Fresno State leaders visited churches on CSU Super Sunday

Seeking to inspire a college-going culture among African American youth while nurturing relationships between the university and faith leaders and congregations, seven Fresno State leaders — including President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval — visited local churches on Feb. 23 as part of CSU Super Sunday.

“Moments like this, when we meet our potential future students and their families where they are, have a powerful impact in allowing them to see the possibility of themselves as future professionals empowered by a Fresno State degree,” Jiménez-Sandoval said. “Our focus is clear: The CSU and Fresno State are unmatched in the value of world-class education we deliver – we educate the future professionals who sustain California’s economy and dynamic society.”

Jiménez-Sandoval represented Fresno State at Saints Community Church of God in Christ. Several other Fresno State leaders visited other local churches with predominantly Black congregations:

• Phong Yang, interim vice president of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, spoke at the Family Community Church of Fresno.
• Terree Stevenson, associate vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students spoke at Bethesda Churches.
• Etisha Wilbon, director of counseling and psychological services with the Student Health and Counseling Center at Fresno State, spoke at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church of Fresno. 
• Dr. Robert Mitchell, director of medical services with the Student Health and Counseling Center, spoke at Saint Rest Baptist Church.
• Kornya Lansana, interim director of the Educational Opportunity Program at Fresno State, spoke at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fresno.
• Varselles Cummings, director of the Cross Cultural and Gender Center at Fresno State, spoke at Second Baptist Church in Fresno.

The California State University system, through its 23 campuses statewide, has partnered with faith-based leaders in local communities to host CSU Super Sunday since 2005.​ Campus leaders take a message of access, opportunity and the transformative power of a CSU degree to Black students in the neighboring community.