National Competition Celebrates HBCU Academic Excellence

After winning a series of regional competitions, Norfolk State University is one of 48 schools that will vie for the championship title at the 30^th 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. Norfolk State University has the opportunity to win the HCASC top prize – a $75,000 institutional grant from Honda.

Watch a livestream of the finals on April 16, noon EDT, on HCASC.com.

Dwight M. Parker, a Senior majoring in Biology Pre-Professoinal from Chesapeake, VA; Gina M. Gaston, a Sophomore majoring in Psychology from Cleveland, OH; Anaya S. Artopee, a Sophomore majoring in Business Management from Chesterfield, VA; and Cordale D. Robinson, a Sophomore majoring in Mass Communications from Huntsville, AL will represent Norfolk State University. Ms. Gwendolyn Epps Pharr and Mr. Michael J. Cotter will coach the team.

“For more than 25 years, Norfolk State University has partnered with Honda to produce the top HBCU student scholars in the nation,” said the team in a press release.  “We are proud to extend this legacy.”

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.