On October 12, hundreds of students and families attended Super Saturday at the Satellite Student Union, an outreach event organized by the Black Student Success Initiative at Fresno State. The event was designed to provide middle school, high school, and community college students with resources to enhance college readiness and retention, while also offering support for parents during the transition to higher education.
Keynote Speaker: Robert Golden
Former NFL player Robert Golden served as the keynote speaker. A native of Fresno, Golden is a graduate of Edison High School and attended the University of Arizona. He played six seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring in 2018. Following his NFL career, he established Golden Charter Academy, a K-8 charter school in west Fresno with an emphasis on environmental education.
Inspirational Message
In his keynote address, Golden shared his personal journey and inspired attendees to pursue their aspirations. He referenced his childhood dreams of playing in the NFL and providing a home for his mother, both of which he achieved. Golden emphasized the importance of setting goals and devising plans, stating, “I give you all this information not to brag on me, but to show you that if you write your vision down, make your plan, it will happen.”
Workshops and Activities
Following his speech, attendees engaged in various workshops on topics such as financial aid and college admission requirements. Additionally, the event featured hands-on activities in the arts and sciences, including an African Drum Interactive experience and a performance by the university’s majorette team, the Red Wavettes. A resource fair connected students and families to a range of on-campus and community resources.
Addressing Equity Gaps
Super Saturday plays a significant role in addressing equity gaps in higher education, particularly as Black and African American students represent less than 3% of the university’s demographic. Sade Johnson, program director for the Black Student Success Initiative at Fresno State, expressed the hope that the event would enhance understanding of college accessibility, especially for first-generation students.
Ongoing Programs
The Black Student Success Initiative also conducts various programs throughout the year aimed at promoting student achievement and success. Further information about these programs is available on their official website.
(Source: Fresno State News)