“I’m a Bulldog” Graduation 2013 Page 2

Retool Your School Page 3

Special Recognition Page 4

In This Issue:

May 10 - 17, 2013

More than 500 alumni from all over the world visited SC State University’s campus for a weekend full of exciting moments. Alumni Weekend is held the first weekend in May. It officially began in 1987. “We are ecstatic by the number of class reunion participants and alumni who returned on Alumni Weekend,” said Adrienne Clinton, director of Alumni Relations. During this year’s Alumni Weekend, 11 classes were featured. The reunion classes were 1933, 1938, 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983 and 1988. The class of 1988 served as the silver class, representing 25 years since graduating from the university. The class of 1963 served as the golden class, representing 50 years since graduating from the university. Alumni Weekend begins on Friday and concludes on Sunday morning. The weekend consists of many events for all reunion classes to enjoy. On Friday, classes reunite and become acquainted with the university by registering and mingling with classmates. “Friday is full of excitement.

It is when the alumni come back to the university for the first time in years,” said

Iva Gardner, reunions manager and annual fund manager. On Saturday, a campus tour takes place, where the reunion classes are able to acquire a glimpse of the new establishments on campus. Saturday also includes a major event, the Alumni Honors and Awards Banquet. “During the Alumni Honors and Awards Banquet, we recognize the generosity of

the graduates of SC State University. To give at the level at which they have given,

signifies confidence in the university as well as a desire to give back,” Clinton exclaimed. Throughout the banquet, reunion classes presented checks to Dr. Cynthia A. Warrick, interim president of SC State University. This year, the silver class of 1988 generated $300 and the golden class of 1963 generated $104,600.50. While the class of 1948 donated $3,050, the class of 1953 donated $4,104, the class of 1958 donated $12,620, the class of 1968 donated $7,600, the class of 1973 donated $15,050,

the class of 1978 donated $17,120 and the class of

1983 donated $3,380. “It is very important for alumni to support the university, mainly because it helps to provide affordable quality education to our students. Alumni Weekend is a time when alumni can support, reconnect and reminisce, about their year spent at their alma mater, while having a good time,” said Gardner.

Loyal Sons and Daughters of SC State University Donate$184,204.50 for Deserving Scholars

By AntiA L. DAwkins

If you or someone you know would like

to be added to the e-newsletter mailing list, please contact

Antia L. Dawkins at adawkins@scsu.edu.

(l tor) SC State University alumni Clarence H. McNeill and John B. Clyburn present a check in the amount of $104, 600.50 to interim president, Dr. Cynthia A. Warrick during annual Alumni Honors and Awards Banquet.

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“You’re well on your way to a solid future,” Dr. Belle S. Wheelan assured about 500 newly minted graduates of South Carolina State University during commencement ceremonies Friday night. Having a college degree puts them in the top 2 percent of people in the world, she said.Wheelan is the first woman and the first African-American to serve as president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which accredits colleges throughout the South. She said the students probably learned a lot more than they ever thought they would and might wonder how some of it will be relevant to the rest of their lives, but the experiences overall “will prepare you to take on the world.” The graduates have learned thought processes that “enable you to analyze”; they have learned how to work together with collegiality, even when team members disagree; and they have learned that “reading is indeed power,” Wheelan said. “Are these skills really enough? They are going to go a long way but there are other skill sets” that need to be “coupled with your degree,” she said. She said some of them could be considered grandmotherly wisdom:* “You’re members of the instant-everything generation and it’s not easy for you to wait, but sometimes you’ve got to wait.” Even so, hold on to your dreams.* Find a life partner that shares your interests, or in Wheelan’s words, “Don’t let a man have a horse you can’t ride.”* “Learn to laugh. Lighten up. Laugh and find humor every day.” You can’t get an ulcer while you’re laughing. “We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.”* “Learning should be continuous, so continue to ask questions.” Wheelan’s educational career over three decades has included

everything from classroom instruction to serving as a state superintendent of education.* Notice the difference between growing older — everyone does that — and growing up, which is gaining maturity and wisdom.* “Learn to listen to what others have to say,” even if they disagree. Knowing what others believe, and understanding why they have their beliefs, can help you refine what you believe and how you express it.* Respect every organization in which you work. Follow the advice in “Life’s Little Instruction Book” and realize that everyone plays a vital role in an organization and no one job is more important than another.* Practice good manners. Say yes, ma’am; no, sir; please and thank you. “You never know who’s watching you. It could be somebody you don’t know. Show them something positive” and it may lead to unexpected opportunities. Opportunities also arise out of change, so don’t fear change, she added.* Give back. Wheelan said nearly all of the graduates got help from their parents, teachers and various other people. “It’s now your turn.” It doesn’t have to be a grand gift; what’s most important is making gestures that show the generosity in your heart.* Take care of yourself, both physically and spiritually. “Be kind to your body. It’s the only one you’ll get. It’s not too late to save it,” she said. Joining a fitness club or maintaining a regular exercise regimen is best, but even if you don’t go to that extent, “just walk a little bit more.”* At church, in the workplace and in political circles, do your research, make conclusions based on facts and “stand for something.”* “Be a leader. Take charge of things instead of complaining about other people” and their perceived shortcomings.* “Don’t let people deter you from succeeding. Remind yourself, ‘I’m a Bulldog!’”

‘I’M A BULLDOG’Words of advice to S.C. State grads: Learn, laugh, lead

By LEE HENDREN, times AnD DemocrAt stAff writer

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On Monday, February 18, 2013 through Monday, April 15, 2013, 67 historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) competed in the Home Depot “Retool Your School” HBCU Grant Program for an opportunity to win a Tier I grant in the amount of $50,000, Tier II grant in the amount of $10,000 and a Campus Pride Grant, a grant given to the HBCU that received the most votes and social media activity. On May 3, 2013, The Home Depot Corporation named SC State University as one of the 12 recipients to win a Tier II grant. SC State was the only HBCU in the state of South Carolina named. With the assistance of this grant, SC State will complete a lawn care and landscaping project that will enhance the front entrance to Annie B. Williams Hall, a female residential hall located on the campus of SC State. The university will utilize energy efficient lighting to reduce energy consumption, and use biodegradable lawn care products to reduce dispersal of harmful chemicals into the ground. This implementation will increase the student’s awareness and involvement on environmental concerns while providing a cleaner and healthier environment. Please know that SC State’s success would not have been possible without the long-time support of our local, national and international SC State family. You made the difference. Please accept this notice as an official and grateful “Thank You,” to the numerous organizations of our community who supported SC State University, by voting for SC State on a daily basis.

Dr. Cynthia A. WarrickInterim President SC State University

Meet SC State University’s New Board of Trustees

Members

Ronald B. Henegan, Sr. Bennetsville, S.C.

7th Congressional District- Seat 7

Cathy B. NovingerWest Columbia, S.C.

At-large Seat 11

Pearl V. AscueAwendaw, S.C. At-large Seat 9

Katon DawsonColumbia, S.C. At-large Seat 12

William Small, Jr. Yemassee, S.C.

6th Congressional District- Seat 6

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EVENTSUpcoming

Michael A. HubbardAssociate Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Carl A’seeProject Manager/WSSB General Manager

Rolondo DavisGraphic Artist II

Antia DawkinsPublic Informations Specialist

is produced by:The Office of University Relations and MarketingP.O. Box 8124, 300 College Street, NEKo W. G. Donma Administration BuildingOrangeburg, SC 29117

SC State University would like to recognize an anonymous donor who contributed $10,000 to establish the Lillie Huggins McGriff Scholarship in the SC State University Foundation. The scholarship was established in loving memory of SC State alumna, Mrs. Lillie Huggins McGriff, a member of the Class of 1971.

Special Recognition