Vergil G. Wright, known to many Claflin alumni as Professor Wright having served on the faculty for several years, was recognized as Claflin University’s 2007 Leadership Giving Honoree during the annual Leadership Giving Luncheon held Nov. 16 in Ministers’ Hall

An educator, author, minister, philanthropist and humanitarian, Professor Wright was honored with the award for his ongoing efforts to improve the quality of lives and broaden the minds of young people. This year, Professor Wright established the Reverend Alonzo Webster Wright Annual Lyceum Program at Claflin, in honor of his father, with a generous gift of $100,000.  This Lyceum Program will help to nurture the personal and academic growth of students by expanding their intellectual and personal development in social, civic, and academic realms.

Mr. Wright spent more than 35 years working in the field of education and served as a member of the faculty at Claflin from 1957-1961. Rev. Alonzo Webster Wright completed his secondary and undergraduate studies at Claflin University. 

The Leadership Giving Program at Claflin University was established in 1996 to thank those individuals who have made leadership gifts to the University and to encourage a greater number of individuals to consider making leadership gifts to the University. The Leadership Giving Luncheon is held annually to recognize all individuals who made cash gifts of $1,000 and above during the annual Homecoming Weekend.  

The luncheon is the University’s way of expressing gratitude to those individuals who, by virtue of their belief in the mission of the University, give generously to the institution each year. It also gives donors an opportunity to fellowship with other individuals who also support the institution’s ideals and principles.

Awards and recognition were given to Kennedy Fellows ($50,000 and above), Middleton Fellows ($25,000 to $49,999), Manning Fellows ($10,000 to $24,999), Walker Fellows ($5-000 to $9,999), 1869 Society ($1,869 to $4,999) and Claflin Associates ($1,000 to $1,868.99). The list of honorees reflects contributions received during the period of October 16, 2006 to October 15, 2007.

Rev. Whittaker V. Middleton, Claflin University Vice President for Institutional Advancement, expressed a heartfelt thanks to all donors and supporters.

Mr. Marvin Wright, nephew of Leadership Giving honoree Virgil G. Wright, greets Mrs. Geneva Williams, Rev. James Mack and President Henry N. Tisdale after accepting an award on behalf of his uncle.