Campus News

Campus News

$450,000 federal grant will equip future advanced practice nurses to treat opioid addiction

A $450,000 federal grant will enable advanced practice registered nurses who graduate from Ursuline’s master’s and post-master’s programs to administer medication-assisted treatment for patients with substance use disorder.

The award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is shared by Ursuline’s Graduate Nursing Program and the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and enables faculty to integrate medicationassisted treatment into the graduate nursing curriculum in response to the opioid epidemic. Associate Professor Mary Beth Zeni, RN, ScD, is principle investigator.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Say Yes, Say Amen scholarships assist Northeast Ohio students

Ursuline College has committed to awarding full-tuition scholarships to graduates of six Greater Cleveland Catholic high schools and five Cleveland Metropolitan School District high schools.

The College’s new Say Amen to College Scholarship is available to graduates of Villa AngelaSt. Joseph High School (VASJ), Beaumont School, Saint Joseph Academy, Cleveland Central Catholic High School, Trinity High School, and Saint Martin de Porres High School. The Say Yes to Education Compact includes more than a dozen colleges and serves graduates of Cleveland’s public high schools.

“Through both scholarships we open doors of opportunity, providing students with the resources and human connections that will help them succeed,” said Ursuline College President Sister Christine De Vinne, OSU, PhD. For further information, please see ursuline.edu/sayamen.

“Through both scholarships

we open doors of opportunity...”

President Sister Christine De Vinne, OSU

campus news

Nursing dean, grads recognized by the American Academy of Nursing

Three nurse leaders who graduated from Ursuline College were inducted as 2019 fellows of the American Academy of Nursing, one of the highest honors for nursing internationally, in recognition of their extraordinary commitment to the promotion of public health. Honored were Patricia A. Sharpnack DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, dean of Ursuline’s Breen School of Nursing (Class of 1984); K. Kelly Hancock, DNP, RN, NEBC, FAAN, executive chief nursing officer, Cleveland Clinic Health System and chief nursing officer, Cleveland Clinic Main Campus (Class of 1994); and Beth Faiman, PhD, CNP, FAAN, nurse practitioner in the Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders (Class of 1996).

For a sense of scale, there are some 4 million nurses in the United States and just over 2,000 are fellows of the American Academy of Nursing.

Chancellor of Higher Education learns what makes Ursuline unique

Ohio’s Chancellor of Higher Education Randy Gardner visited campus in September. After a tour of campus, he met with students and faculty to learn about a few of the ways that Ursuline stands out among Ohio colleges and universities.

Serving in South Africa Counseling and Art Therapy students, alumnae, faculty served others in South Africa

Sixteen alumnae, students, faculty, and community members traveled to Port Elizabeth South Africa last summer to work with a volunteer organization, United through Sport, helping underprivileged children engage in sports, literacy projects, and a teen girls empowerment program. The group worked in two schools, engaging children with creative arts, book reading, recreational activities, and yoga.

“One of the highlights of our trip was when we got to teach a dance to the girls empowerment group,” said Katherine Jackson, PhD, ATR-BC, associate professor, Counseling and Art Therapy Department. “We had hired a local dance studio in Cleveland, Jordan Center for Dance, to teach our group a simple, choreographed dance number so we could engage the teen girls with a fun activity. Not only did the Ursuline group have a joyous and fun time, but so did the girls. Who knew we could dance?” Jackson said the group learned about apartheid and the vast inequality that has been left in the wake of this racially generated oppressive system. “We tried to form relationships with the kids and provide some meaningful and heartfelt activities to help increase their self-esteem and confidence. Some of the activities involved all-about-me books and goal paper chains which we hung around the classroom.”

The College will sponsor another trip in August 2021 to continue the work. For more information, contact Jackson at KJackson@ursuline.edu.

campus news

150th Anniversary Co-Chairs prepare for sesquicentennial celebrations

The year 2021 will mark the 150th anniversary or sesquicentennial of the founding of Ursuline College in 1871 and two loyal alumnae are already making plans for a fitting celebration. Sister Anne Marie Diederich, OSU, PhD ’66 and Denise San Antonio Zeman ’74 have volunteered to co-chair the sesquicentennial committee.

For Sister Anne Marie, president of the College from 1986 to 1996, the sesquicentennial provides an opportunity to celebrate women’s leadership.

“I’ve always been proud of the fact that, from the very beginning, in 1871, Ursuline has had women in leadership,” she said. “When I was president and a participant in the Women’s College Coalition, I became aware of the fact that this was unique. Even colleges like Smith were sponsored and run by men until 1975. So Ursuline’s long period of leadership and modeling for women what they could do and be has always been significant to me. I think that we need to celebrate that.”

Zeman was a student when the College celebrated its centennial in 1971. “I volunteered and got to attend the centennial ball and for me to see all these people, these prominent Cleveland citizens and alumni and benefactors, celebrating my college was very moving, very touching.”

In fact, said Zeman, the experience of that centennial ball stayed with her in her professional life running nonprofit hospitals and then in philanthropy. “I understand the importance of philanthropy and of celebrating and publicly acclaiming what Ursuline is. To celebrate the tradition of women leaders of this college is significant.”

So far, two celebratory events are scheduled: • 150th Anniversary Gala

Saturday, April 17, 2021 Cleveland Museum of Art

Ames Family Atrium • Mass of Thanksgiving

Sunday, November 14, 2021 Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist

Alumnae/i and friends of the college are asked to save those dates and stay tuned to the College’s publications, its website (ursuline. edu) and social media (such as facebook.com/ UrsulineCollege) for updated information.

Alumnae and friends enjoy breathtaking sites in Italy

The College’s November trip to Italy was a great success, leaving travelers with new friends and wonderful memories of art, architecture, church history, language, music, and, of course, food.

Organized by Go Ahead Tours, the trip began in Venice and ended in Rome. In between those two iconic cities, the group visited Florence and the hill towns of San Gimignano, Sienna, and Assisi.

“The local guides at each stop were informative and charming. The scenery, both natural and humanmade, was breathtaking. The good times were as plentiful as the delicious pasta,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Richard J. Konisiewicz.

To view submissions to the Italy trip photo contest, go to flickr.com/photos/ursulinecollege/albums.

campus news Career Services re-imagined: Assessments, coaching, and skills certification help students map their futures

Career success today requires key professional skills that are not typically taught in college classrooms. Thanks to a new partnership with the organization futureplans.com, Ursuline students can now earn certification in the very skills employers say they’re looking for.

Through futureplans.com, the College has brought on board Career Development and Placement Specialist Julie Jones (pictured with a student), as well as several career coaches. “The key to leading a fulfilling life lies in discovering your purpose and direction,” said Jones, former University of Akron head softball coach. “We coach students toward that discovery, with tools that help them learn what they have to offer and how they best fit into the world.”

Students start their interaction with the CareerFIT office, as it is now called, by taking an assessment to highlight their aptitudes, interests, work values, personality, and passions. They meet with a career coach who helps them understand the results of that assessment, explore potential career matches, and map out an educational and internship path to get there. Next, students complete at least two – or as many as five – online professional skills certification courses. Once they successfully complete these modules, they earn nationally recognized certification in: • Self Management • Communicating Clearly • Working on Teams • Thinking on your Feet (Critical Thinking) • Problem Solving/Problem Identification

“Employers like to see this evidence of a student’s preparation for the work world,” said Deanne Hurley, vice president for student affairs. “We are not leaving career preparation to chance; we are being very intentional in the services we provide and the way we communicate with students.”

Career services at Ursuline are made available to undergraduates, graduate students, and alumnae/i.

Ursuline College welcomes six to Board of Trustees

Ursuline College has welcomed six new members to its Board of Directors. They are (from top to bottom): • Sister Laura Bregar, OSU ’81, MA ’99 Councilor, Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland • Jeanne Colleran, PhD, distinguished Rule of Law Fellow, Loyola University

Chicago School of Law • John King, Managing Partner, KBN Advisors, LLP • Sister Cheryl Mentkowski, OSU, director of mission integration,

Beaumont School • Linda M. Olejko, CFP®, CEPA, business development director, Glenmede • Sister Gretchen Rodenfels, OSU, former president, Beaumont School

“We are delighted to welcome these distinguished professionals and look forward to their wisdom and counsel,” said President Sister Christine De Vinne, OSU, PhD.

Philanthropy

Business students receive generous scholarships from women’s networking group

Again this past year, Women In Networking Ursuline business students and is funded (WIN) Cleveland presented scholarships to by an annual benefit event. Learn more at four Ursuline business majors. wincleveland.org.

Established more than 20 years ago, WIN Cleveland is dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs, business owners, and other professionals by creating new opportunities for individual business development. The group’s Cleveland Business Major Scholarship was established to assist Above: students Chanel Spencer and Amber Miller receive over-sized checks from WIN President Liz Shapiro at the group’s October 2019 luncheon.

campus news

Grateful for a broad-based education, Gail Crupper Simonetti SJC ’72 is assisting graduate nurses

An accomplished nurse, Gail Crupper Simonetti SJC ’72 knows firsthand that quality patient care requires both skill and heart. She embraced this lesson from St. John College in her long career at Fairview Hospital, Parma Community General Hospital, and MetroHealth, working in ICUs and with pediatric patients.

“At St. John, they taught us we needed to be able to talk about more than nursing,” she recalled.

Simonetti is gratified to know the commitment to a liberal arts-based nursing program continues today at Ursuline College. (Hers was one of the last classes to graduate from St. John College. In 1975, the St. John’s Division of Nursing transferred to Ursuline.)

In gratitude for her education, Simonetti and her husband, John, established the Gail Crupper Simonetti, SJC ’72 Endowed Scholarship Fund for Graduate Nursing Students.

“We have been very blessed in what we have been given and want to pay it forward,” Simonetti says. “This is the first endowed scholarship at Ursuline College for graduate students, who don’t normally have opportunities to receive financial aid to help with tuition.” By naming Ursuline College as a beneficiary of an IRA, the Simonettis are ensuring the fund will continue to grow.

When Simonetti met this year’s scholarship recipient, Kellie King ’82, who received her MSN in December, the two had a lot to talk about. King said, “I looked at master’s programs, but I knew that I had graduated from a great nursing school that people throughout my career respected. Ursuline College would prepare me to be an excellent nurse practitioner.”

The Simonetti Endowed Scholarship was a pleasant surprise to King and a blessing that she hopes to pay forward in her career.

ABOVE: Gail Crupper Simonetti (right) with this year’s scholarship recipient, Kellie King.

Existing Sandstone Planter

Planters to Frame Walkway to Admin. Building

Existing Concrete Walk & Crossing

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Renovation of St. Angela Merici Garden will make a welcoming first impression

Existing Tree

Movable Tables & Chairs.

Seating & Gathering Area

Terrace Lawn Area Event Tent (20’x30’)

As the saying goes, you only have one chance to make a first impression. Sadly, chances are good that the St. Angela Merici garden at the College’s main entrance hasn’t made a great first impression in recent years.

Annual Plantings

Low Wall

New Columnar Deciduous Trees

Paver Walkway (Permeable)

Seasonal Plantings in Freestanding Pots To improve that – in time for the College’s 150th anniversary in 2021 – a campaign launched last fall to fund a rejuvenation of the Visitor Parking (Standard) garden surrounding the beautiful bronze statue of St. Angela in front of the Monsignor Mullen building.

Scale 1/8” = 1’-0” @ 22”X34” The statue – which shows St. Angela balancing the 0’ 4’ 8’ 16’ North words she wrote for her community of women – will remain the focal point of the new garden, but will be

surrounded by updated landscaping, including flowers,

robmorganllc.com colorful large planters, a braided brick walkway, and inspirational quotations from St. Angela’s writings.

In gratitude for a gift of $20,000, you may choose one of St. Angela’s quotations to have etched onto decorative steel elements in the landscaping, along with your name.

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Open Lawn Area

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Bench

Colorful Steel “Ribbons” with Laser Cut Quotes from St. Angela Merici

St. Angela Merici Sculpture (Existing) Riverstone Cobbles

Sign Walll

Accessible Walkway. Concrete Paving Pitched @ Accessible Grade.

Visitor Parking (Accessible) In thanks for a gift of $10,000, your name will be etched in another area of the garden. Gifts of $1,000 will be recognized by listing your name with other donors at the garden entrance. All gifts are tax deductible and may be paid over two years. Preliminary Plan

St. Angela Merici Garden

Ursuline College Several generous alumnae and friends have already December 17, 2019 Pepper Pike, Ohio contributed to the effort. For information about naming opportunities in the renovated garden, please contact Richard Konisiewicz, vice president for institutional advancement, at richard.konisiewicz@ursuline.edu or call him at 440.646.8124.

faculty & staff news

Nursing instructors Ashley Badders, MSN, RN, CCRN, and Connie Bruening, MSN, RN, were both finalists for the March of Dimes 2019 Ohio Nurse of the Year Awards in the education category.

Senior Computer Support Specialist Bobby Boos received a 2019 Staff Excellence Award in recognition of his performance and dedication.

Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies Jim Connell, PhD, was the facilitator for The Literacy Cooperative of Cuyahoga County Teacher Academy attended by some 120 primary teachers from Greater Cleveland. He gave a presentation to the Pope Francis Leadership Initiative on “Instructional Leadership for the 21st Century.” He received the Marie LoPresti Faculty Award for Social Justice and Community Service.

Sr. Christine De Vinne, OSU, PhD ’73, president, celebrated her jubilee (50th anniversary) as an Ursuline Sister in July. She was selected as a member of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2020.

MBA Program Executive Director Debra Fleming, DBA, MBA, CPA, had one of her research papers accepted for presentation at the Clute International Academic Conference on Business. The paper is titled “Entrepreneurial Leadership and Strategic Management: Deciphering Clusters of Dynamic Capabilities Using a Case Study Approach.” Coauthor is Professor M. T. Kelnhofer, The Ohio State University.

Suzanne M. Fortuna, ’92, ’03 MSN, ’17 DNP, RN, Post-MSN, APRN-BC, CNS, FNP, adjunct clinical faculty, was nominated for APRN above and beyond by APP Council at MetroHealth. She gave presentations at the OSU APP conference and the OAAPN statewide conference on how implementing a mentor program in a Level 1 trauma emergency department enhances retention and hiring. She is the new president elect for Emergency Nurses Association, Greater Cleveland Chapter and continues with the Lake County Chapter for OAAPN.

Avery Friedman, JD, who teaches Constitutional Law in the Legal Studies program, gave a lecture titled “Where the Rubber Meets the Road: The Realities of Federal Civil Rights Practice” at the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law. He reviewed basic federal civil rights statutes including Title VII, Title VIII, Title II, Title IX, ADEA, and the Reconstruction-era statutes, among others, and talked about how lawyers can do good and do well.

Stephen Gallas, MFA, adjunct faculty in English, had a short story collection, “A Bridge Abridged,” published by Adelaide Books. Assistant Professor and Women’s Center Co-Director Jessica Headley, PhD, LPC, was honored as one of YWCA’s 2019 Distinguished Young Women. Honorees were chosen for their career accomplishments, community service involvement, and commitment to YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women.

Nancy Lick, BFA, MA ’13, adjunct instructor of art, had a solo exhibit in September at the Annex Gallery at Loganberry Books. It celebrated the history of immigration in the U.S with 35 paintings and drawings of immigrants arriving through Ellis Island from 1870-1920.

Counseling and Art Therapy visiting instructor Gretchen Miller, ’99, MA, ATR-BC, ACTP, was re-elected to serve a second term on the American Art Therapy Association Board of Directors. She was awarded Honorary Life Membership by Ohio’s Buckeye Art Therapy Association Board of Directors.

RN-BSN Coordinator and Assistant Professor Gina Prosser, DNP, RN, received the 2019 Advising Excellence Award. She had an article titled “Using the Unfolding Scenario to Promote Clinical and Operational Thinking in Long-Term Care” accepted for publication in The Director: Official Journal of the National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long Term Care.

Undergraduate Art Therapy Program Director Jennifer Schwartz Mrazek, ’93, MAAT, ATR-BC, ATCS, is the lead author for a quantitative study that was accepted for publication in Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association. The article is titled “Undergraduate art therapy education in the United States survey report.” She presented her findings at the meeting of the AATA in October.

Breen School of Nursing Dean Patricia Sharpnack, ’84, DNP, RN, CNE, NEABC, ANEF, FAAN, was inducted as a 2019 fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. See page 4.

Assistant Professor Lynn Ulatowski, PhD, had an article, “Vitamin E Sequestration by Liver Fat in Humans,” published in the December 10, 2019 issue of JCI Insight (Journal of Clinical Investigation).

Mary Anne Ursick, executive administrative assistant, received a Staff Excellence Award. She was named by The National Association for Educational Office Professionals to serve on the state level board of the Educational Office Professionals in Ohio.

Patrick Ward, ’08 MA, PhD, long-time adjunct faculty member in Educational Administration, received the 2019 Teaching Excellence Award in the part-time faculty category. Mathematics Professor and Department Chair

Muserref (Michelle)

Wiggins,PhD, received the 2019 Teaching Excellence Award in the full-time faculty category.

Mary Beth Zeni, ScD, MSN, RN, associate professor of graduate nursing, was recognized in July by Crain’s Cleveland Business as one of this year’s Notable Women in Education. She had a textbook, “Principles of Epidemiology for Advanced Nursing Practice - A Population Health Perspective,” published by Jones & Bartlett Learning.

faculty & staff news