November 20, 2026 · 6 p.m.
Presidential Scholarship Gala
An evening celebrating Claflin students and the supporters who invest in their success.
Event details
Claflin Confidence: Elevation & Transformation
Transforming Lives. Shaping the Future.
Claflin University is investing in student success, innovation, access, and excellence so every student can graduate ready to lead and serve.
A Campaign for Claflin's Next Chapter
Claflin Confidence: Elevation & Transformation is a shared roadmap for strengthening the University and expanding its impact.
The campaign brings trustees, alumni, faculty, staff, students, friends, and partners together around one vision: a diverse and inclusive community of globally engaged visionary leaders.
Five pillars guide the work, from scholarships and academic innovation to campus facilities, faculty research, and community engagement.
$100M
Campaign Goal and Vision
A $100 million investment in the people, places, and programs that carry Claflin forward.
Why Your Support Matters
Philanthropy closes the gap between what tuition covers and what an exceptional education requires. Every gift expands access, strengthens teaching, and opens doors for students.
A Message From Campaign Leadership
“Claflin will be the engine of innovative approaches to solving problems on a scale not yet realized.”
Placeholder: add the full campaign leadership message from the President or Campaign Chair here.
Five Pillars of the Campaign
Each pillar answers a clear need. Choose the one closest to your heart to see what your gift makes possible.
Naming Opportunities
Honor a loved one, celebrate your family, or share your company's commitment by naming a place or program at Claflin.
Buildings
Place a family, company, or honoree's name on a new Claflin landmark for generations.
Center for Biotechnology and Innovation
Under construction, opening 2027. Home to biotechnology, computer science, and cybersecurity. Gift level to be confirmed.
Center for Nursing and Public Health
Planned, with a simulation center and student health center. Gift level to be confirmed.
New Residence Hall
In early planning, about 250 single-occupancy suite-style beds. Gift level to be confirmed.
New Social Science Building
Planned, next to the new health center. Gift level to be confirmed.
Draft inventory. Availability and gift levels will be confirmed by the Division of Institutional Advancement.
Campaign Progress
Together, the Claflin family is moving the campaign forward.
$50 million raised
of the $100 million goal
50% complete
$50M
Funds raised
5,000
Donors to date
40%
Alumni donor participation
Campaign Milestones
Date TBA
Leadership phase
Placeholder: early commitments from trustees and lead donors.
Date TBA
Public launch
Placeholder: the campaign opens to the full Claflin community.
Date TBA
Halfway mark
Placeholder: celebrate reaching 50% of the campaign goal.
Date TBA
Campaign completion
Placeholder: the $100 million goal is met.
Sample figures shown for layout. Final totals will be published by the Division of Institutional Advancement.
Stories of Impact
Behind every gift is a Claflin student, graduate, or supporter with a story worth telling.
Student Story
A Scholarship Made Claflin Possible
“Placeholder testimonial: a current student shares how campaign support changed their path at Claflin.”
Student name
Major, Class of 20XX
Alumni Story
Leading the Way After Claflin
“Placeholder testimonial: a graduate describes how Claflin prepared them to lead.”
Alumni name
Class of 20XX, Title and organization
Donor Story
Why I Give to Claflin
“Placeholder testimonial: a donor explains what inspired their gift and the impact they hope to see.”
Donor name
Campaign supporter
Ways to Give
Every gift moves the campaign forward. Choose the approach that fits your goals.
Make a secure one-time or recurring gift online and direct it to the campaign pillar you care about most.
Give NowA bequest, charitable trust, gift annuity, or gift of appreciated assets lets you support Claflin while planning for your heirs and potential tax benefits.
Explore Planned GivingPartner with Claflin through sponsorships, scholarships, recruiting relationships, and program support that align with your company's goals.
Explore PartnershipsCreate a permanent fund for scholarships, faculty, or programs. Endowed gifts are invested so they support Claflin students for generations.
Start a ConversationLeadership gifts accelerate the campaign and can include naming recognition. Our major gifts team will help you shape a gift that reflects your goals.
Contact Major GiftsCampaign Leadership
Volunteers and Advancement professionals working together to carry the campaign forward.
PhotoCampaign Chair portrait
Campaign Chair
Name to be announced
Placeholder: Campaign Chair biography and a short statement on why they are leading the campaign.
Institutional Advancement Leadership
Willie Jude II, M.Ed.
Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Campaign Committee
Committee member 1
Name and affiliation to come
Committee member 2
Name and affiliation to come
Committee member 3
Name and affiliation to come
Committee member 4
Name and affiliation to come
Committee member 5
Name and affiliation to come
Committee member 6
Name and affiliation to come
Campaign Staff Contacts
Mrs. Barbara Chappell
Senior Associate Vice President, Institutional Advancement
News and Updates
Announcements, events, and milestones from the campaign.
Date TBA
Campaign Announcement Headline
Placeholder: summary of a campaign announcement from the Division of Institutional Advancement.
Date TBA
Press Release Headline
Placeholder: summary of a campaign press release with a link to the full story in News.
Date TBA
Campaign Milestone Headline
Placeholder: celebrate a fundraising milestone, lead gift, or completed project.
Connect with Campaign Staff
We would be glad to talk with you about the campaign and the gift that fits your goals.
Division of Institutional Advancement
400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Office (803) 535-5628Toll free (888) 223-7103Advancement@claflin.eduCampaign Inquiry
Share a few details and a member of our team will follow up.