Katherine Fallon-Reusch of Edison is Valedictorian for the Class of 2024

Katherine Fallon-Reusch went from not being sure she would be able to graduate high school, to the top of the Middlesex College Class of 2024.

“I think of myself two years ago to where I am now, and I just never would have expected it,” said Fallon-Reusch. “It’s just a huge shock and surprise.”

The lifelong Edison resident is the class valedictorian and will collect her associate degree in History at the College’s 57th commencement ceremony Thursday, May 16 at the Rutgers Athletic Center.

It’s been a long journey for the 20-year-old. Complicated by health problems that caused her to miss parts of her senior year at J.P. Stevens High School, Fallon-Reusch, who had been accepted to Rutgers, thought about delaying the start of her college life. But, at Middlesex College, she found a refuge, a place where she recovered, recharged, and thrived.

“My first semester I had four classes. I was just dipping my toes in the water,” said Fallon-Reusch. “Middlesex was instrumental in my recovery because I had a flexible schedule and a four-day week. If that type of environment had not been there for me, I don’t know if I would be in the place I am right now. My academic advisors were amazing and helpful.”

Fallon-Reusch endured another obstacle in her first year when her beloved grandmother, Barbara Reusch, was diagnosed with cancer.

“She made me promise that I wouldn’t stop or postpone anything school related,” said Fallon-Reusch. “One of her biggest dreams was for me to finish my associate degree and continue on. As an educator, she understood the power of an education and wanted me to have all the opportunities that come with it.”

As Fallon-Reusch’s health improved, she immersed herself in the Middlesex College community. She took dynamic history classes that intrigued her, and sparked a desire to want to know more. She was in Phi Theta Kappa and volunteered as a tutor. She was published in the Middlesex College literary journal and was a part of Blue Colt Radio on campus.

Fallon-Reusch also has an incredible story about when she found out she had been named valedictorian. She received the phone call while on a class tour of a penitentiary.

“I was in a prison block walking through, and I got a phone call,” laughed Fallon-Reusch. “I had no idea why the College was calling me, and when I answered Theresa Orosz, Acting Vice President, Academic Affairs, informed me that I had been chosen as valedictorian. I was in complete shock and was totally speechless.”

Working as a tutor confirmed her career path as a teacher. Fallon-Reusch received a prestigious Phi Theta Kappa scholarship for Rutgers where she will enroll in the fall and start on her degree in History and eventually a master’s in Education and Library Science.

“I feel so much better,” Fallon-Reusch said. “Middlesex gave me a chance. I was on unstable footing for a while and Middlesex became my rock. Instead of being pushed down, I was able to lift myself up. Middlesex gave me the hand I needed.”