Alexander Brueggeman, a sophomore at The University of Memphis, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Award.
What makes this accomplishment more unique is that Alexander, who prefers to be called “Alex,” is a profoundly gifted 12 year old.
The Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was created by Congress in 1986 in honor of Senator Barry M. Goldwater. The highly competitive scholarship honors the nation’s top students in math, science and engineering.
Each university is allowed to nominate only four students.
“I was told I received the award during my American Government class this morning,” said Alex. “Dr. Melinda Jones, The University Honors Program Director, pulled me out of class to tell me. I originally thought that it was an April Fool’s Joke.”
Although the award was no joke, it came as a surprise to both Alex and his mother, Gay McCarter.
“It is overwhelming to think about, because this award is only given to the best of the country, we were happy to even be considered for a nomination,” said McCarter. “This is an incredible statement from a national organization, we did not believe that he would receive it because of his age.”
Although Alex is intellectually advanced beyond his years, he is still a well adjusted 12 year old. He plays racquetball, has a passion for fencing, scuba dives, plays billiards with his dad, spends time with his two German shepherds, plays the violin and enjoys skateboarding.
“Alex wants to play just like everyone else,” said McCarter.
He has several friends his age and older, including several mentors at U of M who have allowed him to assist in research. This semester, Alex has been working with Dr. Jack Grubaugh, Director of The University of Memphis Ecology Field Station, studying “how duckweed affects the physical characteristics of ponds since it forms a barrier to block photosynthesis.”
It was this research, along with the encouragement of both Dr. Grubaugh and Dr. Jones of The University Honors Program that helped him to receive The Goldwater Scholarship.
“He has to work for his grades just like other students do,” said McCarter. “He is gifted, but he is happy doing what he does.”
“A lot of people assume that gifted programs are not needed in schools, but they would never say that to someone who has special needs,” said McCarter. “Alex is a success story, but statistics show that many are not. IQ is merely a sign of potential, but it is not always realized.”
Alex and his family feel fortunate that they have been at The University of Memphis because of the amount of support that they have received from the faculty and staff.
“We are especially grateful to Dr. Jones, and to The University of Memphis for believing in and accepting Alex with arms open wide,” said McCarter. “It has been a profoundly moving experience and it has been wonderful.”
