Special to The T&D

Claflin University Executive Administrative Assistant to the President Melvenia Williams has supported Claflin University through three presidents.

For her many years of service to Claflin University, Williams was one of seven inductees enshrined into the Claflin University Hall of Fame during the Presidential Scholarship Gala on Saturday.

Williams came to Claflin University in 1977 as secretary in the Office of the President. She was promoted to executive secretary in 1984 and became administrative assistant in 1987. Presently, she holds the position of executive administrative assistant to the president and serves as a member of the president's cabinet.

"I've been a part of Claflin University so long that it truly feels like home," Williams said. "I am honored that the committee chose me to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Claflin has and continues to play a great role in my life and the strides we've made over the years are simply phenomenal."

In conjunction with her duties as administrative assistant, Williams was coordinator of Title III, Part B, Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program, from 1988 to 2006.

Williams has received numerous awards and recognitions, including Orangeburg Rotary Employee of the Month and being named to Who's Who of American Women. She is a member of the American Association of University Women, Order of the Eastern Star, Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and NAACP, Goose Creek Branch. She is a former member of the Orangeburg Rotary Club.

Williams is being enshrined as a non-alumnus for communication.

The other 2008 Hall of Fame inductees include:

* Community Service: The Rev. Williams Franklin Blue, '74 -- Blue was instrumental in developing and organizing the first Claflin alumni chapter in Charlotte, N.C., serving as the first president of the charter alumni chapter.

He has made significant and substantial contributions to the city of Charlotte, as shown through his compassion and empathy for citizens in need. This is illustrated through his support of the United Way of Central Carolinas. Through an annual fundraiser held on behalf of the United Way, Blue has been directly responsible for contributions approaching $300,000 over the past 12 years. Also, Blue is a member of the United Way Speakers Bureau. He holds a bachelor's degree from Claflin and earned his master's degree from Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, N.C.

* Business: Lydia P. Kirkland, '50 -- A native of Philadelphia, Pa., Kirkland earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Claflin College in 1950. Her family boasts four generations of Claflinites, beginning with her father.

A licensed funeral director, Kirkland is a staunch supporter of Claflin University. Her work for Claflin began while she was a high school student. At that time, she and her family began the tradition of sponsoring the touring choir and hosting students, faculty and visiting presidents.

Over the years, Kirkland personally recruited students from the Philadelphia area to attend the university and assisted many financially. She contributes financially to the university, represents the school at local college fairs and readily promotes Claflin. While at Claflin, she was the first basileus and a charter member of the Gamma Nu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Homecoming Queen, Miss Freshman and a member of the Drama Club.

* Education: Myrtle David McDaniel, '55 -- McDaniel, a direct descendant of the Rev. N. T. Bowen, a member of the original board of trustees of Claflin University, had little choice about becoming a Panther. Every person in the family since Claflin's founding matriculated at Claflin University, and she was to be no exception.

She fulfilled her destiny, entering as a freshman in 1951. "Myrtle Ann" served as Miss Zeta and basileus as a member of Mu Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. As a campus leader, she was a dorm president, choir member, band member and NEA officer.

A summa cum laude graduate of Claflin University, she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in guidance and student personnel administration from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her 40 years as an honored educator in Georgia and South Carolina include experience ranging from classroom teacher and guidance counselor to statewide facilitator and assistant superintendent.

* Religion: The Rev. Whittaker V. Middleton, '73 -- Middleton has dedicated his career to the advancement of his alma mater. Middleton, who has worked at Claflin for 35 years, established the first advancement office at Claflin and is the first person to be appointed vice president at the institution.

He graduated from Claflin University with a bachelor's degree in English. Following graduation, he accepted employment at the university, serving initially as a counselor in the Upward Bound and Special Services programs. From 1973 to 1985, he served in a number of other positions at the institution, ultimately being appointed vice president for development and alumni affairs in 1985.

Middleton has seen the advancement staff increase from two members in 1982 to 18 today, as well as the creation of the annual phone-a-thon, the establishment of annual and major gifts units, and an increase in the annual fund campaign from $1 million to nearly $5 million annually.

Middleton has been instrumental in assisting with raising more than $60 million in various campaigns for Claflin. A United Methodist minister, Middleton obtained a master of divinity degree from Erskine College in 2001. He is serving his eleventh year as pastor of Canaan United Methodist Church in Cope.

* Community Service: Pernell Pauling, '61: Pauling has more than 39 years of experience in delivering social services to families, children, the disabled and the elderly. A native of Orangeburg and graduate of Wilkinson High School, she earned her bachelor's degree from Claflin University.

Pauling encourages students to attend Claflin University, invites young and old alumni to attend local chapter meetings and works diligently every year to raise funds for Claflin University and the United Negro College Fund. She is the recording secretary of the Claflin University International Alumni Association, former corresponding secretary of CUIAA, treasurer of the New York Alumni Chapter and a member of the New York Branch NAACP.

* Athletics: Alphonso Ravenell, '61: Ravenell graduated from Claflin College with a bachelor's degree in health and physical education. While at Claflin he excelled in track, and stood out as a percussionist in the college's marching band. He was also a member of the Lambda Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi.

Ravenell later returned to the high school from which he graduated in order to begin his teaching career in health and physical education. At Cross High School, he obtained the position of head football coach and athletic director.

Because of the impact he had on his students and the community, the Cross High School Athletics Stadium was dedicated and named the "A.E. Ravenell Stadium" in his honor. During his career at Cross High School he received many accolades. The South Carolina High School Coaches Association named him "Coach of the Year." He was also recognized as the "Most Winning Coach" in the school's history.

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