Claflin University received a $25,000 gift from Jamison Pharmacy; a family-owned and operated business in Orangeburg, on Friday.

Pharmacists Dr. Marion W. Jamison Jr. and Dr. Mark Jamison, father and son, respectively, presented the gift to President Henry N. Tisdale to establish an endowed scholarship for Orangeburg County African-American students majoring in the natural sciences and those who are pursuing careers in pharmacy.

Dr. Mark Jamison said he recognizes the enormous health disparities among minorities in South Carolina and the dismal percentages of African-American physicians, dentists and pharmacists.

Jamison said, “There are less than 5 percent African American dentists, pharmacists and physicians in South Carolina.ˇ My father and I want to do our part to address this challenge.ˇ We’ve decided to provide tuition assistance for deserving students who are pursuing careers in pharmacy.”

He added, “We have been blessed in many ways and noticed the enormous strides Claflin has made in the pre-pharmacy academic programs. One of our former employees was a Claflin student who went on to pursue an advanced degree at a college of pharmacy.”

The Jamisons, faithful members of Trinity United Methodist Church, are rooted in the Orangeburg community. The Rev. Larry D. McCutcheon, pastor of Trinity, described the Jamisons as remarkable church people who have a tradition of being loyal to the local colleges and faithful servants within the community. Commenting about the Jamisons’ generosity, McCutcheon said, “The Jamisons are cheerful givers to the church and community. As their pastor, it does my heart joy to learn that they donated $25,000 to my alma mater.”

To learn more about Claflin University’s academic programs in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, contact Dean Verlie Tisdale at 803-535-5433 or log on to www.claflin.edu.

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