Fresno State president kicks off annual Super Sunday

He wants them to encourage their loved ones to pursue a higher education.

Dr. Welty spoke to the crowd at Saint Rest Baptist Church Sunday morning -- kicking off an annual program known as Super Sunday.

For the next three weeks, faculty and staff from the California State University system will visit African American churches throughout the state in hopes of getting more African American youth to enroll in college.

Dr. Welty told parents and grandparents to take charge of their child's future.

"Besides loving your son or daughter, your grandson or granddaughter, the most important thing you can do is encouraging them to get their education."

Dr. Welty also told churchgoers people with college degrees will earn $1.6 million more in their lifetime than those without degrees.

He said unemployment rates are also lower among college graduates.