January 8, 2025

Cooper attended Bennington as both an undergraduate, where he combined his love of art, writing, and science while also being an active student leader, and as a graduate student in the Bennington Writing Seminars. 

“A Bennington education puts the student in control of his/her/their own course of study, and as a two-time graduate of Bennington myself, I can personally attest to the value of my experience and learning there, both in the classroom and out,” said Cooper. “Bennington changed my life. I want to help ensure that others benefit as I did.”

Cooper’s writing has appeared in Salamander, The Pinch, Fourteen Hills, Pangyrus, The Midwest Prairie Review, and other literary journals. He has received numerous awards for his writing, as well as two artist fellowships from the Illinois Arts Council. 

In addition, Cooper became a pioneer in the use of medical imaging in drug development when he co-founded the world’s first company to use positron emission tomography (PET) in the evaluation of experimental drugs in clinical trials in 1994. 

“I’m proud and excited to join Bennington’s Board of Trustees to help guide the College in its continuing mission to provide an unmatched liberal arts education to a wildly diverse, international student body,” Cooper said. 

“Ciaran represents what it means to be a Bennington graduate,” said Nicholas Stephens ’77, Chair of the Board. “He excels in writing, medical sciences, and leadership and is a wonderful example of the multidisciplinary strength of our graduates.” 

Cooper has spent the last 30 years in leadership positions at clinical trial services companies, where he continues to help pave new pathways into advancing medicine. He lives in Chicago with his wife and son.

“I am so eager to see what Ciaran, with all of his experience at Bennington and as the leader of a medical technology firm, will bring to our meetings and the future of this wonderful place,” said Laura R. Walker, president. “I am grateful to have him among our trustees."