Christina Larson Kelly honored by College of Nursing with Medallion

Christina Larson Kelly (right, with Dean Fitzpatrick) noted how the College of Nursing set the foundation for her future success.

The career and contributions of alumna Christina Larson Kelly ’74 BSN, MSN were lauded as she received the College of Nursing's highest award, the Medallion, for Distinguished Contributions to the College, from M. Louise Fitzpatrick, EdD, RN, FAAN, Connelly Endowed Dean and Professor on April 2 at the College’s 27th Annual Mass and Alumni Awards Ceremony held in the St. Thomas of Villanova Church. She is founder and president of Larson Financial Planning, Inc. and a former member of the College’s Board of Consultors. During her remarks, she noted how the College had an impact on her successes through the expertise and professionalism of the faculty that were instilled in the students.

Her citation follows:

Christina A. Larson is a dynamic leader with an enthusiasm for supporting seasoned nurses as well as novice nurses.  Christina is seen as a key point person in the New England area for Villanova University.  She is heavily involved with assisting Villanova nursing graduates as they seek advice on obtaining their first position in the nursing field.  She has helped organize networking events throughout the area, even going as far as to offer her own home as a meeting place to bring Villanova graduates together.  Christina is dedicated to and passionate about preparing novice nurses for their careers and providing them with insights into the job market through skill building that is integral to their development as professionals.

After receiving her BSN from Villanova University in 1974, Christina held leadership positions in several Boston teaching hospitals-including the Lahey Clinic.  Building on her teaching and administrative knowledge she earned her MSN from Boston University.  Recognizing the lack of resources available for nurses to assist them in managing their financial health, Christina obtained a Certified Financial Planning certificate from Northeastern University.  She is founder and president of Larson Financial Planning which is aimed directly at the needs of health care professionals.

As an integral member of the College of Nursing’s Board of Consultors, Christina has shared her expertise with fellow alumni and our nursing students.  In this position she was able to offer exclusive knowledge from her years as a nursing and executive professional who had also owned and managed a health-related service company.  She knew that it was important to engage Nursing alumni and encourage them to become more active in their contributions to the College early in their careers.  Christina, herself, has been very generous to the University for many years, and personally supports the College in a significant way with the Christina Larson Kelly '74 Endowed Nursing Scholarship. Her gift provides the financial resources needed for nursing students who might not otherwise be able to pursue studies at Villanova.  Christina is also spearheading an idea for a College of Nursing professional development program geared toward shaping the careers of young Villanova nurses in areas such as personal skill development, finances and networking.

For her impact as a leader and role model for Villanova nursing students and her dedication to the College of Nursing, it is with great pleasure that the College of Nursing awards its 2016 Medallion for Distinguished Contributions to the College of Nursing to Christina Larson Kelly.