The event will recognize the contributions of African Americans and honor individuals whose leadership, service and dedication have enriched the campus and supported student success.
The event was facilitated and coordinated by Michael Karp, an assistant professor of history at the Palm Desert Campus and member of the World Affairs Council of the Desert board of directors.
CSUSB alumna Maria Gadsden is taking her passion for teaching beyond the classroom and into California’s education policy arena. With 35 years of experience, she is amplifying her voice to advance equity and opportunity for Black students statewide.
Priyanka Varma, a graduate student in Health Services Administration from India, is completing her studies at CSUSB and planning for her future career in healthcare. She encourages other international students to pursue their academic dreams, regardless of obstacles. “Let me try,” is her motto.
Lúa López will expand partnerships across the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley to strengthen student access to meaningful, community-based learning experiences. Rooted in her own first-generation journey and commitment to mentorship, López aims to connect classroom learning with real-world impact while helping students build confidence, purpose and career-ready skills.
Yolonda Youngs (geography and environmental studies), Kathryn Ervin (theatre arts, emeritus), Meredith Conroy (political sciences), Michael Karp (history) and Brian Levin (criminal justice, emeritus) were mentioned in recent news coverage.
Participants from both the San Bernardino and Palm Desert campuses will engage in a variety of volunteer opportunities, supporting local nonprofit organizations, assisting with beautification projects, and contributing to efforts that rebuild, restore and uplift the communities CSUSB proudly serves.
The CAVE at PDC marks a significant expansion of advanced technology and collaborative learning space for students at the campus.
The new Net Price Calculator, which can be accessed on the university homepage, makes it easier for students to estimate tuition, fees and overall cost of attendance. The secure tool offers personalized estimates in just minutes, helping students plan with greater clarity and confidence.
Harrell, a first-generation college student, works as a senior promotions producer at KESQ News Channel 3 and remains actively involved in giving back to the Coachella Valley community.
Hosted by the Office of Academic Equity at CSUSB’s Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration, the annual event brings together campus and community voices for a conversation focused on research, dialogue, and strategies to better support African American men in school and beyond.
Launched in fall 2025, the CSUSB Leadership Academy brought together a cohort of faculty and staff chosen through a competitive application process for its inaugural year. Designed and led by internal experts, the program strengthens the university’s talent pipeline while fostering cross-campus relationships and confidence. Applications are now open for the next cohort beginning in fall 2026.