Dr. James King Culinary Arts Scholarship
The Bermuda College Foundation announced the establishment of the Dr. James King Culinary Arts Scholarship, which has been funded by a private donor in Dr. King’s memory, with this year’s scholarship awarded to Rip Crockwell Laurent.
A spokesperson said, “Dr. James King [1938-2019] chaired the Bermuda College Board from 1994 – 1997 and was a much-respected surgeon, amongst other leadership roles. He was also a gourmet cook who enjoyed creating delicious recipes for friends and family.
“The Dr. James King Culinary Arts Scholarship was established in the current 2024/25 academic year and will provide an annual $5,000 scholarship for the next four years to a first-year Bermuda College student who is registered in the Associates or Diploma in Culinary Arts Programme. The Scholarship is merit based and applicants must possess a 3.0 grade point average [“GPA”] to be eligible for consideration.”
“In addition to announcing the scholarship itself, the Foundation is also thrilled to introduce the recipient of this year’s scholarship, Mr. Rip Crockwell Laurent.”
Lauren King, wife of Dr. King and a Bermuda College Faculty Member from 1976-1993, had the opportunity to meet and speak with Mr. Crockwell Laurent and shared, “Cooking was my husband’s passion. Having had the chance to meet and speak with Rip, I believe that he would be pleased that Rip is the recipient of the inaugural Dr. James King Culinary Arts Scholarship.”
“Hospitality is a cornerstone of Bermuda’s economy and an industry that we would love to see even more Bermudians enter,” states Bermuda College Foundation Chair, Garry Madeiros. “We are grateful to the generosity of our donor and to Mrs. King for working with the Foundation and the College to set up this scholarship to honour all that Dr. King provided during his leadership of the College, while also recognising his personal culinary passion.”
“Bermuda College is delighted and deeply grateful to the donor and the King family for establishing this culinary arts scholarship in Dr. King’s name,” said Dr. Sam, President of Bermuda College. “The scholarship will provide invaluable support for Mr. Crockwell Laurent, as the first recipient, in pursuing his passion in this vital industry.
“Culinary arts play a crucial role in Bermuda’s hospitality sector, and this generous contribution underscores the importance of investing in the next generation of talent. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Bermuda College Foundation for its dedication in seeking and securing the Scholarship, further strengthening opportunities for our students and the industry as a whole.”
A spokesperson added, “Students who will begin their Culinary Arts journey with Bermuda College in September 2025 and are interested in applying for this scholarship may do so between 1 April – 30 June 2025 using www.bermudascholarships.com. Additional guidance is available by contacting the Bermuda College Financial Support Services Team at financialsupportservices@college.bm or 239.4018.”
Back Row [L to R]: Nikkita Scott – Bermuda College Interim VP, Student Affairs; Cree Watson – Bermuda College, Financial Aid Specialist Front Row [L to R]: Ann Francis – Sister of the late Dr. James King, Rip Crockwell Laurent- Scholarship Recipient, Mrs. Lauren King – Spouse of the late Dr. James King, Pahn-ya Ratteray – Bermuda College Foundation Development Director
Ann Francis – Sister of the late Dr. James King, Rip Crockwell Laurent- Scholarship Recipient, Mrs. Lauren King – Spouse of the late Dr. James King
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