Niantic Student Honored for Academic Excellence And Community Service

Ryan Michael Baldassario of Niantic was one of 12 outstanding college students from the four Connecticut State Universities who were honored by the Connecticut State University System Foundation for academic excellence and community service at the 25th annual Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Awards.

The 12 students — from Central, Eastern, Southern and Western Connecticut State Universities — received $750 and were honored at a banquet held on April 23 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville.  

To be considered for a Barnard Award, a student must have at least a 3.75 GPA, a record of significant community service, and be nominated by their respective universities and presidents. 

Baldassario attends Central Connecticut State University, where he's majoring in Political Science with a minor in history. His grade-point average is practically perfect at 3.96!  

CSUS Foundation President Robert J. Bourne described the students as “exceptional people” who were making a difference not only at their universities, but in their communities.