The ‘contagious' passion of homecoming

                                     Dr. Arthur Doctor speaks to student reporters Nov. 2. (Panther photo)

By DAMAIA DAVIS

Claflinites expect an exciting week of events, according to a homecoming breakdown given by Dr. Arthur Doctor during a Nov. 2 conference.

The campus has been buzzing about the Nov. 11-19 activities, from homecoming games to the concert lineup.

Doctor, dean of students, said homecoming is a time to embrace and celebrate Claflin’s culture.

“The pride that is associated with this university, I would stack up against any other HBCU or PWI because people are so connected to Claflin,” Doctor said. “It's a time for community and family.”

Claflin is known for its big alumni involvement, something Doctor said is part of what makes homecoming season at the university so special.

“I think homecoming here at Claflin is beneficial and impactful because our students get to see the generations and generations of alumni that come back and see their passion,” Doctor said.

"For me, that is contagious to our students to see themselves or where they will be in the next few years after they graduate from the university.”

The Clemson graduate said that during his time at Claflin, he has become a part of this energy.

“I look forward to homecoming here at Claflin because I know so many familiar faces and I feel like I've been welcomed into the Claflin family as well,” Doctor said.

“That's what Claflin diversity is. To me, it's about family, not just Claflin alums but also extended family.”

“Everyone can see themselves having an experience here at Claflin," Doctor said.

The SGA aimed to keep this tradition when planning the activities for students. The full schedule can be found on the group's Instagram page and at the Panther website: claflin.edu/news-events/the-panther.

                                         "Pantherville" spins off from rapper J. Cole’s "Dreamville" album.

A 'Pantherville' homecoming

LATRICIA JONES

SAB kicked off Claflin University's "Pantherville" homecoming with a Kiki Ball.

The event is related to LGBTQ culture and is designed to provide a safe space for people to express themselves. The "Pantherville" theme is derived from rapper J. Cole’s "Dreamville" album.

Sunday, Nov. 12, is  the official start with the crowning of Mister and Miss Homecoming. A late-night meltdown follows.

“Our students have been begging for a late-night meltdown," said Dr. Arthur Doctor, dean of students.

With Claflin basketball teams facing two different opponents during homecoming week, Monday is the day to pay last respects to the foes' mascots.

“We’re trying to make this as funeral-like as possible,” Doctor said.

Tuesday’s big event: A dorm step show and bonfire.

“The dorm step show is one of the highlights of the week. No one should miss the step show,” Doctor said.

Fried Chicken Wednesday features a fashion show meltdown.

Then comes Thursday and the homecoming concert featuring two primary artists: Kash Doll and No Cap.

Three student artists will perform: DRIP4VRR, R3tr0 Riq and Yung PG.

“We’ve got a lot of really talented students here at Claflin," Doctor said.

Friday is the yard fest and Saturday is a day for basketball games and tailgating.

A Greek step show will follow the games. “There will be teams from every Divine 9 organization.”

Claflin is only college in South Carolina with all Divine 9 organizations on campus.

Homecoming security and more

JORDAN PATTERSON

Claflin Dean of Students Dr. Arthur Doctor discussed homecoming, security and the student center with student reporters on Nov. 2.

With homecoming being one of the biggest events held at Claflin University every year, security will be increased.

“We’re not cutting any corners when it comes to security," Doctor said.

Other agencies, such as the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, will be involved.

“As a whole, you’re going to see a beefed-up security presence," Doctor said.

Thursday's student concert at 7 p.m. in the Jonas T. Kennedy Center will have extra security and polices such as clear bags apply.

Doctor is proud of the concert, which features two main artists and three Claflin student performers.

The main artists are Kash Doll and No Cap.

Two artists instead of one is made possible by an increase in the student activity fee that was approved by students via referendum, Doctor said.

“We probably have the best homecoming lineup in the state of South Carolina,” Doctor said others have told him regarding the concert.

Concert costs are $45 day of, $30 in advance for non-students and $25 for students in advance.

The artists are noted performers, but Claflin has a reputation of getting up-and-coming artists that have gone on to considerable fame.

“It’s not fiscally responsible to spend,” Doctor said of too much money for one artist at the expense of having funds for other events during the academic year.

A lot of students from other schools will be in attendance, Doctor said. He has been asked about the event by University of South Carolina students.

But the bottom line is the event is for Claflin. “I expect Claflin students to show up.”

Doctor said the increase in the student fee allows Claflin to have a big presence with activities all year.

“I want to really applaud our student leaders.”

Doctor expects a lot of homecoming curiosity about the new student center nearing completion on campus.

“The student center is going to be phenomenal," he said.

The present center does not meet the needs, but the new facility will “put us head and shoulders above others.”

“The possibilities are endless.”

Homecoming schedule

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11

"Where the Wild Things Are" - Kiki Ball
7-11 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Auxiliary Gym
Click here to purchase tickets.
Cost:
Claflin students free
$10 for non-Claflin students
$20 for a House Table (limited quantity)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12

CU Revolution Sunday Church Service
11 a.m.
James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel 

Miss & Mister Homecoming Crowning Ceremony
3 p.m.
W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center

Album Cover Themed Late Night Meltdown
10 p.m.-12 a.m.
Panther Plaza

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Coker & North Greenville Homegoing Service
1 p.m.
Ministers' Hall

Car Smash
1:45 p.m.
Kleist Hall Parking Lot

Women's Basketball Game
Lady Panthers vs Allen University
5:30 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena

Neon Rave Party
9 p.m.-12 a.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Auxiliary Gym

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Dorm Stroll Off & Darty
12-2 p.m.
Panther Plaza

Dorm Step Show
7 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena

Bonfire
Immediately following Step Show
Gravel Parking Lot

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Miss & Mister Fried Chicken Wednesday Meltdown & Fashion Show
12-2 p.m.
Panther Plaza

Special Event
Details TBA

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Hall of Fame/Athletic Hall of Fame 
12-2 p.m. 
Orangeburg Country Club, 2745 Griffith Drive, NW, Orangeburg, SC 29118
By Invitation Only. 

Claflin University Alumni Choir Concert
7 p.m. 
Trinity United Methodist Church, 185 Boulevard Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115

Homecoming Concert featuring Kash Doll and No Cap
7 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena
Click here to purchase tickets. 

General Admission Tickets: $30.00
Claflin Students: $20 before October 20; $25 after October 20
All tickets are $45 on the day of the concert
Doors open at 7:00PM; Concert starts at 8:00PM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Claflin University International Alumni Association Executive Meeting
9-11 a.m.
Ministers' Hall 

Leadership Giving Luncheon
12-2 p.m.
Orangeburg County Conference Center, 1643 Russell Street Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
By invitation only.

Yard Fest
1-4 p.m.
In front of Dunton Hall

Presidential Scholarship Gala
7 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena
Price: $300. Click here to purchase tickets. 

CU "Wine" Down featuring Live in the Flesh
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Orangeburg County Conference Center, 1643 Russell Street Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Price: $35. Click here to purchase tickets.
Join your friends for an unforgettable evening of networking and conversation while enjoying great food, music and cocktails. 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Classes in Reunion/Affinity
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Orangeburg County Conference Center, 1643 Russell Street Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Renew, reconnect, relive the days at Claflin University with your classmates 

Panther Den and Tailgate Experience
12 p.m.-Until
Tent and parking lot of the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex 
Enjoy the company of your classmates during Claflin’ s ultimate tailgating experience – Burgess Brothers Famous Barbecue, good music and lots of fun. 

Homecoming Basketball Doubleheader
Lady Panthers vs North Greenville University: 2 p.m.
Panthers vs Coker College: 4 p.m.
Price: $25 for general admission; $35 for reserved seats. Click here to purchase tickets.

NPHC Greek Step Show
8 p.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex, Tullis Arena.
Price: $20 for general admission. Click here for tickets.

Orange and Maroon Soiree featuring The Promised Land Band
9 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
The Sulit Luxe Affairs, 1005 Broughton Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Price: $45. Click here to purchase tickets.
Come dressed to impress for a night of fun, tasty cuisine and cocktails. 

The Final Shin-Dig featuring DJ Big Bust
10 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
Orangeburg County Conference Center, 1643 Russell Street Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Price: $25. Click here to purchase tickets.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Centennial Worship Service
Omicron Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
10 a.m.
James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel

Alumni Brunch
12-4 p.m.
Orangeburg County Conference Center, 1643 Russell Street Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Price: $35. Click here to purchase tickets.
Proceeds will benefit need-based scholarships.