Cole Perkinson, who will graduate Monday with an interdisciplinary degree in chemistry-physics, happens to a wonderfully talented musician with eclectic tastes. Many classmates still remember when he ‘brought the house down’ on the last day of intro chem with his rendition of Tom Lehrer’s ‘The Elements’ and he has performed for several years in the Reed Collegium. But Cole is much more than a singer; he also plays several instruments ranging from classical piano to African marimba.
Talent like this doesn’t go unnoticed. Graduate school plans have been put on hold so that Cole can take advantage of a $25,000 Watson Foundation fellowship to study music in Africa next year. You can read more about Cole’s musical background and family, his travel plans, and watch a short clip of him performing with the marimba at “Cole Perkinson, Reed student, wins $25,000 Watson Fellowship to study music in Africa” (D. Stabler, Oregonian, May 11).
Congratulations, Cole!