Encouraging students to pursue college will be the message delivered by California State University leaders, trustees, campus presidents and alumni who will visit 100 African-American churches across the state on Feb. 25 for the CSU Super Sunday higher education initiative.

Cal State San Bernardino President Tomás D. Morales and other CSUSB officials will speak at churches in Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino and Victorville as part of the initiative.

President Morales will speak at Immanuel Praise Fellowship, 9592 7th St., Rancho Cucamonga at 10:15 a.m.

The other CSUSB speakers are:

  • Brian Haynes, vice president, student affairs, New Life Christian Church of Fontana, 7347 Juniper St., Fontana, 10:30 a.m.;
  • Shari McMahan, provost and vice president, academic affairs, Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, 1314 Date St., San Bernardino, 10:30 a.m.;
  • Sam Sudhakar, vice president and chief information officer, information technology services, St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1355 W. Date St., San Bernardino, 10 a.m.;
  • Cesar Caballero, dean, John M. Pfau Library, Beth-el African Methodist Episcopal Church, 16262 Baseline Ave., Fontana, 9:45 a.m.; and
  • Kimberly Shiner, associate vice president, university development, Burning Bush Church, 14849 7th St., Victorville, 11 a.m.   

More than one million people have received this message through Super Sunday outreach efforts over the last 13 years with more than 100,000 congregants, students and families slated to do so again this year.

Participants will also receive information about Graduation Initiative 2025, CSU’s initiative to increase graduation rates while eliminating achievement and equity gaps. CSU resources will be provided to 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.

CSU Super Sunday began more than a decade ago as a collaboration between the CSU, its campuses and predominantly African-American churches throughout California. The purpose is to increase the rate of African-American students enrolling and graduating from the CSU.

During Super Sunday, CSU leaders attend Sunday services and from the pulpit speak to the congregation about the importance of a higher education. After the service, students and parents have an opportunity to meet CSU staff in admissions and financial aid. 

To strengthen the collaboration between Super Sunday churches and CSU campuses, the CSU launched a tool mapping college readiness at high schools ​near Super Sunday churches throughout California. The CSU also created a grant opportunity to support campuses in developing yearlong programming with Super Sunday churches and other faith-based organizations to strengthen college readiness. 

CSU Super Sunday is one of many events supported by the CSU community 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 events such as college and career fairs, financial aid completion workshops, Cal State Apply clinics and more.