Amalia Susana Tușa, a final-year student at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Cluj-Napoca, was celebrated on Monday by the academic community as she marked her 90th birthday. She is the oldest student currently enrolled at a Romanian university.
Born on 14 February 1936 in Cluj, Amalia Susana Tușa graduated from secondary school with the highest possible overall mark.
She had wished to pursue an academic career, but her path was abruptly altered in 1949. Her father was politically convicted under the communist regime, and she was barred from higher education, being expelled even during her entrance examination to the Faculty of Law in Cluj-Napoca.
Life subsequently led her along a different course. She founded a family, gave birth to a child, and worked in technical and administrative fields, without ever relinquishing her desire to learn.
A Dream Fulfilled
Her dream of university studies was realised late in life. In 2023, at the age of 87, she enrolled at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Cluj-Napoca, specialising in Didactic Theology. She explained the reason behind her choice:
“I consider myself a person of faith. I also have roots — my great-grandfather was a priest. I was raised in this spirit. I enjoy studying; I have learned all my life, and I am eager for new things.”
Speaking about her academic experience, Mrs Tușa said: “I like being at the faculty, especially since I have young colleagues. I love young people! I was drawn to theology. I cannot say it was very difficult, but neither was it easy.”
“Despite all the sufferings and trials of life, I am a happy person. I am never alone. God is beside me and, together with Him, my family and many friends,” the 90-year old student added.
A Remarkable Academic Journey
The Dean of the Faculty, Fr Teofil Tia, told Trinitas TV that her academic path is entirely exceptional:
“She is enrolled in the official undergraduate programme, because that was her wish and ambition. She did not attend university at the appropriate time, and yet she succeeded in passing through all the rigours of a university system — examinations and the corresponding discipline — and for this she deserves all our congratulations.”
Fr Stelian Pașca-Tușa, her supervisor for her bachelor’s thesis, highlighted her strength of character and joy in life.
“Mrs Amalia stood out from the beginning through her sense of humour, and I believe this quality helped her enormously to overcome difficult moments in her life. The strength she received from God manifested itself through this quality. Many could draw inspiration from this gift of hers and pass more easily through delicate moments in life if they have a little humour.”
“Mrs Lia chose to write her thesis on the Old Testament. I was very pleased and considered it fitting that she speak about two of the matriarchs of the Old Testament — Rachel and Leah,” the priest added.
An Example for Generations
Her life story spans distinct historical periods: childhood in a family tested by political repression, professional maturity within a rigid system, and a return to study in an open and dynamic academic environment.
“Whatever we receive, whether good or bad, we must accept, because everything has a purpose in life. What God gives you, you cannot reject. A person must also receive what is less good. Trials bring one closer to God. The important thing is to accept and thank God, saying: ‘Lord, spare us from worse.’ I inherited this saying from my father.”
“Before the communist regime, my father used to go to church on Sundays and chant in the choir. He had a very beautiful voice. (…) We all prayed together. We were raised in good conduct and respect and were taught to thank God for everything,” Mrs Amalia added.
The year 2026 has been dedicated by the Romanian Orthodox Church to the family and to Christian women. Basilica News Agency is publishing a series on notable Romanian women, titled “Romanian Women in History.”
Photo: Metropolis of Cluj / Darius Echim
