Scholars in the Arts
Randy’s provocative works of metal, wood, and paint have earned considerable recognition.
Scholars in the News
Reshma Tharani, 21, is part of a new breed of community college student
Benjamin Bingham
“I’ve been blessed by God with loving parents and caring teachers who have challenged me in so many ways, and I’m grateful to Him for their influences.”
- Program: 2009 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Raleigh, NC
- Hometown: Seffner, FL
- Age: 23
- Community College: Florida College
- Four-year College or University: North Carolina State University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Engineering
- Other Interests: Literature, Mathematics, Religion
Biography
PROFILE: In addition to his family, Benjamin Bingham has two other “real” loves: sports and mathematics. Usually they don’t go hand-in-hand, but in his case it’s not a mismatch at all. Ever since he was a youngster “building Lego fortresses” Benjamin’s enjoyed designing and creating, about the same time he discovered his love of athletics. But it wasn’t until this home-schooled Scholar enrolled in an advanced Algebra class away from the friendly confines of his home that he realized how far ahead of his peers he was in mathematical expertise. “The subject suddenly became much more interesting to me! I took off from there, and love math more the more I study it. My love for math is what led me into engineering.”
INSPIRATION: As Benjamin moves on to North Carolina State, his mother remains his inspiration. “My patient, hard-working mother taught me so many things from Bible history to table manners.” He added that she devoted her working life primarily to her children, “homeschooling us from birth through high school.”
ASPIRATION: Benjamin is looking forward to studying nuclear engineering. “It will,” he said, “allow me to apply my abilities in a way that improves the world around me.” Concerned that the US and other nations need a viable alternative to fossil fueled power plants, Benjamin believes building nuclear power plants will help alleviate environmental damage.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Benjamin has distinguished himself outside the classroom as well. He served other Florida College students as a member of the campus Alpha Club and as a Mathematics tutor. He was also involved with intramural athletics, Circle K, Phi Theta Kappa and the college touring chorus.
ACCOLADES: In addition to a perfect grade point average at Florida College, he was valedictorian of his graduating class and named “Mr. Florida College” which is the most prestigious award presented by the school’s student body. Lastly, Benjamin won the Florida College Mathematics Department Academic Award.
INTERESTING FACT: Benjamin likes to have music playing everywhere he goes. “Whether it’s classic rock, bluegrass, or classical, I’m of the ‘there are only two types of music: good music and bad music’ school of thought.”
Other Scholars Like Benjamin
Tianlu Yuan
Graduate Scholar
University of Colorado at Boulder
Claudia Moreno
Graduate Scholar
Northwestern University
Alison Chopel
Graduate Scholar
University of California, Berkeley
Karina Hermawan
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
University of California, Berkeley