Achieved High Marks For Sr. Svc.
The Touro College Graduate School of Social Work has recognized lifelong Ridgewood resident Cheryl Bogdan as “Student of the Year,” representing the New York City chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
Bogdan, who graduated on June 4 from the school with a 4.0 grade point average, was born and raised in Ridgewood. The award-winning graduate student devoted much of her attention to geriatric services.
“Cheryl Bogdan has helped set a new standard for achievement in the field of graduate studies in social work,” said Dr. Steven Huberman, dean of the graduate school. “While maintaining a perfect academic performance, she was able to play a remarkable leadership role, both on campus and in various field placement venues.”
“With the maturing of the baby boom generation, the ranks of older Americans are growing more quickly than ever before,” said Bogdan. “Our society has an obligation to deliver the highest-quality support and care to this population, and that means we need a large contingent of well-educated geriatric social workers.”
In her capacity as NASW student representative at the graduate school, Ms. Bogdan helped educate the student community on issues relating to student financial assistance and also on the benefits of association membership. She assisted incoming students by serving as a “student member” and helped with student orientation.
Bogdan was also named a fellow of the Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education, an initiative established by the John A. Hartford Foundation for students who demonstrate outstanding commitment and aptitude in working with the aging population. As a fellow, she networked with seasoned social workers within the geriatric social work community.
At her field placement at Jewish Home Lifecare in Manhattan, Bogdan provided counseling and support to residents transitioning to long-term care, in addition to other services.
The 26-year-old graduate was also a featured speaker at the social work school’s Community Day, where she addressed attendees on issues relating to end-of-life care.
Bogdan, who was raised in a working-class family and whose father is a steelworker, graduated from Bayside High School in 2004. Her commuting time was an hour and forty-five minutes each way. She graduated from SUNY Purchase in 2008.
Touro College’s Graduate School of Social Work trains clinical social work practitioners who awaken and enliven the innate ability of individuals, families, and communities to meet their own needs and sustain their equilibrium, thereby enhancing their well-being. The program meets all academic requirements for the two social work licenses: Licensed Master Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
