TERRENCE CALDWELL - ORANGEBURG-WILKINSON HIGH SCHOOL '00

FROM ORANGEBURG ROOTS TO NATIONAL IMPACT: ALUMNI TERRENCE CALDWELL'S INSPIRING JOURNEY OF HBCU ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

Terrence Caldwell grew up in Orangeburg, where his education at Marshall Elementary, William J. Clark Middle, and Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School set the stage for a remarkable journey. His high school years were a blend of academics and athletics, laying a solid foundation for his future endeavors. In 2000, Terrence graduated and took his next steps toward a future that would circle back to benefit his community in profound ways.

After high school, Terrence pursued and completed his education at Tennessee State University's College of Engineering. He later earned a Masters in Business Administration at Mercer University and this higher education experience made him value his HBCU matriculation that much more. His academic success led him to a career as an electrical engineer, where he honed his skills and expertise. However, his ambitions reached beyond personal success; Terrence aimed to make a difference on a larger scale. This led to the founding of HBCU Alum LLC, a platform dedicated to celebrating and promoting the culture, achievements, and traditions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

HBCU Alum LLC quickly became a significant voice for the HBCU community, reaching over 1.8 million people monthly. Terrence's efforts through social media channels have created a vibrant and engaged online community. This platform serves as a digital space where HBCU students, alumni, and supporters can connect, share their stories, and celebrate their shared heritage and experiences. With a following of over 325,000 across various platforms, Terrence has successfully fostered a sense of pride and unity among the HBCU community.

The HBCU Bound Scholarship program is at the heart of Terrence’s philanthropic efforts. Initially offering a $500 scholarship to graduates of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, the initiative has expanded nationally, now awarding $1,000 scholarships. This growth not only highlights the increasing reach of Terrence's work but also his commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of young individuals. Over the years, four of the more than two dozen scholarships have been awarded to students from Orangeburg County, reflecting Terrence's dedication to giving back to his community.

Today, Terrence is based in Atlanta, Georgia, where he continues to make an impact as the Managing Director at Abatek (Americas) Inc. His journey from Orangeburg to Atlanta tells a story of ambition, service, and community engagement. Beyond his professional life, Terrence is a proud husband and father, embracing family life with the same dedication he applies to his work and community efforts. He is also an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., further exemplifying his commitment to brotherhood, leadership, and service.

For those in Orangeburg and across the nation, Terrence stands as an example of how dedication to one’s roots and a commitment to education can lead to significant contributions to society. Through his actions, Terrence has shown that success encompasses not only achieving one’s goals but also paving the way for others to succeed. His legacy is a reminder that with the right support and opportunities, every student has the potential to achieve greatness and, in turn, give back to their community.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/-mAyRpUXutg

This piece is part of an ongoing series telling the stories of our OCSD Alumni! We share a new alumni story once a month, and we want YOUR story. If you or someone you know is a OCSD graduate and an excellent representative of the Orangeburg community and the idea of #WeAreOne, whether they live in Orangeburg County or not, please fill out the form linked below. You can also show your OCSD Alumni pride on social media with the hashtag #OCSDAlumniStories

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