The Trust was established in 1987 in celebration of the continual quest of the human race for knowledge and the service of teachers as the guides along the complex paths of education. The Settlors who established the Trust did so with the fervent hope and desire that it will serve as a source of innovation and motivation in the furtherance of educational excellence through teaching at Transylvania University. The fund was designed to promote teaching excellence and dedication among the faculty of Transylvania through the granting of Bingham Awards to individual teachers of exceptional ability who demonstrate excellent teaching qualities.