Claflin News

Looking out at a sea of Claflin University men dressed in suits and ties, Derrick Watkins,better known as Fonzworth Bentley, the former umbrella carrying personal assistant to Sean “Diddy” Combs, said all he could see was a room full of CEO’s.

Come hear the smooth melodies of the Claflin University Jazz Ensemble during its annual spring concert on Thursday, April 12. Carroll V. Dashiell, Jr., lauded jazz artist and director of jazz ensemble at East Carolina University, will headline the concert with his seasoned play on the bass and also teach a master class in improvisation. The Claflin Jazz Ensemble will perform with Dashiell and saxophone player Vaughn Ambrose, an award winning jazz instructor based in Alexandria, Virginia.

Dr. Vermelle Johnson, now interim vice president for Academic Affairs at Claflin University, remembers being nervous 33 years ago when she was in charge of the first business community breakfast at Claflin. Feeling a bit nostalgic at this year’s Business Community Alliance Breakfast Tuesday, Dr. Johnson honored the committee members who forged a relationship with the business community years ago, and thanked the businesses today for continuing to support Claflin “Thank you for your presence today and for all that has been done in those 33 years since the first business breakfast,” Johnson said.

Claflin University will host its 2nd annual Women’s Conference March 29 and 30 as the culminating event of the campus’ celebration of Women’s History Month. The theme for this year’s conference is “Motivating and Inspiring Strong Sisterhood.” Shameeka Ayers, motivational speaker and new media expert, will serve as keynote speaker during the March 30 luncheon.

“Inspiring Women for Greatness” was the theme of the Girls Rock Gala organized by Miss Marion County Pageant Director and Claflin University alumna Stacie Davis, ‘11. Held to honor the contestants, the speakers of the evening were Miss Claflin University Leighann Black, Miss Francis Marion University Cari Hicks and Miss South Carolina Bree Boyce.