Joe Marshall, founder and director of the Omega Boys Club, gave the keynote address Thursday, Nov. 16 as part of the “Future of the California State University” as presented by the Sacramento State – California Faculty Association to a diverse and enthusiastic audience in the Redwood Room of the University Union.

“I think I know why I’m here, I’m not quite sure,” said Marshall,” but I?m going to tell you my story anyway.”

Marshall began his career as a high school math teacher but branched out into community service when he realized that his students lacked the support necessary to succeed in the academic environment.

“I wanted my kids to succeed. Too many weren’t making it to the finish line,” stated Marshall who went on to say “I got tired of going to funerals.”

Marshall founded the Omega Boys Club in 1987 to address the personal and academic needs of his students. The Omega Boys Club, which is open to both boys and girls, prepares students for the academic and personal challenges of university life.

“We talk about the issues at the core of life that seem to be derailing students,” said Marshall.

The program also provides students with funding to attend college. Since its inception in 1987, the program has given 69 students the academic, personal, and financial support necessary to attend college.

Marshall chose to direct his energies towards preparing his students for the university because of the maturation and growth that the college experience offers.

“The university is a great place to grow and there shouldn’t be any limits put on that growth, “stated Marshall.

The California Faculty Association has initiated the “Future of the CSU: Reclaiming A University for All the People of California” to provide statewide forums for clarifying the alternative visions of the CSU system.