Claflin University New York Alumni Chapter
Honoring LEADERS OF EXCELLENCE
LEADERSHIP AN ACTION NOT A POSITION Annual Scholarship Luncheon
Saturday, October 12, 2024 11:45AM
Villa Barone Manor
737 Throgs Neck Expy Bronx, NY 10465
Congratulations and Best Wishes
Claflin University New YorkAlumni Chapter, my lovely wife, Mrs. Trinidell White Thomas,
Welcome to Claflin University New York Alumni Annual Scholarship Luncheon. We sincerely appreciate your support of this event and we look forward to continuing our strong partnerships and alliances that will improve the quality of life for those who aspire to attend Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
As young men and women seek to embrace the future in a solid rock educational context, Claflin’s doors are open to assist them in preparing for an exciting and vibrant future. The New York Chapter, like other chapters around the country expends immeasurable energy in generating funds to support the University’s effort to provide partial scholarships to needy students. We are honored to be a part of such a historic tradition and equally as honored to have you share our vision.
Congratulations to our distinguished honorees: Reverend Stephen Green, Venice Fridie-Kendall, Reverend Norman Coleman, Nicole Finigan- Johnson and Veronica Frazier-Howard.
We are so proud to be able to publicly acknowledge you for all you do so tirelessly to help others in your professional career.
Our luncheon is successful every year because of the hard work our Claflin University New York Alumni
Candis Bugg, President Emerita, Rev. Dr. Bronco W. Crooke, Henry Mack, Shirley Jefferson, and Laura White.
To everyone, thank you, have a wonderful afternoon and may God bless each of you as you continue your journey. Claflin University is better because of you!
Sincerely,
Trinidell White Thomas
Trinidell White-Thomas, ‘72 President and Co-Chair
Dear Fellow Alumni:
am delighted to welcome you to the Claflin University New York Alumni Chapter Annual Scholarship Luncheon. Because of your unwavering support, Claflin continues to reach new levels of excellence in academics, student success, and community engagement. As donors, your generosity has resulted in Claflin achieving a remarkable 40% alumni giving rate, ranking us No. 1 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) according to U.S. News & World Report. This percentage also places Claflin among the national leaders in alumni giving across all colleges and universities. We sincerely thank you for playing such a vital role in helping the University reach this historic milestone.
As the Director of the Annual Fund and Alumni Relations, I encourage you to visit the Alumni Net Community webpage to create and update your profile, keeping connected with University activities and events. Equally important is the Claflin University website (www.claflin.edu), where you can make secure online contributions and register for upcoming University events. Sign up today at http://alumni.claflin.edu.We also encourage you to connect with us on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Stay up to date with the latest news by subscribing to the Claflin University e-newsletter—just text CLAFLINU to 22828 to subscribe to @Claflin.
Your steadfast dedication and commitment to Claflin University are deeply appreciated. I look forward to working together to prepare the next generation of diverse, engaged visionary leaders with global perspectives.
Leal and loyal,
Zelda M. Lee, ’77 Director of the Annual Fund/Alumni Relations
Greetings, New York Alumni Chapter Members,
It is my deep honor and privilege, as the Acting Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Claflin University, to extend my highest regards and gratitude to each of you.
Your record of service and generosity is unmatched and helps to make the Claflin University International Alumni Association the envy of institutions of higher education nationwide. In word and deed, you live out Claflin’s values in ways that demonstrate the transformative magic that education and collegial partnerships bring to every situation. Confident. Creative. Caring. The New York Alumni Chapter is changing lives!
As we celebrate this year’s distinguished honorees, and enjoy fellowship years in the making, I am beyond thankful to be a part of the Claflin Family – a body that has extended grace to me in every possible way.
Thank you for centering your work where it will make the most difference – on need-based scholarships for deserving young scholars. When friends ask what the University’s greatest need is, I offer them two. We need scholarship support for deserving students, and we need engaged donors. Through your annual scholarship luncheon, you bring both!
Thank you so very much!
Best Regards,
Barbara Chappell
Dear Alumni and Friends,
On behalf of the Claflin University Board of Trustees and the entire Claflin University community, First Lady Lakisha and our daughter Morgan, I offer congratulations to you on another remarkable year of loving service to your alma mater.
Congratulations, too, belong to this year’s six distinguished honorees, Reverend Stephen Green, Venice Fridie-Kendall, Reverend Norman Coleman, Nicole Finigan-Ndzibah, Ruby CunninghamHoward. Your examples inspire not only other alumni and friends, but our current students and future students as well.
s generous record of financial commitment to the University and her students, I want to share just two pieces of information that highlight the difference your support is making in your beloved Hilltop High campus. In the five years since I joined the Claflin family, the University’s endowment has risen from $26.8M to $72.9M. As important as this figure is to the future health of the institution, I am even more pleased to report that our retention rate has increased from 70% in 2019 to 77% this year a figure that speaks directly to the brighter prospects of our students.
There are thousands of more personal stories, of course, the encouraging note from an alum to a student, the long, tight hugs between friends seeing each other at Homecoming, the tender moments between faculty and students or between students and staff members – each propelling our community forward. Elevating and Transforming one life at a time, your good work is noticed and very much appreciated!
You are a blessing!
Sincerely,
Dwaun J. Warmack
Dwaun J. Warmack President
In Honor of Ruby Cunningham Johnson
Recipient of the Social Worker Par Excellence Award
You are such an inspiration, and we are so happy for you.
Congratulations! With Love, Janelle & Noel Browman and Vashti Niles
With the book Psalms to Write By, Margo Janet McKenzie is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to deepen their scriptural literacy, strengthen their connection with God, and improve their daily living through the art of writing and poetry. Whether you are a seasoned writer or a beginner, “Psalms to Write B” is a perfect companion on your journey to read better, and write better. Available on Amazon.
In Loving Memory of Mckeldin
I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new I thought about you yesterday and days before that too, I think of you in silence I often speak your name All I have are memories and your picture in a frame Your memory is my keepsake with which I’ll never part God has you in His keeping I have you in my heart.
With Love B.
TO CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY NEW YORK ALUMNI CHAPTER CONGRATULATIONS ON ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL CELEBRATION
REVEREND DR. BRONCO H. CROOKE & FAMILY
Congratulations and God’s Blessing to my Daughter
Veronica Frazier Howard
For receiving the and Congratulations To Claflin University New York Alumni Chapter on Your Annual Scholarship Luncheon
Congratulations to the Claflin University New York Alumni Chapter President
Mrs. Trinidell White Thomas, ’72
Sincerely,
Candis I. Williamson-Bugg, ’59
OF MY SISTER Cloie
LOVE, HANK
Rev. Levi P. McGill & Mrs. Elizabeth M. McGill
Jim Lamonte, Levita Michelle, Edward Maurice, Bobby, Kenya, Sekou Lateef, Jahi
Donors
Elease Anderson
Kathleen Branch
Bessie Byrd
Lorna Clark
Shannon Lee
Romelle J. Maloney
Verna McCants
Sonia McFarlin
Jennifer Jacques Miller
Brenda Milton
Peta-Gay Tomlinson
Venice Fridie-Kendall
Congratulations on all your accomplishments, commitments and achievements you have dedicated yourself to.
Love, Your Sister-in-Law
It is with immense pride and love that I celebrate my mother, Venice Fridie Kendall, as she receives this well-deserved Humanitarian Award. Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed her enormous heart in action always helping others, never asking for anything in return, and making a positive difference in so many lives. Her dedication to lifting up those around her, her kindness, and her compassion are unmatched. She has taught me the true meaning of giving, not just in words, but in her daily actions.
Mom, I am so proud to be your child, and I’ m endlessly inspired by the way you make the world a better place.
I love you more than words can express, Ariana
Claflin University New York Alumni
Claflin University New York Alumni Chapter Members
Trinidell White Thomas | President
Gertie Tippett | Vice President
Shirley Jefferson | Secretary
Laura White | Treasurer
Rose Anderson Financial Secretary and Social Coordinator
Reverend Dr. Bronco W. Crooke Chaplain
George Alexander | Parliamentarian
Henry Mack | Charter Member
Candis Bugg | Charter Member, President Emerita
Felicia H. Crawford
Carolyn Williamson Martin | Charter Member
Dr. Cassandra White
Janie Newkirk
John Young Regional Director