L-R: Dr. Mark Jamison, Pharmacist; Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, Claflin President; Dr. Marion W. Jamison, Pharmacist.  The Jamisons donated $25,000 to Claflin University students majoring in the sciences and pursuing careers in Pharmacy.

At the top of Friday morning on March 30, 2007, Claflin University received a $25,000 gift from Jamison Pharmacy; a family owned and operated business in Orangeburg, SC. 

Pharmacists, Dr. Marion W. Jamison, Jr. and Dr. Mark Jamison, father and son, respectively, presented the generous gift to President Henry N. Tisdale to establish an endowed scholarship for Orangeburg County African-American students majoring in the natural sciences and those who are pursuing careers in Pharmacy.

Dr. Mark Jamison recognizes the enormous health disparities among minorities in South Carolina and the dismal percentages of African American physicians, dentists and pharmacists.  Commenting on the disparities, Dr. Jamison said, “There are less than 5% African American dentists, pharmacists and physicians in South Carolina.  My father and I want to do our part to address this challenge.  We’ve decided to provide tuition assistance for deserving students who are pursuing careers in Pharmacy."

He further added, "We have been blessed in many ways and noticed the enormous strides Claflin has made in the pre-pharmacy academic programs.  One of our former employees was a Claflin student who went on to pursue an advanced degree at college of pharmacy.”

The Jamisons, faithful members of Trinity United Methodist Church, are rooted in the Orangeburg community.  Rev. Larry D. McCutcheon, pastor of Trinity, described the Jamisons as remarkable church people who have a tradition of being loyal to the local colleges and faithful servants within the community.  Commenting about the Jamisons’ generosity, Rev. McCutcheon said, “The Jamisons are cheerful givers to the church and community.”   As their pastor, it does my heart joy to learn that they donated $25,000 to my Alma Mater.”

To learn more about Claflin University’s academic programs in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, contact Dean Verlie Tisdale at 803-535-5433 or log on to www.claflin.edu.