NEW ORLEANS — Hundreds of study hours and intense preparation have paid off for a team of scholars from Dillard University, who have advanced to the Sweet Sixteen Playoffs in the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC). Now in its 32nd season, HCASC is America’s premier academic competition between students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through which Honda annually awards more than $350,000 in institutional grants to the participating HBCUs. Due to the pandemic, HCASC will shift from in-person events to virtual tournaments. On March 20-21, Dillard University will compete in the HCASC Sweet Sixteen Playoffs with the goal of advancing to the National Championship Tournament, April 17-20.
This is the 20th year Dillard University has participated in the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge. Chad Herman Fuselier ‘22, an accounting major from Lafayette, Louisiana, Jared M. Ingram ‘23 a biology major from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Precious Richardson ‘21, an accounting major from Saint Joseph, Louisiana and Jala Keana Hicks ‘22, a biology major from Monroe, Louisiana will represent Dillard University. Terrica S. Watkins and Amelie Wax Reeves will coach the team.
“Our team has worked hard this year,” said Dr. Ebony Turner, interim dean of Dillard’s University College. “Despite the pandemic, they have strived for excellence. They practiced three times a week and often studied in between to continuously enhance their knowledge base. This team pushes each other and at the same time supports their teammates. It has been an honor watching the team grow this year. We are excited and honored to represent Dillard University in the next round of the competition.”
Honda Campus All-Star Challenge is a year-round knowledge-based program that enhances educational experiences and personal development opportunities for HBCU students. The program challenges students to expand their scope of knowledge on a wide range of topics while gaining lifelong learning skills, including leadership, collaboration, and sportsmanship. During games, students work together to answer questions about history, science, literature, religion, the arts and pop culture. Outside of competition, students build camaraderie, network, and become friends for life.
Established in 1989 to recognize the academic talents of HBCU students, the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge can be a platform to help students pursue their dreams. Dillard University aims to be the last team standing and win the top prize – a $75,000 institutional grant from Honda.
“Honda congratulates the students from Dillard University who demonstrate a passion for knowledge and learning that extends beyond the classroom,” said Alexandra Warnier, manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at American Honda. “For over 30 years, Honda Campus All-Star Challenge has highlighted the academic excellence of HBCUs on a national stage. We look forward to crowning the 2021 HCASC National Champion and celebrating the achievements of these incredible students.”
The Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Sweet Sixteen Playoffs will be live-streamed on March 20 & 21 starting at 10:00AM EDT at HCASC.com.
Honda’s Three-Decade Commitment to HBCUs
For over three decades, Honda has supported the success and dreams of HBCU students through initiatives like the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge and Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB). These programs have provided unforgettable experiences and opportunities for HBCU students to create memories that will last a lifetime, including meeting and networking with their peers from other HBCU schools. Honda has impacted the lives of more than 200,000 students and awarded over $14 million in grants in support of HBCU education programs and facilities improvements. For more information, contact the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge’s Lillian E. Parker at lillian@hcasc.com or American Honda’s Rebecca Lee at rebecca_lee@ahm.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/
