Fresno State representatives will speak at eight local black churches as part of CSU Super Sunday during the month of February. Super Sunday is 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 on Sunday, Feb. 10, when he speaks at Image Church New Generation (740 Fresno St.) in Fresno during the 10:45 a.m. service.

Launched in 2005, CSU Super Sunday is an annual event held each 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.

“I am excited about this unique opportunity to connect with prospective students and their families, as well as community members who play a critical role in supporting our talented youth in obtaining a college education,” Castro said.

The other four churches Fresno State representatives will visit on Feb. 10 include:

  • Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church of Fresno (10:45 a.m.): Brittney Randolph, director of the Huggins Early Education Center at Fresno State
  • Mount Olive Baptist Church (10:30 a.m.): Caleb T. Richards, a third-year Fresno State criminology student
  • Second Baptist Church (10:45 a.m.): Renee Cromer, staff in the Learning Center at Fresno State
  • Saints Rest Baptist Church (10:45 a.m.): Karena Crankson, founder and CEO of Dede Oforiwa Memorial Foundation, who became affiliated with Fresno State through the Department of Rehabilitation and Workability IV Project

Three more local churches will host Super Sunday on other dates in February:

  • Westside Church of God in Christ, 9 a.m., Feb. 17: Daryl Fitzgerald, Fresno State’s director of Corporate and Foundation Relations with University Advancement
  • Family Community Church, 10:30 a.m. Feb. 24: Brittney Watters, of Fresno Unified School District, an alumna and former Fresno State staff member
  • Saints Community Church, 10:30 a.m. Feb. 24: Dr. Frank Lamas, Fresno State’s vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

After the services, parents and students will meet with the 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, Fresno State’s African American Initiative coordinator.

The eight churches are part of almost 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.

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.

In October, students from middle school through community college and their family members experienced Fresno State’s campus life first-hand when the University hosted its first Super Saturday: African American College and Career Summit during homecoming weekend.

For more information, contact Wendy Nelson, a coordinator with Outreach and Special Programs, at wendyw@csufresno.edu or 559.278.5374.