Amalia-Susana Tușa turned 90 on February 14, 2026, making her the oldest living student in Romania. She is currently enrolled at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca.
Born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1936, in Cluj, Amalia Tușa celebrated her milestone birthday this year while completing her final year of undergraduate studies in Didactic Theology. According to public records cited by the local news portal Cluj.ro, she has surpassed engineer Aurel Voicu, who earned a master’s degree at the age of 89 in 2024, and now holds the distinction of Romania’s most senior student.
A special ceremony was organized in her honor on February 16 at the faculty, attended by professors, fellow students, and university staff. During the event, Ms Tușa was congratulated for her remarkable academic journey and her perseverance at an advanced age. After the celebration, she withdrew to the faculty chapel, where she offered a prayer of gratitude, expressing thanks for the blessings she has received throughout her life.
Tușa enrolled in theology in 2023, at the age of 87, fulfilling a lifelong dream after decades devoted to family life and her professional career. She is currently completing her undergraduate thesis under the supervision of Fr. Stelian Pașca-Tușa, focusing on the biblical figures Rachel and Leah in the Old Testament.
“I always pray. I love the Psalms very much. I know Psalm 50 by heart, and I read the others. I also know many prayers, even for priests, when I say: ‘Lord, protect us and our priests from harm,’” she said.
Despite graduating from high school with excellent marks, Tușa was unable to pursue university studies in her youth, as in 1949, the communist regime politically condemned her father, which prevented her from enrolling in higher education.
As a result, her life took a different direction, and she devoted herself to her family and to work in the administrative sector, where she also served as a union leader.
Faith has remained central to her life. Raised in a deeply religious family, Tușa describes herself as a believer shaped by strong spiritual roots.
“I love learning; I have learned all my life and I am eager for new things. I enjoy being at the university, especially since my classmates are young. I love young people!” she said.
“Whatever we receive, whether good or bad, we should accept it, because everything has a purpose in life. (…) A person must also accept the less pleasant things. Trials bring a person closer to God,” she advised.
Her story stands as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams.
turned 90 on February 14, 2026, making her the oldest living student in Romania. She is currently enrolled at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca.
Born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1936, in Cluj, Amalia Tușa celebrated her milestone birthday this year while completing her final year of undergraduate studies in Didactic Theology. According to public records cited by the local news portal Cluj.ro, she has surpassed engineer Aurel Voicu, who earned a master’s degree at the age of 89 in 2024, and now holds the distinction of Romania’s most senior student.
A special ceremony was organized in her honor on February 16 at the faculty, attended by professors, fellow students, and university staff. During the event, Ms Tușa was congratulated for her remarkable academic journey and her perseverance at an advanced age. After the celebration, she withdrew to the faculty chapel, where she offered a prayer of gratitude, expressing thanks for the blessings she has received throughout her life.
Tușa enrolled in theology in 2023, at the age of 87, fulfilling a lifelong dream after decades devoted to family life and her professional career. She is currently completing her undergraduate thesis under the supervision of Fr. Stelian Pașca-Tușa, focusing on the biblical figures Rachel and Leah in the Old Testament.
“I always pray. I love the Psalms very much. I know Psalm 50 by heart, and I read the others. I also know many prayers, even for priests, when I say: ‘Lord, protect us and our priests from harm,’” she said.
Despite graduating from high school with excellent marks, Tușa was unable to pursue university studies in her youth, as in 1949, the communist regime politically condemned her father, which prevented her from enrolling in higher education.
As a result, her life took a different direction, and she devoted herself to her family and to work in the administrative sector, where she also served as a union leader.
Faith has remained central to her life. Raised in a deeply religious family, Tușa describes herself as a believer shaped by strong spiritual roots.
“I love learning; I have learned all my life and I am eager for new things. I enjoy being at the university, especially since my classmates are young. I love young people!” she said.
“Whatever we receive, whether good or bad, we should accept it, because everything has a purpose in life. (…) A person must also accept the less pleasant things. Trials bring a person closer to God,” she advised.
Her story stands as a quiet testament to endurance: a powerful and real reminder that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams.
