Cal State San Bernardino President Tomás D. Morales and other university officials will visit local African American churches in February as part of the California State University’s Super Sunday initiative to increase the preparation and retention of African American students throughout the CSU’s 23 campuses.

The Super Sunday initiative is a partnership between the CSU and leaders in the African American community, and provides support through additional outreach and preparation events, such as the Super Saturday College Fair and the Summer Algebra Institute.

“Higher education is so important in our society that it is vital that we prepare our children for college so they are ready once they get to campus,” said Morales. “This is our 50th anniversary year at Cal State San Bernardino, and that’s been part of our message for students to succeed in college. In fact, as we enter our next half century, we are rededicating our commitment to increasing the college-going rate of our children and also their college graduation rates.”

Morales spoke on Feb. 14 at Cathedral of Praise International Ministries, 3030 Del Rosa Ave., San Bernardino, at the 8 and 11 a.m. services.

Along with Morales, CSU leaders, including CSU Chancellor Tim White, will visit more than 100 churches across California in the month of February as part of Super Sunday.

More than 100,000 congregants, students and families receive this vital message each year and also receive CSU resources to help them foster a college-going culture at home. Important information about preparing for college, applying to a CSU campus and applying for financial aid will be made available to congregants, students and families during Super Sunday.

The other CSUSB speakers visiting area churches on Feb. 28 include:

  • Brian Haynes, vice president, Student Affairs, 10:30 a.m. at Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, 1314 Date St., San Bernardino;
  • Olivia Rosas, associate vice president, Admissions and Student Recruitment, 10:15 a.m. at Allen Chapel AME, 4009 Locust St., Riverside;
  • Aaron Burgess, interim director, Santos Manuel Student Union, 9:45 a.m. at Bethel AME, 16262 Baseline Ave., Fontana; and
  • Kevin Hatcher, assistant vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, 9:30 a.m. at Principles of Faith Christian Center, 17977 Merrill Ave., Fontana.

Visit the CSU’s Super Sunday website for more information.

Set in the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, CSUSB is a preeminent center of intellectual and cultural activity in inland Southern California. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015-2016, CSUSB serves more than 20,000 students each year and graduates about 4,000 students annually.

For more information on Cal State San Bernardino, contact the university’s Office of Strategic Communication at (909) 537-5007 and visit news.csusb.edu.