Claflin University will induct five distinguished alumni into its Hall of Fame during the 14^th Annual Presidential Scholarship Gala on Friday, Nov. 16.

Claflin is celebrating it 138^th Homecoming and Founders’ Day Anniversary through Sunday, Nov. 18. In addition to recognizing its 2007-2008 Presidential Scholars, the Gala will honor the new class of Hall of Fame inductees.

Claflin began inducting alumni and friends into its Hall of Fame in 1993 as a means to recognize alumni and friends of the university who made outstanding contributions of service. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees represent an Army Colonel and 30-year veteran; a computer enthusiast active in his community and Alumni chapter; a state Senator whose fiery personality matches his commitment to championing change in the state of South Carolina; a local businessman who evolved from an ambitious student to owning and operating a chain of insurance companies; and a scientist who committed his career to educating youth. 

2007 Hall of Fame Inductees

COLONEL (RET.) HOWARD C. BULTER. MILITARY

A 30-year veteran of the United States Army, Col. Butler graduated from Claflin College in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps at South Carolina State College that same year. He received a Master of Arts degree in Management at Webster College in 1980. His military education includes the Quartermaster Basic Course, 1974; Quartermaster Advanced Course, 1979; Command and General Staff College, 1989; and the U.S. Army War College, 1996. Col. Butler’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and the Honorable and Distinguished Order of the Saint Martin. Col. Butler retired in 2004 after 30 years of service in the Army. He is currently Deputy Commander for the United States Army Garrison at Ft. McPherson and Ft. Gillem, Georgia.

GEORGE CARL DUDLEY, COMMUNITY SERVICE

With a professional career that began in the public schools of Athens Georgia, Mr. Dudley found his niche in computer technology and was hired and trained as a computer programmer by IBM instructors for Vitro Laboratories and Computer Science Corporation of America in 1968. In 1985 he accepted an assignment with the Federal Deposit Insurance Company (FDIC) as a Computer Systems Analyst project manager and enjoyed a successful 27-year career. Active in the church and community, Mr. Dudley was a guest soloist in special musical productions throughout the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. A devoted member of the Washington D.C. Chapter of Claflin University International Alumni Association, Mr. Dudley is a past president and presently holds the position of Vice-President.

SENATOR KAY PATTERSON, GOVERNMENT AND LAW

Outspoken and fiery in his practice of politics, Sen. Patterson has been a moving force in promoting and effectuating change in the state of South Carolina, championing the cause of the poor. He served 11 years in the South Carolina House of Representatives and was elected to the Senate in 1985. He is a member of the South Carolina Senate from Richland County District #19, serving on the Banking & Insurance, Corrections & Penology, Education, Finance and Invitations committees. Sen. Patterson attended Claflin College from 1949-1951 before serving in the United States Marine Corps. He went on to complete his requirements for the B.A. Degree in Social Sciences at Allen University in 1956. He has a Masters of Education Degree from S.C. State College in 1971. Sen. Patterson has been a strong supporter of higher education since his election to the South Carolina General Assembly.

THOMAS JONES, SR., BUSINESS

(POSTHUMOUSLY)

A former Claflin University Trustee, Mr. Jones exhibited a work ethic as an undergraduate at Claflin College that was destined to take him far in the business world. He earned money to subsidize his college expenses by establishing a lawn and landscaping business. On weekends, Mr. Jones could be found in various towns in the Low Country selling gospel records and tapes outside the local grocery stores. After college, Mr. Jones soon found his niche in the insurance industry, eventually going into business for himself and opening of the Jones Insurance Agency. With locations in Orangeburg, Allendale and Holly Hill, this business has not only survived, but continued to flourish for more than 23 years, serving thousands of customers.

AUBREY TUCKER, JR., SCIENCE

With a Bachelor of Science Degree from Claflin University in hand, Mr. Tucker began his career as an educator. A 1968 graduate of Claflin and having earned a Masters of Education degree from Converse College, Mr. Tucker taught Earth Science at Gable Middle School in Spartanburg County for 30 years. During his education career, he served as chairman of the Science Department for 10 years, coached the Science Academic team for five years and organized and supervised the Rocket and Science Clubs for five years. A current member of the Spartanburg County Retired Educators Association, Mr. Tucker is an active member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, serves as Chaplain for the Spartanburg County Alumni Chapter and will serve as co-chairman of the 2008 Claflin International Alumni Convention to be held in Spartanburg, S.C.