About AARC
History
Former AFAM Studies chair Dr. Wacira Gethaiga earned his masters in Education from UC Berkeley and earned a doctorate from Claremont University. He was one of the founding fathers of CSUF’s Ethnic Studies Department, along with Dr. Michael Finney, Dr. Diego Fuentes and Dr. Roberto Ceros. The department hoped their curriculum would increase Black enrollment at the university. Gathaiga and others visited surrounding high schools to build a black presence on campus. The Ethnic Studies Department can be found in Humanities 314.
As the black population rose on campus, Dr. Gathaiga strived to create a space for students to socialize and receive coursework tutoring. It would suffice as a gathering space to replace congregating in the quad. He proposed to University Administration to establish the African American Resource Center, and its approval was a gradual process. The African American Faculty & Staff Association was established during this time as well.
Students talked to President Milton Gordon to place the center in the second floor of Humanities. Vice President Dr. Robert Palmer spearheaded funding the AARC. His Secretary, Ellen Shaw identified the needs of the center. Now the AARC is currently located in PLS 182 thriving in all of its black excellence glory.
meet the staff
Torrell Foree (he/him/his)
Coordinator, African American Resource Center
Torrell Foree serves as the Coordinator for the African American Resource Center (AARC). He earned his Bachelors of Arts in History and African American studies with a minor in Sociology at California State University, Fullerton. He also has a Masters of Science in Education, with a concentration in Higher Education from CSUF. He has worked in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at Iowa State University. As a first-gen scholar and someone who has utilized the AARC as a student, he hopes to provide opportunity where students can have transformative experiences that impacted him as a student. In addition to supporting students, Torell loves driving stick-shift cars, is a fan of anime and Marvel, and enjoys everything Apple.
Tebraie (he/him/his)
Graduate Student Assistant, African American Resource Center
Tebraie is a graduate student from Ontario currently working toward his Masters in Science in Higher Education. Tebraie is also a vegetarian and his favorite drink is hot chocolate. In his spare time, he likes reading, watching, and laughing with friends. He is excited to interact with the Black students here at Cal State Fullerton and to learn about how he can develop professionally in his career.
Cameron (he/him/his)
Communications & Graphic Design Lead, African American Resource Center
Bethany (she/her/hers)
Community Engagement Lead, African American Resource Center
Bethany is a communications major from Los Angeles. Her favorite movie is the Secret Life of Bees and she enjoys listening to H.E.R., SiR and DVSN. In her spare time, she likes playing basketball with friends. This year, she is looking forward to establishing community consciousness as well as develop herself and others as a whole.
Tre (he/him/his)
Community Success Lead, African American Resource Center
Eugene is a Computer Engineering major from Kingsland, Georgia. He enjoys basketball, listening to Hip Hop, and traveling. This year he is excited to welcome in new students into the AARC and get them involved on campus in hopes to make a difference in the community.
Kafilat (she/her/hers)
Identity Development Lead, African American Resource Center
Kafilat is a Public Health major and African American Studies minor from Bellflower. Her favorite movie is Spy Kids and her favorite television show is Jane the Virgin. She enjoys listening to the Partynextdoor and in her spare time, she likes playing volleyball. She is excited to work in the AARC because she got to be one of the few people that can guide people to a space that is comfortable and inclusive. The AARC changed her college experience and hopes to introduce that to other folks on campus!
Carter (she/her/hers)
Social Justice Educator Lead, African American Resource Center
Carter is an Accounting and ISDS double Business Major from Los Angeles. She enjoys listening to Megan Thee Stallion, her favorite movie is Mulan and she prefers eating vegetables. Carter is looking forward to helping other black students connect with the black community on campus and get involved to make their experience worthwhile. She also looks forward to connecting with others on campus.
