ASU to compete for championship title at Honda Campus All-Star Challenge

ALBANY, Ga. – After winning a series of regional competitions, Albany State University (ASU) 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 national championship, which will be held April 13 – April 17, invites over 10,000 talented students from HBCUs around the country to Torrance, California, to compete for a $75,000 grand prize in the academic tournament. Funds will be used for scholarships and program development.

“Honda has been a major supporter of HBCUs for decades, and they have contributed millions of dollars to programs that impact students at our institutions,” said John Williams, the ASU team coach and an associate professor of biology in the Department of Biological Sciences. “Albany State University has been participating in this competition since the beginning, and it is only fitting that we compete for the title on the 30th anniversary.”

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.

“This competition means so much to the students and to our institution, as it provides yet another avenue for our scholars to demonstrate excellence and learn life lessons for the future through the advent of gameplay,” Williams said. “As a former Captain of the team, I recognize the importance of the program and the benefit it brings to students, and I think our team deserves to be able to experience this momentous occasion.”

In California, participants will be split into eight divisions and will compete in a modified round-robin format. The top two teams from each division will advance to the "Sweet 16" and will compete in a single elimination playoff. The final two teams that emerge from the playoffs will compete to become the national champion.

Honda Campus All-Star Challenge team members:

Mercedes J. Fortune (Team Captain), senior majoring in forensic science from
Kennady F. Wright, senior majoring in mathematics from
Stedman E. Calhoun, senior majoring in biology from
Kristin Martin, sophomore majoring in chemistry

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.

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