During Cal State Fullerton’s Super Sunday service at Second Baptist Church, President S. Ronald Rochon shared the powerful moment he realized the value of a college degree.
Rochon is a first-generation college graduate who earned a bachelor’s degree from Tuskegee University in Alabama. He recounted that after his first year in college, he stayed to witness the university’s commencement exercises at the urging of a classmate instead of returning to his home in Chicago.
His friend told him: “It’s something you need to see.”
Rochon continued, “I remember vividly these African American men and women walking across the stage with beautiful gowns on, adorned with stripes on their shoulders and sleeves called chevrons.”
He was also in awe of the graduates’ colorful academic hoods — regalia denoting their scholarly achievements and earning doctorates in different disciplines.
“I had no idea what was happening,” Rochon added. “I called my mama and told her I don’t know what I saw, but I want one.”
Rochon continued his education to earn a master’s and doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
The president delivered an empowering message to the congregation of the Santa Ana church about the importance of preparing for college and the accessibility of higher education.
For 20 years, the California State University has partnered with faith-based organizations to host Super Sunday during February’s Black History Month.
Second Baptist Church’s senior pastor, the Rev. Ivan S. Pitts, who earned a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, lauded CSU leaders for being “powerful examples of leadership.”
The university’s Department of Outreach, Recruitment and Orientation organized the Feb. 23 Faith in Our Future-themed event, which included college resources for families, such as application and admissions support and financial aid information.
CSUF partnered with other local churches for Super Sunday. Kimberly Shiner, vice president for university advancement, addressed the congregation of Christ Our Redeemer African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Irvine.
Phenicia McCullough, vice president for human resources and inclusive excellence; Eugenia Miller, athletic life skills coordinator; and student Keah Talley, event coordinator for the Black Student Union, spoke at Friendship Baptist Church in Yorba Linda.
In closing, Rochon relayed that CSUF is a multicultural, public university offering opportunity and accessibility to support the success of all students.
“We are your campus of choice. We are here to serve. We’re ready to make magic happen in classrooms,” he said.
Rochon also told parents and their children that CSUF opens doors — and possibilities.
“We want to hand the baton to our young people,” he said.
One of those youths is teenager Jordan Hunter, a junior at Long Beach’s Woodrow Wilson High School who plays football and participates in Second Baptist Church’s youth ministry.
Wearing a “CSUF” emblazoned T-shirt, Hunter said he started high school as a below-average student, skipped class and wasn’t interested in school. He has since achieved a 3.6 GPA. Church members applauded.
Hunter said he realizes the importance of good grades and college preparation. He wants to earn a college degree to get a good-paying job.
“All it took for me was to be in class and to want to learn,” said Hunter, who shared a Scripture verse about the importance of always wanting to seek more knowledge. “I’m proud of myself.”
Graduating senior Seyi Alli, a Second Baptist Church member, and dance major Tailer Vance were among the Titans who participated in Super Sunday. Vance performed a solo dance, and Alli talked about her CSUF experience.
Alli is serving her second term as president of the Black Student Union and co-founded the Nigerian Student Association. A business administration major studying entertainment and hospitality management, Alli aspires to work in the music industry after graduation.
She said getting involved on campus and building community are key to college success.
“It’s been rewarding to be involved,” Alli said. “I’ve grown as a person — and a leader.”