For many people, their careers are just jobs. For Three Rivers College’s 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Sonya DiCiro, nursing has been a calling. “It’s just who I am,” she described.
Honored by TRC President Dr. Wesley Payne at Monday’s ceremony, DiCiro has spent the last 41 years in nursing. She recalled getting her start at Three Rivers, going on to graduate in 1983.
DiCiro comes from a long line of healthcare professionals. Her mother, two aunts, and two sisters have all been nurses.
“We have a lot of nurses in our family,” she noted.
Her journey has not been without twists and turns. DiCiro recalled not getting into the nursing program on her first application.
“All that did was light a fire under me,” she said. After earning her associate’s degree, DiCiro attained her bachelor’s from Southeast Missouri State University through a satellite program at TRC. She went on to earn her master’s from the University of Missouri — St. Louis and her doctorate from Walden University.
“The title of my life story, if I ever wrote a book, would be ‘Did Not Go as Planned’,” DiCiro emphasized, “There is nothing traditional about my education.”
She thanked her husband, Kurt, for his unwavering support throughout the years. DiCiro also extended gratitude to her mother and mother-in-law for helping with her three children.
“They have been along for the ride from the beginning,” she stated.
Now a grandmother of three herself, DiCiro applauded her support network and mentors, “They’re the real heroes.”
She continues to stay busy as an instructor for Frontier Nursing University. DiCiro also volunteers for the Butler County Health Department and Caring Hands Clinic. Additionally, she is a certified nurse practitioner and a board member of Recycling Grace Women’s Center.
“Dr. Sonya DiCiro is definitely worthy of this award,” Payne noted.
DiCiro encouraged attendees to keep pursuing their calling regardless of the circumstances, “Set your goals and doggedly go after them.”
She was also a recipient of the Daisy Award for quality nursing this year.
Regarding her status as a distinguished alumnus, DiCiro commented, “It’s the cherry on top of my 41-year career.”