Claflin University

03/08/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/08/2026 18:21

Claflin University to Host 18th Annual First Lady’s Hats and Gloves Scholarship Tea

Claflin University to Host 18th Annual First Lady's Hats and Gloves Scholarship Tea

Mar 08, 2026


The 18th annual First Lady's Hats and Gloves Scholarship Tea will be held on Saturday, March 21st at the Claflin University Student Center in Orangeburg, S.C. Join Claflin First Lady LaKisha Warmack for what has become a highly anticipated event for alumni and other supporters throughout the Midlands region of South Carolina and beyond. The First Lady's Hats and Gloves Scholarship Tea will celebrate Women's History Month and this year's national theme, "Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future."

Six phenomenal women will be recognized for their outstanding contributions, leadership, and impactful innovation across various fields. This year's honorees are: Mary Elam, Chief Operations Officer and Manager of Account Services for EFinancial Advisors; Barbara Johnson Williams, Educator and President of the Orangeburg Branch of the NAACP; Benita Lefft, President and Chief Operations Officer of Optus Bank; Dr. Tonya Matthews, President and CEO of the International African American Museum; Nicole Nelson Jean, Associate Administrator in the Office of Infrastructure in the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); and Dr. Jennifer Clyburn Reed, Federal Co-chair of the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission. WIS TV10 Columbia news anchor Billie Jean Shaw will be the Mistress of Ceremonies.

The event will feature a wide array of flavored teas, a delicious brunch, live entertainment, and a scholarship presentation to several high-achieving Claflin scholars. Guests will have an opportunity to display their "Hat-ti-tude" and win prizes during the "Best Hats Contest," which has become one of the highlights of the event.

For tickets, sponsorships, or vendor information, visit Click Here or call 803-535-5357.

Claflin University published this content on March 08, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 09, 2026 at 00:21 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]