Alumni Profile - Judith Bonaduce ’87
May 2016
Each spring, we celebrate National Nurses Week to thank those professionals who help us in our time of need. This year, we would like to share the story of Judith Bonaduce ’87, a highly accomplished graduate and new author. Judith has worked hard her entire career to not only become a great nurse but to also help teach future generations of nurses at schools in the area. In addition to that, she recently completed her first book Just Add Water: A Memoir, which you can read more about here.
In sharing their story, we ask for your consideration of supporting the Alumni Legacy Scholarship program so future generations can attend the College. Visit our website (dccc.edu/makeagift) to make a donation or to learn about other ways our alumni can help support a student in need of financial assistance.
What year did you graduate from Delaware County Community College and with what degree?
“I graduated in 1987 with an Associate in Arts in Education and in 1989 with an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing.”
Did you pursue further academic goals?
“After Delaware County, I went on to get by BSN from Villanova University and a MSN in Nursing from Widener University. I also completed coursework for my Ph.D. in Nursing from Widener in 2013 with a concentration on the study of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) for families regarding their resilience and the burdens placed on caregivers.”
Where are you now?
“I teach at various institutions of higher learning in the Delaware Valley. I just finished a clinical experience with 16 students at Eagleville Hospital for Widener University. I also teach at Eastern University and take nursing students to economically challenged areas where I have developed a nursing model for them to follow when caring for the disadvantaged.”
What is next for you professionally?
“Presently, I am traveling the country and marketing my book, Just Add Water: A Memoir. It tells the story of an Italian-American woman growing up in the Catholic Church in Philadelphia. The book does not shy away from the uncomfortable details of my life, but rather, it immerses them in the waters of spiritual insight, transforming them into a hearty soup. My next ‘noble’ goal will be to pursue a role as a Lay Minister.”
What is your favorite memory of your time on campus, outside of the classroom?
“I worked for Ann Maiocco as a Peer Counselor and I will never forget her kind, compassionate manner. As a matter of fact, I have modeled my way of being with students much like hers. My favorite memory would be working with Ann on anything she came up with for us to do or accomplish!”
Did you have a favorite professor or class during your studies?
“I must say that Bill DiBiase was excellent. He introduced me to meditation and had Jack Canfield, a recognized author and motivational speaker, in the classroom to inspire us. Also, Professor John Cronin, who taught history, brought it all to life during our time in the classroom.”
What advice would you give to current students and Alumni to capitalize on the education they received from the College?
“Keep reading, reading, reading. Be sure to use social media to have fun and stay current with people on current events. Keep writing, writing, writing. It frees your mind, your spirit soars and you meet many people in the process when you share your work with them. Be compassionate—first to self and then to others.”
