Claflin faculty, staff, students, and guests could be forgiven if they left the University’s 156th Matriculation Day feeling like they had attended a church revival. Bishop Simeon Moultrie, pastor and leader at The Brook in Columbia, was the guest speaker at the annual event held recently at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex. Moultrie delighted the audience with his effusive praise of Claflin’s proud legacy of academic excellence. His inspirational and uplifting message also focused on the character and qualities of the panther — Claflin’s official mascot.
“My favorite Marvel character is the Black Panther, and your mascot is a panther,” Moultrie said. “The mascot is a symbol that visually represents a group’s identity, values, and spirit. It is usually chosen for the characteristics that reflect the traits of the group – such as strength, courage, and determination. The movie “Black Panther,” starring the late Chadwick Boseman, celebrates the African heritage and showcases the beauty, strength, and brilliance of the black community. The fictional nation of Wakanda is a technical, biological, and advanced society that thrives on innovation, culture, and leadership.”
In addition to seminary studies, Moultrie received his Bachelor of Arts in history and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling at South Carolina State University.
“It’s interesting that when a panther moves, it stays focused on the prey and the goal,” Moultrie said. “The panther realizes the goal cannot be attained if it loses focus. It will
Bishop Simeon Moultrie was the guest speaker for Claflin University Matriculation Day Convocation be distracting when you move also revealed that panthers away from your parents and can attack and handle animals have to make decisions about larger than themselves.
time management and going to “You are in this room your professor when you don’t today because you believe you understand a particular subject can attack or defeat something or assignment. You will need bigger than you,” he said. “If to stay focused to know what you stay focused on your goal, you’re supposed to do.” nothing can defeat you, noth-Moultrie has extended his ing can stop you. You will reach beyond the walls of the walk across this stage in four church. He is a well-respected years with your degree, addicommunity leader and astute tional opportunities, scholarbusinessman. Simeon and his ships, and graduate debt-free. wife Nikki share their legacy of There’s no need for you to be uplifting their community with afraid. The Bible says that God their three children: Dominic, did not give us a spirit of fear, Nicholas, and Brielle. He gave us love, power, and a He stated that panthers are sound mind.”
not only focused, but they are Claflin President Dr. silent when they move. Dwaun J. Warmack announced “If I were preaching a mes- that the Class of 2028 had sage, I would tell you this,” he an impressive 3.6 median said. “Make moves, not noise. grade point average (GPA), People always want to post cer- the second highest in the past tain things on social media to seven years at the University. say, ‘Look at what I’m doing.’ Before his remarks Warmack But panthers don’t make noise. received a special surprise They make moves and hunt by when Orangeburg Mayor themselves. You will learn that Michael Butler ‘83, City Counsometimes you will not attain cilwoman Liz Zimmerman what you need by going with Keitt ‘70, and City Administrathe crowd.” tor Sidney Evering II presented Moultrie said his research him with a key to the city.
Butler and Keitt are Claflin alums.
“The late Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. This has been proven over and over by Claflin University graduates,” said Warmack referencing Nathaniel Middleton and William Bulkley, who, in 1882, became Claflin’s first two graduates. Bulkley later became a prominent physician and one of the first three African Americans in America to earn a Ph.D. He also mentioned Alice Jackson Moorer and Annie Thortne Holmes, 1884 Claflin graduates who were two of the first five African American women in the world to earn college degrees.
“This was the pre-Civil Rights Movement and pre-Women’s Rights Movement back in the 1800s,” Warmack said. “We need to appreciate the historical context of these accomplishments and the pioneering work Claflin has done in this space. Our graduates have created a culture that makes Claflin a special community.”
Warmack recognized several high-achieving scholars from the class, including Alexis Wilson, a mass communications major from Bishopville, S.C., who led the class with a 5. 3 GPA. Next was Paige Felder, a biology major from Sumter, S.C., with a 5.2 GPA.
Jada Leonard, a biology major from Chester, Va., had 1280 for the highest SAT score. Gabrielle Wiggins from Angel, La., and Samuel Stewart, a management/information science major from Swansea, S.C., registered a 27 for the highest ACT score.
