Darla Moore gives $1 million to Claflin’s music program

Philanthropist Darla Moore has committed $1 million to Claflin University in support of a new endowed music scholarship fund.

The gift will bolster the Claflin’s Department of Music and comes during the Orangeburg school’s $96.4 million capital campaign, the largest in its history.

“This is an investment, and with investments, you not only expect a return, you do your homework up front to ensure you get a solid return,” Moore told school President Henry N. Tisdale and others gathered at a presentation ceremony this week. “This is what I desire with my investment — the opportunity to open the door to success to as many young people as possible.”

The gift will be used to establish an endowed scholarship fund for students in the university’s nationally accredited music program, which offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in music and music education.

Two years ago, Moore was impressed by a performance of the Claflin choir, which appeared at the opening of the Dr. Ronald McNair Life History Center in her home town of Lake City.

“I remember the first time you expressed to me your admiration for our talented students,” choir director Isaiah McGee told Moore. “I believe your words were, ‘You are talented and the choir has moved me.’ At that time, I had no idea that you being ‘moved’ would have translated into the amazing gift you have presented to us, but I’m certainly glad it did.”

Tisdale said the gift would create “tremendous opportunity” for students.

“It will help them learn, grow and inspire the world through music,” he said.