THE URSU.LINES THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF URSULINE ACADEMY NEW ORLEANS
2010-2011
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URSU.LINES STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS Academy President GRETCHEN Z. KANE
Director of Alumnae CHRISTY JACKSON ’00
Director of Communications SARAH RUSH MILLER
Director of Development JANET GOFORTH
Director of Institutional Advancement JULIE MABUS
Contributing Writers & Photographers KIM HARPER PAT GARIN DR. MARY JANE BRODRICK LACOSTE ’51 DONN YOUNG
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what’s inside TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 President’s Perspective 5 Early Childhood Learning Center 10 Order in the Court 13 475th Anniversary of the Ursulines 14 Philanthropist Mary Ann Glorioso Valentino ’37 15 Fashion Designer Meghann Harney ’06 16 2010 Distinguished Alumna 17 About Alumnae 30 The Very First Sioux
31 Blast from the Past 32 Sioux Class of 2011 Graduation 36 Cor Unum Award 2011 38 Around State Street
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Dear Ursuline Family, The 2010-11 school year marks the 284th time that Ursuline Academy has opened its doors for an academic term. What a remarkable history. Can you imagine being one of the original 12 Ursuline Sisters travelling from France in 1727 to a foreign land called New Orleans? But, it was their perseverance, faith and unity that made the oldest all-girls educational institution in the United States possible. Our 284-year history, however, reminds us of the traditions that have formed us and now challenge us to translate their meaning in new contexts for new generations. To be involved in the Ursuline tradition means we stand where Christ stands today – where forgiveness and reconciliation become not personal sanctuaries or private well-being but energy to share the good news one has experienced. The tradition is not escape but engagement with the world and contemporary culture, which is the ground of choice and work for the young girls and women we teach and guide and care for. Ursuline Academy is no stranger to the tension of living in the center of tradition and innovation, and the Soeur Teresita Rivet Early Childhood Learning Center, which opened August 2010, is a consummate example – preservation of an historic, 100-year old laundry together with the creation of a uniquely innovative environment that enhances and facilitates children’s construction of their own powers of thinking. The 2010-11 school year had many additional highlights. Seventy-four seniors earned over $6.8M in college scholarships and were accepted into 236 colleges and universities. Ursuline enjoyed district championships in volleyball, basketball and softball, was district runner-up in track, and was state runner-up in volleyball. The spring production of “Seussical” ran for 5 shows to packed crowds. The Academy completed its $5M Keeping the Legacy Alive capital campaign, and the badly worn tennis courts were completely renovated. Over forty percent of our 7th grade class qualified for the Duke Talent Identification Program which nationally identifies academically talented 7th graders. The senior Sioux class continued their domination by, once again, winning Rally. The rosary was prayed every Tuesday morning, and Eucharistic adoration was held every first Thursday of the month in the Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. And, the list goes on and on! Ursuline is, indeed, a hub of activity. In all of this, however, we do not lose sight of the ultimate aim of Ursuline education - the full growth of the individual which leads to action – action, especially, that is suffused with the spirit and presence of Jesus Christ. Yours in Christ,
Gretchen Zibilich Kane
President’s Perspective 5
SoeurTeresita Rivet, OSU EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER
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Following Hurricane Katrina, Ursuline Academy was presented with a rare opportunity – the transformation of a historic structure, originally constructed as the Sisters’ Laundry, into a state-of-the-art facility that would set a new standard for early childhood learning in the city of New Orleans. In re-envisioning the 100-year-old building, Academy administrators and early childhood personnel regularly met with Concordia Architecture and Planning to assure programmatic needs would be met by the design of the new facility. The Academy was also very fortunate to have the expert advice of Dr. Judith Kieff, the University of New Orleans’ Childhood Learning Director, in framing a contemporary and progressive curriculum for Ursuline’s youngest students. The partnership between UNO and Ursuline began five years ago, where early childhood faculty routinely met with Dr. Judith Kieff to review literature, discuss best practices and learn as much as possible about an early childhood educational philosophy known as the Reggio Emilia Approach. Additionally, Ursuline faculty traveled throughout
the country to observe first-hand schools incorporating the Reggio Emilia Approach in their early childhood programs. Equipped with considerable knowledge from their travels and study, early childhood faculty and administrators were able to insure that curriculum planning informed the architect’s design of the new early childhood learning center. An emergent curriculum, a primary element of the Reggio Emelia philosophy, is a curriculum built on the interests of the children. Topics for exploration and study are captured from what the children talk about in relation to family, social interactions, feelings, inquiry and observations. Projects are another key component in a contemporary early childhood curriculum. Projects are in-depth studies of concepts, ideas and interests which arise within a group of students. These projects are considered an adventure and may last anywhere from one week to an entire school year. Throughout a project, teachers guide students and help them make decisions about the direction they want to go, ways in which to research an idea, and possible media that may be used to demonstrate and showcase their project. 7
Representational Development is another aspect of Reggio. It calls for the integration of the arts as tools for cognitive, linguistic and social development. Students are provided opportunities to represent their understanding through print, art, construction, drama, music and puppetry. Students explore and create using a variety of media, especially materials which are found in nature and then brought into the learning studio. Collaboration among the students and the teachers is another critical component of Ursuline’s new early childhood program. Children dialogue with one another and their teachers. They are encouraged to critique, compare and contrast, negotiate, hypothesize and problem-solve as a group. Both uniqueness of self and a sense of group membership are emphasized simultaneously. The teacher’s role in a Reggio program is different from that found in a traditional classroom. The approach is vastly more complex in that teachers are working almost entirely as co-teachers and collaborators who research, guide, act
as a resource to students and lend their expertise to one another and to the children. The teacher-researcher role is one of listener, observer, documenter and facilitator. Documentation of children’s work is viewed as an important tool in the learning process and can include pictures of children engaged in activities and/or a record of their words as they discuss what they are doing, feeling and thinking. It is an interpretation of the child’s experience, and the center’s studio is filled with student work and designs of art. Gone are the days of teacher created materials. Finally, great attention is given to the look and feel of learning spaces. The organization of the physical environment is often referred to as the “third teacher” in the Reggio Emilia model of education, with parent as the first and teacher as the second. The learning environment is bright and full of natural light and natural-hued furniture. Plants, documentation of student work, and collections of natural materials are displayed at children’s eye level throughout the center. Space is purposefully organized to provide for small and large group projects, and small 7
intimate spaces are created for children to read, interact and create. Technology is also incorporated into the environment and made available as yet another medium by which students explore and learn. The technology throughout the center far surpasses what is found in most elementary schools. The center is equipped with seven Smart boards, three Smart tables, 24 student lap tops, iPods, Leap Frog Tag Reading Program, flip cameras, digital cameras and listening centers. The Reggio philosophy views each child as capable of constructing her own learning. But, this new educational approach doesn’t mean that students aren’t learning the basics – reading, writing and arithmetic. The fact is that the children are learning to read, doing math, writing copiously, and engaging in hands-on science lessons, foreign language, physical education and religion classes. The children are really learning at a faster rate and with a deeper understanding. The teachers believe in this new philosophy and are committed to providing a stimulating, creative environment in which our children feel safe to explore and develop their natural desire to know. Teachers are no longer looking back at what they did last year at this time and duplicating it. Instead, they are listening, learning and creating alongside the students. New and fresh ideas for projects emerge. Students are leading and doing. Teachers
are guiding and facilitating. A perfect example of this change is evident in how the Fall season and Thanksgiving are celebrated. In the past, all the students wore identical pilgrim and Indian costumes, and parents and teachers, for the most part, prepared the Thanksgiving meal. Now, the students design their own attire for the celebration and although many still don pilgrim and Indian outfits, they are not identical and ballerinas, princesses, cheerleaders, doctors and nurses also attend the Thanksgiving feast. As for the meal, the children prepare and cook everything. For the entire week before our Thanksgiving lunch, the students, with guidance from their teachers, measure, sort, chop, mix, sauté and bake a most incredible Thanksgiving feast for their parents, siblings and grandparents. One cannot experience the “wow” of our incredible center, or really know how innovative our program is within the city, without coming to campus for a tour and visit. So often the Soeur Teresita Rivet, OSU Early Childhood Learning Center is likened to the Children’s Museum. Our teachers and children have come to expect and welcome visitors. The dedicated faculty and administrators of Ursuline Academy are always pleased to share their excitement for a new approach to early childhood learning and proud to show off the creatively and well-thought out design of their new facility.
SOEUR TERESITA RIVET, OSU BORN: Inez Marie Rivet, June 27, 1920 HIGH SCHOOL: Ursuline Academy Class of ’36 COLLEGE: Ursuline College Class of ’40 ENTERED CONVENT: 1939 PROFESSED FINAL VOWS: 1944
Soeur T, as she was lovingly named by her French students, served Ursuline ministries in many ways, including: Elementary School teacher and principal of Ursuline Academy in New Orleans; Supervisor for the Central Province Ursuline Schools and the Dallas/Fort Worth Diocese Schools; Prioress of the New Orleans Ursulines Community; Provincial for the Ursulines of the Western Province; Missionary at Saint Mary’s in Alaska; Creator and First Director of the Ursuline Child Care Learning Center in Crystal City, MO; Early Childhood Division French teacher at Ursuline Academy in New Orleans.
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THE DEDICATION
Very rarely in life does one get to meet a family who more closely represents our Ursuline ideal of Serviam; who follows the example of St. Angela Merici, focusing on those priorities which constitute Christ’s mind, heart, values, priorities, and loves; who gives, but doesn’t keep score; who toils and doesn’t seek rest, and who labors and doesn’t look for any reward. Ursuline Academy will always be indebted to Jackie and Wayne Leonard for their friendship, kindness and selfless generosity. Jackie and Wayne serve as Honorary Chairs of the Academy’s Keeping the Legacy Alive Capital Campaign. Their daughters, Allison, Class of 2004; Rachel, Class of 2007; and Rebecca, Class of 2009; are also a big source of love for Ursuline. In a most humble and gracious manner, they made a truly transformational gift to the campaign, a gift of $1,000,000. Their personal gift together with Entergy Corporation’s match was donated specifically to make the Early Childhood Learning Center a reality and to have it named for an Ursuline Sister close to their hearts – Sr. Teresita Rivet. -Adapted from President Gretchen Kane’s Dedication Speech “It has been the greatest life-changing privilege for my family … to get to know Sister Teresita, and for our family and Entergy to be able to help create this wonderful facility that provides better opportunities for our children to learn and our dedicated teachers to do their best work. … It’s truly an honor to be mentioned in some way with one of God’s best work: Sister Teresita.” - Excerpt from Wayne Leonard’s Dedication Speech
1.) Capital Campaign General CoChairs Deborah Augustine Elam ’79 (left) and Verna Satterlee Landrieu ’50 (right) with Sr. T at the Early Childhood Learning Center Dedication. 2.) Sister Suzanne Hall, a Notre Dame Sister, helped the Academy raise almost $1,000,000 for the Capital Campaign, with over $700,000 going to the Sister Teresita Rivet, OSU Early Childhood Learning Center. 3.) Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond gave the Invocation at the dedication. 9
Order in Ursuline Academy Alumnae dedicate their lives to
Honorable Madeleine Landrieu Sensenbrenner, Honorable Angelique A. Reed, Honorable Nancy Amato Konrad
It is no secret Ursuline Academy of New Orleans has produced a plethora of reasoning, fair minded and highly intelligent women with its long history of academic excellence, its insistence on courtesy, loyalty and courage and its examples of bravery and service throughout the last three centuries. And our alumnae have excelled in extraordinary areas. One area, in particular, in which our Ursuline alumnae are shaping the culture, the laws and the everyday lives of the people of New Orleans is the Judiciary. Honorable Nancy Amato Konrad is the Senior Judge with the Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court. Judge Konrad was elected to the bench in 1980 and was the first woman to serve in a parish office in Jefferson Parish. She is a great advocate for the safety, discipline and well-being of children and juveniles, serving as Chairperson for the Louisiana Children’s Code Project. This role, reflecting her dedication to the needs of young people in Jefferson Parish led to
the 1991 Louisiana Children’s Code Project, codifying the myriad of laws and statutes scattered throughout Louisiana state law. Judge Konrad has integrated the values so ingrained in her through her years at Ursuline with a life of service to the well-being and protection of the children of Louisiana … “I can honestly say that during the course of my life and thirty years on the bench, not a single day passes where the core values instilled by Ursuline – service, spirituality and community – do not factor into my decisions both personal and judicial. So much more than just an education, it is the total Ursuline experience that guides my daily interactions with Louisiana’s children and their families as well as my efforts to serve them with an impartial yet compassionate application of the law.” 11
the court the fair and honest treatment of New Orleanians.
Honorable Susan Chehardy, Honorable Keva Landrum-Johnson, Honorable Monique G. Morial
Honorable Susan Chehardy currently serves on the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals where she has served since 1998. She, too, has service in her blood as her father, Lawrence A. Chehardy and brother, Lawrence E. Chehardy, held the Jefferson Parish tax assessor’s office for 45 years total, one after the other. It is impossible to overstate the continuing importance of Serviam in the lives of these women … “As public officials, our dedication to service is integral to the performance of our duties, and the discipline provided by an education grounded in a strong moral context is irreplaceable in the formation of the character required to manage the task of making decisions that affect people’s lives.”
Honorable Madeleine Landrieu Sensenbrenner is a member of a long line of political family members of New Orleans. Her father, former Mayor Moon Landrieu, her brother, Mayor Mitch Landrieu (and former Lt. Governor), and her sister, Senator Mary Landrieu (UA class of 1973), know well the trials and triumphs of a life of public service. And her mother, Verna Landrieu (UA class of 1950), has been a staunch political force in her own right. Judge Landrieu is a judge on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, 1st District, Division F in Orleans Parish. She first joined the judiciary in 2001 as Civil District Court Judge. For Judge Landrieu, Serviam became who she was as she graduated from Ursuline … “It was not until after I finished law school and was hired in my first law firm, that I realized how ingrained our motto Serviam was in me. It came 11
so naturally, taught so seamlessly in the halls of Ursuline, that I did not really appreciate its uniqueness or its value. The law, as a profession, is a call to serve others. Ursuline instilled in me the passion to do just that. For the Ursuline graduate, service is not something we do. It is who we are. It gives me great pleasure now, as the mother of three Ursuline students, to watch this legacy continue. I am watching my daughters walk in their faith – in kind and loving service to others – and they do not even realize how precious a gift this is!” Honorable Keva Landrum-Johnson is a judge for the 41st Judicial District Criminal Court, Section E, in Orleans Parish. She was elected to the position in October of 2008, finishing out the term of retiring Judge Calvin Johnson. The following January, Judge Landrum-Johnson began her full six-year term which will expire in December 2014. Prior to her judgeship, she was the first female District Attorney in the state of Louisiana. Judge Landrum-Johnson also put a public and professional voice to the values she was taught at Ursuline Academy … “Ursuline Academy set unprecedented standards of academic and social excellence that encouraged me to give nothing less in my life’s pursuits. Ursuline Academy is where I began to develop the idea of being a public servant. I learned to embrace the school motto of Serviam. Ursuline taught me the importance of serving others. Serviam became not just a lesson, but a principle – a lifestyle for me.”
God. There are many times I pray to Our Lady of Prompt Succor for help for my family, friends and our New Orleans community. I am privileged to have received the strong sense of values at Ursuline. These values guide me each day as a Judge and as a member of this community.” Honorable Angelique A. Reed sits on the bench of the First City Court, Section B in Orleans Parish. She was elected after running unopposed on October 2, 2010. Like Judge Morial, Judge Reed addresses the needs of the First City Court by dealing with such issues as evictions, small claims, contract disputes and personal injury claims under $25,000. First City Court also provides a venue of first resort for resolution of smaller, but imminently important claims for the people of New Orleans. Judge Reed describes her role as one for which she was well prepared … “Ursuline instilled in me the value of public service, which I take with me to the bench in my role as the ultimate public servant.” The message embedded in the lives of these women is clear: they have dedicated their lives to the fair and honest treatment of their fellow Louisianans, whether they are small children, mothers and fathers with just grievances in small claims courts, or individuals or corporations who continue their just fight through the appellate process. We salute these women, for they live the greatest value. They will serve. - Julie Mabus
Honorable Monique G. Morial is no stranger to the political world. Her father Dutch Morial and her brother Marc Morial both served as mayor of New Orleans for eight years. Judge Morial ran unopposed for First City Court Section A judgeship in 2010. First City Court serves as the city’s Small Claims Court and Judge Morial routinely faces legal disputes of New Orleanians, directly untangling and settling disputes affecting the everyday lives of the people in New Orleans. First City Court invites and requires creative thinking as it embraces every imaginable need and dispute among the populace of a city … “At Ursuline, I was encouraged to think for myself, to express myself, to ‘think outside the box.’ These concepts assisted me in law school where I was being trained to think logically and with reason. As a judge, it is necessary to analyze issues and discern the strengths and weaknesses of the issues to reach a just and fair decision. Further, the spirituality set forth at Ursuline is invaluable. There is no difficulty, struggle or decision that I face, either personally or professionally, that I do not turn to my faith in 13
475 The Ursulines celebrate a milestone
The year 2010 marked the 475th Anniversary of the Ursulines. In 1535, Angela Merici formed the Company of St. Ursula. At that time, she had a vision like no other. Angela’s faith and determination led her to promote strong women at a time when women had few rights. November 25, 1535 marks the day that Angela Merici chose twelve virgins to join her “company.” St. Ursula, although she lived in 4th Century AD well before Angela’s time, was admired by Angela. Angela was impressed with Ursula’s courage and loyalty to God. In a complex world full of many variables, the Ursulines are keeping strong to the precedence set before them. Today’s Ursulines feed the poor, educate the young and nurse the sick. They are leaders, examples in the community and advocates for young women of all ages, races and creeds. Today’s Ursulines adapt to the times yet stand strong to the foundation Angela Merici established. Today’s Ursulines are the reason the Academy’s students feel free to express themselves, are strong enough to stand for what is just, and are gracious enough to give back to others. The Ursuline girl of today seeks to carry out St. Angela’s teachings and to make her words come to life. Besides simply reading St. Angela’s counsels, Ursuline students are able to lead by the example given to them by the Ursuline Sisters. Celebrating 475 years of the Ursuline Order is a very important part of our history and heritage. As Ursuline students graduate and begin a new life’s journey, they continue to carry the values and beliefs instilled in them inside the Ursuline halls. Many alumnae have vivid memories of growing up with the Ursuline Sisters. Many attribute who they are today to the Sisters who taught them. They are forever grateful to all of the Sisters, past and present, who live out St. Angela’s words and provide beautiful examples of what it means to be an Ursuline. - Christy Jackson ’00
Sr. Regina Marie Fronmuller, OSU, Sr. Marianne Mullen, OSU, Sr. Carla Dolce, OSU, Father Hymel, Sr. Donna Hyndman, OSU and Sr. Ginger Cirone, OSU celebrate the 475th anniversary of the Ursulines with a special tree planted in the Sacred Heart Courtyard. The tree was chosen to honor the generations of Sisters who have educated young women throughout the centuries and the Ursulines of today all over the world.
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MARY ANN GLORIOSO VALENTINO ’37 INSPIRES In November of 2010, our own alumna of the class of 1937, Mary Ann Glorioso Valentino, was recognized by the Greater New Orleans Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals as the year’s “Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser.” The importance of this recognition prompted Ursuline Academy to further highlight the remarkable life of this amazing woman. Sometimes our words are too limiting to truly capture the spirit and goodness of an individual. This is one of those times. Let us rely, therefore, on the words of the Gospel, according to the Book of Matthew, Chapter 22, verses 34-40: “But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,‘Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law?’ Jesus said unto him, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hand all the law and the prophets.’ ”
In an April 29, 1944 article covering Mary Ann’s wedding to Anthony Valentino, the beginning sentences from the article read, “The beloved Mary Ann Glorioso Valentino’s wedding to Anthony “Val” Valentino took place on April 9, 1944. Mary Ann has been an incredible volunteer and has helped so many organizations.” During World War II, while Val was in the Army, Mary Ann taught herself to type and served her country as a civilian logistical coordinator of Army troops. After the war, Mary Ann spent much of her young adult years working in social welfare organizations serving disabled children and adults. For her continuing care of those less fortunate, Mary Ann was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Services by Our Lady of Holy Cross College. The list of Catholic, arts and philanthropic boards on which she has served is overwhelming and her numerous awards and recognitions reflect a life well defined by her love of God and care of her neighbors.
Mary Ann’s actions, over the years, speak to the essence of these two great commandments. Her belief in God has been unwavering and she has most decidedly loved her neighbors as herself. That love is manifested in the selfless work she has done in this community and for this community the entirety of her life.
Ursuline Academy honored Mary Ann as one of its Distinguished Alumna in 1986. Her college alma mater, Loyola University New Orleans, selected Mary Ann as the recipient of the 2010 Hominum Award, presented each spring to an outstanding alumna or alumnus of Loyola. These awards called forth Mary Ann’s philanthropy and Photo from St. Charles Avenue character, which began at an early age. Mary Ann always speaks in the language of love for her fellow man, but her actions give power and dimension to the words.
Mary Ann’s natural love of her fellow man, no doubt, began at an early age through the tutelage and guidance of her family, but the spirit of Serviam was nurtured and strengthened through her years at Ursuline Academy on State Street in her beloved New Orleans.
To our dear Mary Ann, Ursuline Academy thanks you for the light you shine in guiding the young girls and young women of your alma mater to take up the banner of Serviam. No greater light exists. - Julie Mabus 15
YOUNG ALUMNA & UP-AND-COMING FASHION DESIGNER
meghann harney ’06
It all started with art class ... Meghann Harney, Mac of 2006, found inspiration and encouragement through Ursuline Academy’s high school art program. While fashion design is part of her genetic make-up (her great-grandmother was a local designer specializing in evening dresses), it was in Ursuline’s art studio that she began the foundation for her future career. “My [Ursuline Academy] art classes allowed me to creatively grow and learn important techniques that helped me with art in college,” she says. And grow she did. As a student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Meghann channeled her creative energy into a new medium: fashion. Fashion design came naturally to the UA graduate and her talent and cutting-edge style didn’t go unnoticed. Her senior line was awarded the school’s top honor, “Best in Show.” Individual pieces in her collection received accolades such as “Best Flat Pattern” and “Best Draping Design.” As a student, one of Meghann’s garments was chosen to grace the catwalk at a special Fashion Group International runway show, a tribute to legendary designer Alexander McQueen. After graduation, Meghann was awarded another “Best in Show,” this time at WORN AGAIN NOLA, a fashion design competition that challenges local designers to turn old garments into new fashion. Her Spring 2011 collection was one of five selected for the Alegria Fashion Show, a runway competition benefiting the Louisiana SPCA. Since the show, she has been busy making costumes for film, theater productions and a pageant dress for a Miss Louisiana contestant. Meghann is currently working for local wedding dress couturier Suzzane Perron, former head designer for the internationally renowned Vera Wang. The future is undoubtedly bright for this aspiring designer. Wherever it may lead her, she will always take a piece of Ursuline with her. Meghann explains, “Ursuline taught me the best values in life that carried me through college and in the real world. My time at Ursuline shaped me into a successful, hard working and caring woman that I am today.”
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2010 Distinguished Alumna
Maureen McKay Poché ’75 The Distinguished Alumna Award is handed out annually to a graduate of Ursuline Academy or the former Ursuline College of New Orleans who demonstrates the core values and ideals of an Ursuline education in all aspects of her life. Since 1986, 42 people have received this honor, making it one of Ursuline’s most prestigious awards. “Maureen carries out Ursuline’s motto, Serviam ‘I will serve,’ as a lived reality,” says Cara D’Antoni ’90, the 2010 Director of Alumnae for Ursuline Academy. “She serves God, Ursuline and her local community in such a graceful, quiet, humble way, while seeking no recognition or accolades for her work. We are so thrilled to bestow this honor upon her.” Suzanne Toca Browne ’56, who is a previous recipient of the award and who nominated Poché, describes her as, “… one of our most outstanding alumnae. Maureen emulates all the principles we were taught at Ursuline – Courtesy, Loyalty and Courage. She has been a wonderful example of love, kindness and generosity to her family, friends and Ursuline students. She is the best!!!” Poché has dedicated countless hours of time and energy to Ursuline and her local community. She served as President of Ursuline’s Alumnae Association, in addition to serving on numerous committees of the Alumnae Board, including chairing the Distinguished Alumna Award committee since its inception in 1986 until 2008. When her daughter, an Ursuline graduate of 2006, was in fifth grade, Poché began a golf program for the Academy. Since its inception, Poché has been involved with the golf program which has included several trips to high school district and state tournaments. Her lifelong love of the sport has led her to volunteer for
over ten years with the Forekids Foundation Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament. She has served on many Ursuline higher education boards and currently serves on the Ursuline Mission Integration Committee. Along with her husband, Leon Keller Poché Jr., she works one on one with engaged couples, counseling them in marriage preparation for the Catholic Church. Poché currently serves as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and lector at Mass. In 1997, she began the weekly Rosary program and in 2004 monthly Eucharistic Adoration for the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. She is also a member of Regnum Christi. Poché has worked tirelessly for the ProLife cause in many capacities and as a Board member for the New Orleans Right to Life organization for several years. In addition, she assisted and supported the teachers and students in establishment of the Academy’s Pro-Life Group. An excellent cook, Poché has volunteered her time demonstrating cooking techniques from the 1800s at the Hermann Grimma House. She has also volunteered on Tulane’s Committee on Institutional Animal Care and Use. Poché states, “Ursuline is a wonderful and nurturing environment where girls and young women receive an excellent education steeped in tradition, core values and Catholic formation, in addition to focusing on Serviam. It has been a blessing for me to voluntarily live Serviam in my everyday life, especially at Ursuline, since it is a three-generation family tradition for me. I enjoyed Ursuline as a student, but as an alum and parent, I’ve grown to appreciate on another level what a unique and special place it is!”
Know an alumna who exemplifies the Ursuline values and ideals in all aspects of her life? Contact the Office of Alumnae, 504.861.9114 or alumnae@ ursulineneworleans.org.
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miracles Top row, from left: William James McPhail, Beau Simon Bordelon, Gabrielle Rose Guient, Aidan Rhys Shuford Middle row, from left: William August LeBeouf, Amelie Souquet Allen, Oliver Lee Teijelo, Macy Avalon Rubin Bottom row, from left: Nathan Alden Benoit, Emerson Adele Spielman, Hudson Smith Bourgeois, Vivienne Jane Hinyup
Carl & Bridget Fabacher LaForge ’86, a daughter, Leah Ann
Andrew & Nicole Taranto Allen ’94, a daughter, Amelie Souquet
Drayfus & Tracey Knight Guient ’87, a daughter, Gabrielle Rose
Jason & Jennifer Daigle Benoit ’94, a son, Nathan Alden
Gregg & Heidi Hoffman Rubin ’89, a daughter, Macy Avalon
Brad & Colleen Berner Bordelon ’94, a son, Beau Simon
Lee & Anne Weiss Teijelo ’89, a son, Oliver Lee
Tom & Aislinn Pares Hinyup ’94, a daughter, Vivienne Jane
Luke & Ann McNamara Heusel ’90, a son, Peter John
E. Stewart & Michelle Zeringue Spielman ’95, a daughter, Emerson Adele
Frank & Nette Figueroa Danjean ’90, a son, Cooper Joseph
Ridge & Gretchen Smith Bourgeois ’97, a son, Hudson Smith
Jason & Ashley Engerran LeBeouf ’90, a son, William August
Kevin & Katherine Garrison Schilling ’00, a son, Garrison Lee
Cord & Laura Arnette McPhail ’90, a son, William James
Andrew & Gina Sadhwani Shuford ’00, a son, Aidan Rhys
Marc & Bridget Voigt Ehrhardt ’91, a son, Malcolm William
Hank & Erica Sage Pitts ’02, a son, Sage Matthew
Alumnae: BABIES 17
weddings 2
3
1
6
4
5
Belinda Gemelli ’87 and Paul Stephen Craven
Casey Magee ’00 and Jason Maenza (1)
Alison Jones ’90 and Chris Ferguson (11)
Lily Nguyen ’01 and Brian Dale Wesley (10)
Shannon Boh ’95 and Ryan Dahmer (9)
Michelle McBeth ’01 and Timothy Borchard
Vanessa Swaim ’98 and Sean Joffe (4)
Laurie Pierce, AM ’01 and Beau Martin (12)
Jennifer Dickmann, AM ’98 and Jeffrey Strahan
Alyse Caliva ’02 and Scott Manning
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Kemi Adebamowo ’00 and Jason Reeves (8)
Alumnae: MARRIAGES 19
12
8
13 3
9
10
11
14
Mairin LeBlanc ’03 and Matthew Cutrer (13)
Ashley Prevost ’03 and Nicholas Daniel Salvaggio (6)
Elizabeth Romaguera ’03 and Drew A. Deacon (5)
Sarah Neil ’04 and David Cancienne
Ashley Kwiatkowski ’03 and William Schommer
Heidi Windmann ’04 and Jeremy Hartings (14)
Corinne Kattengell ’03 and Spencer Farmer
Ashley Johnson ’05 and Chad Franatovich (3)
Jamie Baker ’03 and Michael Thomas Wong (7)
Dana Corona ’05 and Derek Michell (2)7
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reunited!
Alumnae: REUNIONS 21
Top row, from left: Class of 1940, Class of 1950, Class of 1955 Middle row, from left: Class of 1960, Class of 1965, Class of 1970, Class of 1975 Bottom row, from left: Class of 1980, Class of 1990, Class of 2000
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1946
Sister Rosemary Meiman, OSU has been the Central Province Archivist in St. Louis for over ten years.
1960
Liz Scott Monaghan’s (Elizabeth Brodrick) most recent humor book chronicling the adventures of her character Modine Gunch appeared in 2010 as “Never Clean Your House During Hurricane Season.” Modine‘s column runs monthly in “New Orleans Magazine.” All profits from the book go toward rebuilding St. Bernard Parish. In 2011, Liz co-authored and edited the humorous “Cookbook for the Hungry: a wickedly delicious collection of recipes and cooking tips, spiced liberally with political wit, served up by Louisiana Democrats.” It was produced by the Northshore Democratic Women’s Club and all profits go toward feeding the hungry.
1964
Pamela Wild Marsen founded the first pet assisted therapy program run by an animal shelter in the United States. The program provides pet therapy for nursing home residents and began nearly 30 years ago in New York. It has served as a model for other shelters and organizations.
1965
Karen Yuratich Jakiela is the Assistant Music Director of the Symphony Chorus of New Orleans.
1966
Jeri Connelly Ferrara was selected as one of ten 2010-2011 Educators of Distinction for her advocacy for students and her work by the Louisiana PTA.
1968
Emery Clark’s artwork was featured in “Designing Women [Five Perspectives]” at the Historic New Orleans Collection. Emery’s work was featured alongside other artists such as Alison Cody, Dawn DeDeaux, Lin Emery and Mignon Faget.
1972
Michele Bernard Mehrabadi and her husband, Magid Mehrabadi, celebrated 25 years of their clothing line, Magid Bernard.
1973
Paula Munier penned the acclaimed memoir “Fixing Freddie: A true story about a boy, a mom, and a very bad beagle,” published by Adams Media in August 2010. It’s a hilarious and heartfelt tale about a broken family and the delinquent dog that helped put them back together. Renee Fortier-Bujol participated in the Team in Training Rock N Roll Savannah Marathon and Half-Marathon. She walked 13.1 miles with her daughter, Cleta Bujol Toepfer, who finished well in front of her. The funds raised are used for blood cancer research and patient aid. Dr. Elma Ireland LeDoux shaved her head for St. Baldrick’s. St. Baldrick’s Day is a national, annual fundraiser which raises money for childhood cancer research and enhances public awareness of the challenges faced by those children suffering from it. “St. Baldrick’s Day” was coined for the annual head shaving (a national event, originally held around St. Patrick’s Day) to raise money and express solidarity with children who have lost their hair to chemotherapy. This past year, dozens of Tulane students and several faculty members shaved their heads, raising over $75,000 at Tulane Medical School. Dr. LeDoux dedicated her participation to Zeth, her little friend who is fighting leukemia. She said it was a touching experience, and being bald in public really provided great insight as to how patients must feel when others look at them with pity, sympathy, or quiet
About Alumnae 23
understanding. She did her best to explain to strangers who wished her well that the baldness was a result of St. Baldrick’s rather than chemotherapy. So many people have been touched in some way by cancer, and they don’t realize the magnitude of it until something like a shaved head initiates a heartfelt conversation between total strangers.
1976
Valerie Wild Killion spent one month in an international healthcare business environment regarding medical documentation performed in India. Healthcare information is a growing field with the onset of EMR (electronic medical records). Valerie visited Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai and was also able to see the Taj Mahal.
1978
Dr. Jan Daniel Lancaster was appointed Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
1979
Troi Jones Bechet performed a few cuts of pianist Courtney Bryan’s CD, “This Little Light of Mine.” She also performed in “On the Air” at the National World War II Museum.
1981
Leslie Castay Burkey, New Orleans own Broadway star, appeared on Broadway in several shows (“42nd Street,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Carnegie Hall,” etc.) while living in NYC and is now living back in New Orleans. She starred in Le Petit productions such as “Steel Magnolias,” “Forbidden Broadway” and “Grey Gardens.” Leslie made her acclaimed solo cabaret debut at Le Chat Noir last year (“Leslie Castay...unscripted”). She won “Best Actress in a Musical” for “Grey Gardens” at the 2011 Big Easy Awards. She will be making her prime time television debut in the new series, “Common Law,” airing on USA network summer 2012, in the recurring role of Mrs. Dumont. Leslie and husband, Bryan Burkey, own W.I.N.O., a nationally renowned wine bar and wine store in the Warehouse District.
1981
Stacy Demoran Allbritton graduated from the University of New Orleans with a BA in French and a MA in Romance Languages. She has been married for 25 years and has one daughter. Stacy taught French and English in Slidell until 2009 when she accepted a position to work in Lomé, Togo (West Africa). Stacy’s novel, “The Diary of Marie Landry, Acadian Exile,” was recently published. It is a young reader’s novel on the Acadian Expulsion.
1982
Jo Ann Thrailkill and her husband, Jeff Castelaz, created a foundation when their son, Pablo, was diagnosed with cancer. It is called the Pablove Foundation. The Pablove Foundation is named after Pablo who was six years old when he lost his valiant yearlong battle with bilateral Wilms Tumor, a rare form of childhood cancer. The mission of The Pablove Foundation is to fund pediatric cancer research and advances in treatment, educate and empower cancer families, and improve the quality of life for children living with cancer through hospital play, music and arts programs. Since Pablo’s death, Jo Ann and Jeff have not stopped helping other families fighting childhood cancer. Frances Smith Dean was selected to join an elite network of women from across the United States to be a member of the 2010 Leadership America Abroad Program traveling to the United Arab Emirates.
1983
Monique Pilie founded Hike for Katreena, an organization that has planted over 11,000 trees in New Orleans. The organization began after Monique’s 2006 Appalachian Trail hike of 2,175 miles. Her goal was to raise enough money to plant one tree in New Orleans for every mile she hiked. Monique’s mission is to replace thousands of trees lost during Hurricane Katrina.
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Yvette Hargis was nominated for “Best Supporting Actress in a Musical” from her comic roles in “Hairspray.” Held at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre, “Hairspray” won awards for “Best Musical and Best Choreography” from the Big Easy Foundation sponsored by “Gambit.”
1984
Cheri Morial Ausberry was asked by Melvin “Kip” Holden, Mayor of Baton Rouge, to serve on their Comprehensive Planning Steering Committee. She is also the new Chair of the Baton Rouge Downtown Development District. In addition, she was appointed to the search committee for the new Baton Rouge Chief of Police. Cheri is the sister of Julie Morial Cruz ’75 and Monique G. Morial ’88.
1986
Tracy Smith Roou has been in the U.S. Army for over 20 years now and serves as a Defense Attache at the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan.
1988
Monique Morial was elected Judge, First City Court, New Orleans, Section A. in July 2010, without opposition. In August 2010, the Louisiana Supreme Court appointed her to sit pro tempore until December 2010 for recently retired Judge Sonja Spears. Her six-year term began January 2011.
1990
Ricci Broussard Hebert published “A Saintsational Swamp Adventure,” a children’s book that celebrates a winning season.
1991
Shannon del Corral currently sings with the New Orleans Vocal Arts Chorale and is a member of Symphony Chorus of New Orleans. She teaches music and social studies at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Lakeview. As former director of the UA Chorus, Shannon performed at Carnegie Hall alongside her students in 2007 and 2009. She also teaches private voice and piano lessons to students of all ages.
1996
Tia Zeno graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana with a BS in Biology and Tulane University School of Public Health with an MPH in Community Health Sciences. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Behavioral Health Sciences from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and anticipates defending her dissertation in May 2012. Post-graduation, Tia intends to either return to the Department of Health and Human Services, where she worked prior to returning to graduate school, or seek a postdoctoral research training position with a university.
2001
Regine Rene has a Master’s degree in International Communication from American University and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Latin American Studies from Loyola University New Orleans. She is a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Department of State. Regine is currently serving as the Cultural Affairs Officer at U.S. Embassy Port au Prince. She has also served in Morocco, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Washington, D.C. Jamie Richard owns her own consulting business, J.R. Hospitality Consultant Services, LLC. She is also the Front of House Multi-Outlet Manager for Harrah’s New Orleans. Meredith Crum received a Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences with an emphasis in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the Medical University of South Carolina. With a cumulative grade point average of 3.90, she was inducted into Alpha Eta National Honor Society for the health professions. She is presently employed at Lakeside Regional Hospital in Mandeville, Louisiana as a Speech Pathologist.
2002
Chantrell Farley Williams received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design from Louisiana Tech University and is currently in her last semester at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she is pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and is the recipient of the Abraham Lincoln Fellowship, one of the universities most distinguished awards offered to graduate students. She has worked as a graphic designer at HOK (Hellmuth, Obata
About Alumnae 25
and Kassabaum) and Gensler, which are two of the top architecture firms in the world. Chantrell is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional, which is a design professional who has demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and familiarity with LEED requirements, resources and processes. She currently works as a graphic designer for University of Illinois at Chicago and is married to Matthew Williams, her college sweetheart who is currently working as an architect for Perkins + Will.
2003
Brandi Adams graduated from Weill Cornell Medical College and began residency in Obstetrics/Gynecology at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell in New York City. Tiffany Shea and her mother and former Ursuline teacher, Debby Wood, were featured on HGTV’s “House Hunters International” where they were searching for an apartment in Paris for Tiffany. Debby enjoys visiting her daughter and Tiffany enjoys taking in the French lifestyle and all that it has to offer. Tiffany is currently working in marketing and communications for a French company, Go Fluent, which provides English lessons for corporate professionals.
2005
Kate Laborde is currently working as a Legislative Correspondent for U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions in Washington, D.C.
2006
Christina Quintana was in an ExtantArts Production of “Much Ado About Nothing” as Verges/The Messenger. She also has a stage reading of her play, “The Recession Club,” in the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity. She is currently an MFA Playwriting candidate at Columbia University. Patricia LeDoux graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2010 with a B.A. in International Studies. She recently returned from a one-year volunteer position as an English instructor near the Laos border in Thailand, where she was working under the directorship of a local non-governmental organization, Dragonfly Community Foundation. After her return to the United States, she married Jordon Gregory, whom she first met on a university study abroad semester in
India. They have located to Washington State, where Patricia is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Both she and Jordon hope to join the Peace Corps after she earns this second Bachelor’s degree. Celeste Poche graduated from Louisiana State University Nursing School and was accepted into Vanderbilt’s pediatric nurse residency program. This residency program is nationally known and attracts applicants throughout the United States. It is a one-year program for new graduate nurses focused on the challenges that nurses face. Celeste chose to specialize in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Vanderbilt is where the first infant was successfully placed on a ventilator in 1961 and is currently ranked 11th nationally in Neonatology. Celeste says that it is a very exciting and challenging place to work and that she really enjoys the opportunities the program has allowed her.
2007
Lauren Ann Miller was crowned Miss Creole Gumbo by the Bridge City Gumbo Festival Committee. Dody Nolan performed her senior recital in Roussel Hall at Loyola University featuring Jacob Penick and David Putnam. She was accompanied by Yui Asano. She was invited to participate in Springboard NYC which is affiliated with the American Theatre Wing. She was one of 35 chosen from the USA and Canada. She studied with acclaimed mentors including Randy Lutterman, Joanna Sheehan, Jeremy Desmon, Seth Rudetsky, David Caparelliotis, Marc Kudisch, Edie Falco and Kathleen Marshall.
2011
Sarah Stuckey performed in “Hairspray” at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre.
WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU?
We’d love to hear how you’re doing. Contact the Office of Alumnae at 504.861.9114 or alumnae@ursulineneworleans.org with updates, accomplishments and news of any kind.
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Ursuline Sisters of New Orleans Sister Ruth Marie Call, OSU Alumnae Elaine LeBoeuf Jordan ’38 Margaret Mae Aycock Bakewell ‘38 Elaine Miller Bologna C’39 Doris Yvonne “Bonnie” LeDew Fitzgerald C’39 Adele Rivet AMC ’44 Norma Claire Frey C’50 Nolarean “Nola” Binet Ragusa C’56 Marcella Barnes Illing, AMH ’37 Rosemary “Rosie” Birbiglia Lytton ’38 Joan Wegmann Buttigig ’48 Edna Mae Monie Donnes ’48 Kay Jablonowski Appel ’50 Amy Michelli Garsaud ’51 Barbara Duffy Miscenich ’52 Caroline Dwyer Barker ’55 Jacqueline “Jackie” Uber Weber ’55 Vianne Ruffino Jones ’57 Bonnie Duke De Silva ’59 Deborah “Debby” Walther ’66 Mary Beth Harun Miller ’70 Courtney-Anne Carroll, AME Husband of Mildred D’Aubert Crouere ’37 Marian Mouledoux Clay ’38 (deceased) Myrtle “Betty” Taylor Larche ’40 Joan Barrios Lococo ’48, C’52 Rita Kehlor Williams ’50 Jean Gardner Russo ’52 Doris Louviere Baum ’55 (deceased) Elizabeth “Betty” Sloan Perez ’56 Sandra “Sandy” Corbin Meyer ’57 Judith Byrnes Kountoupis ’63 Diana Aspiazu Saunders ’73 Sally Lightfoot Doody ’75 Elizabeth “Ann” Smith Satterlee, HM
Mother of Louise Allen Wagstaff ’49 Maria Cicero McGoey ’57 (deceased) Alma Ann Soignier Weilbaecher ’57 Rose Lynn Cicero Burnett ’59 Mary Lynn Bologna Clogher ’59 Gwendolyn “Gwen” Lundgren Shopper ’60 Marie Jeanne Kercheval Exsposito ’61 Mickey Sciortino Faucheux ’61 Joanne Bologna ’62 Julianne Evoniuk Barnaby ’62 Francine “Frannie” Cicero ’62 (deceased) Enid Faust Eckhardt ’64 Cherie Sciortino Vaughan ’64 Geralyn Dell ’65 Maureen Cicero Dicharry ’65 (deceased) Phyllis Evoniuk May ’65 Noelie Pilié Stremlau ’65 Suzanne Stern Koretzky ’66 Dagmar Saa Vichot ’66 Mildred “Millie” Pilié Bradley ’69 Deborah “Debbie” Faust ’69 Susan Richarme James ’70 Margaret “Peggy” Flynn Bienvenu ’72 Lisa Faust ’72 Barbara Waters Montgomery ’72 Marilyn Ragusa Bennett ’73 Patricia “Patti” Flynn Clement ’74 Simone Pilié Gordon ’74 Jo Ann Ragusa Ferguson ’75 Kathy Rappold Blaum ’76 Colleen Kelly Preskitt ’76 Theresa Ragusa Mortensen ’77 Danielle Pilié Lavie ’78 Kathryn “Kathy” Flynn Simino ’78 Patricia “Patty” Kehoe Strikmiller ’81 Monique Martinez Butler ’83 Sheryl “Sherry” Pitre Counce ’83 Celeste Legendre Thompson ’83
In Memoriam 27
Kathleen Kehoe Kennair ’85 Mary Kehoe Housey ’87 Rosalind Green Holmes ’88 Heidi Hoffman ’89 Bridget Tynan ’99 Samira Jones ’06 Jessica Miller, AME ’91 Father of Paulette Crouere Gamard ’61 Sister Magdalita Roussel, OSU ’62 Patricia “Pat” Crouere Denechaud ’63 Kay Crouere Lagarde ’66 Donna Dalferes MacGregor ’68 Jeanne Crouere Monsour ’69 Jane Corey Scheuermann ’69 Jean Marie “Jeannie” Roussel Marcel ’72 (deceased) Suzanne “Suzy” Crouere Neal ’73 Michele Delgado ’75 Pamela Manuel Clark ’77 Nancy Bode Kritikos ’78 Elizabeth “Beth” Joubert ’80 Mary Satterlee Andreeff ’81 Aline Meyer Harbison ’83 Karen Franz ’84 Lina Montagnino Leonovicz ’84 Denise Meyer Kraemer ’85 Loren Baum ’86 (deceased) Leonita “Nita” Brooks ’90 Leslie Thiele ’01 Bridget Oswald ’10 Son of Edna Mae Neyrey Mock ’32 C’37 (deceased) Mildred Weitkam Miranti C’35 (deceased) Mary Patricia “Pat” Stewart Blouin C’39 Dolores “Dee” Hebert Casey C’42 (deceased) Margaret Roussel Vizzi ’49 Judith “Judy” Abel-Alexander Thornton ’59
Sandra Falk Moore ’63 Patricia “Pat” Tankersley Stone ’70 Rosemary Pendzimaz Trepagnier ’78 Elizabeth “Ann” Smith Satterlee, HM Sister of Ruth Aycock DeBlanc ’30 (deceased) Marguerite Rombach Hathway ’40 C’44 Marjorie “Margie” McKay C’41 Geraldine “Gerry” Morasco Aucoin ’49 Rowena Simoneaux Walsh ’51 Ursula Jane “Sue” Wegmann Finegan ’53 Gail Michelli Boling ’54 Katherine Karst Bosworth ’54 Alice Simoneaux Godbold ’69 Katherine Harun Keller ’73 Brother of Sr. Esther Redmann, OSU ’42 C’46 (deceased) Jeanette Ruli Pou ’40 Verna Satterlee Landrieu ’50 Carolyn Miranti Heller ’55 Marie Satterlee Kernion ’56 Marcia Mock Thibodeaux ’57 (deceased) Audrey Satterlee Fontana ’59 Patricia “Pat” Lind Sullivan ’60 Maureen Mock Verderame ’66 Sarah DeFelice Cook ’73 Cynthia “Cindy” Satterlee Harlan ’77 Elizabeth “Beth” Oswald Fetzer ’78 Kyle Peyton Lauricella ’79 Mary Satterlee Andreeff ’81 Grandmother of Robin Clark Pigg ’83 Erin Clogher Sparcello ’85 Stephanie Clogher-Fullmer ’89 André Cannon Ransom ’90 Stephanie Smith Musso ’90
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Gretchen Smith Bourgeois ’97 Ramsey Schmitz ’97 Anne Yvette Legendre ’00 Kristin Blaum Gonzalez ’00 Jeanne Collins ’04 Ashley Derousseau ’04 Allison Leonard ’04 Jessica Lingoni ’05 Alix Derousseau ’07 Rachel Leonard ’07 Christine Alexis ’08 Megan Flynn ’09 Rebecca Leonard ’09 Brittany Pitre ’10 Theresa Plaisance, AMH ’10 Grandfather of Kim LaGraize Bent ’89 Stacey LaGraize ’91 Catherine “Katie” Childress Larsson ’97 Monica Dawson ’00 Megan Dawson ’01 Jennifer Pesquié ’04 Alexandra “Ali” Rivera ’06 Isabel Blum ’06 Amanda Chivleatto ’07 Sandra Harbison ’07 Gabrielle Rivera ’07 Courtney Ancar ’10 Grandson of Kay Parent Berrigan ’57 Aunt of Ruth DeBlanc Murphy ’56 Phyllis DeBlanc Robert ’60 Deborah Jefferson Schmitz ’70 Shelby Stumpf Key ’71 Maureen McKay Poché ’75
Arrin Aucoin Gresse ’77 Kyle Peyton Lauricella ’79 Ramsey Schmitz ’97 Avin Puderer Coogan, AMH ’05 Alexandra Saizan ’10 Great Aunt of Celeste Poché ’06 Uncle of Senator Mary Landrieu ’73 Melanie Landrieu Cook ’75 Helen Franz Eshleman ’77 Michelle Landrieu ’77 Honorable Madeleine Landrieu Sensenbrenner ’80 Leslie Menard Sharkey ’80 Therese “Terri” Thibodeaux Stuckey ’81 Lisa Felton ’82 Suzanne Menard Gans ’82 Melinda Landrieu Seiter ’82 Elizabeth “Beth” Thibodeaux ’82 Anne-Marie Menard Beebe ’83 Monique Felton Suell ’85 Angelle Thibodeaux ’85 Jeanne Menard Livingston ’88 Ann Leaumont Harold ’89 Gretchen Van Vrancken ’91 Kirsten Jefferson ’04 Great Uncle of Sarah Stuckey ’11 Mother-in-law of Muriel “Kit” Harger Lipps ’57 Sandra “Sandy” Davis Jung ’60 Maureen Carriere Lundgren ’65 Cookie Martinez Waters ’69 Debra “Debbie” Pace DeLucca ’70 Deborah Jefferson Schmitz ’70
In Memoriam 29
Genevieve “Gigi” Moreland Legendre ’73 Tracy Tully Tschirn ’75 Father-in-law of Pamela Rein Sontag ’66 Ricci Broussard Hebert ’90 Sister-in-law of Mary Alice Toso McKay ’46 Joan Perrier Perret ’53 Diane Hubbell Michelli ’55 Mary Ann “Mae” Goll Morvant ’66 Stephanie Ducote Waguespack ’96 Brother-in-law of Thelma Mae Mouledoux Trapolin ’33 C’37 Dorothy “Butsie” Schutton Guste ’41 Marlene “Mimi” Byrnes Pelton ’60 Shelley Stewart Leaumont ’67 (deceased) Daughter-in-law of Frances O’Donnell Simeon ’41 (deceased) Nephew of Elvira Miranti C’35 (deceased) Claire Weitkam C’38 (deceased) Sister Mary Margaret Prenger, OSU ’39 C’43 Verna Satterlee Landrieu ’50 Marie Satterlee Kernion ’56 Audrey Satterlee Fontana ’59 Amelie Louise Treuting Parks ’65 Barbara Pendzimaz Heard ’80 Karen Theresa Berrigan ’82 Katherine Berrigan Wendelstedt ’85 Elizabeth Pendzimaz Dichiara ’86
Cousin of Sr. Teresita Rivet, OSU ’36 C’40 Yvonne Alciatore Blount-Davis ’55 Walida Treuting Miller ’57 Senator Mary Landrieu ’73 Patricia “Patty” Treuting Lipari ’73 Melanie Landrieu Cook ’75 Michelle Landrieu ’77 Honorable Madeleine Landrieu Sensenbrenner ’80 Melinda Landrieu Seiter ’82 Cousin-in-law of Rebecca Harris Treuting ’97 Stepmother of Gretchen Van Vrancken ’91 Analyn Megison AMH ’92 Stepfather of Kathy Rappold Blaum ’76 Granddaughter of Anne Ryan Leonhard ’60
AME (Associate Member, Elementary) AMH (Associate Member, High School) AMC (Associate Member, College) HM (Honorary Member) If your name, or the name of an alumna to whom you are related, does not appear here, please contact the Office of Alumnae at 504.861.9114 or alumnae@ursulineneworleans.org.
Great Nephew of Salva D’Antoni Treuting ’46 (deceased)
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SIOUX! SIOUX! SIOUX! Dr. Mary Jane Brodrick LaCoste ’51, member of the founding Sioux Class, recalls how the Teepee Dynasty got its start.
The very first Sioux: the Class of 1951 The year was 1948 and we Sophomores, members of the smallest Ursuline class in recent memory, sat in a circle on the gym floor and listened to our teacher explain a new concept: “Rally Night.” We were modestly clad in our despised bloomer and kulotte gym uniforms as we heard that each class could select a name and be allowed to decorate part of the gym, using our soon to be chosen theme, for the finals of the school’s intramural volleyball tournament. The selection of a name went something like this: “Tigers” ... No “Vultures” ... Worse “Bathing Beauties” ... Never
Then an inspired classmate uttered immortal words, “We are Sophomores, let’s pick something with an ‘S’ – SIOUX. How about SOPHOMORE SIOUX?” We talked of a really wild color combination – black and red. We could foresee dancing and hollering “WOO-WOO-WOO, WE’RE THE SIOUX and we will beat you!” Administrative approval was slow in coming. Was it ladylike to be wild Indians? And those colors! Wouldn’t we like something more along the lines of “Saintly Sisters” with colors of light blue and white? But by this time, we were in love with SIOUX and the creative possibilities it gave us! So we prayed over it, out loud, and our prayers were answered. We began the Indian dynasty that is alive and well today! Now in those days, parents, if we remember correctly, did not attend Rally Night. The gym was small with only one row of benches supplemented by a row or two of folding chairs, with room only for students and some props and decorations. We made a flat teepee with mysterious “Indian writing” of our design on it. We wore our colors echoed in crepe paper streamers. We were Sioux for three years! Junior Sioux didn’t sound as well but Senior Sioux worked very well. We handed down our name and it has existed with honor ever since, unlike the poor original seniors, the forty-niners (they graduated in 1949) whose name cannot be used for more than 30 more years. One of the years we had a mascot, a young sister of a classmate, who grew up to be a Sioux herself. I think we once had a realistic teepee on Rally Night and we did get to dance hollering in an unladylike manner. Today, 60 years later, we still get together for an occasional pow-wow or lunch with some of our favorite former teachers…. and are still loyal to the blue and white ... and the black and red. 31
t s a P e h t om
fr t s Bla
1937
THE PRESENT
From: The Tribune, New Orleans Date: Saturday, December 4, 1937 Photo description: “A CHEERING SIGHT! – Amelie Prados, New Orleans, left, head cheerleader, Ursuline College, and Assistant Elsie Stully, Houston, just elected.”
Amelie “Puffy” Prados Cressend recalls, “Cheering was a thrill of a lifetime. I was delighted!”
HAVE AN OLD PHOTO OR MEMORY YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE? Contact the Office of Alumnae, 504.861.9114 or alumnae@ursulineneworleans.org.
LET’S STAY IN TOUCH! We would love for you to keep us in your loop! Please send any updated contact information to alumnae@ursulineneworleans.org. We are always collecting information to be published in The Ursu.Lines. Please let us know about births, deaths, marriages and any newsworthy information. We’d also love to hear about your awards, achievements, careers, etc. 31
High School Graduation: Class of 2011 Ursuline Academy conducted its 284th commencement exercise May 14, 2011 in the school’s auditorium. Doctor Julie Morial, a 1975 graduate of Ursuline and Corporate Medical Director for People’s Health, delivered the commencement address to the 74 graduates. The ceremony began with an invocation by Sister Carla Dolce, OSU, Prioress, Ursuline Sisters of New Orleans. Ursuline Academy’s High School Principal John Gabriel served as Master of Ceremonies, while Academy President Gretchen Zibilich Kane presented awards and diplomas to the graduating seniors. The valedictory address was delivered by Jeanne-Marie Baudouin, the student who earned the highest cumulative average during her high school career. A resident of Metairie, Baudouin is the daughter of Robert and Beverly Klundt Baudouin ’75. She presently attends Tulane University where she is pursuing a degree in international studies. She received the Distinguished Scholar award Jeanne-Marie Baudouin
and Valedictorian Scholarship from Tulane University. Baudouin also received scholarship offers from American University, Auburn University, Fordham University, Louisiana State University, Rhodes College, Syracuse University, University of San Francisco and Villanova University, as well as the TOPS Honors Award. Anna G. Landry, one of two students who earned the second highest cumulative average during her four years of high school, delivered a salutatory address. A resident of Metairie, Landry is the daughter of James and Sylvia Landry Swoop ’69. She attends the University of Georgia where she is working on a major in biology and minor in chemistry before pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. She received an Academic Achievement Award from the University of Georgia, along with scholarship offers from Boston University, Fordham University and Tulane University. She also received scholarships from the New Orleans Order of Elks and the Taylor Foundation, as well as the TOPS Performance Award. Anna G. Landry 33
Sarah W. Stuckey also earned the second highest cumulative average during her four years of high school and delivered a salutatory address. A resident of Metairie, Stuckey is the daughter of James and Therese “Terri” Thibodeaux Stuckey ’81. She currently attends Emory University where she is pursuing a degree in biology. She received scholarship offers from Boston University, Fordham University, Louisiana State University, Spring Hill College, St. Mary’s University, Tulane University, University of Alabama and Villanova University. She also received the TOPS Honors Award. Sarah W. Stuckey
The following students were ranked, along with the valedictorian and salutatorians, in the top ten of the graduating class: Taylor R. Bewers, Evan C. Cuccia, Elizabeth L. de Gravelle, Brennan O. Ferguson, Madison V. Roussel, Madelyn M. Skinner and Monica L. Wink.
The other graduates were: Israh I. AbuMousa, Ashley M. Adams, Raquel C. Archer, Jessica R. Bagneris, Kaitlyn A. Barker, Nia E. Beasley, Rose Lynn M. Beninate, Shelbi E. Boudreaux, Chelsea L. Bourgeois, Renée L. Bruff, Paige O. Brunet, Toni N. Cambre, Amber N. Cannon, Emily R. Casenza, Kaelyn D. Charbonnet, Danielle D. Dixon, Jade A. Duplessis, Gabrielle N. Eden, Emily M. Eickhoff, Bianca E. Fernández, Anna M. Foltz, Emma E. Fuller, Hillary K. Granier, Jenna M. Gray, Eleanor L. Guidry, Iman A. Hamilton, Alexis J. Henriquez, Erin A. Hildebrand, Christal K. Hollins, Hannah C. Hubley, Kathryn M. Ingles, Brooke M. Jacobsen, Blaire M. Jinright, Katie M. Juan, Ashley T. Justice, Kimia Kaviani, Chandler E. Kimbro, Jennie C. Lacour, Morgan K. LaGrue, Anna M. Lannes, Jessie A. Maher, Lindsay P. Manuel, Nia T. Mendy, Ellen J. Miller, Kristen L. Miranda, Sarah N. Mobley, Schyler A. Morton, Alexandra E. Read, Christine E. Read, Corrin M. Remy, Jalan A. Richardson, Gabrielle M. Roussel, Lauren E. Savoie, Mallory E. Schafer, Ariel C. Schreiner, Margaret M. Sewell, Minnica M. Shariffskul, Alexandria L. Smith, Jillian M. Taliancich, Elizabeth K. Thomas, Aimee K. Trosclair, Taylor S. Turkmen and Lauren E. Walker.
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LEGACIES
Legacies are graduates who have a mother and/or grandmother who is an alumna of Ursuline Academy. Margaret Sewell, Suzanne Artigues Cangelosi ’57, Laura Cangelosi Sewell ’80 Ellen Miller, Helen Woodruff Miller ’77 Jessica Bagneris, Suzette Peychaud Bagneris ’86 Jeanne-Marie Baudouin, Beverly Klundt Baudouin ’75 Anna Landry, Sylvia Landry Swoop ’69 Kaelyn Charbonnet, Courtney Charbonnet ’90 Sarah Stuckey, Therese Thibodeaux Stuckey ’81 Emma Fuller, Nicole Pastorek Fuller ’81 Jennie Lacour, Tara Anne Clesi Lacour ’84, Marie Martin Clesi ’63
LONGEVITY
Longevity awards are presented to graduating seniors who have attended Ursuline Academy since kindergarten or before. Pictured are (front row, from left to right) Ellen Miller, Raquel Archer, Katie Juan, Minnica Shariffskul, Eleanor Guidry, Taylor Bewers, Jessie Maher, Monica Wink, (back row, from left to right) Lauren Walker, Margaret Sewell, Mallory Schafer, Anna Landry, Jeanne-Marie Baudouin. 35
SIOUX OF 2011 Graduates of the Class of 2011 were accepted at the following universities or colleges: Alfred University Alleghany College American University Auburn University Baylor University Belhaven University Belmont Abbey University Boston University Bournemouth University Briar Cliff University Brown University Carleton College College of Charleston Columbia College Chicago Dillard University Earlham College Emerson College Florida State University Fordham University Hampton University Howard University Huntingdon College Juniata College Louisiana State University Louisiana Tech
Loyola Marymount University Loyola University of Chicago Loyola University of New Orleans Millsaps College Montana Tech Nicholls State University Ohio State University Our Lady of Holy Cross Our Lady of the Lake University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhodes College Rollins College Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Royal Holloway University of London Seton Hall University Sewanee: The University of the South Southeastern State University of Louisiana Southern Methodist University Spelman University Spring Hill College St. Edward’s University St. John’s University St. Mary’s University Stephens College Syracuse University
Texas A&M University Texas Tech University Tulane University University of Alabama University of Arkansas Pine Bluff University of Georgia University of Louisiana at Monroe University of Louisiana in Lafayette University of Mississippi University of Plymouth University of Richmond University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of Southern Mississippi University of Tampa University of Texas at San Antonio University of the Pacific Vanderbilt University Villanova University Virginia Polytechnic University Wake Forest University West Virginia University Wichita State University Worchester Polytechnic Institute Xavier University
The 74 seniors in the Sioux Class of 2011 earned a total of $6,861,880.00 in scholarships.
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COR UNUM AWARD 2011
Cor Unum, the motto of the Charlotte McLoughlin ’11 was selected as the 2011 Cor Unum Award Recipient by the Ursuline Alumnae Association. The award is given to one senior each year. Candidates are judged solely on their love for Ursuline Academy and their honest expression of what the Academy means to them.
Ursuline Alumnae Association, is Latin for “one heart.”
Pictured above: Members of the 20102011 Alumnae Association Board present McLoughlin with the Cor Unum Award during Baccalaureate Mass.
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What does it mean to you to be in the 284th graduating class of Ursuline Academy of New Orleans? To be in the 284th graduating class of Ursuline Academy of New Orleans is such an honor. It feels great to be a part of the Ursuline family and to be so involved. Ursuline is, without a doubt, my second home. Whether it’s early in the morning before school or on the weekends and even holidays, I’m often there. I could not ask for a better place to be educated and to make friends. It’s amazing how Ursuline is the oldest girls school in the nation and has kept up with the motto of Serviam for 284 years. I am honored to be a part of such a tradition. Over the years the Ursuline Sisters have worked hard at making the Academy the best choice for Catholic education of young women in New Orleans. After Hurricane Katrina it would have been easier to go to a school close to where I was living on the Northshore. Without hesitation, I decided to come back because, at that time, it was the only place that felt like home to me. Even though it meant traveling long distances, being back at Ursuline is where I belonged. I am not ready to let go of Ursuline and plan on being very involved after I graduate. I will be proud to say I graduated from Ursuline Academy New Orleans. In what ways do you feel your Ursuline education has prepared you for the world in which we live? Ursuline has prepared me in more ways than just giving me an education. I have truly developed to be the best I can be. I now have more confidence in myself and have developed into a leader. Ursuline has taught me that nothing is impossible. If you work hard, you can achieve your goals. Serviam has taught me that service is one of the most important aspects of life. God calls us to be His servants. Ursuline prepares us for this and it is our duty, when we leave, to continue it. The world we live in now is full of negativity. Ursuline has helped me to stay true to my Catholic background and to live in the way Jesus would want. St. Angela is one of my role models because of her willingness to serve. She has helped me to be selfless and more giving of myself. I now strive to be an outstanding citizen in the community using the values I have learned at Ursuline. Character traits, values we have
learned over the years, have given me guidance on how to conduct my life in the future. My parents and I felt it was important that I attend a Catholic school that instilled good values in me. Ursuline has taught me how to balance many things, therefore preparing me for the working world. In balancing things such as service hours, school work, social organizations and clubs and athletics, I feel very prepared for any challenge. Name the most significant value you learned at Ursuline Academy. The most significant value I’ve learned from Ursuline is Courage. Courage is something essential for everyday life. It takes courage to stand apart from the rest and be who you want to be. There is so much pressure to be like everyone else. I believe Ursuline breeds unique leaders, meaning that everyone is their own person and not afraid to go against the norm. Life is scary, but when you have courage you worry less, making it less stressful. With courage comes confidence. To be seen by others as a strong woman is very important. I believe that courage is the most essential value that will help me become successful. If one does not have the courage to take a chance it will never get done. An example of this is after Hurricane Katrina when the administration decided to reopen Ursuline. They had courage and plowed ahead for the students of the Academy. Describe Ursuline in one word. To me, the one word that describes Ursuline is Tradition. It is tradition that makes Ursuline feel so much like home to me. I believe that no other school compares to Ursuline’s rich tradition. To be a part of the oldest girl’s school in the nation still after 284 years is very unique. Principles of St. Angela that have been taught for over two centuries are still alive in the school today. Though many traditions are still carried out, the Academy has kept up with the changing times by constantly improving its educational mission. Better technology and focus on more up to date teaching methods are just two ways the Academy is getting better. However, the core values remain in place. We are all a part of this tradition, therefore it is our duty as a class to continue and pass it on.
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1) 7th Grade Promotion 2) Early Childhood Teddy Bear Picnic, 3) La Fete 283, 4) Pet Blessing, 5) Spring Alumnae Gathering, 6) Homecoming, 7) Senior Luncheon, 8) Feast of Our Lady of Prompt Succor
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URSULINE
ACADEMY Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID New Orleans, LA Permit No. 806
2635 State Street · New Orleans, Louisiana 70118 · www.ursulineneworleans.org · 504.861.9150 40