By Cynthia Hubert

August 08, 2024

Sacramento State celebrated the inaugural class of its Black Honors College (BHC) on Thursday, Aug. 8, with a program that featured a White House representative and a congratulatory video from former President Barack Obama.

The event also featured the announcement of a significant contribution to support the BHC.

Students and supporters entered the University Union Ballroom to a greeting from Sac State’s marching band and cheerleaders. An overhead screen displayed photos and short biographies of the BHC’s first 80 scholars, who will begin their studies this fall.

The college, the first of its kind in the nation, offers students of all races, cultures and majors a comprehensive curriculum focusing on the Black and African American experience. It will feature specialized general education courses with smaller classes and faculty members who have a record of success serving Black students.

“Sac State is exemplifying what we can do across the CSU.”

-- Mildred Garcia, CSU chancellor

Speakers described the college’s launch as historic and momentous for Sac State, the CSU and beyond.

Before the formal program started, audience members were surprised by a congratulatory video from former President Barack Obama, who told BHC scholars they are “uniquely poised for success” and should seize the moment.

“Channel your energy to a cause higher than yourself,” he said.

Vice President Kamala Harris sent a written message, which was delivered by keynote speaker Stephen K. Benjamin, a senior advisor to President Joe Biden.

“May you always dream with ambition, and lead with conviction,” Harris wrote.

Sac State President Luke Wood, praised by other speakers for his vision in creating the Black Honors College, asked the incoming BHC students to strive to improve life for themselves and others.

“Commit to leaving this city better than you found it,” he said.

Wood then introduced members of Sacramento’s Tsakopoulos family, who announced they are donating $2.5 million to the BHC.

CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia said the college embodies the system’s commitment to students of all cultures and backgrounds.

“Sac State is exemplifying what we can do across the CSU,” she said.

Benjamin, who was among several White House representatives attending the event, told the BHC’s inaugural class that their studies at Sac State carry the potential to change lives.

“I hope that you are both humbled and excited,” he said, reminding them that “titles don’t make leaders.”

“Leaders are servants,” Benjamin said. “Leaders give. Leaders build other leaders. … Within each and every one of you is the power to change this world.”

To end the first half of the celebration, BHC students gathered on stage and received pins and stoles commemorating the day.

Savanna Beattie, who said she will study nursing and hopes to work in a neonatal intensive care unit, said she was proud to be part of the first BHC student cohort.

The college “will give us a voice, a way to make change, and a family,” she said. “That’s what it means to me.”

Garcia told the students that CSU and Sac State will nurture them academically and in other ways.

“I know you are going to be courageous leaders of tomorrow,” she said. “Let us help you reach your highest potential.”