2023 Presidential Scholarship Gala

C L A F L I N U N I VE R S I TY

PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP GALA Celebrating Elevation & Transformation Friday, November 17, 2023 • 7 p.m.

Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, President

PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP GALA

COMMITTEE Mr. Dennis J. Brothers Dr. Marcus H. Burgess Ms. Veronica M. Cohen Ms. Brittny Cokley Mrs. Marilyn Gibbs Drayton Mrs. Sabrina R. Green Ms. Annette D. Grevious Mr. Teddy Hayes Mr. George W. Johnson Jr. Mr. Eugene Leboeuf Mrs. Zelda M. Lee Dr. Isaiah R. McGee Ms. Angel Oliver Mrs. Paula C. Payton Dr. Cletra N. Peters Dr. Monica L. Greene Robertson Mrs. LaKisha Warmack 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 to have you join us for an evening of celebration and philanthropy.

This year promises to be another remarkable milestone in the rich history of Claflin University, and we are excited to share this special occasion with our supporters and friends. Your presence and support at this Gala contribute significantly to the success of our mission to provide a transformative education for our outstanding students.

Tonight's festivities will be adorned with moments of joy, camaraderie, and inspiration, celebrating the incredible talents of our students and the collective strength of the Claflin community. The Presidential Scholarship Gala not only commemorates our achievements but also serves as a pivotal opportunity to raise essential funds for our Presidential Scholars, who embody academic excellence as members of the esteemed Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College.

Your generous contributions play a crucial role in enabling us to attract and retain exceptional students who are destined to become the global leaders of tomorrow. Together, we are shaping an environment that fosters the elevation and transformation of each student, reflecting the core values and aspirations of Claflin University.

As we gather for this spectacular evening, I extend my deepest appreciation for your unwavering support.

Your commitment helps propel Claflin University to new heights of recognition and distinction in higher education, ensuring that we continue to provide a world-class education that empowers our students to make a positive impact on society.

Best wishes to you all and thank you for your continued dedication to Claflin University. With Panther Pride, let 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 or higher 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.

T H E A L I C E CA R S O N T I S D A L E H O N O R S CO L L E G E

PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS

Tierra Albert Sophomore • Political Sciences Major

Isaiah Means Sophomore • History Major

Pittsburgh, PA

Washington, DC

Nyasia Argrow Senior • Biology Major

Dwayne McCall Freshman • Mathematics Major

Orangeburg, SC

Riversdale, GA

Justice Bell Senior • Biochemistry Major

Rahnie Riggins Freshman • Computer Sciences Major

Charlotte, NC

St. Louis, MO

Yayi Dia Junior • Finance Major

Jace Risher Freshman • Political Sciences Major

St. Louis, MO

Blythewood, SC

Zecariya Fenwick Sophomore • Biochemistry Major

Evan Simms Senior • Biochemistry Major

Waldorf, MD

Atlanta, GA

Amanda Johnson Junior • Psychology Major

Justin Smith Junior • Mass Communications Major

St. Louis, MO

Grand Prairie, TX

THE 29TH PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP GALA Celebrating Elevation & Transformation

PROGRAMME MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES

Mrs. Arischa Conner Frierson, ’98, Actress

WELCOME

Mrs. Arischa Conner Frierson, ’98

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Dr. Marcus H. Burgess, ’96

OPENING REMARKS

PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS INTRODUCTION

Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack President

Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack Dr. Monica L. Greene Robertson, ’96 Assistant Vice President for Honors and College Experiences

I N V O C AT I O N & G R A C E

Rev. Larry D. McCutcheon, ’72 Interim Chaplain

DINNER

Music by Cold Entrance and Band

CONCERT

Morris Day & The Time

PERFORMING ARTIST It’s time for the artist who first posed that infamous question to do what he does best… generate infectious music and riveting performances that inspire the audience to get up and move! The legendary, pimpadelic funkmaster, Morris Day, best known as the breakout star of rock movie sensation Purple Rain, is releasing his new album through Hollywood Records, “It’s About Time.”

Morris Day returns as the freakalicious frontman for one of the all-time greatest party bands and reunites with the time’s original bandmates, valet/vocalist Jerome Benton, drummer Jellybean Johnson and keyboard artist Monte Moir to present past favorites such as “Jungle Love,” “Get It Up,” and “The Bird,” as well as four new tracks including “My Ride,” “Ain’t a Damn Thing Changed,” and “Two Drink Minimum.”

Born in Minneapolis, Day had a flair for fashion.

Inspired by photographs of his grandpa in zoot suits, a true fashionista was formed! Day went to school with Prince Rogers Nelson and sang in Prince’s first band Grand Central. Prince grew as an artist and so did the opportunity around him. The Time was originally created as Prince’s alter-ego to be seen as the cool, street-wise funk band contrasting Prince’s more soulful R&B sound. After looking at several lead vocalists, Prince wanted someone with mad talent, so he cast his high school friend– the funky, the fabulous Morris Day. Soon after, Morris Day and The Time were cast in Purple Rain which captured the exploding Minneapolis music scene at its peak. Morris Day burst onto the public scene with the group’s self-titled album, The Time, which included “Get It Up,” “Cool,” and “Girl.”

Soon after the world was introduced to the prolific Minneapolis music marvel, the group went on to record three more albums, including “What Time Is It?” (featuring the hits “777-9311,” “Wild and Loose,” “Walk,” and “Gigolos Get Lonely Too”) and “Ice Cream Castle,” (which included the hit “Jungle Love”).

After three albums, Morris Day launched his solo career, releasing three albums: “The Color of Success,” “Daydreaming,” and “Guaranteed.” Combined sales

of Morris Day’s solo work and the time is more than 10 million units. “It was such an innocent time,” Day reminisces. “We were just doing our thing, talking the way we talked and dressing the way we dressed and bringing our personalities to the record. It was us being us. I’m proud of where I came from musically and the things we’ve done, but I’m here with another project.

I’m looking forward to the ride again. That’s what I’m focusing on now.” When asked, where have you been?

Day smiles his smooth mischievous grin. “I’ve been waiting for the right time to launch a new project. I felt that hip-hop has had such a strong hold on the industry the timing needed to be perfect. I’ve continued to record over 100 songs and to tour. With new artists sampling old-school music, my phone started ringing off the hook. I knew it was the right time.”

Morris was performing for SouthPark’s 100th episode celebration to a private Hollywood crowd of industry insiders when manager Courtney Benson approached him backstage. “His performance was electrifying, and the audience reaction was phenomenal,” says Benson (also manager to hip-hop superstar Nelly). Benson brought Day to Hollywood Records where Morris met with label head Bob Cavallo and his team, and the deal was inked.

Most recently, Morris contributed a cover of Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me” for the “Haunted Mansion” soundtrack and gave an unforgettable performance in Kevin Smith’s hit 2001 film, “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” in which Day and the band served as a running plot device and performed a soaring “Jungle Love” finale. “Kevin said he’d written the script with us in mind,” nods Day. In his new album, Day combines classic oldschool sounds with new music featuring hot new artists. He delivers energetic vocals and witty lyrics, complimented by his trademark smooth-as-silk dance moves, all wrapped up in flashy, dapper fashions!

The Time couldn’t be any better for “It’s about time.”

Somebody bring the man a mirror- it’s a brand new day.

Proudly supports Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala

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Proudly support Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala

President Dwaun J., First Lady LaKisha & First Daughter Morgan Warmack Proudly support 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. Marcus H. & Mrs. Leandra Burgess

City of Orangeburg

Proudly support Claflin University

Proudly supports Claflin University and the

and the Presidential Scholarship Gala

Presidential Scholarship Gala

Congratulations

to Claflin University on the celebration of its 29th Presidential Scholarship Gala.

My late husband, Howard, class of 1968 and I have truly been grateful to the “Hilltop High.”

Jim

Clyburn

Proudly supports Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala

Theresa Thompson Davis Class of 1967 Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Jim Clyburn

Proudly supports Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala

Congratulations and Best Wishes Presidential Scholars!!

Proudly support Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala

Proudly support Claflin University and the Presidential Scholarship Gala

Dr. Gloria S. McCutcheon, Chair and Professor Department of Biology Rev. Larry D. McCutcheon, ‘72 Interim Chaplain

Proudly supports 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

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PR ES I D ENTIAL S C HO L A R S SCAN THE CODE OR VISIT THE LINK B E LOW TO D O N AT E alumni.claflin.edu/presidential-gala

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