Patrons at the 2009 Presidential Scholarship Gala in November enjoy the music of Fantasia Barrino.

Over the past 16 years, the Presidential Scholarship Gala at Claflin University has raised nearly $2 million to benefit academically gifted students.

This past November's Presidential Scholarship Gala raised $204,000 alone. It was among the activities celebrating the 140^th anniversary of the University during Homecoming Week, which was commemorated with the theme “140 Years of Access and Success.”

The 2009 Gala featured former American Idol winner and platinum recording artist Fantasia Barrino. In addition, three distinguished alumni – Mrs. Betty D. Lee-Frazier, '74, Mr. Louis M. Haywood, '74, and Mrs. Flossie M. Johnson, '51 – were inducted into the Claflin University Hall of Fame.

The Gala began in 1994 with the goal of raising funds for the University's Presidential Scholarship Program. The program benefits high achieving students who demonstrate a commitment to pursue their studies beyond the bachelor's degree level.

For this academic year, a diverse group of 15 students representing nine states and two nations were named Presidential Scholars. All Presidential Scholars receive full tuition, room and board and a book stipend.

“We are very proud of the University's longstanding tradition of developing men and women of vision, who demonstrate extraordinary achievement, distinctive confidence and a lifelong desire to transform society through selfless leadership and service. We believe graduates from Claflin University will meet and conquer tomorrow's challenges,” Dr. Tisdale said.