Orangeburg, S.C. – August 20, 2025 — Claflin University alumni have again demonstrated their deep commitment to their alma mater by surpassing the university’s $1 million fundraising goal for Fiscal Year 2024–2025. Alumni collectively contributed $1,006,088, cementing Claflin’s reputation as a national leader in alumni engagement and philanthropic giving.
( 2025 Claflin University International Alumni Association Convention, Columbia SC )
“At Claflin University, our alumni are more than graduates; they are champions of excellence, access, and transformation,” said Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack. “This year, your unwavering commitment and generosity have helped us exceed our ambitious $1,000,000 goal for the fiscal year. You’ve shown the world what it means to be a Claflinite for life. Thank you for your loyalty, your leadership, and your love for our university.”
Claflin’s culture of giving is built on legacy, pride, and purpose. Over the past five years, alumni have raised more than $4.8 million to support student scholarships, academic programs, and innovative initiatives. This year’s achievement is especially significant, as it reflects broad participation across all generations, from the golden reunion classes to young alumni just beginning their philanthropic journeys.
“Claflin alumni are not just passionate about the past—they are actively shaping the future of our university,” said Mr. Willie L. Jude II, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “To see this level of engagement and generosity, particularly among our young alumni, is both humbling and inspiring. It speaks to the trust our alumni place in Claflin’s leadership and to their enduring belief in the transformative power of a Claflin education.”
Highlights from the Year in Alumni Giving
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Young Alumni Giving
Despite steep national declines in young alumni giving to their alma maters—from about 20% in the 1980s to just 7.5% today—lifetime giving by Claflin alumni aged 40
and under has increased by 13.8% in each of the past two years, signaling a growing culture of early philanthropy and sustained involvement.
- Reunion Class Giving
Reunion classes came together to raise more than $255,000 in support of scholarships and student success. The Golden Class of 1975 (celebrating its 50th reunion) contributed an impressive $139,514, while the Silver Class of 1999 gave $10,060. Their generosity underscores how meaningful milestones can be transformed into lasting impact.
- Top Alumni Chapters
Alumni chapters of the Claflin University International Alumni Association played a key role in this year’s success. The CSRA-Central Savannah River Area, Spartanburg, Williamsburg County, and Orangeburg County chapters led the way with dynamic outreach and leadership, serving as catalysts for local giving and engagement.
- Top 20 Individual Alumni Donors Contribute Over $350,000
Claflin’s top alumni donors together contributed more than $350,000—demonstrating how major gifts and consistent annual support work hand-in-hand to fuel institutional success.
A National Model in Alumni Giving
Claflin University continues to lead among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in alumni participation. While the national average for HBCU alumni giving hovers around 10%, Claflin has enjoyed the highest giving rate among HBCUs for the past 25 years and counting.
For more information about philanthropic programs at Claflin University, please contact Willie Jude II , Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at (803) 535-5347.