Legacy Guild

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.

Suzanne Cromiller Thomas, Mac of ’73, expressed her desire to leave a planned gift after her recent retirement. She states, “One of my earliest Ursuline memories is my kindergarten interview with one of the nuns. We took a walk in the courtyard on a beautiful day and chatted. My mom was told that I had no separation anxiety. Even at 5 years old, Ursuline felt like a nurturing and supportive place. I was an Ursuline “lifer” so when I graduated in 1973 and went to college, I was a little wary about sharing a classroom with men. What I found was that while Ursuline had provided me with strong academic tools, it also had prepared me to be self-confident and independent. I have had a very successful career in the financial industry and have done well professionally over the years. When I reflect on what helped me achieve success, after acknowledging the gifts that God has given me, as well as the support of my parents and husband, I can’t help but think about Ursuline Academy and my years on State Street. It is only natural that I would now consider a legacy gift to the school so that its tradition of educating strong and independent women will continue long after I am gone. I hope that others will consider joining me.”

Jane, Linda, Phyllis and Suzanne are founding members and serve as trailblazers of our Laurel Legacy Guild. Their thoughtful gifts truly make a difference and continue the legacy of an Ursuline education. We welcome other trailblazers to join the Guild in support of an Ursuline education and our historic campus. For more information about planned giving, please contact Mariana Coudrain at mcoudrain@uanola.org or Maria Weidenbacher at mweidenbacher@uanola.org.

In Christ,

Karen T. McNay, EdD Academy President