Message from the Vice President of Institutional Advancement

There are many reasons for the alumni of Claflin to be proud of our University - Our historic mission, with a visionary commitment to welcome all who enter its gates regardless of gender, race or religious affiliation – Our school creed to do unto others as you would have them do unto you – Our dedication to instilling character, encouraging moral growth, promoting tolerance and charity as part our undergraduates’ education. These all add up to what we alumni called the “Claflin Confidence.” As students this confidence became a part of us and we’ve carried it throughout our lives. It is our badge of honor and binds us to our University however many years and to what ever place our lives have taken us.

As alumni we have another reason for regarding Claflin with enormous pride, one which is uniquely ours. As alumni, we have seen how Claflin has grown in excellence and we can take credit for that growth due in large measure to our generosity and our love reflected in giving that ranks among the nation’s best schools. This speaks volumes about the men and women who are Claflin graduates.

Claflin’s reputation is steadily ascending well beyond our region. Not only have we have been recognized for 10 years as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News and World Report, our reputation for academic achievement, retention and graduation rates, for faculty distinction, our accreditation and the many internships and scholarship we offer deserving students have elevated us to the 7^th best HBCU in the country, topping a list of over one hundred other schools.

The bold and confident vision which established Claflin University and guided her success into the 21^st century continues to lead the way as we plan our future and define the goals that will make us recognized globally as one of the most outstanding institutions of higher learning.

We want our alumni to be an even greater part of our future, to be informed and knowledgeable of our advancements. And in turn, your University looks forward to knowing about your successes, share in your accomplishments. Your University wants to renew and rejuvenate our relationship with you.

In the upcoming months as Claflin Alumni’s Net Community becomes a key component in how we hear from you, publicize your news, facilitate your attendance to special events, and offer you the opportunity to establish giving on line, we anticipate a growing and rewarding friendship. We hope you’ll visit us online often and as you browse and take advantage of the wonderful features of this website that you’ll come to realize that your Net Community is the next best thing to returning to your beautiful, thriving and acclaimed alma mater.

Sincerely yours,

Rev. Whittaker V. Middleton