Ready for the fall semester! Incoming freshmen gather after taking part in CSUN’s “Tradition of the Rose,” where Matadors place a rose at the base of the Matador statue to mark a significant moment in their lives. (Bryan Rodgers/CSUN)

Ryan Mason, senior coordinator of the Black House and Student Support Services, speaks to students gathered around the Matador Statue during a final ceremony for the Black Matador Excellence Experience, in June 2025. (Bryan Rodgers / CSUN)

A new student tosses her rose onto the base of the Matador Statue. (Bryan Rodgers/CSUN)

We’ll see you in August, Matadors! Welcome to CSUN! (Bryan Rodgers/CSUN)

Over four days in June, 50 incoming first-time freshmen gathered on campus for the second year of the Black Matador Excellence Experience. Students from all over Southern California and even a few from Northern California arrived in Northridge on June 23. They stayed in the dorms, toured the campus and learned about key resources to help them thrive.

For Zeke Sayles, 18, who recently graduated from Monrovia High School, a key part of the program was creating connections before classes begin.

“I’ve been able to meet a lot of new friends before school. It’s been fun meeting a lot of new people, especially them being my race,” he said.

When they arrived on campus, students jumped right into a variety of activities that included workshops on leadership and cultural awareness; meeting with Career Center counselors; an evening viewing of the superhero film “Black Panther,” followed by a group discussion; a team-building obstacle course, and meeting with advisors about class selection and financial aid.

Gigi McGuire, assistant director of Student Outreach and Recruitment  (SOAR), said the busy week of activities is just the start.

“It’s at least a year-long commitment we’re looking for from these students. The summer program is just the launching pad for it,” McGuire said. “They will also be in the Black Excellence cohort of the University 100 class (a freshman seminar course). Then, in partnership with the Black House, there are some other events and mentoring and more community building that will happen over the year.”

Ryan Mason, senior coordinator of the Black House and Student Support Services, said the program’s goal is not only to build community, but to make sure the students commit to their CSUN education — and know whom to turn to when they need support and advice.

“Like [McGuire] says, ‘(So) that they know where their ‘aunties’ and ‘uncles’ are'” on campus, Mason said.

Kiera McLaurin, 17, is from Upland, just east of Los Angeles. The political science major said she appreciated talking with student mentors who already have been at CSUN for a year or two.

“This really forced me to get out of my shell — it’s been really helpful because I’ve met a lot of great people,” McLaurin said. “I don’t think I’ll struggle as much, because the program helps you network and connect with people.”

The experience ended with a luncheon for new students and their families, and the opportunity to meet a variety of faculty and staff members on campus. With their family members looking on, the incoming freshmen then took part in ceremonies at the Matador statue, and received special pins that identify them as part of the Black Matador Excellence Experience.

CSUN’s Black and African American student population numbers nearly 2,000 students. Campus initiatives aimed at fostering and supporting Black and African American scholarship also include Black Scholars Matter, the Dubois-Hamer Institute for Academic Achievement, the Black House, and the landmark Africana Studies program, one of the oldest and largest departments of its kind in the nation, within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. 

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