SHU’s St. Vincent’s College Honors Eldest Living Alumna

‘I’m one of many who really work hard in this profession to help others.’

Sacred Heart University’s St. Vincent’s College (SVC) recently honored its eldest alumna, Clara Frillici, who turned 95 this year.

Frillici graduated from SVC 70 years ago and went on to work at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, where she was a staff nurse in neurosurgery. She also was a private duty nurse and parish nurse. In 68 years of marriage, her family has grown with six children, 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 

Maryanne Davidson, dean of St. Vincent’s College, began the ceremony for Frillici with a short speech. “Over the following 70 years (after graduation), Clara dedicated her life to helping others,” Davidson said. “Her work was always deeply rooted in faith and service.”

Virginia Day, a member of SVC’s Board of Visitors, read letters from a few of Frillici’s friends and former colleagues. Then Davidson and Dale Danowski, another board member, presented Frillici with a plaque for her extraordinary dedication, selflessness and valued personal and professional contributions as a nurse.

Danowski, who recently celebrated her 40th anniversary at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, told Frillici, “What I am most touched about is how many lives and nurses you have impacted.”

Amidst all the accolades, Frillici responded, “I’m honored, but I’m one of many who really work hard in this profession to help others. I feel honored to be part of it.”

The honoree could be found throughout the ceremony looking at a display of old photos and telling stories about nursing at a time when there were no computers, and women had to wear dresses. Her advice to current nursing students is, “Even if it gets tough, stay with it. It’s a wonderful profession. I can’t emphasize that enough.”

Photo: From left are Dean Maryanne Davidson, Clara Frillici and Dale Danowski