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National Competition Celebrates HBCU Academic Excellence
After winning a series of regional competitions, Morgan State University is one of 48 schools that will vie for the championship title at the 30th annual 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. Morgan State University has the opportunity to win the HCASC top prize – a $75,000 institutional grant from Honda.
Oluwakayode A. Jasanya, a senior majoring in Electrical Engineering from Lagos, Nigeria; Elizabeth Olusola a junior majoring in Accounting from Randallstown, MD; Rebecca Olusola a sophomore majoring in Computer Engineering from Pretoria, South Africa; and Breon Prestbury a sophomore majoring in Physics from Baltimore, MD will represent Morgan State University. Dr. Inte’a DeShields will coach the team.
“Morgan has enjoyed a relationship with the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge that spans the past three decades, and in that time our bright and innovative students have competed in a national forum against some of the best of their peers,” said David Wilson, president of Morgan State University. “We appreciate earning the opportunity to again challenge for the top honors and bring back a championship to the campus, making all Morganites proud.”
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 12:00 p.m. 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.
About Morgan State
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution offering more than 100 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT(S):
Mary Oberembt, for HCASC
(800) 388-2272 x107
Jaymie Robinson, for Honda North America
(310) 783-3943
Larry Jones or Dell Jackson, University PR
(443) 885-3022
