Herbert Berko

As a dedicated healthcare professional and current nursing student at Black Hawk College, I bring a strong foundation in patient care and a commitment to excellence. My experience as a Patient Care Technician at Genesis Medical Center and various roles in pharmacy have equipped me with diverse clinical skills. Actively involved in leadership roles, including Vice President of Service for Phi Theta Kappa and Student Trustee, I demonstrate a passion for service and advocacy. With aspirations to achieve an MD/PhD in Cardiology, I am committed to advancing healthcare through research and compassionate patient care.

• Certified Nursing Assistant (Illinois and Iowa Licensed)
• CPR (BLS)

• Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Member and Vice President of Service (Eta Kappa Chapter), 09/01/22-Present
• The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), Honor Member, 09/01/23-Present
• Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society, Honor Member, 09/01/23-Present
• Student Volunteer, UnityPoint Health, Rock Island, IL, 04/01/22-Present. I provide non-medical support to the emergency department by assisting the medical and administrative staff, and by spending quality time visiting with patients and visitors to promote the delivery of outstanding service.
• Student Trustee, Black Hawk College, 04/01/22-04/01/23. In my role as student trustee, I took on the responsibilities with dedication, attending all Black Hawk College Board meetings and serving as the SGA and student body's representative. I consistently presented reports at these monthly meetings and relayed the proceedings to the SGA to maintain an open line of communication. Acting as the intermediary between the SGA and the Board, I ensured student voices were heard. I also participated in most of the Illinois Community College Board Student Advisory Committee meetings, which involved travel, and kept in regular contact with the SGA advisor and Student Life staff to champion student interests effectively.

Awards and honors related to Black Hawk College

• PATH Grant recipient (01/01/23 - Present)
• BHC Foundation Scholar (2022-2023 Academic year)
• BHC Foundation Scholar (2023-2024 Academic year)
• Thomas Batell Essay Contest Winner (02/01/24)
• ICCTA Paul Simon Student Essay Contest Nominee (2024)
• International Student Achievement Award (6x recipient- >3.5GPA required)
• Honors/Deans List (September 2022 academic year, September 2023 academic year)

Awards and honors related to Phi Theta Kappa

• HESI Review School (04/01/23 Received)
• Honors Case Study Challenge Winner (04/01/24 Received at Catalyst Conference in Orlando, Florida)
• Topic for Honors Case Study: The Therapeutic Power of Play in Treating PTSD

• Molly McKnight, Genesis Medical Center, Davenport, IA, Neurology and Oncology Unit Manager, mcknightm@genesishealth.com
• Nicole Banks, Black Hawk College, PTK Advisor, Honors Program Tutor, banksn@bhc.edu
• Rachel Duffy, Black Hawk College, Moline, IL, Nursing School Instructor, duffyr@bhc.edu