Originally from Los Angeles, Brandon Cheng is a first-year in Greenough Hall planning to concentrate in Social Studies and Economics. Brandon believes institutions thrive when they embrace the fundamental tenets of Intellectual Vitality, including viewpoint diversity, genuine curiosity and civil discourse. He is honored to join an initiative that safeguards Harvard’s commitment to Veritas—the pursuit of truth—and ensures that the University continue to shine as a beacon of American excellence for generations to come. Passionate about building communities that encourage honest discussion around complex and controversial ideas, he looks forward to cementing the work of Intellectual Vitality in Harvard classrooms, dorms and dining halls—not just when dialogue is easy but particularly when it becomes difficult.
Endlessly grateful to be born into the beauty of the American experiment, Brandon is curious to explore economics, government, business and technology and discover the keys to growth and prosperity in the 21st century. As an avid high school forensics competitor and National Speech and Debate Champion, Brandon appreciates especially the joy of learning from individuals whose perspectives differ from his own. In addition to substantial non-profit leadership in international relations and education, Brandon has formally advised a variety of agencies, including the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and the City of San Marino, California. Brandon enjoys traveling the world, dining at Asian restaurants and collecting antique maps, currency and Delta Air Lines trading cards.