Ursuline Academy 2019-2020 Annual Report

When meeting with Ursuline alumnae in my travels, I often hear the comment “Ursuline made me who I am today.”

The influence of Ursuline Academy on the lives of her alumnae enters every conversation I have with alumnae.

Each discussion includes “Ursuline is where I became confident,” “Ursuline is like family,” and “Serviam is a part of who I am.” Our alumnae are thankful for their education and understand the difference that an Ursuline education makes on every woman who walks our halls. It is this very understanding, along with sincere gratitude, that our alumnae have fueled the development of the Laurel Legacy Guild. Founded by trailblazing women who have given or plan to give a gift to the Academy, the Laurel Legacy Guild has blessed the Academy with funds that will continue the trailblazing spirit of Ursuline women for years to come. Planned gifts have funded innovative improvements to part of our main academy building.

Jane Gisevius, Merry Mac of ’61, loved Ursuline Academy. She recognized the gift of her Ursuline education and was committed to the idea that Ursuline continue to serve New Orleans girls with an excellent education. Jane began scholarships at the Academy during her lifetime to continue to provide funding for girls who show aptitude and need. Making an even larger impact, Jane gave the largest single planned gift given to the Academy. The Jane Gisevius Leadership Center will open this fall and will house SmartLabs, an entrepreneurship center and broadcast studio. As a founding member of the Laurel Legacy Guild, Jane’s love of Ursuline and commitment to Serviam will continue in the Leadership Center.

Linda Teijelo Smith, Skipperette of ’59, also understood the gift of an Ursuline education. As a graduate of Newcomb College at Tulane University, Linda pursued a Master’s in Mathematics from Stanford followed by a Master’s in Oceanography from Miami University. Linda valued a strong education. When I met her in Miami, I learned quickly that Linda loved opera and traveling. Linda was truly her own person. She explained that she wanted her planned gift to go to capital expenses that would make a difference for students and move Ursuline forward. Linda’s planned gift is funding the two SmartLabs, one for elementary and one for high school in The Jane Gisevius Leadership Center.

Phyllis Bunol Jones, Academy Class of ’39 and Distinguished Alumna, was a true blue Ursuline girl. Phyllis also left a planned gift in support of the Academy’s mission and traditions. Her gift will also be a part of improving the building and funding the future for our girls within the Leadership Center.

URSULINE ACADEMY | 12 | 2019-2020 IMPACT OF GIVING