Mike Caruso

A Community Foundation Vision in Philanthropy Award Honoree

It’s an iconic image familiar to Lehigh Valley sports fans and wrestling fans nationwide: 20-year-old Mike Caruso of Lehigh University atop the NCAA championship podium in 1967, one arm raised in victory, the other clasping the hand of his opponent, Bob Fehrs of the University of Michigan. Caruso had also defeated Fehrs for the national championship in 1965 and 1966, the only wrestler in NCAA history to best the same opponent three times. The two forged a friendship that has endured for over five decades—a testament to Caruso’s generosity of spirit.

Mike’s wrestling career, marked by a 141-1 record, brought national attention from The New York Times, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated. His coach, Gerry Leeman, impressed upon him that his life and example would inspire others—a charge Mike has carried with grace, humility, and dignity throughout his athletic, professional, and personal life.

Born in Newark, N.J., in 1946, Mike was introduced to wrestling at St. Benedict’s Prep, where his determination and talent flourished. The lessons he learned on the mat—discipline, perseverance, and resilience—shaped his life. After graduating from Lehigh with a degree in International Studies and Pre-Law, he built a successful career in the insurance and benefits industry, always guided by the principles of integrity, empathy, and service.

A proud member of the Foundation’s Legacy Society, Mike is also a recipient of the Vision in Philanthropy Award from the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, as well as numerous other honors, including the St. Benedict’s Medal of Honor, the Dream Weaver Award from Northampton Community College Foundation, and the naming of Lehigh University’s Caruso Wrestling Complex.

Mike believes deeply in the power of giving: “Philanthropy is and should be a natural part of life. There isn’t a better feeling in the world than knowing you’ve given someone the opportunity to make their life better. If you love something, endow it. The institutions and people I love and care about will be taken care of after my death. Such giving makes us all immortal.”

Reflecting on his life, Mike says, “I never looked at myself as famous. I’ve been blessed with many friends and opportunities. My dad used to say, ‘Just do good. God will reward you ten-fold.’ He was wrong about the numbers—it’s been a thousand-fold.”

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