THE URSU.LINES THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF URSULINE ACADEMY NEW ORLEANS
2011-2012
1
URSU.LINES STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS Interim President GLENN GENNARO
Elementary School Principal KIM HARPER
High School Principal JOHN GABRIEL
Director of Alumnae CHRISTY JACKSON ’00
Director of Communications SARAH RUSH MILLER
Director of Development NICOLE TARANTO ALLEN ’94
Contributing Writers & Photographers Gertie Beauford ’54 Brooke Boudreaux ’00 Patricia Fitzmorris Danflous ’65 Pat Garin JP Garnier Julie Mabus Maureen Mock Verderame ’66 Donn Young 3 2
what’s inside TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 Fond Farewell from Gretchen Kane 7 Service Section 16 Forever in Our Memories: Sylvia Probst C’56 19 Kim Harper: UNO Distinguished Alumna 20 UA Museum Displays First American Dollar Sign 21 Wendy Farrelly ’76, Ironman
22 Sioux Alumna Shines in Silver 24 Home Again: Alumnae Faculty & Staff 26 2011 Distinguished Alumna 27 About Alumnae 38 Blast from the Past 39 The Very First Merry Macs 40 Mac Class of 2012 Graduation 44 Cor Unum Award 2012 46 Around State Street
ON THE COVER Sarah Treadaway ’12 volunteers at the Audubon Zoo on St. Angela’s Feast Day.
3
After eight years at Ursuline Academy of New Orleans, President Gretchen Kane was appointed president at our sister school, Ursuline Academy Dallas.
fond farewell from Gretchen Zibilich Kane
Dear Ursuline Family, As I reflect back on what has been my home for the last eight years, I can only describe my experience as both phenomenal and grace-filled. I have learned much about the Ursuline charism and been drawn to the spirituality of St. Angela. The ways of proceeding she offers us integrate a Christian tradition with the enduring demand that successive generations of believers can only become disciples by choosing to follow Christ. I have felt totally involved in the Ursuline tradition of standing 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 people we teach and guide and care for. It is impossible to encapsulate the many wonderful moments spent on State Street and the many incredible people I have had the pleasure of sharing my time with at UA. I only wish I had kept a daily journal (although, some of the entries might not have been suitable for publication!). My time on State Street has been a true blessing, and the Ursuline family will always be a huge part of my heart. I will treasure many wonderful memories, both good and bad … riding with the basketball team on Ursuline’s very first school bus on its maiden journey out of town; asking Mr. Lou, “Why exactly are the elementary school students wearing 5 4
feather boas?” during my first Spirit Week; wondering why the number of buckets in the hallways kept moving to different locations as leaks in the roof were repaired; hearing three different stories of what happened to the Leps of 1956; asking Sr. Damian after Hurricane Katrina if Our Lady of Prompt Succor let us down and hearing her reply, “Gretchen, darling, Our Lady didn’t let us down … the Hurricane didn’t really hit us … but, we forgot to pray about the levees!”; seeing the students perform in “The Wizard of Oz,” the first large scale musical the Academy produced in some time and the first play in the newly renovated auditorium; managing the FEMA funding process (one day I’ll write an exposé, but only after Ursuline receives all of its allocations!); being invited inside the Ursuline Sisters’ vault and thumbing through much of the history of Ursuline Academy and College, including a list of what boarders were required to bring with them to school in 1935; witnessing Ursuline’s first-ever team state championship (in volleyball) first hand; and, learning how to make “frog cookies” from the Toddler 3 students. As I move on to the next chapter of my life, I am saddened to leave behind such a loving and faith-filled community but have great faith that God has called me to where I am supposed to be. I leave with extraordinary gifts of wisdom, leadership skills and character developed through my relationships with all of you. And, I am certain that I would not be ready for the challenges that lie ahead without the diversity of the rich treasures I have received from you. Faith does not give us certainty, and we know that some who act in absolute certainty in the Lord’s name have done much damage. In discerning how to respond to God’s call, modesty is called for. We may be called in a new direction and be unsure about the next steps to take. But every call that comes from God has a promise contained in the command, “Do not be afraid … for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.” Know how privileged I feel to have assisted in the care for an apostolate that visits the souls of young women, teaching them to embrace creation as Christ did, and to work for the fulfillment of Christ’s promises. For me, the ministry of Ursuline education here in New Orleans has been a call to care for all that helps to bring to our poor struggling world ever new generations of young people ready to be women leaders of confidence and compassion. Thank you, truly, for all you have given me. Yours in Christ,
From the top: Lurita Alexis Doan ’75, Verna Satterlee Landrieu ’50, and Ms. Kane at the 2004-05 Spaghetti Supper; Early childhood students wish Ms. Kane a happy birthday in 2007; Graduating seniors Savannah Lloyd, Tori Marcel, Emily Alexander, and Katie
Gretchen Zibilich Kane
Stahel at Ms. Kane’s Farewell Gathering on May 15, 2012.
5
EIGHT GREAT YEARS
Under the leadership of President Gretchen Kane from 2004-2012, Ursuline Academy experienced many changes, advancements and victories. Academics: New honors program in high school; new middle school and high school writing program, ACT prep class added; increased and vastly improved technology integration; increase in graduating class scholarships and awards; outstanding performances and awards in Literary Rally, essay contests, Archdiocesan Student of the Year competition, GNO Science Fair, etc.; new service formation program Athletics: 20 district championships (swimming, volleyball, soccer, basketball, softball), one metro championship (golf), one regional championship (tennis) and one regional, semi-final (golf), two state semi-finals (volleyball and basketball), two state runners-up (tennis and volleyball), two state championships (volleyball) Technology: Installed a new telephone system where all faculty and staff have voicemail and direct lines; increased from 80-90 PCs to over 180 PCs plus the addition of 59 SmartBoards, 235 laptops in 10 mobile carts, seven Smartboards, three Smart Tables and 24 mini laptops; installed and implemented a new student database information system; implemented Edline Communication Portal, Destiny software for the school library, and AP Web Teacher which allows teachers to input grades from home; implemented School Reach emergency phone contact system
Facilities: Purchased first school bus; gym enhancements not part of the original contract (extra set of bleachers, scorer’s table and chairs, etc.); new bookstore; since Katrina: all new electrical system; new roofs, copper gutters and downspouts; new gym reconstruction; newly renovated auditorium; new art studio; new counseling center; new HS and MS science labs; new tennis courts; new piano class lab; new pavilion and herb garden; new Lower School and Early Childhood playgrounds; new Early Childhood Learning Center; waterproofing and painting project for entire main building; landscaping on State Street Enrollment: Only severely damaged school to increase enrollment the school year following Katrina and maintain enrollment since; began ECLC with 67 students in 2010; increased to 87 students in 2011; project over 100 students for the 2012-13 term Development & Fundraising: Increased annual fund by 200%; created reunion program; increased alumnae contacts by 100% and alumnae board membership by 80%; increased alumnae events and participation; achieved $5M goal in Keeping the Legacy Alive – Phase I capital campaign; initial phase of Keeping the Legacy Alive – Phase II campaign for the fitness and wellness center underway
2012-13 INTERIM PRESIDENT GLENN GENNARO Glenn J. Gennaro, a former Ursuline Academy Board of Trustees Member, joins the administration at Ursuline Academy in New Orleans as the Interim President for the 2012-13 school year. Mr. Gennaro will oversee school operations and administration, working with High School Principal John Gabriel and Elementary School Principal Kim Harper to maintain the Academy’s academic progress and ongoing facility construction. Mr. Gennaro will not be a candidate for the permanent position of president. Glenn Gennaro brings over forty years of Catholic and private education experience to the Academy. Most recently, he served as the principal for the Jefferson Community School (JCS), the oldest charter school in Louisiana. He has also served as the Fellows Director and Chief Financial Officer for the School Leadership Center of Greater New Orleans and as principal at St. Clement of Rome School, Pope John Paul II High School and St. Christopher School. “As Soren Kierkegaard said, ‘Life is understood backward, but we must live it forward.’ As we move forward in the great history of Ursuline Academy looking toward the three-century mark, we are blessed to have Glenn Gennaro, a model of Christian leadership, as the interim president of Ursuline Academy of New Orleans. I know I speak for the entire community in wishing Glenn the Lord’s choicest blessings in his leadership role.” -Gretchen Z. Kane
The Ourso Athletic Center after Hurricane Katrina (left) and today (right).
7 6
n o i t c e S e c vi
Ser
7
SERVIAM!
Ursuline’s high school service learning program connects students to the community.
BY JOHN GABRIEL, HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL n a sunny Friday afternoon in February of 2009, I sat with a young woman who had been serving as Campus Minister at Ursuline Academy of Dallas over the previous two years. Kim Otto, the young woman from Dallas, was contemplating a move to New Orleans to join us on State Street as our Campus Minister. During our conversation on a bench near the courtyard’s fountain, I told her that we wanted to radically transform our service program. If you’re going to come to New Orleans, I told Kim, I want us to do something really special with our service program. Instead of merely requiring our girls to fulfill an hourly requirement for
service, I asked, would it be possible to create a program that would encourage our girls to build relationships with the underserved people in New Orleans? It was one of those difficult moments in a job interview. I had been thoroughly impressed by Kim over the course of the entire interview up to this point. She was smart, committed, energetic and enthusiastic, and the last thing I wanted to do was to scare this outstanding candidate off with an outlandish scheme. I wasn’t even certain what I was asking her to do when I talked with her about transforming our service program — which is always dangerous when one is 9 8
attempting to convince a potential employee to join a new school. But I also saw the intrigued look on her face after I mentioned our ideas about service. At the conclusion of the interview, she told me she would give me an answer within a week. When Kim called us the next week to accept our offer, we couldn’t have been more pleased. We knew we had the right person to lead us forward in our plans to develop a service learning program that would be uniquely Ursuline in nature. And soon after Kim’s arrival in New Orleans, she began to look at the challenges, both logistical and philosophical, that we faced in devising such a program. One of the big challenges we faced was how to design a program that would truly address the Ursuline’s chapter call to “go beyond one’s borders,” as St. Angela says. Many service programs allow students to work to provide service where the students feel comfortable. For example, a student who enjoys working with animals can, in such programs, volunteer to work in a zoo for four or five years. While much good can come from such programs, we felt that for our program to be a true “service learning program,” we would need to force our students to “go beyond their (comfort) borders” and work with people they might not have chosen with whom to work. Such a program would require Ursuline to develop working relationships with service providers in the metropolitan area. Kim’s response to this challenge was ingenious. She identified five areas for service opportunities that existed in the greater New Orleans area: work with the elderly, work with youth and literacy, work with adults who had special needs, work with the hungry, and work with the homeless. Each grade level would work with one of these specific service learning areas over the course of the entire academic year. Kim found service providers in these needs areas who have been willing to partner with Ursuline in these projects. Our eighth graders, who work with the elderly, spend time at Covenant Home in Uptown New Orleans, while our ninth graders work with youngsters at St. John the Baptist Head Start Program in Central City. Our tenth graders work with adults with special needs at PACE on Napoleon Avenue, whereas our eleventh graders work at Second Harvest Food Bank in Elmwood. Finally, our seniors work with the homeless at the St. Joseph Rebuild Center in downtown New Orleans. An effective service learning program surely serves as a call to action to the school community, but it must also serve as a call to prayer and reflection. To address this need, Kim worked with the High School’s Theology Department to effectively integrate service learning into the Department’s curriculum. Our students use the concept of the Pastoral Circle, where experience leads to social analysis leads to theological reflection leads to discernment leads to action, as the model for our program. Our theology teachers have their students write about their experiences in the service
learning program so that they might reflect upon what their faith tells them about injustice and, therefore, what they are called to do about injustice in the world around them. The written reflection each student submits to her teacher is a major academic assessment during each grading period of the school year. Just as important as “going beyond one’s borders” through the Service Learning Program is the concept of building relationships with the people our students serve. As we designed the program, we felt it was critical that students build relationships with those they serve so that we might “see the face of Christ in others.” The sense of empathy so important in effective service learning programs must be developed through relationships — which means that our girls must have the opportunity to know those they serve over multiple meetings and work. Ursuline’s Service Learning Program has been designed so that each student’s Theology class visits its respective service provider once each academic marking period, or four times a year. The repeated visits to each agency allow students to build relationships with the people they serve. We also require that each student contribute an additional ten service hours in a related field as part of their yearly service requirement. As a result, many Ursuline students work their additional hours at the same agency they visit with their class, further deepening their relationships with the people they met during their class visits. And relationship-building is really at the core of Ursuline’s Service Learning Program. I accompanied our senior class to the Rebuild Center for their first trip back in August of 2010 and watched them board the busses loaded down with board games and decks of cards — under the strict orders of their Campus Minister. Kim told the girls that she wanted them to talk and interact with the homeless people they were about to meet. She didn’t want our students to stand behind a counter and serve them a meal; she asked them to treat the homeless as people. Sure enough, within minutes our girls were playing games with the clients and, in the process, talking with them and learning about them. It was a great first day. But we didn’t have to wait long before we saw the service seeds that had been planted during those first trips come alive before our eyes. Less than three months after the first service learning trip to the Rebuild Center, the High School Administration had scheduled a faculty workshop on a Friday in early November. As we were about to start the workshop, Kim approached me outside the library and told me that twenty of our seniors had come to school that morning — on a student holiday, no less! — and asked if they could journey down to the Rebuild Center to visit the “friends” they had made over the last couple of months. Needless to say, Kim and I were both stunned by the girls’ appearance on campus, and their request to visit the Rebuild Center. I excused Kim from the workshop and 9
asked her to accompany the girls to the Center, telling her that nothing she would do at the workshop would match the impact she would have going downtown with the girls. Those of us at Ursuline aren’t the only ones who recognize the impact our program is making in the greater New Orleans community. The Brown Foundation has been an enthusiastic supporter of Ursuline’s Service Learning Program, and has given us tremendous financial help by underwriting the transportation costs of the Program during its first two years of existence. Considering the fact that our girls are visiting service agencies for nearly eighty days each school year, the costs we face simply to provide for student transportation are immense. The Brown Foundation’s grant of $13,818.00 to Ursuline for student transportation last year was one of the largest amounts given to any school in the greater New Orleans area. Both the Archdiocese of New Orleans’ Office of Religious Education and our national accrediting agency, AdvancED, have singled out our Service Learning Program as innovative. And our future plans for the Service Learning Program go far beyond what we have done so far. What we are doing in the New Orleans area needs to be expanded so that our students recognize their ties to all in the world. This next step in the program will truly help our girls “go beyond their borders.” Kim Otto, who has done so much for the Service Learning Program during her three years at the Academy, announced earlier this spring that she will be moving to Kansas City
this summer. She married Joel Causey, the High School’s English Department chairperson, in the Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor this June. While we will miss Kim (and, for that matter, Joel, who is a superb English teacher), we are very excited about our new leadership for the program. Replacing Kim as Campus Minister will be Catherine Mifsud, who joins us after spending the last three years at Jesuit High School in New Orleans as their Campus Minister. She will be working closely with Jessica Baker (Skip of 2004), who serves as the High School’s Director of Ursuline Identity (and our Biology teacher), as we work to expand the parameters of the current Service Learning Program. At the end of May, Catherine, Jessica, Karen Mortillaro (Skip of 1989 and the High School’s Dean of Students) and I met with Sister Regina Marie Fronmuller, O.S.U., Brother Louis Couvillon, S.C., a member of the Academy’s Board of Trustees, and members of the High School’s Theology Department, to discuss the possibility of expanding our Service Learning Program to include a world service learning component. Our plan is to send a number of girls from each junior class to a different Ursuline-related service project somewhere else in the world each year. Ultimately, these girls who travel to these different areas will be expected to help design a special service project here in the New Orleans area for their senior year — a project which utilizes the experiences our girls bring back from their journey to another part of the world. In July, Sister Regina Marie took a group of juniors from State Street to London to do service work with immigrant 11 10
children in suburban London. The students accompanying Sister Regina Marie partnered with students from Ursuline High School in Wimbledon. To continue to build the sense of sisterhood between Ursuline schools across the globe, UHS in Wimbledon will send some of its students to New Orleans in August. We are already planning a role for our Wimbledon sisters during our Community Day celebration in August. We will also be working to participate in the Ursuline Sisters’ Project Africa program. And in October, students from another Ursuline sister school, the Instituto Nossa Sehora da Piedade in Ilheus, Brazil, will be visiting us here on State Street. We will be asking members of the Ursuline community to help us provide lodging for these Brazilian students during their stay in New Orleans. Our plan for next winter/spring (that is, during the 20122013 academic year) is to send a group of our students to an Ursuline mission in Guyana during the Mardi Gras vacation — a service learning opportunity that will help the junior class plan a special service project for their senior year. Ultimately, we want to send our girls to different Ursulinerelated schools and/or service sites across the world. And we will work to develop plans to provide financial support for this initiative so that all Ursuline students, not just the more financially fortunate, can be involved in this project. We also want to explore the possibilities for including both our parents and our alumnae in our Service Learning Program. New Parents’ Club President Terri Thibodeaux Stuckey (a Sioux of 1981) has spoken about enlisting the aid of both alumnae and parents in school-wide service projects. This program, coupled with our other initiatives in service
learning, has the potential to put the Academy in the forefront of service learning not just in New Orleans, but across the country. The Service Learning Program at Ursuline has come a very long way since that February afternoon more than three years ago. We have made major strides in forming a service learning program that is more responsive to our call to Serviam, both on a local and an international level. Our students are learning about service in new ways — and their horizons concerning service will continue to expand as our program continues to grow. And please know that we will always respond to St. Angela’s challenge to “go beyond our borders.” 2011-12 8TH-12TH GRADE TOTAL HOURS: 24,339.95 hours BREAKDOWN BY GRADE: 8th Grade: Total 3,666.75 (Elderly 1,490.50) 9th Grade: Total 4,248.60 (Children, Education, Literacy 3,479.85) 10th Grade: Total 3,881.50 (Special Needs 1,762.00) 11th Grade: Total 4,480.35 (Hunger & Poverty 1,600.50) 12th Grade: Total 8,062.75 (Homelessness 2,127.25)
11
Faculty Service Day Ursuline Academy faculty and staff swapped pencils and books for hammers and paint brushes at the Faculty Service Day on February 3. The 91 faculty members worked on seven houses as part of the St. Bernard Project (SBP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to rebuilding homes and lives of Hurricane Katrina survivors. Sister Regina Marie Fronmuller, an enthusiastic and committed volunteer of SBP, connected the Academy to the project.
13 12
Student Service Day Ursuline Academy students continued the tradition of honoring St. Angela on her feast day by serving others in the community. On January 27, elementary and high school students volunteered at nearly thirty nonprofit organizations including nursing homes, animal shelters, parks, food banks and homeless shelters. The day culminated with Mass in the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.
13
Service program unites American and British Ursuline students By Christy Jackson ’00 One word unites Ursulines around the globe: Serviam, “I will serve.” The Ursuline Sisters, who are represented in 37 countries, have been and continue to be a model of St. Angela’s ideals throughout the world. One of the most recent ventures that deeply impacted two very different communities was the collaboration of Ursuline New Orleans Sister Regina Marie Fronmuller and Ursuline London Sister Kathleen Colmer. It all began when Sr. Kathleen came to the States during her sabbatical for an international exchange that exists among the Sisters. “I tell anyone who steps foot in this house, get your grubs on, we’re going to the 9th Ward,” Sr. Regina said. Sr. Regina has been extremely active with St. Bernard Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rebuilding
homes damaged in Hurricane Katrina. It was through work with St. Bernard Project that Sr. Regina inspired Sr. Kathleen. They joined forces and decided to share their experiences with their students. In 2010, Ursuline Links was formed. The volunteer program, run by the Ursuline Sisters, gives students and adults opportunities to be of service. “We link it to Angela’s spirit,” Sr. Regina said. “Angela empowered women and children. That is what we are doing today.” The first Ursuline Links project was in New Orleans in 2010, where Ursuline students from New Orleans and London repaired houses destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. When Ursuline London students were asked how they have put Serviam into action in New Orleans and what it means to them, one student answered, “You honestly have to experience it for yourself. No words can truly describe 15 14
the experience and emotions felt during this time. It is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget. Carrying out service in New Orleans has been really rewarding. It makes me feel really good about myself and it feels as if I’m carrying out God’s will.”
It has also been rewarding for alumnae as it has provided them an opportunity to meet Ursulines from all over the world. Ursuline New Orleans alumnae have welcomed Ursuline London students with open arms. They have taken them in to their homes, prepared famous New Orleans dishes for them and shared the rich New Orleans culture. “Language, customs, lifestyle and traditions may be different but beliefs and values are one. We share the same spirit,” Sr. Regina Marie said. Sr. Regina stated that the most important take-away from this experience is “a deeper love for the Ursuline education, Serviam, going beyond our borders, and linking service with the needs of the Church today.” Sr. Kathleen feels that “the bonds St. Angela creates for us are universal. Once you are an Ursuline student, that’s it for life.”
Sister Regina Marie and a student work on rebuilding a home damaged in Hurricane Katrina.
A year later, the program continued in New Orleans and expanded to include California and Idaho. In 2012, Sr. Regina and nine juniors from Ursuline Academy in New Orleans went to England to work with children of refugee families. Students stayed with Ursuline Sisters and experienced a real sense of community.
St. Angela quoted, “If you all stand united in heart, you will be strong in adversities.” The union between Ursuline schools isn’t merely the Serviam shield or the teachings of St. Angela, it is overall desire to serve and to build community. The Ursuline Sisters bring St. Angela’s spirit alive by continuing to empower men, women and children of all ages today in our global world. After all, St. Angela encourages us to “live and behave in such a way that our daughters may see in us a model.”
In more recent times, students aren’t always in the presence of Ursuline Sisters throughout the school day. Ursuline Links allows students to work alongside and learn from the Sisters. “Students don’t often meet religious. Ursuline Links gives them insight on who we are and what we are about,” London Sr. Kathleen Colmer said. “It brings life ... a two-way blessing. It is the spirit of St. Angela going beyond.” It also allows them the opportunity to link prayer with reflection after a day of service. St. Angela encourages us to “talk over spiritual matters, rejoice together and together encourage one another.” “Our high school service program has made major strides in connecting Ursuline with the Greater New Orleans community,” Ursuline Academy High School Principal John Gabriel said. “We are pleased and excited that Sr. Regina Marie has given us the opportunity for a global approach of service that we hope to expand in the future.” Ursuline students from London volunteer in New Orleans. 15
Serviam in Miss Probst’s Own Words By Maureen Mock Verderame ’66 It is tempting to say that the death of Sylvia Probst on April 18, 2012, created a void at Ursuline Academy and evoked sadness in the hearts of students, faculty, Ursuline Sisters, alumnae, parents and friends who now miss her. However, Miss Probst left behind a legacy and a spirit that are tangible and will always be part of the unique character of the school to which she dedicated her life. The tiny lowercase and connected letters “sp” with which Miss Probst signed every note she wrote — and there were many — contradict the larger-than-life presence she was on State Street. Those two little letters are, however, a real testament to the humility of the woman who despite her quiet reticence influenced generations of Ursuline girls. In her many capacities at Ursuline — student, teacher, moderator, mentor, principal, alumna, librarian, volunteer and archivist — Sylvia lived and modeled the Ursuline ideals of Courtesy, Loyalty and Courage. Her devotion to Our Lady of Prompt Succor and her commitment to fulfilling St. Angela Merici’s vision of Serviam guided her life and influenced all those whose lives she touched. We are fortunate to have in Miss Probst’s own words an explanation of what Serviam means and how it should be fostered in Ursuline students. Many thanks to Sarah Druen Wagner ’76 for sharing this very special correspondence. “This is what I believe about Serviam: Although it is expressed as a matter of will — I will serve — it is expressed that way to emphasize that one is willing to undergo inconvenience, sacrifice time, and give effort, it should be a matter of heart also. One commits to serve others from love of God and love of His people. (The Holy Father spoke of these loves in his first encyclical.)
“I think more emphasis has to be placed on inspiring students to want to serve. Inspire them to go beyond the minimum if they can. If their circumstances permit them to do only the minimum, due to home responsibilities or lack of transportation, for example, that’s fine; but minimum or beyond should come from the heart and be seen as a way to give praise and honor to God and make concrete love for Him and a way to thank Him for his blessings. Mother Teresa showed us the model when she saw Jesus in each person she served. “Instead of requirements I would put emphasis on expectations. Ursuline students have a heritage of Serviam which they should embrace with a sense of loyalty. The Ursulines who came in 1727 had numerous trials, obstacles, difficulties which they endured for love of God. They came to serve in the military hospital and to educate girls, but they responded to any call to serve — take in orphans, provide retreats for ladies, etc. I wish students could be inspired to serve — personally and as an Ursuline student — and not have penalties attributed to their lack of response to the expectation that they want to serve.” We will neither receive another thoughtful note from Miss Probst signed with her distinctive “sp” nor again see the glint in her sparkling eyes, but we will always be aware of her presence at Ursuline and in our hearts. Her spirit lives in every act of service performed by her cherished Ursuline Sisters, colleagues, alumnae and students. It is our responsibility to meet her challenge to live Serviam in our own lives and to pass on its value to future generations. Rest in peace, sp; yours were a job well done and a life well lived. 17 16
“This is what I believe about Serviam: Although it is expressed as a matter of will — I will serve — it is expressed that way to emphasize that one is willing to undergo inconvenience, sacrifice time, and give effort, it should be a matter of heart also.”
- Sylvia Probst
FOREVER IN OUR MEMORIES: SYLVIA PROBST (1934-2012) 17
Sylvia A. Probst Sylvia Amelia Probst, beloved English teacher and first Lay Principal of Ursuline Academy High School, went home to the Lord on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at Canon Hospice Hospital. Miss Probst was predeceased by her parents, Walter Probst and Eva Stier Probst and survived by her aunt and uncle, Mabel and Don Reimer, several cousins, and the Ursuline Sisters. Miss Probst waged a valiant battle against cancer while triumphantly practicing Ursuline’s core values of Courtesy, Loyalty and Courage. With unyielding faith and placing herself under the protection of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Miss Probst has offered one last lesson to her students to use in the face of adversity. Miss Probst was born in New Orleans on August 24, 1934, graduated from Metairie High School and earned a full academic scholarship to Ursuline College in 1953. Influenced by the example of the Ursuline Sisters and under the guidance of Sr. Dolores Swanson, OSU and Sr. Ruth Marie Call, OSU, Miss Probst converted to Catholicism. When Ursuline College closed its doors in 1954, Miss Probst transferred to Loyola University, graduating in 1956 with a B.S. in English Education. In that same year, Miss Probst returned to Ursuline as a member of the faculty, hired by Sr. Mary Margaret Prenger, OSU to teach English. This would mark the beginning of Miss Probst’s lifelong career of dedicated service to Ursuline education which spanned over 50 years. Sandra Corbin Meyer, class of ’57, who was a student in Miss Probst’s very first English class, vividly recalls her first impression of the new young teacher, stating, “Miss Probst made an enormous and lasting impression on our entire class because she treated each of us with such dignity and respect. We all wanted to do well in her class because she genuinely believed in us.” The magical rapport that began in 1956 between Miss Probst and her students would continue for generations. Miss Probst’s love of English and the desire to impart that love of learning to her students remains one of her greatest legacies. Miss Probst’s reputation and unique rapport with her students did not go unnoticed and in 1973, the Sisters requested Miss Probst’s service as the High School Principal. Known for inspiring faculty and students alike, Miss Probst will be remembered as the conscience of Ursuline and a leader who possessed an unparalleled vision and passion for Ursuline education. In later years, Miss Probst served in various roles including Assistant Principal, Librarian, Archivist and yet, her best memories were the years she shared with students as their English teacher.
WHERE DID THE SERVIAM SHIELD ORIGINATE?
In 1931, Mother St. Jean Martin, Prioress General of the Order of St. Ursula, gave Ursuline students everywhere the “Serviam” shield with these words: “Above the great cross of Jesus, a field of stars. The ‘Little Bear’ – Ursula – like the morning star lights the way that leads to unreserved Love. Serviam: I will serve. Word of honour and Christian self sacrifice… You will live it in serving God… You will live it in serving the Church… You will live it in serving your country, your family... In joyful dedication to those closest to you… Serve in obedience and love – Let this be your project, for now and for the future.” 19 18
KIM HARPER HONORED AS UNO DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA Ursuline Academy Elementary School Principal Kim Harper was chosen as the University of New Orleans (UNO) College of Education and Human Development’s 2012 Distinguished Alumna. Ms. Harper was honored at the College’s 39th Honors Convocation on May 9. The two criteria “used to select the recipient of this award were the contributions made by the recipient to the field of education in our region and the continuing role the recipient has played in working with our college to improve the educational opportunities in our city,” Dean April Bedford said. “[Kim Harper] is a shining example of both of these criteria.” The Dean elaborated further, citing Ms. Harper’s successes at Ursuline Academy, collaborations with UNO, and her “outstanding leadership and guiding philosophy to ‘build community wherever you go’” as reasons she was chosen for the award.
UNO/URSULINE ACADEMY CONNECTION Today the Soeur Teresita Rivet, OSU Early Childhood Learning Center is a thriving place, buzzing with creativity and excitement. The colorful, interactive facility is the perfect home for the Reggio Emilia and Project Approach, education philosophies constructed around an individual child’s interests and curiosities. Three years before its opening in 2009, Kim Harper and early childhood faculty members discussed expanding the Academy’s traditional structure to incorporate successful practices derived from the latest research and studies. They contacted Dr. Judith Kieff, a professor of Early Childhood and Children’s Literature in UNO’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction, and a partnership was born. Dr. Kieff provided ongoing curriculum advisement and in the spring of 2011, another shared idea became a reality. UNO would incorporate an onsite university class in the early childhood center. “We became a teaching school, a site for students near the end of their studies to experience best practices firsthand,” Ms. Harper said. One day a week, UNO junior and senior education majors would work in the early childhood classrooms, observing both the teachers and the children, and creating and implementing lessons under the supervision of Ursuline teachers. A second day would be devoted to meeting with Ms. Harper and Dr. Kieff to discuss what they experienced in the center. The course, “EDC1 3530: Curriculum Development” was successful: students gained valuable
insight and the Academy became a model for early childhood education in New Orleans. The upper-level course is now offered every spring and beginning in 2013, it will be taught exclusively by Ms. Harper. The university students enjoy the experience so much they often submit resumes in hopes of joining the team. Dr. Kieff is still actively involved with the early childhood center and continues to provide input on its curriculum. Ms. Harper credits Dr. Kieff and the early childhood faculty for the overall effectiveness of the program. “It would not have been possible without the whole team,” she said. “The Reggio/Project Approach that Ursuline has adapted is based on collaboration, so it’s fitting that its formation and expansion would be collaborative as well.” Ms. Harper earned her B.A. in English Education and M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from UNO. She has devoted 22 years to the education of children, the last ten of which have been at Ursuline Academy. She has made many notable contributions, including revitalizing the elementary school orchestra program, collaborating on the conception of a middle school study skills program and character development program, as well as overseeing the performing arts program, which delights audiences each spring with a musical. While Ms. Harper’s accomplishments are vast, her most impressive endeavor is her part in the formation of the Soeur Teresita Rivet, OSU Early Childhood Learning Center. 19
URSULINE MUSEUM DISPLAYS FIRST DOLLAR SIGN By Julie Mabus and Gertie Beauford ’54 Irish immigrant Oliver Pollock (1737-1823), was a great New Orleanian, a great American patriot and the largest private contributor to the American Revolution, impoverishing himself in the effort. In addition to his helping finance America’s independence, he is also credited with the creation of the most recognizable icon of our culture, the dollar sign. From an early age, Pollock became an experienced and successful global trader. In 1768 Pollock came to New Orleans from Havana and helped stem a financial debacle brewing out of local resistance to the 1763 French cession of its Louisiana province to Spain. For the next eight years, Pollock plied his trade up and down the Mississippi River, having constantly to defend himself against aggravating and costly “commercial warfare” with British traders. It was no surprise, therefore, that Pollock became an ardent American supporter when Virginia Captain George Gibson and his men, disguised as local traders, smuggled into New Orleans a copy of the American Declaration of Independence. Pollock immediately had the document published and donated 9,000 pounds of gunpowder to Gibson, his initial contribution to the American Revolution.
Now, how is this wonderful, little known story about this somewhat obscure and truly brave American patriot associated with Ursuline Academy of New Orleans? More than 35 years ago, in 1975, the wooden cross and dollar sign, the remaining two Pollock relics, were placed on loan to the Ursuline Museum. Ursuline alumna of 1954, Gertie Beauford, became acquainted with the owner of the relics, Mrs. Alma Daughtery Colvin of Memphis, Tennessee, a direct descendant of Oliver Pollock. Ms. Beauford suggested that Mrs. Colvin lend the relics to the Ursuline Museum on State Street rather than to a larger museum and in August of 1975, local historian John Chase, acting in behalf of Mrs. Colvin, presented the relics to Sister M. Joseph Richardson, Superior of the New Orleans Ursulines. Nearly four decades later, the relics are still on display at the Ursuline Museum along with a book by James Alton James, giving proof of Pollock’s invention of the dollar sign.
A year later in 1777, Father Cyrilo de Barcelona, first Spanish rector of St. Louis Parish (now Cathedral), carved and gifted Pollock two wooden carvings of walnut, one of a cross and the other of a small statue resembling our current day dollar sign. The back of the dollar sign statue bears the inscription, “A symbol for the New Dollar—Oliver Pollock, New Orleans, 1779,” thus reinforcing Pollock’s association with its creation. Further reinforcement of the story rests in the customs of the day. During the period, much business was transacted among Americans and Spanish speaking traders in the Louisiana colony. Logically, the Spanish peso was in heavy circulation in the area and many business documents and related correspondence were denominated in pesos. The currency was referred to as the Spanish American peso or Spanish Dollar with “p s” evolving as the common Spanish American scribal abbreviation. Manuscripts of the period show that the “s” gradually came to be written over the “p,” developing a close equivalent to the “$” mark. Subsequently, in 1785, the Continental Congress adopted the dollar as the American money unit, its weight being similar to the Spanish dollar. The first United States dollars were coined in 1794 and the dollar mark, $, first appeared in printed form in 1797. 21 20
WENDY FARRELLY ’76, IRONMAN
By Brooke Boudreaux ’00 Wendy Farrelly, Mac of 1976, has been called many things: mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, friend. But now, after participating in one of the most difficult triathlons known to man, she can officially be called Ironman. After Hurricane Katrina, Farrelly found herself with a little extra time on her hands. Her children were now adults, and after having lost her house in the storm, she moved in with her sister. Shortly thereafter, she began swimming at the fitness center nearby. This led to meeting other fitnessminded people and even joining a multi-sports club. She began doing a few races here and there, and before she knew it, one of her friends was pushing her to do the Ironman Triathlon with her. The Ironman Triathlon, the most well-known endurance event in the world, consists of three parts: swimming, biking and running. Participants are often pushed to their limits, with the competition lasting as long as 17 grueling hours. Initially, she was hesitant, but after gaining the interest of a few more friends, they decided to do it together. Strenuous training began in June with 100-mile bike rides on the weekends and countless hours spent swimming and running on the weekdays. Through it all, Farrelly recognized that none of it would have been possible if not for the love, support and understanding of her family, friends and training group. Farrelly was no stranger to triathlons. In her youth she participated in the first Cajunman Triathlons, but she knew
Ironman would be a whole new world. On a beautiful day in November 2011, participants of the Florida Ironman were given 17 hours from early morning to midnight to complete 2.4 miles of swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. By the time she was halfway through her run, she was exhausted; everyone was. They kept pushing each other as much as they could, taking breaks when they needed, but never quitting. She refused to give up, and when she reached mile 25 of the run, she began crying knowing that the worst was behind her. She could see the finish line. Farrelly finished the triathlon around 10 p.m. It took her a little while to come off the high of it all. The magnitude of her accomplishment didn’t really set in until later. She had done it. She was an Ironman. When asked if she had any advice for those looking to take on an Ironman challenge of their own, Farrelly quickly replied that “strong family support, a good training program, and a good training group are essential. It can be torture, and it feels good to have someone there to be tortured right alongside you.” One might think that after reaching Ironman status, Farrelly would be ready to take it easy. This is not the case. What’s next? The Escape from Alcatraz triathalon in San Francisco. Even at the age of 54, this Ursuline girl just won’t quit. 21
to the high school selection process.” But with a little guidance from Our Lady of Divine Providence staff, her elementary school, she interviewed at Ursuline, fell in love with its historic presence and is now an accomplished graduate and enthusiastic alumna. She’s also an emerging leader in the uptown business community. Demonstrating the business acumen of an experienced career woman and the sophistication of a genteel southern lady, it is Asturias’ youth that marks her distinctive path to success. A 2012 graduate of Loyola University as an International Business major, she is not only the owner of her own branch of Sterling Silvia, but also bringing the family-owned fine sterling silver business new recognition and growth through her original jewelry designs. Expanding the business’ French Quarter anchor to a prime location on Magazine and Upperline Streets, Asturias is carrying out Sterling Silvia’s mission “to create and design meaningful jewelry with a hint of inspiration from the finest city in America, New Orleans.”
Sioux
Alumna
Shines in St e r l i n g By Patricia Fitzmorris Danflous ’65 Cristy Asturias ’08 had no intention of attending Ursuline Academy. In fact, she didn’t realize the school existed. “I lived in Metairie,” she smiles. “I certainly didn’t know much about uptown New Orleans and my parents were new
Visit the company’s website, developed and updated by Asturias, to view a collection of pieces ranging from a whimsical voodoo doll with a fleur de lis heart to cuff bracelets highlighted with a New Orleans landscape, from a crescent moon pendant showcasing a Crescent City scene to a handsome “who dat?” brooch. Ursuline, and the New Orleans community, will treasure an Our Lady of Prompt Succor bead to add to a bracelet with a Serviam bead coming soon. Current Ursuline high school students have the opportunity to receive a Cristy Asturias original piece with the Principal’s Award “given in recognition of students who are motivated, who demonstrate responsibility, hard work, perseverance, who make as much academic progress as they are capable of making, and who strive to reach their potential as best they can.” Featuring the Serviam logo highlighted with the colors of respective classes, the award is presented at the end of each school year. “The development of the Principal’s Award was a break for me in the sense of adding credibility to my work and showing my range,” Asturias says with a special pride in her Ursuline connection. “I knew that I wanted to be involved and give back to the school that gave so much to me.” Informally mentioning that she would like to help her alma mater when dropping off an order from the French Quarter store, former President Gretchen Kane took her up on the offer and said, “Let’s see what you can do.” 23 22
“I originally designed something more traditional and conservative, but Ms. Gretchen wanted color,” Asturias recalls. “I changed the design according to her input and she loved the result.”
light up with the memory. “A man started yelling at us from across the street, asking if we were interested in it. We were thinking of leasing a storefront, but my parents made the decision to purchase the building. It’s now my home.”
A native of Guatemala who holds dual citizenship, Asturias’ early years involved living half the year in Guatemala and the other half in the United States while her parents maintained an import/export business. “I learned English in pre-Kindergarten and it was mandatory, according to my parents, that I was bi-lingual,” she says.
“Little by little people are finding out about the business and my designs,” she continues, crediting social media, primarily Facebook, streetcar advertising, and the business website with her continuing success. It is Asturias’ perseverance, talent and knowledge, however that is making the difference. She worked ten hours a day for months to develop a website used to immediately present new designs. And she devotes up to 20 hours of painstaking Adobe Illustrator work to create an original design before sending it off to Thailand for a prototype piece.
“ I knew that I wanted to be involved and give back to the school that gave so much to me.” -Cristy Asturias As the business changed with the economic times, Asturias’ mother, Silvia, invested $1,200 in jewelry purchased in New York and set up a flea market booth in the French Quarter, adding her own designs over the years. Nine years after her first table showing, the Asturias family opened a store at 41 French Market Place. A second French Quarter location opened before and closed after Hurricane Katrina. Inventory from the second shop helped stock the Magazine store in its first months. Although Asturias learned design techniques from her mother, it wasn’t until high school and her focus on art – her mother turned some of her artwork into jewelry, with much success – that she seriously considered entering the family business. Her focus on internal business studies fueled her knowledge and interest, including summer studies in China and a two-month internship in Thailand at a manufacturing site. “My parents did not want me to feel obligated to carry on the business unless it was something I really wanted to do,” she comments. “We had a family business meeting to discuss my future and decided that I would open my own shop after college graduation.” The right time, right place — and right price — moved up the opening date. “We were on a family bike ride and saw an old building on Magazine Street,” Asturias says as her eyes
Her approach to business also includes the personal touch. In face-to-face meetings with Lucky Dog and Café du Monde executives, for example, she presents her ideas, asks for permission to use respective company symbols and usually walks away with sales from the company as well as the general public. “I studied copyright laws and business law,” she explains. “I want to do business the right way. You might see other companies selling jewelry featuring a high school mascot or logo, but I go directly to the schools to make sure I have their permission. I have a moral and legal obligation to do the right thing.” Her family’s strong-rooted faith and a Catholic-centered life set the foundation for Asturias’ moral convictions. Ursuline, she says, enhanced those beliefs. “Ursuline taught me about putting other people before myself, about the sense of community and giving back unselfishly. If I ever have girls, they are going to Ursuline.” Active in Ursuline life from the beginning of her freshman year, Asturias was a member of the soccer and cross country teams, and participated in Rally as a cheerleader each year. Featured in several business publications, she has appeared on ABC’s Good Morning New Orleans about a jewelry design benefiting a Haitian family after an earthquake. She serves as Vice President of Professional Programming for Alpha Kappa Psi, the world’s largest business fraternity. In her spare time, you will find Asturias riding a motorcycle with her father or working toward her pilot’s license. Visit www.sterlingsilvia.com for additional information on her original designs.
23
Home Again They are members of Ursuline Academy’s 2011-12 faculty and staff. They are also alumnae.
The group — comprised of seven Macs, four Skips and two Sioux — loved UA so much they simply could not stay away.
(Back row, from left) Nikki Pastorek Fuller ’81, Patty Mathes ’65, Dody Dolese Nolan ’67, Judy Mollere ’66, Jeannie Church Pratt ’76, Karen Hubble Mortillaro ’89, Mary Antée ’97 and (front row, from left) Jessica Baker ’04, Angie Fulton Castay ’74, Elizabeth C. Harney ’76, Jolene Ferro Songy ’85, Mairin LeBlanc Cutrer ’03, Christy Jackson ’00
JUDY MOLLERE
Sioux of 1966 – Assistant Principal, Elementary School “As an Ursuline alumna, being able to work at Ursuline means I can teach young girls the ideals that the Ursuline Sisters fostered in me. It means being able to visit with Our Lady of Prompt Succor daily. It means building new memories and friendships amid constant reminders of past joys.”
DODY DOLESE NOLAN
Mac of 1967 – Fine Arts Department Chairperson “My mother came to the college in the 40’s. I came in the 60’s, one daughter in the 70’s and another daughter in the 80’s. I have taught here for 35 years – I’ve never left. I’m home.”
25 24
ANGIE FULTON CASTAY
Skip of 1974 – Toddler 3 Assistant Teacher “I came back to teach at Ursuline because I wanted to give to other young girls the wonderful, loving educational experience that I received here.” JEANNIE CHURCH PRATT
Mac of 1976 – Pre-Kindergarten Assistant “It is spiritually rewarding to be a part of the Ursuline faculty. Never did I dream when I was attending school at Ursuline, I would be back as a faculty member. I am blessed with the opportunity on a daily basis to teach girls the values taught to me by the Ursuline Sisters and lay teachers. It feels as though I’ve come full circle and that feels great.” ELIZABETH C. HARNEY
Mac of 1976 – Science Teacher, High School “Five years ago, I remember feeling like I was finally ‘home’ as I walked into Room 112 for the first time as a teacher. How incredibly special to be teaching in the same room where Sr. Ruth Marie provided me with a fantastic Chemistry background! I have had the honor of teaching the daughters of several of my classmates, as well as the granddaughters of my middle school math teacher, Mrs. Klundt! It is an awesome responsibility and privilege to be a part of the Ursuline tradition. I am so proud to be an alumna, and a parent of an alumna, of this historic institution!” NIKKI PASTOREK FULLER
Sioux of 1981 – 3rd Grade Teacher “I feel like I’ve come full circle. I dreamed of being a teacher at Ursuline over my high school years there. I always felt accepted and strived within a small community. Luckily both of my daughters were able to experience this and now I’m able to fulfill that for other people’s daughters. I love being able to say that I went to Ursuline, as well as my sister and my daughters, and now I am so lucky to teach there.” JOLENE FERRO SONGY
Mac of 1985 – Pre-Kindergarten Teacher “I enjoy being back at Ursuline and being a part of the community because Ursuline was such a great place to go to school. It is a small, family environment and it is very comfortable being around everyone who knows you. As a child I loved going to Ursuline because of the warm and comfortable feeling I always had. I, now as a pre-k teacher, try my best to make my classes feel comfortable and happy about coming to school every day. It is nice to hear the parents say how much their daughter enjoys coming to school. When I hear these words it makes me feel like I’m continuing the tradition of making the youngest of our students happy and comfortable while learning at such a great school.”
KAREN HUBBLE MORTILLARO
Skip of 1989 – Dean of Students, High School “Having the opportunity to give back to Ursuline as a teacher and Dean of Students means to me that I can give to students today what I received from so many teachers and administrators in my years at Ursuline. They taught me how to truly live Courtesy, Loyalty, Courage and Serviam. I hope I give that gift to our students every day.” MARY ANTÉE
Mac of 1997 – Admissions Director “I thoroughly enjoyed my high school experience on State Street and never imagined that my life and career would bring me back to Ursuline. The five years that I have spent as Director of Admissions have proved to be so incredibly rewarding. I am proud that I am able to tell prospective families that I am a graduate. The privilege of bringing new students into this fine institution still humbles me.” CHRISTY JACKSON
Mac of 2000 – Director of Alumnae “I spent 11 years of my life as a student at Ursuline. I am honored to think that I will be spending many more years on campus as Alumnae Director! Ursuline has helped mold me in to the woman that I am today. I am fortunate to be able to give back to an institution that has given so much to me. I will always be an Ursuline girl.” MAIRIN LEBLANC CUTRER
Mac of 2003 – History Department Chairperson “My older sister, Colleen, started kindergarten in 1989. My youngest sister graduated in 2008. I started teaching at Ursuline the following fall, so there has been at least one of the four LeBlanc girls at Ursuline for 23 years. I could not imagine teaching anywhere else because Ursuline has become a second home.” JESSICA BAKER
Skip of 2004 – High School Science Teacher “Ursuline helped to form me into the woman I am today. This is the place where I first learned both the value of striving for academic excellence and the importance of living a life committed to the service of others. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of creating the same growth opportunity for the current Ursuline students that I feel privileged to have received myself.”
“... I remember feeling like I was finally ‘home’ as I walked into Room 112 for the first time as a teacher.” - Elizabeth Harney 25
2011 Distinguished Alumna
Carmela Matassa Van Hook ’65 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, 43 people have received this honor, making it one of Ursuline’s most prestigious awards. Carmela Matassa Van Hook ’65 graduated from both Ursuline Academy and Loyola University with honors. She and her husband, Cloyd, are the proud parents of three wonderful children, Kristin, Emery and Colin. They also have two grandsons. As a parent of two Ursuline students, Carmela was a member of the Parents’ Club Board, served as Fair Coordinator in 1987-1988, chaired various booths for Ursuline Day and served as a Room Mother for several years. Carmela was a Serviam Drive Decade Chair, the President of the Alumnae Board in 1989-1990, and a charter member of the School Board in 1988-1993. While on the board she served as Chair of the Development Committee which established the Development Office and sought out the first Development Director. Carmela also served on several Alumnae Board committees and as Alumnae Director. Carmela’s nurturing community spirit led her to be a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine teacher and Eucharistic Minister in her Parish. She ministers at Sunday Masses as well as in the homes of the sick. She also serves as Sacristan and launders church linens on a regular basis. Her former pastor, Reverend Nghiem Van Nguyen, described her as someone who “always wants to get involved and helps out for any need in our Parish.” Her volunteer work consists of being a docent at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art where she led museum tours for inner city school children, a Louisiana Master Gardener volunteering at the Botanical Gardens, and a Catholic
Charities/ACCESS pregnancy counselor for young women. Carmela works as a Medical Technologist at Ochsner and always finds time to visit Ursuline alumnae admitted to the hospital. Over the years, she has reached out to many alumnae as well as the Ursuline Sisters. Both of Carmela’s daughters, Kristin and Emery, were among those who nominated her for this prestigious award. “She has a beautiful faith, which has been instrumental in shaping our faith as adults,” her daughters explained. “She has most clearly demonstrated her respect for the uniqueness of the individual, commitment to development of the whole person, and development of a nurturing community spirit in the way she raised her three children.” Sylvia Probst, a 1986 Distinguished Alumna and former high school principal and faculty member, also nominated Carmela. Ms. Probst described her as “a wonderful example of Serviam in action.” Christy Jackson ’00, Director of Alumnae, described Carmela as a “joy to be around. She is truly inspiring! Her love and passion for Ursuline emanates throughout her. She has a way of making you smile. It is evident that she does not do anything solely for recognition. She lives and breathes Serviam and all that it stands for.” While reflecting on her own Ursuline experiences, Carmela stated, “I cherish the years I spent as a student at Ursuline. Through my Ursuline education, our motto Serviam became an intrinsic part of me. The Ursuline Sisters nurtured me and taught me to live my life according to the teachings of St. Angela: ‘Be joyous and always full of charity and faith and hope in God.’ I am truly blessed that my two daughters were also able to attend Ursuline and embrace the spirit of Serviam.”
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.
27 26
miracles
Pictured top row, from left: Everett Villere, Malia Lillie, Landon Paul, Brock Michael, Brianna Grace Middle row, from left: Olivia Grace, Eli Sebastian, Lily Erin, Eden Duffy, Cara Grace Bottom row, from left: Arden Kathryn, Ethan Stefan, Alexander James, David Champ
Kenneth & Amy Stockstill Werner ’91 a son, Ethan Stefan
Robbie & Staci Lanza Hughes ’98 a daughter, Taylor Ann
Marshall & Kelly Vollenweider Gilmore ’00 a son, Eli Sebastian
Brian & Melissa McGovern Bohannan ’91 a son, Alexander James
Brent & Kimberly Klibert Carbo ’99 a son, William Joseph
Mike & Brandi Chamberlain Donelon ’00 a son, Brock Michael
Peter & Erin Marie Duffy Kelly ’92 a daughter, Eden Duffy
Joey & Melanie Maduell Castle ’99 a son, Blake Alexander
Freddie & Kadee Doerries Hurst ’00 a son, Landon Paul
Jon & Shannon Bergeron Sulfsted ’95 a daughter, Cara Grace
Bennett & Johanna Hochhalter Logan ’00 a son, Everett Villere
Aaron & Kelly Varnado Knox ’01 a daughter, Lily Erin
D. Champ & Leslie Lousteau Weeks ’96 a son, David Champ Weeks, Jr.
Kieran & Ashley Morgan McCarthy ’00 a daughter, Arden Kathryn
Chad & Ashley Johnson Franatovich ’05 a daughter, Olivia Grace
Trey & Trina Aytona Hille ’96 a daughter, Cecelia Ann
Bradley & Brandi Bernius Burdett ’00 a daughter, Brianna Grace
Gregory J. Marigny Jr. & Samira A. Jones ’06 a daughter, Malia Lillie
Alumnae: BABIES 27
weddings 2
1
1
4
3
4
5
Sarah Druen ’76 and Dr. Frank Wagner
Anne Jouet ’99 and Gabriel Mulé (10)
Stacy Peloquin ’89 and Tyler McCurry (7)
Lindsay Mallary ’99 and Sean Gilthorpe
Annie Bourg ’92 and Chris Broussard (8)
Britton Drumm ’00 and Eric Grush (2)
Stacey Erikson ’96 and Robert Lestelle
Jamie Rodrigue ’00 and Larry “Ladd” Straatman II
Michelle Augustin ’97 and Christopher Christopher (6)
Laura Rando ’01 and Bobby April III
75
Alumnae: MARRIAGES 29 28
8
6
9
7
10
11
9 14
Tina Treuil ’01 and Kyle Sannino
Nicole Dupont ’04 and Brian Perry Jr.
Anne Pennebaker ’02 and Carland Holstead (1)
Amanda Favret ’04 and Dr. F. Bennett Pearce, Jr. (4)
Emily Brouillette AME ’03 and Casey Tate
Linsey Normand ’05 and Joseph Marriott (5)
Corinne Kattengell ’03 and Spencer Farmer (3)
Patricia LeDoux ’06 and Jordon Gregory
MaryAnne Stetler ’03 and Christopher Natale (9)
Brooke Lataxes ’08 and Adam Duhon
10
29
reunited!
Alumnae: REUNIONS 31 30
Top row, from left: Class of 1946, Class of 1951, Class of 1961,Class of 1966 Middle row, from left: Class of 1971, Class of 1976, Class of 1981, Class of 1991 Bottom row, from left: Class of 1996, Class of 2001, Class of 2006
31
1951
Mary Anne Oubre Colwart received an award from the Lakeview Civic Association for her post-Katrina efforts in helping with the Lakeview recovery.
1952
Jean Gardner Russo was a Senior Olympian in the Greater New Orleans Senior Olympic Games.
1953
Dee Villarrubia was elected President of the Guild for Children’s Hospital. She has been the chairman of the gift shop for 10 years. Dee also received the President’s Call to Service Award, a volunteer service award given by the White House for 3,000 hours of service in ten years.
1954
Gertie Beauford, as chairman of the American history committee for the Vieux Carre Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, presented seventh-grader Allison Walters with a certificate of merit, a medal and historical books for the Danny Hurtig Memorial Library for her essay on “A Diary Entry of an Ursuline Nun” under the topic “Young America Takes a Stand: The War of 1812.”
Pictured are (from left) Lea Martin, Louisiana State Third Vice Regent of the DAR Vieux Carré Chapter; Allison Walters, Martha Bauman, Vieux Carré Chapter Regent; Pat Gallagher, Children of the American Revolution Director, Vieux Carré Chapter; and Gertrude Beauford, Chairman of the American History Committee, Vieux Carré Chapter.
1957
Kit Harger Lipps and her husband, Fred celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married April 28, 1962 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in New Orleans. A longtime community activist, Mr. Lipps is a retired homebuilder. Mrs. Lipps is a retired public relations officer with the University of New Orleans. The couple has two daughters and seven grandchildren.”
1959
Susan Ducasse Aparicio and Albert Aparicio, Jr. have been married for 52 years. They have two greatgrandchildren, Tori Adams and Louis Knight.
1966
Sr. Emmanuel Bryant graduated from Ursuline in 1966 and upon graduation, made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land which brought her vividly into contact with the roots of Christianity and paved the way for her entrance into a cloistered order. However, after nearly three decades as a cloistered nun, there was another call to a deeper solitude for the purpose of prayer. In 1994 she professed temporary vows as a canonical hermitess in the diocese of Portland, Maine, and with the help of funds from the Jesuits built a small hermitage. In 1997 she professed final vows at Sky-Arch Hermitage in a ceremony presided over by Bishop Joseph Gerry, O.S.B., Ph.D.
About Alumnae 33 32
Sr. Emmanuel has lived her own Form of Life at Sky-Arch Hermitage from 1994 to 2012. A short documentary can be found on YouTube under Sister Emmanuel-HermitageMaine. Sky-Arch Hermitage is a non-profit organization. Prayer intentions can be sent to the hermitage.
1969
Laura McCants Milliet spent a 5-year foreign assignment in Pekanbaru, Indonesia with Chevron.
1973
Paula Munier penned “A Miscellany of Murder” (Adams Media, 2011), with her mystery writers group, the Monday Murder Club. Her most recent book, “5-Minute Mindfulness” (Adams Media, 2012), draws upon Paula’s experience as a yoga teacher.
1976
Dr. Janet Laizer is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at The University of Mississippi Medical Center and now works on the Emergency and Consult team at the Veteran’s Hospital.
1979
Lee Anne Munger McKearan works at MedCom Care Management as the Care Services Manager supervising a staff of 25 registered nurses and social workers.
1980
Miriam Armbruster Davis has been teaching special education for 27 years, and is currently working in the Ascension Parish School System and is the Lead Special Education Teacher at Gonzales Middle School. She recently earned a Masters Degree in Education as an Educational Diagnostician and a Masters Degree in Education as a Reading Specialist.
1981
Lisa Zaccaria Barnett was recently featured in Northshore Report Magazine to spotlight her involvement with the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany. Lisa serves as President of the Board of Trustees and has served as the Chairman of the Steering Committee since 2005. The Children’s Museum is the signature project of the Junior League of Greater Covington in partnership
with St. Tammany Parish. Lisa has also served as President of JLGC and Chairman of the St. Tammany Parish Commission on Cultural Affairs. She currently serves on the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board, the St. Paul’s School Renaissance Board and the Louisiana Youth Seminar Advisory Board. In Serviam, Lisa’s efforts at Ursuline include Alumnae Centennial Celebration Chair in 2000-2001, Ursuline Alumnae Association President in 1997-1998 and as the Director of Institutional Advancement from 1990-1994.
1981
Leslie Castay Burkey is a regular on new series, “Common Law,” and she is appearing in a new movie, “Beautiful Creatures,” filmed in Covington, starring Emma Thompson, Jeremy Irons and Viola Davis.
1986
Danna Powell Cousins was honored as one of the Angels in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Initiative in Washington, D.C. More than 1,700 Angels in Adoption have been recognized from all 50 states since 1999.
1990
Ricci Broussard Hebert published “Fleur Delivery,” a book about the Fleur de Lis family welcoming a new baby. Ricci’s work as a RN in the Newborn Nursery at West Jefferson Medical Center inspired the book.
33
1992
Dr. Christy Valentine had the honor of being appointed by Mayor Mitch Landrieu as a commissioner on the board for Hospital Service District-A. The board is responsible for re-building a hospital in New Orleans East. Valentine Medical Center was selected, through a very rigorous process, to participate in the Goldman-Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Initiative. The program focuses on providing businesses, poised for growth, continuous education and access to capital.
1992
Laurie Lichtenstein Bonura and her family are living in Sydney, Australia for the next couple of years for her husband’s job. The Bonuras have three young boys, ages 7, 9 and 11. They are very excited about this adventure!
1993
Tyra Mariani gave the opening welcome at the National Conference on Girls’ Education. Tyra is the Deputy Chief of Staff for the US Department of Education. She advises offices throughout the US Department of Education on proposed, new, or revised policies, regulations, or legislation, spanning early childhood through adult education in addition to managing large scale projects and providing counsel to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
1995
1996
Shayla Gaither Smith is an Anesthesiologist with the U.S. Navy and is currently living in San Diego, California.
1997
Barbara Siefken received the Pro Bono Publico Award and the Century Award from the Louisiana State Bar Association.
2000
Heidi Bostick Murray is the mother of a future Merry Mac with another little one on the way. Heidi graduated from LSU Health Sciences Center with a Masters in Nurse Anesthesia and currently practices at Tulane Medical Center.
2001
Kelly Varnado-Knox received a Masters of Occupational Therapy at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2010. She is licensed in Texas and Louisiana. When Kelly entered the program, she was the only out-of-state student out of 37 students.
2003
Liz Maxwell is working in Italy as the Artistic Director of the Art Monastery Project, an American non-profit organization investigating the intersection between the
Candice Beasley Djilo earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Oklahoma, graduating with highest distinction. Candice is currently a licensed Master Social Worker and is employed with the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office.
1996
Autumn Cafiero Giusti is an independent writer and editor who does freelance work for a number of publications such as Bankrate.com and Pregnancy & Newborn magazine.
1996
Leslie Lousteau Weeks is an Active Duty Major in the US Army and works at Keesler Air Force Base as an OB-GYN physician.
creative life and secular monasticism. The Art Monastery cultivates personal awakening and cultural transformation through art, contemplation and community. Liz has been
About Alumnae 35 34
part of the AMP for two years; she continues to direct theater productions (devising original work as well as traditional shows) and performs regularly in both Italy and the United States.
2005
Lindsay Jarrell graduated from Louisiana State University Law School.
2006
Samira Jones is studying Civil Law and will be graduating from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in Spring 2013. Samira is very excited to be the first attorney in her family.
2007
Dody Nolan was chosen by Gambit Weekly as one of “The Gambit 40 Under 40.” Gambit highlighted Dody’s performances with Jefferson Performing Arts Society, NOCCA, Tulane Summer Lyric Theatre, the Loyola Opera and the New Orleans Opera. She currently performs as a traveling Victory Belle for the National World War II Museum. She also performs at Café Giovanni and cantors at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Divine Mercy Catholic Church and St. Louis Cathedral.
2007
Maddie Foster, Valedictorian of the Class of 2007, is working towards a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and is the President of the Engineering Society in New York City.
job done. She is a talented leader because she brings out the best in others and assures they are striving for the common goal.” Brooke received another recognition as a MobilizeU School Coordinator. Brooke joined students from 298 universities in 51 countries worldwide in successfully organizing four weeks of campus environmental activism leading up to Earth Day 2012, contributing to EDN’s A Billion Acts of Green call to action and engaging her university in an international network of student environmental activists.
2011
Anna Landry, Salutatorian of 2011, was on the Dean’s List her first year at University of Georgia where she is majoring in Biological Sciences on her way to veterinarian school. She couldn’t stay away from her animals very long, so she is also working part time as a Vet Tech at the Athens, Georgia Cat and Dog Clinic. Anna is traveling to Costa Rica for a Maymester where she will be volunteering her services as a Vet Tech with VIDA missions to help in spay/neuter clinics in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
2011
Jessica Bagneris was offered scholarships to 11 universities. She chose Baylor, where she is a psychology/ neuropsychology/pre-medical studies major as well as a member of the Baylor University Women’s Choir, the American Medical Student Association and Baylor’s neuroscience and medical ethics societies.
2010
Brooke Long received the Pillar of University Leadership Award from Texas Christian University. The university described Brooke as a “strong, quiet leader who allows her actions to speak for her integrity and character. Brooke is that person who will roll up her sleeves, put a smile on her face and do whatever it takes to get the
WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU? We 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.
35
Alumnae
Virginia Garmon Mumme ’31 C’35 Dorothy Grunwald Hymel ’38 Dorothy De St. Aubin Flanagan ’38 Claire Osborne Frey ’39 Margaret McNamara McAuliffe ’39 Mary Ruth Williams Steeg ’39 Miriam Rita Dwyer Rice ’40 Cynthia Taylor Burton ’40 Rosemary Williams Gaudry ‘40, C’44 Alice Mary Muhleisen Poissenot C’40 Audrey Seither Vogt C’40 Madeline “Petgie” Warren Calhoun C’41 Sylvia Probst C’56 Anne Farrell Merrigan ’42 Rosemary Ernst Moore ’45 Laurelee “Peedy” Pond Helgason ’51 Patricia “Pat” Decuir Lacour ’51 Yolanda Casanova De Ruiz ’51 Miriam Ann Block Carroll ’54 Enola “Kay” Calongne Rivas ’59 Carol Ann Geier ’60 Janace Perez Gennusa ’61 Bonnie Dugas Robbins ’62 Peggy Wheelahan ’64 Mary Ellen Smyer LeCorgne Badeaux ’64 Audrey Kirn Fain ’65 Martha”Betty” Donaldson Jaraba ’67 Jane Fuller Hoogerwerf ’68 Trista Sherrouse Neilson ’72 Dell Levi Williams ’76 Lauralee Zanovec Widmer ’93 Kelly Marie Shropshire ’03 Marie Anastasia Girling “Nesta” Leckert HMH
Husband of
Doris Karter Cerise ’42 Betty Hatrel Copping ’44 (DEC) Mary Lou Keller Main ’44 Inez Perrier Grieshaber ’44 C’48 Mary Louise Mossy Christovich ’45 Joan Bonvan Organ ’53 Mathilda “Tilde” Williams Hickman ’59 Mary-Lynne Gouner Richarme ’61 Mary Linda Krail Flores ’65 Mary Ryan Fein ’70
Daughter of
Valentine Fernandez Block ’27 C’31 (DEC)
Son of
Rose Marie Robin Carrere ’40 (DEC) Alice Mary Muhleisen Poissenot C’40 (DEC) Gloria Buckley Felder ’49 Rita Hammond Amedee ’71
Mother of
Marcia McWaters Abide ’55 Judith Guedry Brownlee ’56 Jacqueline Guedry Frashier ’63 Jeanne Perret ’64 (DEC) Janet Bordes Stafford ’66 Suzanne Perret Whittemore ’69 Aline Perret Hill ’72 Barbara Louise Blum Armstrong ’73 Valerie Wiedemann Goyeneche ’74 Claire Frey Musgrove ’75 Susan Gaudry Peck ’76 Beth Fleming Foley ’77 Monica Frey Burke ’78 (DEC) Amy Frey Poole ’80 Katherine Wiedemann Hebert ’80 Beth Gerrets Treadaway ’81 Andree Cressy Landry ’85 Mary Ecuyer ’86 Meghan McCaffery Roussel ’91 LeeMarie Martinez Spatafora ’01 Samira Jones ’06
Father of
Marie Eugenie “Meb” Bienvenu Cefalu ’60 Denise Ann Bienvenu Weisdorffer ’63 Dolores “Dody” Dolese Nolan ’67 Julia Abadie Nuzum AME ’73 Valerie Wiedemann Goyeneche ’74 Sally Main ’74 Elaine Hagen Richard ’74 Pamela Calongne Ivy ’76 Lisette Copping Gendusa ’76 ML TooToo Main Cirlot ’78 Jan Hagen Carr ’79 Cherie Copping Cobb ’79 Katherine Wiedemann Hebert ’80 Kristen Gisleson-Palmer ’85 Susan Gisleson ’88 Stacie Birchfield Kern ’89 Cara D’Antoni ’90 Amy Gisleson ’90 Annie Bourg Broussard ’92 Meredith Crum ’01
In Memoriam 37 36
Sister of
Florine Becker Delatte C’38 (DEC) Dolores Becker Calkins C’39 (DEC) Clare Caballero Mistrot C’42 (DEC) Camille Edwards Guarisco C’44 Emily Holahan Wiesand C’46 (DEC) Teresa Caballero Mars C’47 Verna Satterlee Landrieu ’50 Mary Lynne Block Fonseca ’56 Audrey Satterlee Fontana ’59 Dorothy “Dottie” Wheelahan Robinson ’60 Kay Kirn AMH ’62 Susan Perez Larsen ’64 Janet Calongne Kondas ’65 Julie Calongne Dailey ’65 Judy Kirn Hollier ’68 Bridget Casey Naccari ’90 Coleen Perilloux Landry HMH
Brother of
Dorothy Schutten Guste ’41 Agatha Grieshaber Schoen ’44 C’48 Sally McNamara Reynolds ’50 (DEC) Josephine Grieshaber Wagner C’48 Julie Schutten Pitot ’51 Jane D’Antoni Richards ’55 Kathleen Bouzon Dykes ’61
Son-in-law Irma “Mickey” Geheeb Peltier C’44
Mother-in-law of
Jane Brauner Duvernay ’65 Julie Treadway Diecidue ’74 Mary Patricia Caillouet Danton ’74 Therese Thibodeaux Stuckey ’81 Gwen House Hymel ’82 Karen Wiedemann LoVecchio ’83 Tina Baffes Rivas ’88
Father-in-law of
Claire Relf LaMothe ’66 Kathleen Nolan Grieshaber ’68 Patricia “Paddy” Pittman Barattini ’74 Yvonne Michelle Quijano Moffatt ’84 Alyisen Pickett Gisleson ’89
Sister-in-law of
Ione McKay Parham C’38 (DEC) Faye Lousteau Lasseigne ’46 Anne Lousteau ’63 Celeste Wegmann Lousteau ’68 Elizabeth Ann Satterlee HMH
Brother-in-law of
Grandfather of
Gloria Cahill D’Antoni ’39 C’43 Jackie LaGraize Doskey AMH ’58 Darlene Baehr Seay ’71
Grandmother of
AME (Associate Member, Elementary)
Michelle Linton ’88 Deana Palmisano Lejarza ’89 Annie Bourg Broussard ’92 Dody Nolan ’07 Emily Abadie ’10
Dina Diaz ’85 Kristin Bensel Koster ’86 Gretchen Van Vrancken Blanchard ’91 Kristy Rodrigue ’97 Amanda Montegut Bourgeois ’98 Devon Diaz ’99 Jamie Rodrigue Straatman ’00 Corey Rodrigue ’02 Frannie Montegut ’03 Amanda Hymel ’08 Jerika Wingerter ’09 Sarah Stuckey ’11
AMH (Associate Member, High School) AMC (Associate Member, College) DEC (Deceased) 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.
37
Blast
t s a P from the
? SHARE IKE TO . L rg ’D .o s U n a Y YO worle e R n e O n li M u E rs M @u OTO OR 1.9114 or alumnae 6 OLD PH .8 4 N 0 5 A , e E HAV Alumna e Office of Contact th
1938 Photo description: “Blue Ribbon winners in the Ursuline College horse show, held on campus Sunday afternoon under the auspices of Saddle and Spur, student riding club, are Miss Alma Dale (mounted), advanced class; Miss Rita Kron (right), intermediate class; and Miss Rita Stock, novice class.”
THE PRESENT Rita Stock Fitzpatrick ’36, C ’40, celebrated her 93rd birthday on April 29. She recently attended a polo match in Folsom and reminisced with her grandson about her riding days.
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 would also love to hear about your awards, achievements, careers, etc. 39 38
the first class
MAD ABOUT PLAID
Margaret Ann Morgan Newman ’55, member of the founding Merry Mac Class, recalls how the Scottish Lassies got their start. We were incoming freshmen and we weren’t allowed to receive our big sisters’ name … Rebelle’s. It was during the Civil Rights Movement and the nuns wouldn’t allow us to carry on the name. After much discussion and several different opinions on class color, we decided to make everyone happy and use a Scottish Plaid to include all colors.
We were always Scottish Lassies dressed in kilts. We never used the Scottie Dogs that the Merry Macs use today. The Merry Macs of 1955 never won a volleyball game all four Rally Nights. We did win twice, once for Best Skit and the other for Best Decorations. 39
High School Graduation: Class of 2012 Ursuline Academy conducted its 285th commencement exercise May 12, 2012 in the school’s auditorium. President Gretchen Zibilich Kane delivered the commencement address to the 101 young women graduates. The ceremony began with an invocation by Sister Carla Dolce, OSU, Prioress, Ursuline Sisters of New Orleans. High School Principal John Gabriel served as Master of Ceremonies, while Ms. Kane presented awards and diplomas to the graduating seniors. The valedictory addresses were delivered by Rachel A. Foret, Marjorie A. Rawle and Katherine M. Stahel, the students who earned the highest cumulative averages during their high school career. A resident of Metairie, Rachel Foret is the daughter of Patrick and Rae Ann Foret. She plans to attend Louisiana State University where she will study in the Science and Engineering School. She received the LSU Tiger Excellence Resident Award from Louisiana State University and the TOPS Honors Award. Marjorie Rawle, a resident of Harvey, is the daughter of Michael and Anna Rawle. She will attend the College of
Charleston and plans to double major in Art History and Historic Preservation. She received scholarships from Fordham University, Santa Clara University, University of San Francisco, Texas Christian University, Seattle University, Maryland Institute College of Art, Louisiana State University, Loyola University New Orleans, and the TOPS Honors Award. Katherine Stahel, a resident of Marrero, is the daughter of Gregory and Kim Stahel. She plans to attend Clemson University where she will study Biochemistry. She received the National Merit Clemson University Scholarship as well as scholarships from Vanderbilt University, University of Colorado at Boulder, Washington University in St. Louis, Texas Christian University, University of Dallas, Northeastern University, Auburn University, Montana State University, and University of Minnesota, as well as the TOPS Honors Award. Jo Ripoll, a resident of Jefferson and the daughter of Joseph and Marilyn Ripoll, was the salutatorian. She will attend Louisiana State University and pursue a degree in Child and Family Studies. She received the Tiger Excellence Resident Award from Louisiana State University and scholarships from Tulane University, Baylor University, University of 41 40
Louisiana at Lafayette, St. John’s University, and the TOPS Honors Award. The following students were ranked, along with the valedictorians and salutatorian, in the top ten of the graduating class: Elora C. Doskey, Ghazal Magharehabed, Victoria M. Marcel, Rachel E. Romero, Rebecca L. Roppolo and Nataly L. Scheuermann. The two highest honors awarded by Ursuline Academy were bestowed on Marci E. Holstein and Katherine M. Stahel. Holstein received the Courtesy, Loyalty, Courage (CLC) Medal, awarded by the high school faculty to the student who exemplifies those three virtues. Stahel received the Sedes Sapientiae Medal, awarded by the high school faculty to the senior whose scholarship, achievement and loyalty have been outstanding and consistent. The other graduates were Leah E. Alday, Emily E. Alexander, Alexis T. Andal, Ashley J. Anderson, Kelly F. Antrum, Camille F. Bailey, Saranée F. Bell, Sydni M. Bellow, Eugenie K. Brignac, Emily B. Calloway, Victoria L. Castille, Ariel Chatman, Amari J. Chatters, Emerite E. Comboy, Daniella V. Corzantes, Chloe E. Cowen, Tabitha F. Dalgo, Courtney M. Deidrich, Dominique R. Deshotels, Abbey C. Dixon, Chelsea
E. Doyle, Alexandra E. Dupuis, Julia E. Elbaum, Cassidy L. Eymard, Esther E. Faciane, Devin P. Felder, Courtney C. Frazier, Kayla M. Fredricks, Breon D. Gaines, Emily C. Generazio, Hannah M. Gudan, Lindsey E. Gumpert, Hilary M. Hingle, Katherine C. Hingle, Francesca M. Holt, Taylor C. Hux, Erica A. Johnson, Julie M. Joseph, Eleanor B. Kantrow, Courtney M. Keller, Hailey E. Kline, Caroline I. Knecht, Grace M. Lamy, Sydney D. LeBlanc, Holland E. Ledet, Ashley C. Lee, Gretchen E. Liljeberg, Savannah G. Lloyd, Corinne A. Lorio, Megan M. McKay, Victoria L. Meiklejohn, Chloé N. Mena, Kaitlin M. Meyer, Hannah E. Michael, Caitlin M. Minshew, Erika F. Montelaro, Amanda N. Moser, Caroline L. Nelson, Irianne J. Nicholas, Emily F. Niehaus, Bridget M. Nourse, Elissa C. Parker, Natalie L. Paul, Holly B. Payton, Miranda A. Picou, Lauren A. Porter, Amanda M. Relayson, Kathryn R. Richard, Jeanette R. Rimmer, Jade R. Robin, Erika N. Robinson, Shelby E. Russell, Alexis N. Schloegel, Shelby K. Schmitt, Maya A. Scott, Jeanna L. Signorelli, Cydney C. Smith, Gabrielle V. Steib, Bailee J. Stewart, Sarintha B. Stricklin, Alexis M. Sumas, Starr A. Swilling, Mary K. Taliancich, Kaylen M. Temple, Jessica E. Thiac, Sarah G. Treadaway, Ellie S. Turpin, Megan E. Warrington, Ellie A. Williams, and Mia S. Williams. 41
LEGACIES
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Legacies are graduates who have a mother and/or grandmother who is an alumna of Ursuline Academy. 1. Shelby Schmitt Karen Keenan Angelo ’62
6. Shelby Russell Cynthia Robidoux ’80
10. Jeanna Signorelli Jan Haydel Signorelli ’80
2. Emerite Comboy 3. Emily Niehaus Joy Comboy-Pavolini ’44
7. Marjorie Rawle Judith Babin Ronquillo ’57
11. Sarah Treadaway Beth Gerrets Treadaway ’81
8. Kelly Antrum Toni Hackett Antrum ’73
12. Chloe Mena Rene Taylor Mena ’84
9. Erika Montelaro Rebecca Gamino Montelaro AM ’86
13. Ellie Turpin Mary Ann Glorioso Valentino ’37 Lisette Valentino Turpin ’72
4. Francesca Holt Elisa Nuccio Holt ’87 5. Rebecca Roppolo Tiffanie Vedros Roppolo ’81
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) Elora Doskey, Julie Joseph, Courtney Keller, Sarah Treadaway, and Rachel Romero.
43 42
MACS OF 2012 Graduates of the Class of 2012 were accepted at the following universities or colleges: Agnes Scott College Alcorn State University Auburn University Baylor University Centenary College of Louisiana College of Charleston Clemson University Columbia University Delgado Community College DePaul University Dillard University Duke University Emerson College Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles Florida A&M University Florida Southern College Fordham University Franciscan University of Steubenville Furman University Hampton University Hofstra University Howard University Louisiana State University Louisiana Tech University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University New Orleans Marquette University
Mary Baldwin College Millsaps College Mississippi State University Montana State University Bozeman Nicholls State University Northwestern University Boston Oglethorpe University Our Lady of Holy Cross College Prairie View A&M University Rhodes College Saint Louis University Saint Mary’s College Samford University Santa Clara University Savannah College of Art & Design Seattle University Simmons College Southeastern Louisiana University Southern Methodist University Spelman College Spring Hill College St. Edward’s University St. John’s University, Queens Campus Texas Christian University Tulane University University of Alabama University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Colorado at Boulder University of Dallas
University of Denver University of Georgia University of Louisiana at Lafayette University of Louisiana at Monroe University of Massachusetts, Boston University of Miami University of Minnesota Twin Cities University of Mississippi University of New Orleans University of North Carolina at Asheville University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Charlotte University of California at San Diego University of San Francisco University of South Carolina University of South Florida, Tampa University of Southern Mississippi University of Virginia University of West Florida Vanderbilt University Washington University in St. Louis Wheelock College William Carey College Xavier University of Louisiana
The 101 seniors in the Mac Class of 2012 earned a total of $8,477,842.00 in scholarships.
Pictured, from left: Valedictorians Marjorie Rawle, Rachel Foret and Katherine Stahel; and Salutatorian Jo Ripoll 43
COR UNUM AWARD 2012
Marjorie Rawle ‘12 was selected as the 2012 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. The Ursuline Alumnae Association Board (pictured above) presented her with the award at the Alumnae Induction Ceremony following Baccalaureate Mass. What does it mean to you to be in the 285th graduating class of Ursuline Academy? To be in any graduating class of Ursuline Academy of New Orleans is one of the greatest honors a girl can have, so to be in the 285th graduating class is something even more inspiring. The many traditions of Ursuline are important to me, and to know that I will soon be part of the history of this great school is a feeling that I have experienced only briefly when catching a glimpse of some of the ladies in white who smile brightly from their photographs in the main hallway. I have always imagined myself in that place, imagined the pride I’d feel to be placed beside the women who have shaped and preserved Ursuline Academy for 285 years. It gives me great satisfaction to know that my 285th class picture might one day inspire a young Ursuline student to push harder or dream bigger just as the pictures have done for me. To be in the 285th graduating class is to be a part of a tradition so unique among all other high schools in the country. It is one of the greatest feelings in the world to know that you have lived up to the standards set by 284 classes of bright young women of the past and have earned your place among their prestigious ranks. I am honored, most of all, to be included among the followers of St. Angela’s vision of Serviam. It is a great testament to the faith and courage of our foundress that I will be graduating from her holy institution more than two centuries later. The time has come to close yet another chapter in my life, and I am proud that it is a chapter filled not only with my accomplishments but also with the accomplishments of all those brave, intelligent faces that line the hallway. I will never forget those that came before, those that made it possible for me to
follow in their footsteps of excellence, loyalty and piety. An Ursuline education, even after 285 years, means that I, as a bold young leader of tomorrow, pledge to always hold the history of my school close at heart in order to lead a courteous, loyal and courageous life focused on bettering my community, my country and my world. In what ways do you feel your Ursuline education has prepared you for the world in which we live? An Ursuline education isn’t merely focused on Algebra or chemical formulas or the history of the ancient world; an Ursuline education supplies a girl with the experience and values necessary for success in the fast-paced, diverse world of today. By giving me the opportunity to pursue my dreams at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, despite the obviously hectic and stressful atmosphere it would create, Ursuline provided me one of the most important tools that any person can acquire: determination. I am most prepared for life beyond education because Ursuline not only provided me with the knowledge and skills to succeed, but also afforded me the opportunity to put them to use. As dismal as it may seem, the world always has a way of convincing its people that things are “too difficult” or “impossible.” That’s just what I was told at the end of my sophomore year when I requested permission to attend NOCCA’s half-day program in order to continue in my artistic endeavors. “Your schedule will be simply unmanageable.” “Your excellent academic standing will be jeopardized by this program.” These were among the most common phrases used during the negotiation meetings, and, in all honesty, 45 44
they almost dissuaded me from undertaking the challenge. Yet something from within spoke up and said, “Let’s do it.” As predicted, my schedule became nightmarish, yet I never once thought of quitting because of the support I had received from my peers, teachers and administration. Today I owe my place as one of the three amazing class valedictorians and one of 30 visual artists-in-progress at NOCCA to my Ursuline education. In its unique atmosphere of open communication and understanding, I was able to sit in the wake of adversity and cultivate a sense of perseverance that will undoubtedly prove invaluable in the world in which we live. As my years in these halls come to a close, it is with great confidence that I can face college and beyond. At Ursuline I learned the importance of endurance, the importance of working passionately in spite of opposition. Further, I recognized the value of support and gratitude, for without assistance from my Ursuline family, pursuing my dreams would have never been possible. My Ursuline education, both inside and outside the classroom, has prepared me to courageously face those voices in life that say “you can’t” in order to achieve success and happiness. Because I chose Ursuline all those years ago, I have come to know what it means to be truly loved, respected and served, and, in turn, can wake easily each day with a desire to impart such gifts to the rest of the world. Name the most significant value you learned at Ursuline Academy. Ursuline can easily be described as a united front. Despite the labels of Mac, Skip and Sioux, freshman or senior, the students of Ursuline meld together comfortably and peacefully. That is not to say, though, that we are all the same because, in fact, our high school is one of great diversity and uniqueness. That is why, after five years at Ursuline Academy, I have learned that the value of individuality is one of the most important lessons a student can learn. From an early age, I exhibited signs of a crowd follower that likes to fit in. It’s a phase that every teenage girl goes through but does not always grow out of. I consider myself one of the lucky ones because at Ursuline I was offered the opportunity to develop a mind of my own. I quickly learned through class discussion, through club meetings, through sports, and even through one lunch hour in the cafeteria that each and every girl around me was different in some way. And that it was ok. Early on I felt that unspoken bond that connects one Ursuline girl to the next; at the same time, I recognized that the bond is so tight because we can each bring something unique to the table. An Ursuline girl complements her neighbor who complements her neighbor who complements her neighbor, and so on, because
we have all been encouraged to develop a sense of self through reflection and guidance from God, our teachers and our peers. As I reflect back on my years in high school, I am so grateful that I attended a school in which individuality was encouraged since it is becoming increasingly harder to stand apart from the crowd in a world fascinated with “the bandwagon.” My Ursuline education taught me the value of individuality. I leave its halls with a better sense of myself and my abilities, a better appreciation for the talents of my peers and a feeling of comfort knowing that my individuality unites me with every other Ursuline girl in the country and prepares me for a challenging life ahead. Individuality is one of the greatest values that a young woman can take from her time at Ursuline Academy, the value that allows an Ursuline girl to stand above the rest, the value that will lead us down the special road that God has paved for each of his children. Describe Ursuline in one word. Out of more than 250,000 words in the English language, it is difficult to comprehensively describe Ursuline Academy with just one. However, there is one word that resurfaces each time I attempt to think up a better one: foundation. As I prepare to leave the halls of my school, I take with me much more than a classical academic education. I take valuable lessons on respect, courtesy, courage and endurance that I have acquired from my time as an Ursuline student. Thus, Ursuline Academy can be best described as the foundation for my future, providing me with a strong base that will withstand the trials of life. Attending a high school rich with history allowed me to recognize the value and importance of tradition. I learned to value myself as an individual as well as the opinions and ideas of my peers. I was able to experience leadership roles, sportsmanship and camaraderie as a participant in Ursuline’s many clubs and sports teams. I was able to recognize the importance of hard work and high goal setting in the academic arena. I had such a comprehensive upbringing at Ursuline Academy that it can hardly be called just “high school.” That is why to me Ursuline can best be described as a foundation, a firm support that can take me in any direction I choose. It is upon this support that I plan to build the rest of my life confidently, knowing that my Ursulinian foundation could never fail me. It can easily be determined that I owe my entire life to Ursuline Academy as it prepared me to face all moments of life with certainty and true faith. My time at Ursuline has broadened my horizons, enlightened my perspective and put copious experience under my belt so that I can enter the fastpaced, confusing world of my future with a firm stance upon one of the best foundations a young woman could hope for. 45
12
1
3
35
4
6
Around State Street 47 46
7
8
79
6
1) Homecoming Mass 2) Santa’s Workshop, 3 & 4) La Fete 284, 5 & 6) Spaghetti Supper, 7) One Act Plays, 8) Toddler Mardi Gras Parade, 9) 7th Grade Promotion, 10) Senior Luncheon
10 8
47
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 48