Lamar University Collegiate 100 continues win streak at national conference

The Collegiate 100 (C100) of Lamar University (LU) continued their success at the C100 Leadership and Career Institute held in Atlanta, Georgia, taking home the top prize. 

“This is their third time winning this contest in a row,” Faculty Advisor Dr. Kathryn Washington said. “Before they won the first one, there was no contest. They are the only champions of this competition.” 

Since the inaugural contest, the C100 of LU has been invited to participate in the C100 Leadership and Career Institute every year. 

“In the first year, only the top 10 collegiate chapters were invited, and we were among them,” Dr. Washington said. “We advanced to the finals, competing against Florida A&M and Xavier Universities in Hollywood, Florida.” 

Last year, the number of participants increased to the top 15 collegiate chapters, and Lamar University was invited back, taking the top prize after facing Morehouse and Texas Southern Universities in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

“This year, the competition expanded to include the top 20 collegiate chapters, and we were invited back yet again. We made it to the finals, competing against Southern and South Alabama Universities,” Dr. Washington said. 

At each conference, participants are given a new case study and must work in groups to solve it and present a proposal. 

The top three groups are invited on an all-expenses-paid trip to the 100 Black Men of America National Conference to present their proposals in a final competition, with winners receiving funding for their organization. The winning proposal is also submitted to the 100 Black Men of America board of directors and disseminated across the Collegiate 100 chapters nationwide. 

In addition to the competition, students have the opportunity to attend various sessions and activities specifically designed to enhance their leadership and career development skills. These experiences not only bolster their resumes but also prepare them for future professional challenges. 

As the Collegiate 100 of Lamar University celebrates yet another victory, they look forward to continuing their streak and inspiring other chapters with their innovative solutions and unwavering commitment to excellence.