CLIFFSIDE PARK STUDENT-VETERAN INDUCTED INTO NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

The Veterans Graduation Salute of 2018 held on April 5 at the Terrace in Paramus, celebrated the inaugural induction ceremony of 26 student-veterans into the military-aligned honor society SALUTE, as well as the academic achievements of more than 150 student-veterans who are graduating from Berkeley College and transitioning into civilian careers.

Alba Pagan, of Cliffside Park, in Bergen County, was inducted into the SALUTE honor society.

"We salute each of our military and veteran students who have served our nation," said Michael J. Smith, president of Berkeley College. "We salute the families of our military and veteran students and all of the military families here this evening," he added.

Acknowledging the College's commitment to offer the best teaching and learning experiences for all students, President Smith noted the ranking of Berkeley College by U.S. News & World Report as a top college for offering the Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans.

"At Berkeley College, students write their own stories," President Smith said. "The story of our veteran and military students is one of courage, of selflessness, of service, and one of transition - from military service to civilian life. We expect you to accelerate yourselves and start by being strong leaders."

The Veterans Office at Colorado State University formed SALUTE, a military-aligned honor society that recognizes academic achievements of veterans, with support from the American Council on Education and a grant from Walmart Foundation in 2009. Today, Berkeley College is one of 230 chapters nationwide. Veterans who choose to better themselves through the pursuit of knowledge represent each chapter.