Mike Caruso
Lehigh University
Impact Statement
“So much depends on luck and on the random choices we make. Life can be a series of good accidents.”
-Mike Caruso, on life
Biography
Caruso’s life has been one of hard work, diligence and good accidents as he says.
Carsuo grew up in Newark, New Jersey and attended St. Benedict’s. He was faced with his first good accident of choosing St. Benedict’s because it had a wrestling team that started his course of life on and off the mat.
After graduation, Caruso enrolled at Lehigh University. He is arguably the best wrestler to step foot on Lehigh’s mat. Caruso is the first and only three time NCAA National Champion in Lehigh’s illustrious history. He graduated with his B.A. in International Relations.
Caruso knew what he wanted to do but did not have the funds to start his own company. He worked as a wrestling coach for both the University of Virginia and Lehigh. In 1971 Caruso started his own company and his professional career has continued to grow. Caruso worked with Mass Mutual prior to creating the Caruso Benefits Group in conjunction with BB&T Services in 2005.
Caruso has given a great deal back to Lehigh. He is a very generous donor to the wrestling program and has created several scholarship programs for the university as a whole. He donated funds to the renovation of both Grace Hall and Taylor Gym in the name of his coach, Gerry Leeman. In 2003 Lehigh named the VIP lounge in Grace Hall in his honor.
In 1991, he set up his first scholarship fund in the name of his late father, the Michael “Baskets” Caruso Memorial Wrestling Scholarship. He has also established the Caruso Family Memorial Scholarship fund in loving memory of his late wife, sister and father. He also chairs the scholarship endowment committee for the fund. Caruso is also a current university trustee at Lehigh University, as well as at St. Benedict’s.
Caruso has also been honored for his stellar wrestling career. In 1991, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Two years later he became a charter member of Lehigh’s Hall of Fame.
In addition, for his generosity and philanthropy around the Lehigh Valley, Caruso was the recipient of the Vision in Philanthropy Award from the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. He has also been honored with the St. Benedict’s Medal of Honor. Additionally, he was also bestowed the Dream Weaver Award from the Northampton County Community College Foundation.
Photos
Articles
