Sacramento State representatives reached out to churches in predominantly African American communities as part of the Feb. 28 Super Sunday event to promote the benefits of higher education to young people and their parents.

President Robert S. Nelsen, participating in his first Super Sunday, attended the service at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Ming-Tung “Mike” Lee visited Antioch Progressive Church, and Student Affairs Vice President Edward Mills attended the service at the Center of Praise Ministries.

Jordyn Kennedy, a senior at Natomas High, left, speaks with President Robert S. Nelsen at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. (Sacramento State/Jessica Vernone) More photos

In addition to the personal appearances, many other churches participated by viewing a video of Nelsen’s speech.

“It’s an important day because it’s a day about these children up there,” Nelsen told the St. Paul congregation from the pulpit, pointing to the children’s choir. “It is about their future. We’re seeing the number of African American students increase at our university. We are the seventh most diverse university west of the Mississippi. Sac State is dedicated to you and to your community, and to this city. …

“And what I promise you is that Sac State will be the most inclusive university, where your students will feel at home like they feel at home here, in your home, today.”

After every service, representatives from Sacramento State’s Admissions and Outreach, Financial Aid and Scholarships, and other campus offices were on hand to give prospective students and their parents more information and answer questions.

“Working with the churches, we make students more aware of the preparation required for a successful trip through college,” says Chevelle Newsome, dean of Graduate Studies and coordinator of the University’s Super Sunday initiative.

Super Sunday involves the entire California State University system, with officials visiting churches across the state to further improve enrollment and graduation rates among African American students.

For more information about CSU’s Super Sunday, visit www.calstate.edu/supersunday. More information about admissions and financial aid at Sacramento State can be found at www.csus.edu/admissions. – Craig Koscho

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