Ben Swanson

Ben Swanson is a third-year transfer student from the University of South Carolina pursuing a major in Math. Prior to starting his academic career, Ben served in the U.S. Marine Corps for ten years, during which time he completed four tours overseas. He currently lives in Fredericksburg, VA with his wife, Melissa — an active-duty Marine lawyer stationed at Quantico, and young daughter, Maya, and commutes to UVA for class. Ben became interested in Jewish Studies at UVA after converting to Judaism with his wife and taking a fascinating course with Religious Studies Professor Elizabeth Shanks Alexander.