Ben Guthrie – Duquesne University Compass (StarKist Scholarship Award)

Ben is this year’s recipient of the Ruby’s Rainbow StarKist Scholarship Award. This fall he will begin his third year in the Compass program at Duquesne University, where he is active in Best Buddies on campus and is also on the swim team. He is proud of his independence at Duquesne and for working hard in his classes. He is also proud of his self-advocacy, and works hard through the Empowered Voices Leadership Group to develop his public speaking skills.

Ben studied percussion for seven years and has played in a marching band and an orchestra. Currently, he is learning to play the bagpipes. He is also an artist who has displayed his ceramics, prints and photography in several exhibitions.

His professors and mentors at Duquesne describe Ben as “a gifted educator” and “a man of science” who “makes meaningful contributions to his courses.” We think you rock, Ben! We’re so proud of you!