Fresno State officials will speak at nine local churches on Sunday, Feb. 25, as part of CSU Super Sunday — the flagship event of the California State University African American Initiative project that focuses on college achievement for African-American students.
Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro will lead the delegation Sunday when he speaks at Rising Star Baptist Church (1104 Collins Ave.) in Fresno during the 10:45 a.m. service.
The nine churches are part of the nearly 100 predominately African-American congregations statewide that are participating in CSU Super Sunday. During the event, CSU leaders visit these congregations and speak directly from the pulpit to encourage future students to pursue higher education.
Launched in 2005, CSU Super Sunday is an annual event held every February and allows leaders throughout the 23 CSU campuses to help underrepresented students access the tools they need to enter college. More than 100,000 congregants participate in the event each year.
The other eight churches Fresno State leaders will visit on Feb. 25 include:
- Bethesda Church (10:45 a.m.): Gabralle Conroe, part-time faculty in the Counselor Education and Rehabilitation Department at Fresno State
- Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church of Fresno (10:45 a.m.): Hugo Morales, CSU trustee
- Mount Olive Baptist Church (10 a.m.): Wendy Nelson, African American Initiative coordinator, Outreach and Special Programs at Fresno State
- New Beginnings Community Baptist Church (8:45 a.m.): Dr. Frank Lamas, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Fresno State
- Saints Community COGIC (10 a.m.): Kizzy Lopez, Renaissance Scholars Program coordinator at Fresno State
- Second Baptist Church (10:30 a.m.): Darren Miller, alumnus
- Saints Rest Baptist Church (10:30 a.m.): Ramsey Jay, Jr., regional development director at Fresno State
- Westside COGIC (8:45 a.m.): Ramsey Jay, Jr., regional development director at Fresno State
After the services, parents and students will meet with the CSU speakers, alumni and University outreach counselors to receive CSU resources that help students and families foster a college-going culture at home, including information about preparing for college, applying to a CSU campus and applying for financial aid, said Wendy Nelson, African American Initiative coordinator.
CSU Super Sunday is one of many events supported by the CSU to increase the preparation, retention and graduation of African-American students. The year-round partnership between the CSU and African-American community leaders throughout the state provides additional outreach, support and preparation such as campus college and career fairs, financial aid completion workshops, Cal State Apply clinics and more.
For more information, contact Nelson at wendyw@csufresno.edu or 559.278.5374.
