Valley Residents Honored At St. Vincent’s College Graduation

A record-breaking class of 198 students from St. Vincent’s College listened intently to the message of commencement speaker Juanita James, President and CEO, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.

In addition to urging the new graduates to remain lifelong learners, James shared her personal experience with healthcare providers when her son was born prematurely. Bachelor of Science degrees in nursing and radiologic sciences and Associate degrees in nursing and radiography were awarded at the event.

“Individuals who become healthcare professionals go above and beyond every day,” James said. ​“You will create miracles with the importance of the work you will be doing.”
 
After an invocation by the Most Reverend Frank Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport, President Martha K. Shouldis, Ed.D, conferred an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree on Martin Sbriglio, a resident of Shelton who has distinguished himself through contributions to his profession and to the community.
 
Graduation awards included: Frank Scifo, MD, Award for Excellence: Carolina Contreras of Fairfield; Rafael Squitieri, MD, Award for Excellence: Stephanie Simmons of Oxford; Anne T. Avallone, EdD, Leadership Award: Madelyn Marte of Bridgeport; President’s Award: Geraldine Ciampi of Naugatuck; Prince Manu of New Britain; Chynna Quinn of Derby; Leah Tucker of Trumbull; All USA-Academic Team: Stephanie Simmons of Oxford and Amber Thomson of Ansonia.
 
After congratulating the award recipients, College President Martha K. Shouldis, Ed.D., stated, ​“Your hands are sacred instruments, through which you will provide care. This degree will change your life and the lives of those you touch with your care forever.”
 
Over the years, Juanita James’s commitment to the community has been acknowledged with numerous honors and awards including the 2013 and 2011 NAACP ​“100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut,” the 2012 ​“Excellence in Education Award” from the Stamford Public Education Foundation, the 2010 Moffly Media ​“Light a Fire Award,” the Southern Connecticut Urban League’s Community Service and Philanthropy Award, and in 2009 she was named ​“Stamford Citizen of the Year.”
 
Honorary degrees are traditionally awarded by colleges to those who have distinguished themselves through their contributions to their professions, to their communities, and/or to
others. Martin Sbriglio, RN, NHA, has distinguished himself in all three categories and was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters. 

Sbriglio is a 1977 graduate of St. Vincent’s School of Nursing, where he completed requirements for licensure as a registered nurse. He was selected to serve on the St. Vincent’s College Board of Trustees for two separate nine year terms, initially serving from 1997 through 2005 as a member of the Board Capital Campaign Steering Committee and Finance Committee. Sbriglio returned to the Board in 2006 and will complete his second nine year term on June 30, 2015. He currently serves as the Chair of the Board. 

In 1982, the Sbriglio family created a full scholarship awarded each year to one qualifying senior nursing student. Over the past 30 years the family has given more than $200,000 in scholarships to nursing students. 

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