Alcorn State University to compete for championship title at 30th annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) in Los Angeles, April 13-17
National Competition Celebrates HBCU Academic Excellence
Lorman, MS, Feb. 22, 2019– After winning a series of regional competitions, Alcorn State University is one of 48 schools that will vie for the championship title at the 30thannual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), America’s premier academic competition for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The HCASC National Championship Tournament will be held April 13-17, 2019 on the American Honda campus in Torrance, California. Alcorn State University has the opportunity to win the HCASC top prize – a $75,000 institutional grant from Honda.
Issac James Burton, a seniormajoring in criminal justicefrom Meridian, Mississippi, Krystal Dunlap,a sophomoremajoring in biologyfrom Country Club Hills, Illinois, Inaya Freeman,a freshmanmajoring in nursingfrom Brandon, Mississippi,and Emmanuella C.E. Kyllians,a sophomoremajoring in pre-medicinefrom Nigeriawill represent Alcorn State University. Dr. Sheren G. Sanderswill coach the team.
“Honda’s 30-year partnership with Alcorn and other HBCUs has provided an atmosphere that would not only put exceptional young minds to the test, but also prepare them to thrive in the workforce,” said Dr. Donzell Lee, interim president for Alcorn. “We are delighted to have representation during the competition. We wish them success, and we will cheer them on the whole way through.”
Honda Campus All-Star Challenge connects the nation's best and brightest HBCU students who expand their scope of knowledge; learn teamwork and sportsmanship; and develop a bond with their fellow competitors. The fast-paced buzzer competition highlights students’ academic prowess and ability to answer questions about history, science, literature, religion, the arts and pop culture. Outside of game play, the year-round program provides community service activities, leadership, networking opportunities and mentorship.
“For 30 years, Honda Campus All-Star Challenge has provided a platform for the nation’s top HBCU students to advance their dreams,” said Steve Morikawa, vice president of Corporate Relations and Social Responsibility at American Honda. “Honda congratulates the ‘Great 48’ for their incredible work ethic, teamwork and competitive spirit. We look forward to an exciting National Championship Tournament and crowning the 2019 HCASC National Champion in April.”
In 1989, Honda established HCASC as a way to recognize and celebrate the academic achievements of HBCU students. More than $9 million in grants from Honda to participating HBCUs have been used to fund tuition and book scholarships, student development initiatives, endowment and development campaigns, as well as facilities and equipment. Over its 30-year history, HCASC has built a network of more than 125,000 program alumni.
The 2019 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge finals will be live-streamed on Tuesday, April 16 starting at noon ET. To view the live stream and for more information about HCASC, including a full list of the 48 qualifying teams, visit HCASC.com.
Honda and the HBCU Community
For three decades, Honda has been committed to supporting the success and dreams of the nation's HBCUs. Through initiatives like the Honda Battle of the Bands and Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, Honda has been able to reach more than 170,000 students and award over $12 million in grants in support of HBCU education programs. These two initiatives have also enabled Honda to provide unforgettable experiences and opportunities for students to create memories that will last a lifetime, including meeting and networking with their peers from different schools.
Contacts:
Mary Oberembt, Honda Campus All-Star Challenge: (800) 388-2272 x107 / [email protected]
Jaymie Robinson, Honda North America, (310) 783-3943 / [email protected]
Connect with HCASC on social media using #HCASC.
Facebook:www.facebook.com/HCASC
Twitter: www.twitter.com/HCASC
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hcascpix/
