Historically Black Colleges and Universities Caravan Returns to Fullerton College

Posted on November 6, 2025

Fullerton College, in partnership with Santiago Canyon College, recently held an exciting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Caravan event. Returning for the first time in 10 years, the HBCU Caravan invited community college students from the Orange and Los Angeles County areas for a day to connect with HBCU representatives, explore incredible transfer options and celebrate culture.  

The events honored Dr. Helen Young for 10 years in leadership of the California Community Colleges to HBCU Transfer Guarantee pathway program. Dr. Young was gifted with an empowering print by Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo.

The event welcomed over 271 community college students and 100 high school students with a drumline performance from the Inglewood High School Band and live step show, followed by welcome remarks from President Olivo, North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) Chancellor Byron D. Clift Breland, California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) President, Dr. Ronald Rochon and Santiago Canyon College Vice President of Student Services Christopher Sweeten. Our campus also invited acclaimed singer and songwriter, Sherie, for a special performance and meet and greet experience. 

The live step show, performed by current HBCU students, showcased culture, pride and community. Fullerton College students witnessed a piece of HBCU life through performance and artistry.

The community colleges that attended the HBCU Caravan included: 

  • Fullerton College 
  • Santiago Canyon College 
  • Orange Coast College 
  • Saddleback College 
  • Cypress College 
  • Santa Ana College 

Students also had the opportunity to learn about HBCU student life from an alumni panel featuring graduated professionals who shared their insights and experiences. Representatives were also available to directly network and engage with students, exploring a wide range of transfer options and sense of belonging.  

Led by North Star Committee members Nicole Winborne, Jewell Taylor, Marrietta Gilliard, Mashonda Salsberry and Cynthia Guardado, this event was developed after the committee’s 2024-25 Ghana Delegation trip. 

CSUF President Dr. Ronald Rochon, Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo and NOCCCD Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland were in attendance to celebrate the HBCU Caravan for the first time in 10 years. A monumental event, the caravan was Orange County’s hub of HBCU representation for community college students throughout Southern California.

The HBCU Caravan is a testament to Fullerton College’s efforts to create a more welcoming and inclusive campus for Black students. With the goal to establish itself as a Black Serving-Institution, Fullerton College will continue to cultivate robust partnerships to ensure Black students feel supported, seen and uplifted.  

Learn more about the North Star Committee’s empowering efforts on the committee’s website.