Hasbrouck Heights College Student To Receive Prestigious Award

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ — Cynthia Caruso graduated from high school more than 20 years ago.

She earned clinical medical certifications and worked in health care for more than a decade and raised her son before deciding to return to college.

Caruso will receive Berkeley College's Outstanding Student Award at the college's commencement ceremony May 10. The award is presented to a graduate who has met a high standard of academic excellence while overcoming personal, professional, or other obstacles.

"I had worked in healthcare my entire career and I wanted to continue my education in the same field," Caruso said. "Once I saw that I could earn a bachelor’s degree online I was sold ... It was important to me to be able to keep my daily schedule, especially being a mom."

Caruso earned dean's or president's list honors every semester at Berkeley. She was inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society. She also served as a peer mentor and on the Online Student Advisory Board.

"I come from a background of working with patients. Now I can put myself in the position of the employer and know what it takes to make decisions that are crucial for the employees as well as the facility," Caruso said. "I've also learned how important and rewarding it is to be able to give back to the community."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com