Claflin University Alumni Redefine Fundraising Goals to Support Student Success

Claflin University Alumni Redefine Fundraising Goals to Support Student Success

Claflin University is widely recognized as a national leader in alumni giving among

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). For more than a decade,

U.S. News & World Report ranked Claflin No. 1 nationally in alumni giving percentage.

Although the prestigious magazine has since removed annual alumni giving from its Best Colleges ranking methodology, Claflin’s leal and loyal alumni were not deterred. Instead, the Claflin University International Alumni Association (CUIAA) set its sights on rewriting the alumni’s giving legacy. They responded to Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack’s challenge to raise $1 million annually by surpassing that milestone in three of the past five years.

Alumni giving exceeded $5 million over five years (2021-26) to support student scholarships and other academic initiatives, and in 2025-26, CUIAA contributions reached a historic one-year high of $1,044,042. Claflin’s top 20 donors contributed more than $2.8 million, and classes in reunion collectively raised more than $255,000. Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), Spartanburg, and Williamsburg County were the leading donors among the alumni chapters

“Achieving this ambitious fundraising goal is a testament to the loyalty of our leal and loyal sons and daughters who truly love Claflin University and the students we serve,” said Zelda Lee, director of alumni relations and the annual fund. "They truly believe in the exceptional academic, cultural, and educational experiences we provide our students. Our alumni know that most of our students receive some type of financial aid to help cover their college costs. They realize that our fundraising efforts are critical and impactful to the students and the University.”

Lee also attributed Dr. Warmack’s inspiring, dynamic leadership and focus on student success to attracting more alumni donors.

“Dr. Warmack has enormous support from the CUIAA and other alumni,” Lee said. “Another factor in our success was how we effectively communicated the goals and purpose of this important initiative to our alumni chapters.”

This year’s achievement is especially significant, as it reflects broad participation across all generations. The “Outstanding Leaders Under 40” initiative resulted in a 13% increase in young alumni donors, and the Golden (50 years) and Silver (25 years) class reunions were highly successful fundraising events.

“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.”