Brinkley-Lane Profile: Eriifeoluwa Adebanji
Eriifeoluwa Adebanji’s first introduction to East Carolina University was a college fair where he met international admissions counselor Mary Crawford.
“Although she barely knew me, she treated me like family, answering all my questions as best as she could and responding to the many emails I sent her after the fair with the same warmth,” said Adebanji of Kumasi, Ghana. “The best part was that it didn’t stop with her. Everyone connected to the school that I reached out to was just as kind and incredibly supportive.”
This welcoming community atmosphere led Adebanji to accept an offer to join Brinkley-Lane Scholars, the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at ECU. The four-year merit scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills. Recipients receive a fully funded education, covering the cost of tuition, fees, room and board for both in-state and out-of-state students and unique high impact experiences, as well as the ability to explore the world with a $5,000 study abroad stipend. Scholars benefit from access to an array of leadership opportunities, research with award-winning faculty and a robust alumni network.
“Above everything, being a scholar means giving back,” he said, “taking this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and using it to make just as big an impact on campus and Greenville as being invited to this program made on me.”
Adebanji plans to major in computer science with a minor in information and cybersecurity technology. He’s interested in getting involved with community service and the ECU chapters of the Coding Club and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). During his first year, he would like to become a part of ACM’s board and represent the university at Capture the Flag competitions where students compete to find a hidden piece of information or file in a cybersecurity environment.
This summer, he’ll be preparing for his first year by studying computer science and cybersecurity topics while working on personal projects and online competitions to build his skills.
While attending ECU will be a study abroad experience for Adebanji, he’s considering where else he would like to travel.
“China, Japan or the United Kingdom seem like solid options to get exposure to the many technological innovations in other tech powerhouses,” he said.
During his high school years at The Ridge School, Adebanji was the head boy, a role like student body president, the president of the Student Representative Council and participated in STEM club, activities that all fueled his definition of leadership.
“I firmly believe that being a good leader isn’t just about grand gestures or making people do what you want,” he said. “Little things like tutoring other students, getting people for a blood drive or cleaning up after an event are just as important for helping and encouraging others. That’s who I hope to be at ECU — not a big boss, but a friend.”
Adebanji is excited to experience all that ECU and Greenville have to offer, especially the chance to meet everyone who helped him through the application process and thank them face-to-face. He’s also excited to find ways to contribute to the community that drew him to ECU and connect with his fellow scholars.
“The biggest strengths I bring to the community are my commitment to building strong relationships with other scholars, my strong desire to serve and the diligence it takes to do it,” he said.
Adebanji is the son of professor Atinuke Olusola Adebanji.
“Everyone connected to the school that I reached out to was just as kind and incredibly supportive.”
High school: The Ridge School
Intended major: Computer science
Current City: Kumasi, Ghana