Local community members will be honored for their service by the Cal State San Bernardino Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association at the 6th annual Pioneer Breakfast on Friday, Feb. 23.
The event coincides with the celebration of Black History Month and will take place in the Santos Manuel Student Union Events Center.
This year’s theme is “Our Legacy Defines Our Future” and binds with the university’s vision of defining the future.
“This is an excellent opportunity for our current students to meet past CSUSB pioneers, alumni and community leaders,” said Roberson. “This is ultimately a history lesson of pioneers that made a huge impact at Cal State San Bernardino.”
This year’s honorees are:
• Denise Benton, Staff Award recipient;
• Edward Harrison, Administration Award recipient;
• Charlotte Black, Faculty Award recipient;
• Dia Poole, Alumni Award recipient; and
• Olivia Rosas, Lorraine Frost Ally Award recipient.
This year’s event distinguishes itself from past breakfasts, with a new branding, more scholarships and a change in the concept of the annual essay competition that CSUSB students compete in, Roberson said.
The annual essay competition is open to all CSUSB students and gives students the opportunity to express themselves, enhance writing skills and learn from history. The essay should be no more than 500 words and submitted online. The deadline and submission link will be posted on the BFSSA Facebook page and website for more details. The winner will be announced at the breakfast and receive a $250 scholarship.
“The Pioneer Breakfast is important to have here at CSUSB to showcase our diversity and inclusiveness,” said Roberson. “This event bridges our CSUSB community with our local service communities and brings back our alumni.
The Pioneer Breakfast serves as a fundraiser for five current scholarships benefitting current CSUSB students: J. Milton Clark, Mildred Henry, Terrylin Monette, John Overton, and the Belva Holder Scholarship. Proceeds will also support the annual African American Graduation recognition ceremony.