At 84, a second degree, now thinking about a third

A At 84, she was awarded a Doctor of Laws with a score of 90 out of 110 and the approval of the commission. A celebration was held today for Maria Edda Cavuoto of Montesarchio, in the province of Benevento, graduated from the Federico II University of Naples with a thesis in ecclesiastical law entitled 'Freedom of conscience'.

Her daughter Amelia, her son-in-law and her granddaughter accompanied her. The moment of the proclamation was accompanied by the applause of the other graduates and their families. “It was not more difficult than the first degree – said Maria Edda, leaving the room – when things are done with pleasure they are not difficult and ecclesiastical law has always fascinated me”.

The new doctor already has a degree in Literature, a title thanks to which she was a teacher of humanities in middle school. Maria Edda – who during her life was also a lieutenant of the Red Cross – has no intention of stopping and is already thinking about her next degree, probably in Political Science.

San Giorgio, under the yoke of usury for five years: "They took everything from me, even my dignity." July 28, 2025 - 07:38

“I have always liked politics,” she said, “and in my hometown I was a city councilor.” Today’s milestone means the fulfillment of a dream. As a young girl, she wanted to enroll in Law with the goal of becoming a magistrate, but at the time, as her daughter said, “the times didn’t allow it.”

And so when she could, Maria Edda picked up her books again, enrolled in the faculty and took the 21 exams that separated her from the degree in Doctor of Law that she had so desired. Not even the covid pandemic stopped her. She waited for the exams to return to in-person because, even though she only had two left to graduate, she didn't want to take them online: she wanted to discuss them while looking the professors in the eye without any means of intermediation.

And today she has achieved her goal, which however will not be celebrated with the traditional graduation party because - explained her daughter Amelia - "for her today is a normal thing, she does not think she has done anything exceptional". Following her in her thesis preparation path was Professor Maria D'Arienzo who underlined "the dedication and commitment" of her student.

"Accompanying her in her thesis journey - the professor stated - was stimulating and enriching from a professional and human point of view. For us at the chair it was a gift because it brought positive energy, confirming that the university is a place of culture and discussion and not only of training for professionalization".