Crown Heights Resident Receives Prestigious Maimonides Award at Touro Graduation

by CrownHeights.info

A Crown Heights resident was among a select group of graduates honored for outstanding achievement during Touro University’s School of Health Sciences commencement ceremony.

At the June 11 graduation held at the Tilles Center, more than 700 graduates from Touro University’s School of Health Sciences celebrated the completion of their studies. Among them was Crown Heights resident Yael Helfgott, who received the prestigious Maimonides Award, recognizing graduates who exemplify scholarship, leadership, and service.

Helfgott, a student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, said the recognition was especially meaningful as someone who returned to school later in life.

“As someone who returned to school later in life, my educational journey at Touro showed me that I was able to achieve academic excellence at a graduate level,” Helfgott said. “I’m grateful for the excellent educational foundation I received at Touro and for being able to learn from my professors and my peers as I advance my career in clinical mental health.”

Already working as a clinical mental health counselor with individuals, couples, and groups, Helfgott plans to continue expanding her impact in the field.

“I plan to get my license and gain more vital on-the-ground experience in the mental health field as I help diverse populations in a compassionate and empathetic way,” she said.

The Maimonides Award is presented annually to graduates who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement while also showing leadership and dedication to serving others.

The commencement ceremony featured an address by Touro University Provost Patricia Salkin, who encouraged graduates to pursue their dreams while uplifting those around them.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” Salkin said, quoting Eleanor Roosevelt. “Graduates, believe in your dreams. Dream boldly, dream generously, dream in ways that lift others as you rise.”

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. David Lubarsky, president and CEO of Westchester Medical Center Health Network, who spoke about the lasting impact healthcare professionals have on the lives of their patients.