Dedication ceremony honors longtime congressman's decades of personal support and
millions in federal investments for the university
U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn speaks at the dedication ceremony.ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University dedicated its newly renamed James E. Clyburn Engineering
and Computer Science Complex on Wednesday, honoring a loyal alumnus whose decades
of leadership and advocacy have helped strengthen the institution that helped shape
him.
A dedication ceremony celebrated the unveiling of the building's new name in honor
of Clyburn, whose support has helped secure millions of dollars in federal investments
for SC State.
"Today is a very, very special day because we get to honor a very, very loyal son
of South Carolina State University. I want to first recognize and thank our Board
of Trustees for approving the naming of this complex in honor of South Carolina State's most loyal
son," SC State President Alexander Conyers said.
"He has always supported South Carolina State University and other HBCUs across the
country. This past year, Congressman Clyburn delivered $45 million to South Carolina
State University," the president said, including $30 million for research in engineering
and transportation and $15 million for a new ROTC building.
Clyburn said the honor held special meaning because SC State was the only college
to which he applied after graduating from high school.
"I love this institution. I don't know what made me do that, but I know what happened
to me as a result of having done that. I love this institution with the kind of passion
that I cannot explain. I love the ground I'm standing on. I'm not unfamiliar with
this ground," he said.
The engineering and computer science complex opened in 2012 and houses the only nuclear
engineering program at any HBCU in the country. It also houses one of only 13 NuScale
nuclear reactor control simulators in the country and the only one at an HBCU.
The three-story, 85,000-square-foot building contains a 225-seat state-of-the-art
auditorium, 15 labs, 21 classrooms, two student lounges, two faculty lounges, and
multiple conference rooms. Three computer labs and 72 faculty offices are also included
in the building.
"To stand here today for this great honor is something that I cannot explain," Clyburn
said.
He said HBCUs exist for a reason and that he would continue working to secure federal
funding to ensure their survival. He shared the story of how his father was unable
to graduate from Morris College because he did not have the high school diploma that
had been denied him years earlier.
"That's why he never went back. That experience changed my life. I can tell you every
time I think about this campus and the HBCUs all over this country, they exist because
states like South Carolina did not provide education for African Americans," he said.
"HBCUs have a significant purpose. We are living in a time when they will take on
much more significance. Let us not shrink from the responsibility we have of keeping
these institutions strong," Clyburn said.
SC State Board of Trustees Chairman Douglas D. Gantt said Clyburn's service to the
university and nation was noteworthy and that his journey was grounded in faith, education
and public service.
"Today we do more than place a distinguished name upon a building. We permanently
commit this institution with a legacy of service, courage, leadership and an unwavering
commitment to the advancement of others," Gantt said.
"The Honorable James E. Clyburn has devoted his life to opening doors of opportunity,
strengthening communities, defending human dignity and ensuring that the voices of
ordinary citizens are heard in the halls of government," he said.
Clyburn Scholars speak
SC State's Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College is named in honor of Clyburn's
late wife, an accomplished educator and SC State alumna.
Honors College Presidential Scholars Charles Butler Jr. and Tuhina Sambus spoke about
the impact Clyburn and his wife have had on their education and lives.
Conyers also noted that Clyburn donates 100% of the honorariums he receives for speaking
engagements to the Honors College.
"As an Honors College Presidential Scholar, I know firsthand what this opportunity
means. It's because of their commitment that I have been able to focus on growing
academically, serving my community and preparing for a future where I can make a difference,"
said Butler, a junior agribusiness major from Fresno, Calif.
"Their investment has given students like me something priceless. Not just financial
support, but confidence, encouragement and a belief that our potential has no limits,"
he said.
Butler also serves as Mister Honors College for the 2026-27 academic year.
Sambus, a senior nuclear engineering major from New Zealand, said Clyburn's leadership
was transformative.
"His leadership has created opportunities for young people from any background to
dream beyond their circumstances, pursue higher education and believe that their future
is filled with limitless possibilities.
"As a Presidential Scholar, I've experienced the impact of that vision firsthand,
and for this I'm extremely grateful to attend an institution that spoke such life
into me," she said.
Sambus said she has also found a solid foundation from which to develop meaningful
relationships and become a servant leader while in the Honors College.
University continues to grow with new students, programs
Conyers said the university continues to grow as it welcomed its incoming freshman
class Monday and Tuesday.
"Over the past two days, we've welcomed … more than 1,000 new freshmen from 34 different
states and several countries, and states that we haven't had represented here recently,
Wisconsin, Minnesota, among others," the president said.
Dr. Stanley Ihekweazu, dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
and Transportation, said he appreciates Clyburn's continued support of the university
and its growth.
"We are so excited to have the building named after Congressman Clyburn for everything
he's done for us, especially with the new funding he's given to us. That will really
help us do what we need to do," he said.
Ihekweazu said the university is working to ensure the nuclear engineering program
remains accredited.
"We are looking forward to continuing the tradition of excellence with the nuclear
engineering program, as well as with other programs we have," Ihekweazu said.
Undergraduate degrees in mechanical, electrical and computer engineering and a Master
of Science in cybersecurity are among the university's newest academic offerings.
