(February 17, 2009) – Chancellor Charles B. Reed of California State University (CSU) meets with more than 50 members of a youth group after speaking from the pulpit to the Center of Hope Community Church on Sunday, Feb. 15 in Oakland.

“You have something forever… no one can ever take that away from you,” Reed said about a college education. He didn’t promise that an education is easy, but said “if you have to work for it, struggle for it – you’ll respect it, you’ll love it and you’ll make it work.

One-on-One with CSU Leaders

Jeff Bleich, chairman of the CSU Board of Trustees talked college opportunities with Darynell Bell, a high school sophomore from Oakland. Both Bleich and Bell attended the college workshop held in a small chapel at Center of Hope Church in Oakland.

Meanwhile, Kasani Bell a high school sophomore and Samyiah Franklin a high school senior, both from Oakland, told Chancellor Reed that students need more venues to learn about college.

“We learned today that CSU East Bay is a friendly school to African Americans,” said Franklin. “It would be good if the CSU goes where the students hang around.”

President Gonzalez: We Want You

Sacramento State President Alexander Gonzalez told the congregation at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church that “we want you to be part of future commencement ceremonies.” Corey Barnett took a step towards that goal this Sunday by meeting with university officials.

Barnett, 18, attends Sacramento High School and likes the idea of staying closer to home for college.  He is applying to Sac State and is interested in engineering.

His mother, Melinda Smith, wasn’t far away, and she had some advice for her son. She told Barnett to talk to someone about financial aid as he approached the table.

“It’s nice that they came out here,” Barnett said of the staff from Sac State who visited St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.  He added that Super Sunday gave him the opportunity to discuss the admissions process and – of course – financial aid.

President Qayoumi: Education is the Road Map

Cal State East Bay President Mohammad Qayoumi addressed two church congregations in Oakland: Acts Full Gospel Church of God in Christ, and Greater Saint John Missionary Baptist Church.

Sonjia Redmond, vice president for Student Affairs at California State University, East Bay, introduced President Qayoumi to the congregation of Greater Saint John.

"Education is the road map to pursue the American dream of prosperity, health, and ultimate freedom,” said Qayoumi. “All these things are possible with a college degree from a CSU university.”

Courtesy Photo/ CSU Public Affairs

Courtesy Photo/ CSU Public Affairs

Sacramento State Educational Opportunity Program admissions counselor, David Ortega, speaks with Melinda Smith and her son Corey Barnett on Sunday at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Courtesy Photo/ Sacramento State

Courtesy Photo/ Barry Zepel, CSUEB

Courtesy Photo/ Barry Zepel, CSUEB

Up Next … Southern California

Feb. 22 Super Sunday travels to Southern California. CSU leaders will speak at 25 churches throughout the region.

Today, Pastor Wayne Chaney, Jr. of Antioch Church, Long Beach, posted a video invitation for southern California’s congregations on the CSU Super Sunday blog.

In his recorded invitation, he talks about the influences that sharpen a person, preparing them for college. He inspires us all to “play a part in building productive and innovative leaders.”