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| University of Connecticut Center for Continuing Studies One Bishop Circle, Unit 4056 Storrs, CT 06269-4056 860-486-5941 |
BGS Graduate Wins Latino de Oro Award
UConn Bachelor of General Studies graduate Robert Cruz, BGS '08, has been named Student of the Year by Connecticut's Identidad Latina Hispanic Newspaper. Cruz is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Health program at the University of Connecticut. He will receive his award at the 5th Annual 2009 "Latino de Oro" Awards Ceremony on November 7, 2009 in the Theater of the Performing Arts at the Learning Corridor in Hartford.
The awards are designed to recognize Connecticut men and women that have made a significant contribution to the community and have an outstanding background in their field. Winners were selected by a special panel of community leaders. Additional awards will be presented in the categories of Politics, Education, Sports, Arts & Culture, Music, Health, Media, Community Service, and Lifetime Achievement.
After being nominated, Cruz was asked to submit his resume, and a personal statement that included his academic, professional, and community service trajectory. On October 6, a panel of community leaders reviewed the nominations and named him Student of the Year.
"I am extremely honored to have received this award, which would not have been possible if it wasn't for the support of family, friends, faculty, and colleagues," said Cruz. "This award allows me to spread that word 'it is never too late to start' as I stated during my BGS commencement ceremony speech back in May, 2008."
Cruz, who was also named the 2007 Outstanding Continuing Education Student for New England by the University Continuing Education Association, is living proof that perseverance and hard work are the keys to success.
"I hope that my journey as a student serves as an example to others that might have doubts about continuing their studies, to never give up and to pursue their academic dreams," Cruz said. "As a Masters in Public Health student at UConn, I feel compelled to promote the wellbeing of our communities and this award allows me to do so. I always had a voice, but this award has given me a platform."