Seton Hall Tutor Lauren Cinquino Named 2025 CRLA ITTPC Outstanding Tutor Award Recipient

The Academic Resource Center at Seton Hall University is celebrating a major achievement this fall, as peer tutor coordinator and academic coach Lauren Cinquino has been named the 2025 College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) Outstanding Tutor Award recipient. This honor recognizes one tutor each year who exemplifies the highest standards of tutoring excellence and student support.

In addition to this prestigious honor, Lauren will graduate in December 2025 with a bachelor of science in biology, further exemplifying her dedication to academic excellence and her future in the sciences.

CRLA is a leader in learning assistance and tutor training, with thousands of members worldwide. Through its ITTPC program, CRLA sets rigorous standards for tutor education and professional development. Seton Hall’s tutoring centers hold Level 2 CRLA certification and have submitted their application for Level 3 certification, a distinction that reflects the university’s deep commitment to academic support services. ARC program coordinator Ted McCulloch serves as membership coordinator for CRLA’s PA/NJ chapter, while ARC director Nicole Paternoster serves as national CRLA’s website administrator.

Lauren was nominated for the award by Paternoster and McCulloch, with a letter of recommendation from Daniel Nichols, professor and director of health professions. The CRLA selection committee was impressed by Lauren’s dedication to fostering active, independent learning. Rather than simply providing answers, she creates interactive, strategy-based sessions that help students think critically and build lasting confidence in their abilities. She routinely integrates academic coaching techniques, such as setting SMART goals and developing tailored study plans into her tutoring. This approach ensures that students leave each session with skills that extend far beyond the immediate subject matter.

In response to winning, Lauren said:

I am incredibly honored and so grateful to be named the Tutor of the Year. Seeing students build their confidence and succeed in their college experience is truly one of the most rewarding experiences. I love the work I do!

Her impact reaches beyond her own students. As a peer tutor coordinator, Lauren mentors new tutors, modeling the same empowering methods she uses in her own sessions. She helps train peers during Level 1 tutor training, assists with ARC open houses, and promotes a culture of growth mindset and self-efficacy within the center.

Student feedback speaks volumes about her influence:

• “Lauren C. was a lifesaver. I am not sure I would have passed orgo without her.”
• “Lauren is the best! She really cares about the students.”
• “Lauren is my go-to for all things bio. I wish she could wait to graduate until I do.”

Daniel Nichols,Ph.D., who taught Lauren in biochemistry, describes her as “in the top 1% of students” he has worked with during his tenure at Seton Hall. He noted her ability to excel in graduate-level material as an undergraduate, her preparedness, and her strong critical thinking skills. Lauren connected classroom concepts to real-world applications — a skill she has honed through her extensive work as an EMT with the South Orange Rescue Squad and volunteer experience at University Hospital in Newark.

Her leadership extends into campus organizations. As president of Alpha Epsilon Delta, the pre-health honor society, she connects students to shadowing and volunteer opportunities. As event coordinator for Women in STEM, she fosters inclusion, organizes events and uplifts women pursuing science careers.

The award will be formally presented at the 2025 CRLA Annual Conference in San Francisco, November 12–15, where Lauren will receive a plaque and $250 award. The Seton Hall tutoring community is excited to see her recognized in person among peers from across the country.

Ted McCulloch talked about his experiences working with Lauren:

Having worked with hundreds of bright, talented and high-achieving students, I can say with absolute confidence that Lauren stands out as one of the most exceptional. She exemplifies every quality one would hope for in a tutor and future medical student — hardworking, compassionate, intellectually curious, empathetic and remarkably focused. We are so lucky to have her on staff, and I couldn’t think of a student more deserving of this award.

Nicole Paternoster summed up the significance of this achievement:

Lauren exemplifies what it means to be a peer tutor. She empowers students to become confident, autonomous learners. Her impact at Seton Hall will be felt long after she graduates.

With her blend of academic excellence, leadership and dedication to service, Lauren Cinquino stands as a shining example of Seton Hall’s mission to develop engaged, knowledgeable and service-oriented graduates. And now, as CRLA’s 2025 ITTPC Outstanding Tutor, she has international recognition to match her remarkable contributions.

Categories: Education, Faith and Service