The University of the Virgin Islands is hosting its annual Bennie & Martha Benjamin Foundation Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday at the St. Croix campus.
Claude "Bennie" Benjamin was born on St. Croix in 1907 and later found fame in New York City by writing and co-writing several hit songs, including "Rumors are Flying" and "The Wheel of Fortune."
Despite his years abroad, Benjamin stayed in touch with the Virgin Islands. Prior to his death in 1989, he established a memorial foundation to help the territory’s hospitals.
In 1993, a legislative act established the Bennie & Martha Benjamin Foundation Scholarship program to assist V.I. students in pursuing careers in the fields of medicine and health care. Along with financial support to Virgin Islanders pursuing a medical degree, the scholarship encourages a return to the territory to practice.
The 1999 scholarship awardees are 1990 UVI graduate Addison Crag-Chaderton, who is now studying at Midwestern University-Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and 1996 grad Charisse Ward, who is enrolled at the Boston University School of Medicine. Each student receives $10,000.
The Bennie & Martha Benjamin Foundation Recognition Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10 in Room R100 in the Nursing Building on the St. Croix campus.
