National Competition Celebrates HBCU Academic Excellence
Columbia, SC,March 13, 2019– After winning a series of regional competitions, Benedict Collegeis 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. Benedict Collegehas the opportunity to win the HCASC top prize – a $75,000 institutional grant from Honda.
“Benedict’s Academic Honda Team represents the Best of BC! said, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College, “I am proud that Benedict College has been participating in the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge for the last 23 years and we applaud Honda for supporting academic excellence at our nation’s HBCUs for last 30 years.”
Theodore Myers, Jr.a Freshmanmajoring in Electrical Engineeringfrom Elgin, SC; team captain, Sierra A. Samuel, a Seniormajoring in Chemistryfrom Detroit, MI; Luis E. Gonzaleza Freshmanmajoring in Psychologyfrom Las Vegas, NV, and Zackary T. Norrisa Sophomoremajoring in Religionfrom Dillon, SCwill represent Benedict College.Dr. Bennie Jameswill coach the team (pictured in the middle).
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.
About Benedict College
Founded in 1870, Benedict College is rapidly approaching its 150thyear of providing high quality academic programs to students who desire to pursue their program of study in a diverse academic environment. While its history is laudable, Benedict’s present focus and strategic trajectory are its priority.
Benedict College is a BEST in class academic institution that offers its students transformative academic programs, in an innovative, technology enhanced, student focused, culturally sensitive learning environment. The College is committed to preparing students to enter the global marketplace with exceptional cultural and professional competencies that will enable them to contribute to the sustainability and economic growth of their communities.
For eight straight years, Benedict College has been ranked one of the top baccalaureate colleges in the nation by Washington Monthly Magazine for creating social mobility and producing cutting-edge scholarship and research. Benedict offers 24 high demand academic programs, including, Computer Science, Engineering, Cyber Security, Mass Communication, Sport Management, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Biology and Education. Moreover, over the past ten years, sixty (60%) of BC alumni have pursued graduate or professional study.
In addition to its academic programs, Benedict College is home to a standard-setting Career Pathways Program that is strategically designed to prepare Benedict College students for success in a rapidly changing, highly competitive and technology driven workplace. The Program’s mission is to transform student scholars into focused, highly skilled critical thinkers, who are experts in their field of study and, more importantly, are intellectually adept and resilient enough to assume jobs that do not yet exist.
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 / mary@hcasc.com
Jaymie Robinson, Honda North America, (310) 783-3943 / jaymie_robinson@hna.honda.com
Connect with HCASC on social media using #HCASC.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HCASC
Twitter: www.twitter.com/HCASC
Instagram:www.instagram.com/hcascpix/
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