Student Affairs + Campus Diversity
Gus and Emma Thompson Black Resource Center Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Message from Leadership
Dear Donor, This year we continued to exceed expectations. Centering our efforts on the holistic student experience, there's much to celebrate. We hosted and/or collaborated on more than 50 programs, partnered with over 25 departments and organizations, welcomed more than 8,000 visitors, and increased our reach within the community through academic success, recruitment and retention, and mentorship initiatives that took us to different schools and businesses throughout the region. In terms of academic support, our Henrietta Goodwin and Solomon Scholars Program saw an increase in retention from year one to year two; the Black Transfer Student Success (BTSS) program outgrew its previous capacity and added a second class; and the Harold Brown Knowledge, Education, and Empowerment Program (HB KEEP) partnered with the San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Urban League Young Professionals, and First Citizens Bank to support two students with financial investment awards. But we could not have done this without your continued support. We recognize the work of so many who laid the foundation on which we stand, and we take great pride in knowing that we're contributing to such an important history. Sincerely,
Malcolm Oliver II, Ph.D. Director, Gus & Emma Thompson Black Resource Center
Philanthropy
Propelling the SDSU Community Forward Gus & Emma Thompson Black Resource Center Community Care Fund Through the Gus & Emma Thompson Black Resource Center Community Care Fund, critical financial support was provided to 12 students during fall 2025 and spring 2026, helping address urgent barriers that could have disrupted their academic progress and overall well-being. Emergency aid was distributed to assist students facing housing instability, food insecurity, loss of income, transportation challenges, and the need for replacement technology essential for coursework and academic engagement. The Community Care Fund served as an immediate safety net during times of crisis, allowing students to remain enrolled, continue attending classes, and maintain access to critical campus and community resources. Gus & Emma Thompson Black Resource Center Fund Through the Gus & Emma Thompson Black Resource Center (BRC) Fund, strategic investments were made to strengthen both student experiences and the physical environment of the BRC. The fund supported facility enhancements, including the construction of a third office to expand student support capacity, interior repainting to refresh the main house, and the installation of new backyard shade structures to create a more welcoming and functional gathering space for students, programs, and community events. Additional funding provided direct support for students to attend the annual Afrikan Black Coalition Conference, which offered opportunities for leadership development, networking, advocacy, and connection with Black student leaders from across California. The fund also invested in artwork reflecting the African diaspora as a way of recognizing the individual and collective experiences of so many. Together, these investments enhanced student engagement, community building, and holistic support at the BRC. Black Minds Matter Fund Through the Black Minds Matter Fund at the Gus & Emma Thompson Black Resource Center, we invested in programs that expanded student access, cultural engagement, and academic enrichment. In January 2025 and January 2026, funding provided tables for eight students each year to attend the MLK Jr. Luncheon, creating opportunities for leadership development, networking, and community connection. In January 2025, the fund also supported Africana Studies by contributing to a keynote speaker honorarium, enriching campus dialogue and student learning experiences. In February 2026, we partnered with the Center for Skateboarding, Action Sports, and Social Change for a Black History Month event, again supporting a keynote speaker honorarium to foster meaningful conversations around culture, equity, and social impact.
Student Spotlight
Thriving in the Aztec Experience Enoch Ampofo, Class of 2026 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Professional Studies & Fine Arts Major: Journalism with an emphasis in Advertising (Minor in Leadership Studies) Enoch Ampofo is a graduating senior at SDSU majoring in Journalism with an emphasis in Advertising and minoring in Leadership Studies. As a transfer student, the Black Transfer Student Success (BTSS) program provided him with the structure and community to strengthen his confidence, improve academically, and grow as a leader. In his first year, Enoch joined the Afrikan Student Union and the Black Transfer Club, later becoming president of both the following year. During his senior year, Enoch was one of ten students who received the annual SDSU Quest for the Best awards — a Vice Presidential Student Service Award celebrating student achievement in four areas: academic excellence, student service and activities, community service, and leadership development. Additionally, Enoch has worked at the Gus and Emma Thompson Black Resource Center as an Ambassador, Academic Mentor, and Programmer, served as an Event Operations Lead with SDSU Athletics, and completed an internship with Duke Athletics in 2025. But the BTSS program was central to his journey. It was there that a guest speaker inspired him to pursue a graduate degree, and this fall, he will begin the M.A. in Postsecondary Educational Leadership and Student Affairs program at SDSU.
Student Spotlight
Bronwyn Gordon, Class of 2026 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: College of Health and Human Services Major: Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy Bronwyn is a senior transfer student majoring in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy. Since transferring to SDSU, Bronwyn has become deeply involved through leadership, mentorship, and community engagement. Last year, she was the first Academic Chair for the Black Transfer Club (BTC) and helped increase access to academic resources and support services. And this year, Bronwyn served as President and Captain of the dually recognized student organization and spirit squad, SDSU Diamonds, which competed at Buck or Die, the world’s largest majorette competition, and became the first collegiate team to compete nationally, placing first in Field Show and second in Stand Battle. Throughout her captaincy, the Diamonds represented SDSU with numerous performances at the local and national levels. The Gus and Emma Thompson Black Resource Center (BRC) and the Black Transfer Student Support (BTSS) program also played a pivotal role in her journey. BTSS provided a safe and supportive environment, allowing her to grow academically and personally, and the BRC helped develop the leadership and professional skills necessary postgraduation. Together, these programs helped shape Bronwyn into who she is today.
Student Spotlight
Joshua Massawe, Class of 2027 Class Level: Undergraduate Student College: Engineering Major: Computer Engineering Joshua was selected as a top 2% applicant for Business Today’s 51st International Conference, recognized for his exceptional business experience and leadership potential among a highly competitive global applicant pool. He was also awarded the 2026 Doris A. Howell Foundation Research Scholar Grant ($3,500) for his research project focused on genome-wide polygenic risk scoring to support the early prediction of preeclampsia across diverse populations. As President of the National Society of Black Engineers, Joshua led a transformative year of student engagement, professional development, and career success, with members securing internships and full-time opportunities. Joshua credits the Gus and Emma Thompson Black Resource Center and the Harold K. Brown Knowledge, Education, and Empowerment Program for playing a pivotal role in his success by providing support, professional networking opportunities in the tech industry, and life-changing knowledge in finance, homeownership, and leadership development beyond the classroom.
Points of Pride
Celebrating Shared Success Statistics of Interest Students who engage with BRC programs have achieved a reported 95% graduation rate, and the center supports a robust ecosystem of mentoring, scholarship, leadership, wellness, and academic-success programs. SDSU has also seen a 35% increase in Black student degree attainment over the past decade. The 4th Annual Career and Professional Development Fair hosted 320 student participants and included Professional Development workshops featuring alumni, students, and industry professionals. BRC Academic Programming from this past academic year served 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and Transfer Student populations with over 250 students in total. Recent Highlights In total, BRC programming from the 2025-2026 academic year included over 50 programs with more than 25 collaborations. SDSU recently received dedicated CSU funding for Black student success efforts, with the BRC serving as a central hub for many of those initiatives. The BRC's mission is explicitly focused on promoting Black excellence and creating belonging, connection, leadership development, and academic success for students of the African diaspora. Moreover, programming is organized around six pillars: Community Building, Academic Achievement, Career Development, Health & Wellness, Leadership & Service, and Social Justice. The BRC received a transformative $5 million gift in 2024, the largest known gift in its history. When SDSU announced the renaming and new funding, administrators noted that the gift would expand academic retention programs, peer mentoring, mental health support, student basic-needs resources, academic success programming, and Black Student Degree Attainment at SDSU.
BRC Impact
BRC Programs
BRC programs reported a 95% graduation rate, a 35% increase in Black student degree attainment over the past decade.
Over 50 programs with more than 25 collaborations in Academic Year 2025-2026.
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Rachael Stewart, Ed.D Title: Faculty Scholar College: College of Education Achievement: Voted Faculty of the Year by the students at the 2026 Legacy Ball. She shared the following: This past year, I found inspiration in the continued growth, resilience, and achievements of the students and faculty I have the privilege to work alongside. Through equitycentered teaching, experiential learning, and collaborative programming, I have continued creating learning environments that support students academically, professionally, and personally. This year also marked several meaningful accomplishments. In collaboration with the Urban League of San Diego County’s National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP), I helped secure and distribute $10,000 to Harold K. Brown Knowledge, Education, and Empowerment Program (HB KEEP) students to support the start of their college investing journeys and advance economic empowerment education. One of the most rewarding moments this year was witnessing the first cohort of students who entered the Black Resource Center academic programs graduate from SDSU after progressing through both the Henrietta Goodwin Scholars Program (HGS) and HB KEEP. Watching these students evolve from first-year scholars into graduating leaders has been a powerful reflection of the long-term impact of our programs and support systems. Looking ahead, I foresee continued growth in experiential learning, career readiness, financial literacy, and industry partnerships that connect academic learning with professional opportunities. Students are especially excited about expanding internships, mentorship, leadership development, and collaborative programming that strengthens student belonging and post-graduate success. Philanthropy continues to play a critical role in advancing our work. Community and donor support make it possible to provide innovative co-curricular experiences, leadership opportunities, and economic empowerment initiatives that directly transform student outcomes and expand access to opportunity.
Faculty and Staff Achievements
Donnae Prather, M.S. Title: Assistant Director College: Gus & Emma Thompson Black Resource Center Achievement: Donnae will begin a doctoral program at SDSU in Fall 2026. This past academic, year we doubled down on our continued commitment to ensuring the academic success of Black transfer students at San Diego State University. In its third year since its inception, the Black Transfer Student Success program has continued to grow in reach and impact, increasing student participation and a stronger sense of community. For the 2025-2026 fall semester, there were two courses in the Fall with a total of 43 students, a growth of 20 students from the previous year. These courses are designed to support Black transfer students in their academic transition, connect with campus resources, and overall build community with the campus and one another.
Thank you for your generous support.
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