2019 Outstanding Young Alumnus Brandon Korn A'11 Tells Hillyer College Students Their Goals Are Achievable

October 21, 2019

Brandon Korn and David Goldenberg — Brandon Korn A'11 was presented with the 2019 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award from Dean David Goldenberg.

In front of a standing room only crowd in Wilde Auditorium, Hillyer College presented its 2019 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award to Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter Brandon Korn A'11. Korn, who goes by the professional name B Korn, was a producer for rapper Travis Scott's Astroworld, which was nominated for Best Album in the Rap/Hip Hop category. Korn's work has also been recognized by Billboard magazine and he is a two-time BMI award winner in the R&B/Hip Hop category.

Upon acceptance of his award, Korn described the series of emotions he feels any time he tries something new. "The cycle starts with anxiety, then intense excitement, and ends with accomplishment," he said. Korn recalled times in his life where those feelings got him through situations like his 6th grade talent show, starting college, or beginning an internship in the recording studio owned by Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs. "I remember feeling physically sick and how anxious I was to start my journey there." He says he was comforted by remembering the expected cycle of emotions that would get him through it, and that he knew every change was only just the beginning.

Brandon Korn speaks with students after award ceremony. — After the award ceremony, Korn stayed to talk with Hillyer College students.

"Ten years ago, I was a Hillyer student sitting in the same seats as everyone here today, listening to accomplished speakers and alumni tell their stories," he said. "And I remember feeling encouraged and inspired knowing that these people were also once students here. And I thought if they can craft a future for themselves, then why can't I?" He said his message is to let students know that it is fine to feel anxiety at times, and that it is also 100 percent possible for them to achieve their goals.

After completing an associate's degree from Hillyer, Korn went on to earn a degree in music with a concentration in music production from Ramapo College of New Jersey. He launched his music career when he wrote to Combs and secured an internship working at Daddy's House Recording Studio in New York City. This opportunity led to his success as a music producer and his work with major recording artists, including Chris Brown, DJ Khaled, Wiz Khalifa, French Montana, and Lil' Kim. He now gives back to others by sponsoring recording production workshops for young musicians.

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Mary Ingarra

ingarra@hartford.edu

860.768.4340

2019 Outstanding Young Alumnus Brandon Korn A'11 Tells Hillyer College Students Their Goals Are Achievable

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