Cynthia Piccirilli ’79

Cynthia Piccirilli ’79, a member of La Roche University’s Distinguished Alumni Circle, is a retired Captain and Department Head of Neurosurgery for the U.S. Navy. Capt. Piccirilli also served as a neurosurgeon for Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.

Why did you choose La Roche?

I had joined the Sisters of Divine Providence and transferred to La Roche to complete my degree. I chose La Roche for its small size, intimate class size and personal touch.

What impact did La Roche have on you as a person?

I identified with the Sisters of Divine Providence and La Roche as the school that they founded. I remember La Roche through the lens of belonging to the religious community. My schooling and my life at that time were intimately bound together.

How did La Roche prepare you for this position?

My degree is a Bachelor of Science in biology. The science background was essential. However, I had the opportunity to take many courses in religious studies, and this was as important to my practice of medicine and healing profession.

How did a degree from La Roche help you advance your career?

I succeeded, coming from a small school not known at the time for producing physicians. I felt confident that my education and hard work at La Roche gave me a good foundation to continue my studies and succeed.

Please describe an experience with a faculty or staff member who made a strong, positive impact on you.

Sister Kathleen Angel encouraged me to do an honors project in biology. She was a quiet force and a great example. Dr. Cooper was another science professor, and an example of a strong, educated woman – kind, encouraging and honest.

What are you most proud of when you look back on your La Roche experience?

When I transferred to La Roche, I was able to focus on my studies and really enjoyed the hard work and positive feedback. I graduated summa cum laude with honors in biology. The honors project required an enormous amount of work that challenged me.

Are you involved in any volunteer service projects?

I orchestrated a parish group of physicians, nurses and clerical staff that volunteered one night a month at a free care clinic. We did this for eight years. I had to quit in 2015 to address the needs of my family.

What advice do you have for our students?

You will be very fortunate if you can find work that you embrace as your calling and your vocation. Then your work will be fulfilling and life-giving. This is more important than finding a financially lucrative job.

Life is precious. Our time here is limited. Good health is a precious gift. Embrace your loved ones, try to be at peace, be kind, look to serve where you can, and live with an attitude of gratitude.