Singer, songwriter and actress Fantasia Barrino will headline the 16th annual Presidential Scholarship Gala at Claflin University.

The scholarship fund-raising event will be held Friday, Nov. 20, in Tullis Arena of the Jones T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center. The event begins with a silent auction at 6 p.m., and the gala begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale for $200 per person and are available by calling Dr. Iris D. Bomar at 803-535-5312.

The Presidential Scholarship Gala provides scholarships for the university's presidential scholars. Additionally, the event pays tribute to outstanding leaders with the induction of new members to the Claflin University Hall of Fame and provides a special social event for alumni and the Orangeburg community. This year's theme is "140 Years of Access and Success" in celebration of the university's 140th year.

"The annual Presidential Gala has served as an excellent fund-raiser to support the dreams of academically talented students at Claflin University," said Roe Hunt, gala chairperson. "Because of our alumni, community supporters and committed donors, participation has increased tremendously over the years. In fact, few would argue that the annual Presidential Scholarship Gala has grown to become known as one of the highlights and special social events of Orangeburg, South Carolina."

Fantasia, as she is commonly known, is an R&B and soul singer and Broadway and television actress who rose to fame as the winner of the third season of the popular television series "American Idol" in 2004. She has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards. After playing the part of Celie in the Broadway musical "The Color Purple," she is cast to be in the film adaptation of the musical.

In 2004, she released her debut single, "I Believe," which debuted at the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100, making Fantasia the first recording artist in history to debut at the number one spot with a debut single. Subsequently, she released her debut album, "Free Yourself," which went on to be certified platinum by the RIAA and garnered Fantasia four Grammy nominations in 2006. In that same year, she released her sophomore album, "Fantasia," which featured the number-one R&B hit "When I See U." The album was certified gold by the RIAA and received three Grammy nominations in 2008. She then played the part of Celie in "The Color Purple." Her third studio album is set to be released in early 2010.

The Presidential Scholarship Gala is a part of Homecoming Weekend at Claflin. On Saturday, Nov. 21, the annual parade, tailgating and basketball games will be held on campus, capped by the Founders' Day program at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22.

"As always, we invite the community to come to Claflin and enjoy our annual gala and silent auction to raise money for our best and brightest students," said Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale. "We look forward to celebrating 140 years of access and success here at Claflin."

For more information about Homecoming events, visit claflin.edu.

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