Toyota's James Colon Received Honorary Doctorate Degree From Grambling State University

TORRANCE, Calif., May 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Grambling State University (GSU) awarded James Colon, vice president of African American Business Strategy at Toyota Motor Sales, Inc., an honorary doctorate degree at its 2014 Spring Commencement ceremony, Friday, May 9.  It is the most prestigious degree the historically black university offers.

Grambling recognized Colon for his commitment to diversity in the automobile industry and long-term support of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and the academic achievement of young African Americans. At Toyota, Colon is responsible for engaging Hispanic and African American businesses and media, and optimizing relationships with important external Hispanic and African American groups. Under his leadership, the automaker implemented the Toyota Green Initiative designed to educate and encourage students on HBCUs to live environmentally conscious lifestyles. Nearly 5,000 people have made the Promise Pledge to live green, and 28 HBCUs have participated in the Green Campus Contest.

"I am honored to have received this degree from one of the most respected and distinguished historically black colleges and universities in the nation," Colon said.  "When an institution of higher education confers an honorary degree, it believes that the recipient reinforces its values, its mission. Grambling's vision is to be a distinguished institution that produces accomplished graduates who go on to compete and succeed in a global market.  In short, Grambling believes in being the best and producing the best -- to help the world be the best it can be.  I, along with Toyota, share in that mission every day and will continue to do so."

Colon joins an elite group of African-American influencers and history makers who have received honorary doctorate degrees from Grambling, including: the late singer Whitney Houston; scholar/author Dr. Cornel West; and, Democratic political strategist and pundit Donna Brazile.

In addition to his responsibilities at Toyota, Colon serves on the boards of his alma mater, Manchester University in Indiana and Clark Atlanta University. He is a member of The United Negro College Fund Los Angeles Leadership Council.  He was also appointed to the board of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation two years ago, where he supports the organization's mission by contributing to developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM), the world's top automaker and creator of the Prius, is committed to building vehicles for the way people live through our Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands.  Over the past 50 years, we've built more than 25 million cars and trucks in North America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants and directly employ nearly 40,000 people.  Our 1,800 North American dealerships sold more than 2.5 million cars and trucks in 2013 – and about 80 percent of all Toyota vehicles sold over the past 20 years are still on the road today.

Toyota partners with philanthropic organizations across the country, with a focus on education, safety and the environment.  As part of this commitment, we share the company's extensive know-how garnered from building great cars and trucks to help community organizations and other nonprofits expand their ability to do good. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.  

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140513/86870

SOURCE Toyota Motor Sales, Inc.