SDSU Has a Super Sunday

On Sunday, President Elliot Hirshman joined Bayview Baptist Church for Super Sunday, a California State University-wide recruitment event that aims to enroll more African Americans.

“In joining together, we recognize the fundamental value of education,” Hirshman said during the event. “We recognize this value for traditional students and non-traditional students who may be considering returning to school.”

African-American outreach

As part of Super Sunday, CSU leaders speak at predominantly African-American churches across the state to share information with students, parents and community mentors about preparing for college, applying to a CSU campus and financial aid.

“We need to enroll and graduate more African-American students, particularly males, and especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” Hirshman said to more than 850 congregants during two services that day.

Sunday’s event was President Hirshman’s first as part of the statewide initiative.

“We need to enroll and graduate more African-American students, particularly males, and especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

Aztec commitment to the community

“President Hirshman’s leadership has arrived at a really important time for our campus and for the African-American community,” said Reggie Blaylock, assistant vice president and director of the SDSU Educational Opportunity Program/Ethnic Affairs.

“His attendance on Sunday reaffirms the campus’ commitment and his commitment to making sure all members of our local community have access to higher education.”

In addition to Blaylock, Hirshman was joined by:

• Aaron Bruce, chief diversity officer
• James Kitchen, vice president for student affairs
• Trimaine Davis, outreach, recruitment and admissions officer with the Educational Opportunity Program/Ethnic Affairs
• Channelle McNutt, Associated Students diversity commissioner and president of the SDSU Afrikan Student Union

“It really meant a lot as a student and as president of the Afrikan Student Union that President Hirshman is really about keeping those relationships strong and fostering those connections within the community,” McNutt said.

Following the service, Davis spoke with dozens of young people about the opportunities available to them at SDSU and invited them to attend Aztec for a Day on Nov. 5, an EOP-led recruitment event.

SDSU representatives, including President Hirshman, will continue Super Sunday activities with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral on Oct. 9.

About Super Sunday

Now in its sixth year, Super Sunday, has expanded from 24 churches to include more than 100 throughout California. It has led to the development of a companion college fair event held in August called Super Saturday.

For more information on Super Sunday, visit the CSU website.