The Schwarzman Scholars program selected two Vanderbilt alumni in its 11th cohort. Benedict Ballman (B.S. ‘25) and Rui Huang (B.S. and B.A. ‘25) will pursue a one-year master’s degree in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University for the 2026-2027 school year through the program.
The highly selective program is modeled after Oxford University’s Rhodes Scholars program and aims to offer an understanding of China’s role in international affairs. The 11th cohort of the Schwarzman Scholars consists of 150 scholars who represent 40 countries and 83 various universities.
Huang graduated from Vanderbilt University with a B.A. and B.S. in economics and cognitive studies, respectively. He served as president of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association and was a peer guide at the Center for Student Wellbeing.
Ballman majored in public policy and economics and was a Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholar. He also served as director of operations for Tomorrow in Focus, a Vanderbilt-based non-profit production company that created the United Nations’ first artificial intelligence film in early 2025. Ballman remains involved with Tomorrow in Focus.
In a message to The Hustler, Huang said the Schwarzman Scholars program builds upon his goals of building culturally responsive mental health systems.
“I chose Schwarzman because it brings together policy, leadership and technology in a truly global context, allowing ideas to move beyond theory into real-world implementation,” Huang said. “During my Schwarzman fellowship, I plan to focus on advancing culturally inclusive mental health programs and promoting global awareness around emotional wellbeing.”
Ballman said global perspectives and research in the field of AI drew him to the program. He said he believes perspectives from the global community must be included as technology evolves and emerges.
“The program brings together such a brilliant cohort of leaders and innovators from all over the world,” Ballman said. “I can’t wait to learn from all of them.”
Professor Pengfei Li, senior lecturer in Asian studies, noted the prestige associated with the Schwarzman Scholars Program.
“The selection of two Vanderbilt alumni highlights the academic rigor and global preparation fostered within Vanderbilt’s community and having recommended students to this program in recent years, I’m especially proud to see our students recognized at this level,” Li said.
Schwarzman Scholars from earlier cohorts include Vanderbilt alumni Marc Chen (B.A. ‘17), Jacqueline Cox (B.A. ‘18), Phillip McGloin (B.A. ‘18), Bryan Stromer (B.S. ‘17), Aaron Niederman (B.S. ‘20) and Jia Li (B.A. ‘23).
Niederman graduated from Vanderbilt in 2020 with an engineering degree and shared a reflection on their experience as a Schwarzman Scholar.
“For me, the challenge and growth that came from being surrounded by such ambitious and self-assured peers was incredibly formative,” Niederman said. “Along with the doors it opened, Schwarzman Scholars truly changed my life.”
