simpsonville, SC

Za’Neara S. Beaton Criminal Justice, BA | North Charleston, SC

Jeileel Latrell Benekin Mass Communications, BA | Moncks Corner, SC

Keondre Jaiden Benjamin Mass Communications, BA | Sumter, SC

Rebekah Elisabeth Bishop Integrated Studies, BA | Columbia, SC

Amari L. Booker Sociology, BA | Roebuck, SC

Kennedy Sanaa Bunyan Psychology, BA | Beech Island, SC

Natasha Simone Callender Psychology, BA | Cum Laude | Holly Hill, SC 23

Phillip Campbell

Aaliyah Carter Sociology, BA | Cum Laude | Columbia, SC

Deondra Lynae Darby Mass Communications, BA | Orangeburg, SC

Jekiria J. Doe Criminal Justice, BA | Aiken, SC

Jazlyn Serena Fairley Mass Communications, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Jacksonville, FL

JoCobe DeQuan Fields Psychology, BA | Orangeburg, SC

Caitlin Forkerway Psychology, BA | Summa Cum Laude | Charleston, SC

Justin B. Freeman Philosophy and Religion, BA | Cum Laude | Clover, SC

Tyler James Greene Political Science, BA | Rembert, SC

Jahmes Omori Hamilton English, BA | Silver Spring, MD

Sydney Renee’ Harmon Criminal Justice, BA | Romulus, MI Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student 24

humanities & social sciences

Mass Communications, BA | Greenville, SC

Tri’Shona Danise Harris TaJunae Rachelle Henry-Hood Integrated Studies, BS | Middleburg, FL

Da’Tashia Maria Holman Criminal Justice, BA | Denmark, SC

Deja Tiniah Jackson Criminal Justice, BA | Cum Laude | Irmo, SC

Jasmyn Nycole Jefferies Criminal Justice, BA | Cum Laude | Bowie, MD

Shianne S. Johnson-Campbell Sociology, BA | Orangeburg, SC

Francis Carroll Jones Jordan Integrated Studies, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Arden Promise Joseph Mass Communications, BA | Irmo, SC

Nashon Liam Kellum Political Science, BA | Okemos, MI

Alaisia A. Lee Criminal Justice, BA | Blythewood, SC

Chandler Cordell Logan Psychology, BA | Greenwood, SC

humanities & social sciences

Psychology, BA | Myrtle Beach, SC

Malik A. Lucas Psychology, BA | Hollywood, SC

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Kenyatte Omari McCall Jawandolyn LeQuanda McDowell Psychology, BA | Sumter, SC

Satarius A. McEachern Psychology, BA | Orangeburg, SC

Anaya Alexandria-Trimaine Mickel Psychology, BA | Rock Hill, SC

Jonkevious Keshawn Morgan Psychology, BA | McCormick, SC

Madeeyah Myrick Sociology, BA | Blythewood, SC

Jakiya D’Asia Owens Psychology, BA | Mullins, SC

Jauron A. Pruitt Mass Communications, BA | Honea Path, SC

Joy Nathalie Randolph Criminal Justice, BA | Bowman, SC

Eden Rattley Psychology, BA | Huger, SC

Morgan Teonna Richard Criminal Justice, BA | Summa Cum Laude | Waterloo, SC

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humanities & social sciences

Criminal Justice, BA | Bishopville, SC

Roderick Breshawn Rolland Kayla L. Scarborough Psychology, BA | Aiken, SC

Kai-Renay Scott Criminal Justice, BA | Moncks Corner, SC

Kendall Lashay Singleton Criminal Justice, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Gaston, SC

David Smith III Integrated Studies, BS | Cum Laude | Beaufort, SC

Graham Thomas Smith Music Education, BA | Cum Laude | Saint Matthews, SC

Phillip Campbell Psychology, BA | Fontana, CA

Kenneth White III Mass Communications, BA | Magna Cum Laude | St. Louis, MO

Charvion Simone Whittenburg Criminal Justice, BA | Columbia, SC

Genesis Alayzia Williams-Hardrick Psychology, BA | Lexington, SC

JaLasyiana Zibriell Williams Political Science, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Wagener, SC

humanities & social sciences

Mass Communications, BA | Saluda, SC

Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student 27

Fall Class of 2025 BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES & MATHEMATICS dr. verlie a. tisdale, acting dean Taylor Akin Nursing, BS | Elloree, SC

Melissa Danielle Baxter Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC

Arkida Middleton Bostick Nursing, BS | Irmo, SC

Stephon Bernard Bowman Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC

Lakita Nichelle Boyd Nursing, BS | Lyman, SC

Tiffiney Latrell Brantley Nursing, BS | Hampton, SC

Bianca Shadashia Breeland Nursing, BS | Barnwell, SC

Robin Butler Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC

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Takira Canty Nursing, BS | Fort Mill, SC

Dane’cha Lashyia Chisolm Nursing, BS | Summerville, SC

April Olivia Collins Nursing, BS | Denmark, SC

Jasmia Marquelda Conner Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Emily Joann Coto Nursing, BS | Barnwell, SC

Michelle Renee Davis Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC

GeraJanae Elaine Felder Biology, BS | Summerville, SC

Anaiya Dione Fredrick Bioinformatics, BS | Rock Hill, SC

Samantha Whittle Gable Nursing, BS | Denmark, SC

Ebony Bernetta Green Nursing, BS | Moncks Corner, SC

Odessa Green Nursing, BS | Smoaks, SC

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Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Laquita S. Hammonds Nursing, BS | Blythewood, SC

Annissa Harlin Nursing, BS | Lexington, SC

Brenton Dwayne Hayes Nursing, BS | Augusta, SC

Timika Hayes-Williams Nursing , BS | Hopkins, SC

Debra Lynette Henry Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC

Amelia Hewitt Nursing, BS | St. Matthews, SC

Malaina Natali Lakeisha Juanita Jackson Nursing, BS | Hephzibah, GA

Tajanique Jajkira Johnson Biology, BS | Sumter, SC

Genesis Jonassaint Biology, BS | Saint Helena Island, SC

Allanah N. June Biology, BS | Cum Laude | Salters, SC Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student 30

NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHMATICS

Shaunta LeVegia Haigler

Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Nickeya N. Lawrence Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC

Hakeem Dante Lee Nursing, BS | Elgin, SC

Jomauria Sa’Keeda Lee Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Alicia Renee Lewis Biology, BS | Mount Pleasant, SC

Ashlie Lucia Lowman Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC

Chasity Nicole Martin Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC

Vivian LaJohn Maynard Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Kimberlin Nicole McGugan Nursing, BS | Bamberg, SC

Zion Azaleigha McRae Nursing, BS | Cheraw, SC

Kiara M. Mikel Computer Science, BS | Yemassee, SC

NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHMATICS

Paula Sade’ Kirkland

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Chemistry, BS | Manning, SC

Shalaya Cherrelle Felder Murray Biology, BS | Cum Laude | Eutawville, SC

Eboni Mashaw Odom Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Cassidy Ott Nursing, BS | Bowman, SC

Semya Marianda Quarles Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC

Da’Shanay Ravenell Biology, BS | Pineville, SC

Caleb Ryland Computer Science, BS | Lexington, SC

Sharif DaShawn SantanaCobb Nursing, BS | Anderson, SC

Danielle Marie Savage Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC

Steven Richard Sexton Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Tiffiney Shonta Simmons Nursing, BS | Summerville, SC

Mileia Shanire Snipes Biology, BS | Charleston, SC 32

NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHMATICS

Michael D. Miller, Jr.

Nursing, BS | Powder Springs, GA

Zaire Shobrae Turner Biology, BS | Hartsville, SC

Mahalia Lynette Tyler Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Jayla Monea’ Valentine Biology, BS | Cum Laude | New Ellenton, SC

Brittany Vogt Nursing, BS | Vance, SC

Ashley Jennice Walker Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC

Brittni Wilkins Nursing, BS | Spartanburg, SC

Ellen Cassandra Wilson Nursing, BS | Summerville, SC

Sharee Tanelle Wright Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC

Tywan S. Wright Mathematics (Applied Mathematics Track), BS | Williston, SC

Bailey Williams Young Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC

NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHMATICS

Shavon Thomas

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ACADEMIC HONORS Academic Honors are awarded at graduation to baccalaureate degree candidates who have achieved one of the following cumulative scholastic averages:

SUMMA CUM LAUDE With Highest Distinction 3.90 - 4.00

MAGNA CUM LAUDE With Great Distinction

3.75 - 3.89

CUM LAUDE With Distinction

3.50 - 3.74

The Gold Stole is worn by students who have achieved Academic Honors distinction.

The Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College, a College within the University, offers a stimulating, rigorous learning environment for high-achieving students and for first-year students who come to Claflin clearly prepared for success in their university-level work. The Honors College provides a program that includes rigorous and coherent learning experiences, intense academic advising, cultural enrichment activities, community service experiences, and other activities designed to enhance and develop students’ academic and leadership potential. The Gold Cord is worn by students of the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College.

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SILVER ANNIVERSARY CLASS OF 2000

Eartha McFadden Ballard

Travis LeVar Laws

Shakera Iesha Bennett

Constance Y. Sellers- Mays

Octavia Ada Blackwell

Charmaine Quiones Moffatt

Avis Burns Bowman

La’Shonda M. Elliott-Munnerlyn

Edmin Cornelius Brown Sr.

Craig Frankie Nelson

Nakia C. Robinson Cameron

Fatima Nicole Levins Nelson

Marlina Hope Johnson Coit

Onita Janeska Nelson

Juvonna Shavon Felton

Latica Archie-Oliver

Nichelle Jamilah Ferrell

Tennille S. Jean-Paul

Terry Fludd

Duwayne Pelham

John Kweku Abakah France

Barbara J. West-Ravenell

Corey J. Frazier

Erika Louise Rhett

Ranecci Hampton

Nashauna Richardson

Latricia Middleton- Heyward

Kijuana T. Tate

LaTonya L. Hobbs

Tawanaka Nadine Tate

Paul Hollington

Dale Akwanza Tyson

Kesha Greene Kelly

Jeanine Lunsford Tyson

Laganna Pugh Lawrence

Vickie Lynn Williams

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES James K. Lehman, Esq., Chair of the Board

Mr. Virgil R. Miller

Mrs. Lessie Price, Vice Chair of the Board

Mrs. Hema Patel

Mrs. Jessica Aaron

Dr. Trudie K. Reed

Mrs. Aparna Bawa

Mr. Robert E. Scarborough

Mr. Keith M. Clarke

Rev. Dr. Albert Shuler, ’74

Bishop Robin Dease, ’92

Mrs. Joan Steward Stevens, ’70

Dr. Willie L. Frazier, ’75

William L. Thompson, Esq.

Artis Hampshire-Cowan, Esq.

Mr. John D. Uprichard

Dr. John O. Herring, ’77

(Ret.) Brigadier General Twanda Young, ’89

William H. Johnson, Esq., ’72

Mr. Charles Winton

Mr. George Loening

Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, Ex-Officio

Ms. Janice W. Marshall, ’69

TRUSTEE EMERITUS Rev. Harold G. Wallace

PRESIDENT’S CABINET Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, President Mr. Reynolda Brown, Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. Leroy A. Durant, Vice President for Student Development and Services Dr. Zia Hasan, Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness Mr. Willie Jude II, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dr. Michelle L. Mayo, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Ms. Mary Oakman, Associate Vice President for Human Resources Mr. Tony O’Neal, Athletics Director Dr. Cletra Peters, Vice President and Chief of Staff Ms. Ashley S. Schofield, Interim Vice President for Fiscal Affairs Ms. Melvenia C. Williams, Executive Administrative Assistant to the President

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GRAND MARSHAL Dr. Peggy S. Ratliff

DEPUTY MARSHALS Dr. Nathan Chaplin Ms. Veronica Cohen Mrs. Marilyn Gibbs Drayton Dr. Robert Greene Dr. Candice Idlebird Dr. Annette S. Jackson

Mrs. Zelda M. Lee Dr. Karina Liles Dr. Nicholas Panasik Dr. Nesan S. Sriskanda

MACE BEARER Dr. Johnny Lowery

COMMENCEMENT COMMITTEE Mr. Stanley Baker Mrs. Sharon H. Briggman Ms. Nankwanga Cherry Mr. Joseph C. Cotton Mr. Dujuan Council Mr. John Goodwin Mrs. Sonya Goodwin Mr. Teddy Hayes Ms. Helaine Y. Hayes Mr. Willie Jude II Dr. Isaiah McGee Ms. Shirley Hugee Mr. Muhammad Hossain Mr. Hayden Hutchings

Ms. Angela Jamison Ms. Naysha Jamison Mr. William C. Kropff Mrs. Zelda M. Lee Dr. Michelle L. Mayo Mr. Colin Myers Dr. Cletra Peters Dr. Monica Greene Robertson Dr. Tara Saracina Dr. Verlie Tisdale Dr. Lelia L. Vickers Mr. Melvin Williams Ms. Christine Wilkinson

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400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115 40

www.claflin.edu