On Saturday, February 25, 2023, the Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) Honda Campus All-Star Championship (HCASC) Team placed third in the National Qualifying Tournament hosted by Winston-Salem State University. Although SAU did not advance to the national tournament in Torrance, CA, they earned a $3,000 grant for the university.

“I am still really proud of the hard work our scholars have put in. To compete at this level with so little experience is tremendous,” said SAU Interim Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Jennings-Alexander. “I look forward to honoring them later in the year.”

Dr. Jennings-Alexander also served the Head Coach and Campus Coordinator of the SAU team. Mr. Chris Baker, Circulation Librarian, was the Assistant Coach. The team was comprised of all women who are freshmen, consisting of three international students and one student from the United States.

The SAU HCASC Team:

Ms. Ana Nunez, criminal justice

Ms. Stephanie Sierra Medina, business administration

Ms. Sophie Sommer, senior, early college

Ms. Tadiwanashe Rukasha, engineering mathematics

Mr. Chris Baker, Assistant Coach

Dr. Janelle Jennings-Alexander, Head Coach and Campus Coordinator

“The outstanding performance by our team is reflective of our faculty’s commitment to student success,” said SAU President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “I wish to congratulate them and thank Dr. Jennings-Alexander for guiding our students.”

The Honda Campus All-Star Challenge is a year-round program that includes campus engagement, intramural play, and qualifying tournaments and culminates with the National Championship. In 1989, Honda established HCASC to highlight and recognize the academic talents of HBCU students. Honda has awarded nearly $10 million in grants to the participating HBCUs. These grants enhance student programs, foster institutional advancement and improve students’ college experience. As a result, 150,000 HBCU students have participated in Honda Campus All-Star Challenge. HCASC alums are found across the globe, pursuing careers in science, medicine, media, aeronautics, education, industry, government, and more.

The fast-paced buzzer competition highlights students’ academic prowess and ability to answer questions about history, science, literature, religion, the arts, and pop culture. SAU was one of 66 teams competing for 32 spots in the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge National Championship Tournament in Torrance, CA, April 15-17, 2023, for up to $75,000 in institutional grants.