‘It’s about the legacy’: Scholarship honors O’Brian Grant

Claflin University’s class of 2027 has launched a new legacy scholarship honoring O’Brian Grant, a cherished member of the class who was killed last year, aiming to support students facing financial hardship while preserving his impact on the campus community.

The class established the O’Brian Grant Legacy Scholarship in partnership with the junior class officers and the InspiraRise Foundation. Funded by sponsor Sylvia Wright, two $500 scholarships have been awarded to full-time junior students who demonstrate perseverance, academic commitment and “a desire to positively impact others,” values organizers say Grant embodied.

Grant, 20, of Santee was shot to death and his body discovered on the side of the road on Legendary Drive on the morning of April 19, 2025. A 28-year-old Orangeburg man is facing multiple charges in Grant’s death, including murder and grand larceny.

Class of 2027 President Trinati Hemingway said the idea for the scholarship grew out of the class’s shared grief and the financial challenges many juniors face.

“There were so many students saying they didn’t have access to most scholarships because of limited requirements,” she said. “It was created to support junior students during their pivotal moments, when academic demands increase, financial pressure grows and important decisions about the future begin to take shape.”

Grant, known across campus for his positivity, humility, kindness, and ability to connect with everyone, remains a significant source of inspiration for the class.

“He was a cherished classmate, and his life and legacy continue to inspire our community,” Hemingway said.

Applications for the scholarship opened Jan. 19 and closed Feb. 16. Applicants were required to be full-time juniors with a minimum 2.5 GPA and good disciplinary standing. Organizers initially considered requiring leadership roles or involvement in student organizations but removed the criterion after realizing it would exclude students who needed support the most.

Students were selected based on eligibility, application strength, and a 250- to 500-word personal statement reflecting on their junior-year growth and how the scholarship would support their continued academic success.

The scholarship was awarded to junior students Savanna Wilkes and Joseph Akintunde during a memorial banquet themed “Bloom,” inspired by a speech delivered in Grant’s honor by former SGA President and current Mr. Claflin University Joshua Williams. The banquet was held March 22. The location was not disclosed and the event was not open to the public.

The banquet featured Grant’s favorite colors -- gray and pink -- along with flowers, a large portrait of him, musical performances and poetry tributes.

To make the event personal, the planning committee incorporated elements that reflected Grant’s personality and interests, including instrumental music from SZA, one of his favorite artists. His family also attended and offered remarks.

Wilkes, a mass communications major, said receiving the scholarship means more than financial relief.

“It’s about the legacy, the impact and the life that O’Brian shared with us,” she said. “Being the first recipients of this is both truly an honor and a responsibility that motivates me to carry O'Brian’s values by striving for success while remaining humble and positive to create a difference in the community and our future careers.”

While the class of 2027 hopes the scholarship continues beyond their graduation, its future will depend on securing consistent sponsors. Still, Hemingway believes the foundation is strong.

“I wanted to start it now so it could build his legacy -- and the legacy of the scholarship -- so it can eventually be offered to all students, not just our class,” she said.

She added that transforming grief into something meaningful has been essential for both healing and community building.

“Even though grief comes hard, you can look at the good aspects of why that person was here,” Hemingway said. “Providing opportunities in his name keeps students’ spirits high. It shows that even though he’s gone, he’s still helping others.”