Established on September 1, 2015, the opening of the African American Center for Academic Excellence was a victory for Black students, Cal Poly Humboldt, and the local community. Since that time, the Center has been a critical campus resource for students from across the African diaspora. The Center's transition to the Umoja Center for Pan African Student Excellence speaks to the intention of how the Center will operate and the values it holds. Acknowledging Umoja (unity) and all persons of indigenous or ethnic African heritage in a call to action for the development of black communities through the academy.

Gifts to this campaign support essential programming that the Umoja Center for Pan African Student Excellence is built to facilitate. This includes the Black Graduation Celebration, which takes place every Spring and is meant to celebrate Black-identified students and all their accomplishments as they move on to their next chapter after graduation. Gifts will also provide ongoing resources for Black Student-run clubs on campus, ensuring their growth and success.