CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) President Richard Yao and Vice President for Student Affairs Eboni Ford Turnbow will speak at two Oxnard churches as part of the 18th Annual CSU Super Sunday on Feb. 26.

Yao will speak at St. Paul Baptist Church at 1777 Statham Blvd. and Ford Turnbow will speak at Bethel AME Church at 855 South F St. Services begin at 10 a.m. and are open to all.  

Super Sunday is a day when California State University system leaders and presidents, administrators and students from all 23 campuses visit predominantly African American places of worship to share personal stories and experiences, advice, and college-related information to advance access, opportunity and success for Black students. The CSU system has partnered with more than 100 churches throughout the state to present this year’s event.

The CSU remains focused on improving equity and inclusivity for underserved students of color, first-generation college students and students from modest-income families. In fact, eliminating graduation rate equity gaps that exist between underserved students and their peers is a top priority of the CSU Graduation Initiative.  

The theme for this year’s Super Sunday is the transformative power of the CSU with an emphasis on African American students and the CSU’s continued efforts to support underrepresented students and close equity gaps. In 2021-22, more than 3,900 African American students earned CSU bachelor's degrees and more than 800 earned CSU graduate degrees.

“Super Sunday seeks to empower African American youth and their families to start early on the path to college and to understand that a CSU degree is accessible, affordable, achievable and transformational," said Sylvia A. Alva, CSU executive vice chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs.

“Our 23 universities? are committed to ensuring students in historically underrepresented communities have the resources and support they need to thrive, experience a sense of belonging, and achieve college and career success. As part of Graduation Initiative 2025, we are laser-focused on eliminating equity gaps and supporting Black and African American students in earning their degrees and making a lasting difference in our communities."

Since Super Sunday launched in 2005, more than 1 million people have attended this signature event of the CSU's African American Initiative, which aims to increase preparation, support, retention and degree attainment.

As part of Super Sunday, campus outreach directors and staff members are available to provide information on the application and admission process, as well as scholarships and financial aid available to prospective CSUCI students.