The California State University (CSU) Alumni Council has honored California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) alumna Jimmie Thompson with a commendation for her tireless leadership in alumni relations and support for the entire 23-campus CSU system.
Thompson (’92, B.A., political science; ’94, M.A., negotiation and conflict management), an eight-year member of the CSU Alumni Council where she served as secretary from 2011 to 2012 and was as a frequent legislative advocate who met with elected officials in Sacramento to discuss CSU priorities, will step down from the CSU Alumni Council in June 2015.
“I am beyond appreciative for the commendation from the CSU. I’ve always enjoyed working with the council. They’re so professional and are very caring people. They’re truly on a mission to enlighten us all about the benefits that a CSU degree provides in defining the quality of our lives,” said Thompson, who most recently served on the committee for the CSU’s Class of 3 Million campaign. “Just to be part of their activities was an honor, and then to be recognized for my involvement was just awesome. I still smile about it today.”
Thompson has been an active member of the CSU’s African American Initiative, particularly its statewide Super Sunday and Super Saturday events.
Since 2005, Super Sunday has enabled CSU leaders to speak from the pulpit in hundreds of predominantly African American churches to encourage young people to go to college. Super Saturday is a college fair that takes place in the summer to help prepare middle school and high school students to successfully enter and graduate from a CSU campus.
In 2012, Thompson, whose mother, sister and daughter all graduated from CSUDH, addressed a congregation of thousands at City of Refuge church in Los Angeles. It was her first time speaking during Super Sunday.
“A big part of the reason I am such an advocate for the CSU is that I always felt welcomed on the campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills,” said Thompson during her Super Sunday remarks. “Some universities ostracize those who are different, including older adults on campus. I never felt anything but acceptance and support. Every faculty and staff member who I met facilitated my success.”
While Thompson is stepping down from the systemwide alumni council, she will remain active on the CSUDH Alumni Advisory Council, which she has served on for the past nine years.
