For complete program click link: SC state flag flies above State House for the first time in honor of Bulldogs' Celebration Bowl win

 COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A flag representing South Carolina State University flew above the State House in Columbia for the first time on Monday.
 
Gov. Henry McMaster approved a request to fly the flag in honor of the Bulldogs' Celebration Bowl victory in December. The game is considered the national championship for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

This marks the first time the university's flag has flown atop the State House.

Multiple speakers were on hand to celebrate the momentous occasion, including University President Alexander Conyers, Head Coach Chennis Berry, Miss South Carolina State University Olivia Ruff, Pastor Desmond Antley, Alumni Association President Yolanda Williams and State Sen. Deon Tedder, who was one of the legislators who pushed to have SC State's flag flown atop the State House.

Many of the speakers touched on how historic the moment was and what it represented to have the flag flown.

"It's a powerful symbol of excellence, resilience and bulldog pride," Ruff said. "This achievement reflects the discipline, teamwork, and determination that define SC State both on and off the field."

Antley, who gave both the invocation and benediction at the event, said he hoped that the flag's inaugural flying would provide hope to all those watching.