Ursuline Academy of Dallas LOGOS Magazine 2013 by Ursuline Academy of Dallas

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

ALUMNAE MAGAZINE 2013

5 work out of networking Take the

Cover Story

The Ursuline Professional Women’s Network offers • A powerful, all-female membership base

• Connections spanning the globe in a variety of industries

• Year-round events and opportunities for personal interactions • Internships and career mentoring possibilities

• Access to UPWN’s LinkedIn page and members

SAVE T HE

FebruaryDATE UPWN E 19 vent For deta ils, w ww.ursu line

vis dallas.orgit /upw

“Live a New Life”

table of contents

On the cover and above: A contemporary interpretation of the coat of arms of the Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union by artist Eleanor Grosch. Below, the actual emblem, designed in 1947, based on the coat of arms authorized by King Henry IV in 1607 for the Ursulines of Paris.

Ursulines of the Roman Union: Vibrant With Angela’s Vision As ways of living their mission

• Meaningful platforms to foster personal and professional growth

are eagerly reimagined for the

— St. Angela Merici

needs and challenges of the 21st century, the Company of St. Ursula remains strong and far-reaching in Dallas and around the world. By Amanda Trimble

DEPARTMENTS 2 3 4

Get involved today!

• Contact the Alumnae Oﬃce at alumnae@ursulinedallas.org • Connect on LinkedIn at Ursuline Professional Women’s Network Visit the UPWN webpage at www.ursulinedallas.org/upwn

6 10 12 26 30 32 34 40

From the Director Community Connections From the Alumnae Board President Alumnae Mosaics 2012 Career Day 2012 Alumnae Awards On Campus Profile Ways of Giving Photo Gallery Bears Mentioning

Growing in Respect for God’s Creation A student and a Sister

share their views on environmental sustainability and its importance to the Ursuline mission.

URSULINE PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK MISSION STATEMENT The Ursuline Professional Women’s Network (UPWN) serves as a forum for alumnae and professional women, featuring networking events with engaging speakers and opportunities to participate in the Ursuline community. The organization provides internships for students and career-mentoring opportunities for young alumnae. Through the UPWN community, our mission is to promote and foster personal and professional growth.

Casey Casteel Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Robertson Norris Senior Editor Erica Espiritu Senior Designer Wilfredo J. Torres Designer KariAnne Harmon Account Director

A Winning Tradition Ursuline

A Great-Great-Family Heritage Five generations of

athletics achieve a remarkable record of success.

PRESIDENT Gretchen Z. Kane gkane@ursulinedallas.org

J.R. Arebalo Jr. Design Director EDITORIAL OFFICES 4333 Amon Carter Blvd., MD 5374 Fort Worth, TX 76155 817-931-5927 Fax 817-963-3128

Published annually for Ursuline Academy of Dallas Alumnae and the Ursuline community.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS 4900 Walnut Hill Lane Dallas, Texas 75229 469-232-1800 www.ursulinedallas.org

PRINCIPAL Elizabeth C. Bourgeois ebourgeois@ursulinedallas.org ALUMNAE OFFICE Aimee Baillargeon Griffiths ’90 Director of Alumnae agriffiths@ursulinedallas.org Julia Frasco ’05 Assistant Director of Alumnae jfrasco@ursulinedallas.org

Ursuline girls share academic heritage.

ADVANCEMENT OFFICE Christy Frazer Director of Institutional Advancement cfrazer@ursulinedal las.org COMMUNICATIONS Valerie Oates Director of Communications voates@ursulinedallas.org Amanda Trimble Communications Associate atrimble@ursulinedallas.org

URSULINE SISTERS OF DALLAS Sr. Lois Castillon, O.S.U. Prioress srcastillon@ursulinedallas.org

LOGOS 2013 MANAGING EDITOR Beverly Nicksic CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Maureen Keating ’77 Deborah Kellogg Nordseth Photography Brandon Thibodeaux William Thompson

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

from the director

community connections

“Leaders establish the vision for the future and set the strategy for getting there; they cause change.” — John Kotter, Author and former Harvard professor

t is a privilege and honor to take on the role of Alumnae Director during such an exciting time within the Ursuline community! Last summer we welcomed Ursuline President Gretchen Kane and have been inspired by her capable and visionary leadership. Additionally, you have been more engaged than ever. Alumnae are working on our Alumnae Association Board; leading our annual campaign; connecting through the Ursuline Professional Women’s Network; posting updates on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter; and preparing for our third annual Alumnae Reunion Weekend, June 7–9, 2013. We are now well into the second year of the 2011–2016 Ursuline Strategic Plan. This plan includes specific priority strategies of special significance for our alumnae community (see facing page). So many of you gave of your time and shared your opinions and suggestions. Your views and feedback were well-represented in the surveys and focus groups so instrumental in the creation of the vision and strategies. John Kotter, a recognized author and former Harvard professor, said, “Leaders establish the vision for the future and set the strategy for getting there; they cause change.” Thanks to your leadership and commitment, we have clear direction — and are making tremendous progress! Among our goals is to provide even more opportunities for alumnae to enjoy connecting with one another and our school. Whether it is celebrating Mass at Alumnae Reunion Weekend, mentoring a current student, networking with other professionals, or meeting at a chapter event in your city, it is incredibly important that we maintain our ties to each other, and to our Ursuline legacy. We look forward to seeing you very soon!

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

Community

The following action steps are among the alumnae-focused priorities included in the Ursuline Academy of Dallas 2011–2016 Strategic Plan.

Keep Alumnae Association events INCLUSIVE and IMPACTFUL. Grow and support the ALUMNAE CHAPTER program.

Invite SUPPORT for school and STUDENT events. Advance opportunities for PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING. (Ursuline Professional Women’s Network)

Keep CURRENT with HAPPENINGS and initiatives at the school.

Grow ALUMNAE REUNION WEEKEND.

Provide opportunities for alumnae to WORSHIP together.

(Memorial Masses, Alumnae Reunion Weekend Mass)

Strengthen CLASS AGENT structure to better meet the needs of all alumnae. Expand ALUMNAE AUXILIARY to provide new opportunities for volunteers.

Warmest regards,

Aimee Baillargeon Griffiths ’90 Director of Alumnae agriffiths@ursulinedallas.org

Pathways Engaged FOR AN

Direction I Clear

URSULINE ALUMNAE:

FIND URSULINE ONLINE AT

www.ursulinedallas.org

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

from the alumnae board president

Change

Welcoming

2012–2013 Alumnae Board: From left: Samantha Smith ’05, Julia Frasco ’05 (Asst. Director of Alumnae), Fran CorralesDrone ’86, Elizabeth Doczi ’04, Carolyn Thomas Murray ’87, Amber Andregg ’03, Eileen Maher Weber ’84, Catherine Baetz Maurer ’98, Lorilei Cardenas Cronin ’95, Linda Thomas White ’81, Aimee Baillargeon Griffiths ’90 (Director of Alumnae), Amy Wills Reading ’88, Jenny Beesley ’03, Jennifer Jascott Crumley ’88, Karen Quadrini Powell ’86, Jennifer Pitz Deck ’01, Marianne Chionglo ’00, Kelly Moore Cook ’85, and Tracy Fulkerson Wilson ’81 Not pictured: Dori Neil Araiza ’05, Sr. Lois Castillon (Ex-Officio), Monica de la Cerda ’91 (Ex-Officio), Caytie Sarandis Langford ’98, and Gretchen Kane (Ex-Officio)

ccording to Aristotle, “Change in all things is sweet.” As I reflect on recent changes that have taken place on campus, I am filled with excitement of the possibilities that those changes will bring. Over the past few years, the Alumnae Board has worked to identify alumnae needs and to create new programs and activities to meet those needs. One such opportunity is Alumnae Reunion Weekend that takes place each June. It’s a great time to visit our campus and reconnect with classmates and friends. We are also excited about the networking opportunities offered by the Ursuline Professional Women’s Network. And, for those of you who want to become more involved but aren’t able to commit to a specific amount of time, we want to remind you of the Ursuline Alumnae Auxiliary. You can spend as much or as little time as you wish. Simply send me an email, and we will make sure to add you to this wonderful group! On behalf of the Ursuline Alumnae Association, I extend a heartfelt welcome to President Gretchen Kane. We look forward to the wonderful things we’ll be able to accomplish together. Additionally, sincere thanks to Ursuline’s past President, Sister Margaret Ann Moser ’56, an inspiring and focused leader who truly embodies the spirit of Serviam. A warm welcome, too, goes to our new Director of Alumnae, Aimee Baillargeon Griffiths ’90 ’90, past Alumnae Board President, successful entrepreneur, and amazing professional who brings so much to the table. And a salute to our past Director, Regina Fonts Morris ’82, who was instrumental in the development of many of our new programs. With gratitude, we acknowledge those Board members who have completed their term: Elaine Cochran Snow ’01, Karen Meier Eubanks ’83, Kate Kilanowski ’98 ’98, Malorie Perry ’04, and Sarah Johnston Polzer ’98 ’98. We also welcome four new Board members: Jennifer Jascott Crumley ’88 ’88, Carolyn Thomas Murray ’87, Dori Neil Araiza ’05 ’05, and Samantha Smith ’05. In the midst of all these “sweet” changes, please know that one thing remains the same: our commitment to serving you. Sincerely,

Lorilei Cardenas Cronin ’95 President of Alumnae Board lorileicronin@gmail.com

You may nominate an alumna, including yourself, to serve on the Alumnae Board. Visit www.ursulinedallas.org/myboard.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

alumnae mosaics

by julia frasco ’05

A Passion for

Public Service Whether advising the leader of the free world, standing up for those without a voice, or serving a cause close to their hearts and community, these alumnae advocates are working each and every day for meaningful change.

eciding to stay home at the end of the George W. Bush administration was a challenging decision for Loretta Solon Greene ’81. But she has had little downtime transitioning from full-time public servant to stay-at-home mom and part-time consultant. “I was so blessed to have three amazing presidential appointments during the Bush administration. It was tough to just stop that part of my life,” says Loretta. “But I knew I needed to refocus on the children.” After working on the BushCheney campaign, Loretta felt honored to serve in three positions; first at the U.S. Agency for International Development; next as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and lastly as Director of International Trade Association Outreach at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA). Her work at the ITA supporting the Free Trade Agreements fostered her current commitLoretta Solon Greene ’81 (second from right) and her family with President George W. ment to commercial diploBush. Both she and her husband, Bill, served in the Bush administration in 2005. PHOTO CREDIT: OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTO, COURTESY OF THE GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY. macy and global partnerships.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

Now that she no longer works full time, she is able to spend more time with her children. But don’t let the minivan fool you. In addition to carpool mom, Loretta has been a World Bank consultant on leadership development and a senior advisor for Georgetown University’s Global Education Institute where she worked with Chinese government officials on a certification program to meet their Washington, D.C., counterparts in finance, investments, energy, and other sectors. She is currently an Adjunct Professor for Georgetown’s Semester in Washington Program. On occasion, Loretta is a guest contributor for the Diplomatic Courier, a global affairs magazine which allows her to mingle with the diplomatic community. Most recently she worked on the Finance Committee for the Texas State Society’s Black Tie and Boots Inaugural Ball Committee. “My drive to serve and be involved originates from my Ursuline upbringing and living Serviam,” states Loretta. “I will be forever grateful to the Sisters, especially my aunt, Sister Margaret Solon, O.S.U. ’32.” 5

The programs Allison works with help make Texas the No. 1 state for business opportunities and job creation in the United States. jobs are a scarcity for most of the nation. The programs Allison works with, such as Texas Back to Work and College Credit for Heroes, help make Texas the No. 1 state for business opportunities and job creation in the United States. “It is imperative that federal legislation and regulations allow the state the flexibility to serve Texans and small-business owners,” says Allison, which is where her role as mediator between the two parties plays a crucial part. Texas continues to add more jobs and get more unemployed citizens back into the workforce. Allison credits her “ability to use the education, training, and expertise I have learned over the years to communicate directly with elected officials and federal agencies that have decision-making power.” Allison is a graduate of Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. She and her husband, Ryan, live in Arlington, Va., and are expecting their first child in February.

“Every worker, business owner, and taxpaying Texan is impacted by Congressional actions. I have a front row seat to history in the making,” says Allison Slayton Robertson ’97, who has 5 Allison Slayton Robertson ’97, After attending Citizen spent the last four years Federal Government Relations Liaison serving as the Federal for the Texas Workforce Commission Academy, a course on in Washington, D.C. local government offered Government Relations by Addison, Texas, for its Liaison for the Texas residents, Kathie Kahn Wood ’87 was called Workforce Commission in Washington, D.C. upon to serve as Chair of the Community PartHer work focuses on monitoring federal ners Bureau for the City of Addison. legislation and educating the Texas Congres“I was fascinated by all of the things that sional Delegation on proposed legislation we as citizens never see that are happenpertaining to workforce, unemployment, and ing around us 24 hours a day,” Kathie says. welfare issues. “The relationships and impacts that can be As the economy struggles to repair itself,

achieved are incredible when a group of committed people work to serve others.” Community Partners Bureau comprises local volunteers who study and make recommendations to the City Council for funding local nonprofits that serve the area in a variety of ways. The services supported by the Council are diverse in nature and range from domestic violence assistance at Family Place and suicide prevention at Contact to the arts at Watertower Theater and Dance Council. “By understanding the issues facing these organizations, we can help them financially as well as help elevate their position in our community. That in turn will help them attract additional funds and volunteers,” Kathie explains. “Our goal is to really make sure that the town is fully engaged with these organizations.” Since its establishment early in 2012, the Community Partners Bureau has become a model for other municipalities. “There are always better ways to serve and new causes and people that we can impact as public servants,” Kathie reminds. “Everyone can do something to give back … some people can do more, some less. It is not restricted by age or financial ability. We all can give something — and we should.” Kathie Kahn Wood ’87 supports her local government by chairing the Community Partners Bureau for the City of Addison, Texas.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

living serviam

by sara aranda ’13

Sharing the Permaculture Club’s first harvest, from left, Sr. Lois Castillon, O.S.U.; Gabrielle Merani ’04, English teacher and club moderator; and Sara Aranda ’13, President of the Permaculture Club.

Respect

ity and growing organic food. The majority of the food that we ate there was from the Foundation’s garden, and it did not contain chemicals or non-natural fertilizers. Not only did it taste amazing, it also made us feel so energized! After seeing how successful the Lama Foundation is at growing food and the positive impact it had on our health and the environment, we decided to bring Lama’s belief of sustainability and permaculture (maintaining permanent agriculture by relying on renewable resources) back to Ursuline. Our minds were set on two goals. First, we wanted to raise awareness at Ursuline about the food that we eat and how harmful added hormones can be to our bodies. Then, we would teach the girls how to grow their own food by starting an organic garden at school. As soon as we returned to Ursuline, we started the Permaculture Awareness Club, recruited members, and got permission to start the garden.

Growing

A student and a Sister share their views on environmental sustainability and its importance to the Ursuline mission.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

for God’s Creation

t the top of the Sandia Mountains, New Mexico’s wind brought an idea to us. As the end of the Global Youth Leadership Institute’s New Mexico summer program approached, Ms. Gabrielle Merani ’04 (Ursuline English teacher), Marisela Martin ’13, and I sat in the Lama Foundation’s kiva asking ourselves, “What can we take back to Ursuline from this experience?” We already recycle and conserve water and paper. We are global, and we have LEED cer-

tified buildings. Then it hit us. All Ursuline girls love food, but if we were asked where it came from or what it contained, we wouldn’t know. Most students are aware of organic food, but don’t know that there isn’t one concrete definition. What is organic for one grocery store might not be organic for another. During our stay at the Lama Foundation, we learned a lot about its unique mission. We learned about respect and love for Mother Nature and how that influences environmentally sound beliefs regarding sustainabil-

Tomato plant in the Permaculture Club Garden

As is the case at the Lama Foundation, we decided our goal would be permaculture. Any pesticides or growth supplements that are made naturally by plants or animals are organic, and therefore would be allowed in our garden. We would not use machines in the building of the garden or for the care of our plants, pesticides that are not naturally made, or chemicals to grow our food faster. In late fall 2011, we heard about a grant that Whole Foods was offering to schools that wanted to start gardens. In order to apply we needed a sponsor, so we reached out to TechScape, the company that provides landscaping services at Ursuline. TechScape

agreed to help us by lending us their tools and teaching us about crops native to Texas as well as different techniques that we could use to make sure that the garden was successful. They also helped us build the bed blocks and obtain the plants. By early spring, after much hard work — digging and carrying buckets of soil and rocks — we had built three raised beds. Once we filled the beds with natural soil mixed with cedar mulch and peat moss, we were ready to start planting. We grew a variety of vegetables including tomatoes, onions, lettuce, radishes, squash, eggplants, peppers, spinach, potatoes, and Swiss chard. After our first crops, we discovered that our plants were not receiving enough nitrogen and were not growing at the appropriate speed. The easiest solution would be to put chemical fertilizer on them, but we wanted to find an organic way. We decided to make our own fertilizer by starting a compost pile from cafeteria scraps to provide our plants with the nitrogen they needed. In late spring, as our garden began giving fruit, Whole Foods let us know that we were one of the lucky schools to receive a $2,000 grant, plus seeds. During the 2012–2013 school year, we hope to donate our harvest to various organizations for the homeless. This experience has been more than just a volunteer opportunity. St. Angela taught us that Serviam is about believing in something that will better the lives of others; something that you are passionate about; something to which you are so dedicated that it doesn’t matter how long you stay after school or how much you have to dig to reach your goal. Serviam is about doing something you enjoy that comes from the heart.

2012 S.O.S. PLANET EARTH YOUTH CONFERENCE Reflection by Sr. Lois Castillon, O.S.U., Director of Mission and Heritage “Nunca Pare de Sonhar” (Never Stop Dreaming). This song echoed through the days of our ecology conference in September 2012. The weather was warm and welcoming. The dreaming moved into reality. Seventy-five high school students from four Ursuline schools in Brazil and Ursuline Academy of Dallas shared about their sustainability projects, their community garden, and their efforts at recycling. They danced and sang, gave presentations, and shared projects. They radiated hope, energy, and commitment. These five groups were so aware of Earth’s fragility and motivated to make a difference in their worlds. They sought to touch the poor and the rich with their efforts. The song continues: “Vamos lá fazer o que será” (Let’s do now what is to be). At an ecoresort, the students were offered ways for team-building, bonding, and making friends. There were times for archery, rock-climbing, meditation, and prayer — Portuguese and English intermingling through it all. We gathered in small groups to reach for conclusions of this Ursuline school meeting. We gathered to sing and dance, to pray and to ask God’s intercession, our “Everyday God” who walks with each of us. What to take back with us? Intangibles touched our hearts: the thoughtful planning of Principal Sister Helenice de Souza, O.S.U., the coordinator, Rafael Bianchi, and their co-workers from Colegio Santa Ursula, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; the welcoming of host families; and the delightful flavor of Brazil with its fabulous food, its friendly hospitality, and its sense of open, loving families. “Nunca Pare de Sonhar” will be with us. We have been enriched. We have new ideas. We have seen dreams become reality in our schools, and we do not stop dreaming. We are grateful!

To learn more: Lama Foundation is a spiritual community, educational facility, and retreat center near the Carson National Forest about 30 miles south of Colorado near Taos, N.M. During the summer, the Foundation welcomes visitors and pilgrims from all walks of life to join the community and connect with the land. Visit www.lamafoundation.org

Marisela Martin ’13, Sr. Helenice de Souza, O.S.U., Tori Eastep ’13, and Vivian Nguyen ’13 during the students’ trip to the 2012 Youth U R S U Lin I NBrazil. E ACADEMY OF DALLAS Conference

Career Day

by dori neil araiza ’05, samantha smith ’05, and linda thomas white ’81

2012

n Ursuline education provides more than a high school diploma. It also provides a nurturing community that promotes service, achievement, and individual growth. These qualities help Ursuline students stand out among their peers as leaders. Further, these characteristics continue far beyond four years at Ursuline. To support professional and business leadership, the Ursuline Alumnae Association hosts a Career Day event every other year for the entire student body. A great way for students to learn about career paths, the event also offers a unique opportunity for alumnae and other successful women to share their own personal journeys. Last March, more than 50 women took part in Career Day 2012 including Ursuline alumnae, parents of current students and alumnae, and other professional women. Presenters traveled from Washington, D.C, Phoenix, Ariz., and throughout the state of Texas. The presenters represented a wide variety of professions: attorneys, engineers, doctors, an artist, and an author. They included business owners of a construction company, an architecture firm, and a marketing agency. The girls also heard from an alumna with her own clothing line and women who work in nonprofit organizations. Before the event, the Alumnae Association created speaker profile pages that were shared online through Flickr, linked to the alumnae Facebook page, and posted on Blackboard for

students to review to help them decide which three sessions they would most like to attend. A favorite part of the day for many was the keynote address delivered by Stephanie Hockridge Woyski ’01, a three-time Emmy-nominated anchor and reporter for ABC15 news in Phoenix, Ariz. After graduating with honors from the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Journalism, Stephanie began working as a radio reporter in the Jefferson City, Mo., Statehouse Bureau. Her profession has since taken her from Missouri to Virginia and as far as London. She spoke with humility about her career start and determination to succeed in a very competitive field, attributing her work ethic to her parents and to her Ursuline education. The evening before Career Day, Ursuline Professional Women’s Network (UPWN) hosted a reception for guest speakers and current members sponsored by Nancy Wilcox Mello of Merrill Lynch, parent of an Ursuline alumna. “As a presenter on a day in the life of a ‘Wealth Advisor,’ I enjoyed sharing my personal story and answering the students’ varied and thoughtful questions,” Nancy said. “I was truly honored to be a part of Ursuline’s Career Day.”

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

Students create artwork in artist Marian Lefeld’s room.

Ursuline Professional Women’s Network (UPWN)

Jennifer Pitz Deck ’01, Amber Perley ’01, and Danielle Mitchell ’01

A lively forum for alumnae and other professional women, UPWN promotes personal and professional growth through networking events that feature engaging speakers and other ways to participate in the Ursuline community. The organization also provides internships for current students. For additional information on how you can get involved, visit www.ursuline dallas/upwn. Melissa Dominguez ’05, Allie Daus ’05, and Katie Manning ’04

Ali Kairies ’00, Carolyn Thomas Murray ’87, Ashley Parks, and Courtney Bono

For more photos and a full listing of Career Day 2012 participants, visit www.ursulinedallas.org/careerday.

Toni Scalise Borowczak ’90 teaches play therapy to students.

Grace Cicardo ’12, Natalie Choy ’12, and Margot Schneider ’12

Jennifer Houston Scripps ’95 and Maria Clark

Linda Thomas White ’81, Nancy Wilcox Mello, and Regina Fonts Morris ’82

Stephanie Hockridge Woyski ’01, broadcast journalist and keynote speaker, with students

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

2012 alumnae awards

hearthead.

“My Ursuline education was a really pivotal experience in my life … It opened up a whole new world for me.”

“Trust your

Use your

”

— Anne SimmonsBenton ’74

“Every day, just ask to be at the right place to be planted where you are supposed to be. Do the Lord’s work and amazing things will happen for you.”

Thus, this year’s recipient of the Ursula Laurus Award, Anne SimmonsBenton ’74, reﬂects on what brought her to this point in her life. The award Ursula Laurus recognizes an alumna whose life is an example of commitment — a generous Award giving of time and resources — to a community in need on a national scale. Anne has exhibited a lifelong passion for empowering women in developing countries. She currently serves as a Principal Development Specialist in the Economic Growth sector of Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI), leading initiatives in trade, businessenabling environment, and gender. Previously, Anne worked with the Women in Development Ofﬁce at USAID and created GenderCLIR — a methodology to analyze obstacles for women in income generation and economic empowerment. Her work in international development has taken her to 31 countries, including Vietnam, Rwanda, and Russia. Despite Anne’s impressive professional accomplishments, when asked about her reaction to receiving the award, she stated, “I can’t think of anything that has touched me more in my life.”

Recipient of the 2012 Distinguished Alumna Award, Jean-Marie Carson Jobs ’81 is dedicated to unleashing passion and developing Distinguished potential in every individual. Alumna Award The award recognizes service, leadership, and achievement that have distinguished an alumna to Ursuline, her community, and her profession over her lifetime. Jean-Marie is co-founder and CEO of Culture ROI, a consulting ﬁrm that seeks to bring character and values to the foreground in the commercial sector. In 2011, Jean-Marie completed a leadership development initiative in Kabul, Afghanistan, to develop local leadership capacity in that country. She is currently exploring similar possibilities in Libya. Jean-Marie added that the most important thing that she took with her from Ursuline was “the experience of learning to serve others.”

Jean-Marie Carson Jobs ’81

To learn more about Jean-Marie’s work and Culture ROI, visit www.cultureroi.com.

“Even if you don’t get a chance to visit Abby’s Book Corner, pick up a book and read to your child.”

Anne SimmonsBenton ’74

The Serviam Alumna Award, presented to Mary MacHutta Kearney ’95, honors a graduate who embodies the Serviam spirit Serviam of Ursuline Academy. After her daughter Abigail died in 2008 Alumna Award from pneumococcal meningitis, Mary devoted countless hours to learning about the disease and was invited to speak on Capitol Hill in 2010 about her research. In honor of her daughter, who “loved her books more than anything,” Mary held a book drive for Medical City Children’s Hospital in Dallas, an initiative that has grown into a children’s library known as Abby’s Book Corner. To date, they have donated more than 15,000 books to hospitals around the state and collected more than $20,000.

Mary MacHutta Kearney ’95

To learn more about Mary’s cause and Abby’s Book Corner, visit www.abbysbookcorner.com.

To learn more about Anne’s work and DAI, visit www.DAI.com.

To nominate an alumna for an Alumnae Award, please visit www.ursulinedallas.org/alumnaeawards.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

ATradition Winning ursuline athletics

by allie daus ’05

lass pictures lining Main and Cass Halls reflect the smiles and spirits of thousands of Ursuline graduates. Similarly, not too far away in Neuhoff Center, their cheers echo from the plaques, banners, and trophies marking the athletic feats of Ursuline students over the years. In the early years after passage of Title IX, Ursuline Academy of Dallas athletes competed in a few sports in the Texas Independent School Consortium (TISC) beginning in 1977. After earning a couple of state championships in tennis competing against area foes like Greenhill and Hockaday, Ursuline moved on to bigger and more competitive pastures. In 1983, the Academy entered the Texas Catholic Interscholastic League (TCIL), later renamed the Texas Christian Interscholastic League. Ursuline wasted no time in making a name for itself in the new league and earned five consecutive TCIL State Championships in soccer (1983–1987), two titles in swimming and diving, and one each in basketball and tennis. In an effort to strengthen the athletic program and face more competitive schools, Ursuline departed the TCIL after 1988 and joined the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) for the 1990– 1991 school year and has been a member ever since. With a student body hovering annually at around 800 girls, Ursuline is the second largest school in TAPPS, close behind Houston’s St. Agnes Academy. This past August, Ursuline began its 139th school year and 23rd season as a member of TAPPS. In just over two decades, Ursuline has amassed a remarkable 62 TAPPS State Championships in the 11 different varsity sports the school supports. Most notable are the 22 consecutive state championships the soccer team has earned, followed by 11 championships in track and field, 11 in cross country, seven for swimming and diving (two in the past two years), seven in tennis, and four in golf. The Ursuline basketball team

Left: Alina Garciamendez ’09, center, holds the championship trophy with her Stanford University teammates.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

“I had kids at Ursuline that decided every day they were going to be the best, not just in soccer but in the classroom as well.” added to the title tally this past February by earning the first TAPPS basketball state championship in school history. In 2008, Ursuline also won a state championship in the Division II Texas Girls High School Lacrosse League, after just three years competing in that league. From an observer’s perspective, the success of the Ursuline Athletics program appears to be defined by large numbers of repeated championships accompanied by walls and shelves filled with trophies and plaques. However, the hundreds of young women who worked tirelessly to earn these championships will tell you that each title is unique. Each has its own story, its own team, and its own yearlong journey that preceded it. “I always felt like I was playing for much more than a state championship — I was representing my team, my school, and our tradition of excellence,” said Emily Kelp ’00 (soccer). A state championship earned in any sport is celebrated by the entire Academy. Continued success throughout the years has created a reputation, a tradition of excellence in athletics, that has become synonymous with the Ursuline name, worn with pride across red and white jerseys, and highly respected by the competition. But what is the secret of Ursuline Athletics that continually produces teams of young women that have earned two or more state championships every single year? The answer is simple: the girls. “I had kids at Ursuline that decided every day they were going to be the best, not just in soccer but in the classroom as well,” explained Susan Ellis, Ursuline head soccer coach from 1984–2000. “They realized being the best requires a huge commitment, made up of a series of smaller efforts.” Ms. Ellis pioneered the winning tradition of the Ursuline soccer program. Today, she teaches physical education and is head soccer coach at Durham Academy in Durham, N.C. That mindset of commitment is charac-

teristic of all the Ursuline student athletes, and continues with them into their futures beyond the Academy. “My UA athletic experience prepared me for every challenge I experienced in my college and post-college life. Feeling obligated to always do my best and show up even when I do not want to has opened many doors for me outside of athletics,” said Katherine Devlin ’08 (track and ﬁeld, cross country). Katherine graduated from Texas A&M University last May and is now enrolled in nursing school at Texas Christian University. The success of Ursuline student athletes after graduation is truly remarkable. For years, they have been going out into the world, making a difference, and accomplishing some incredible feats.

Nya McWoods ’12 played guard on Ursuline’s 2012 State Champion varsity basketball team.

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p rr os u u f illi en e a t h l e t i c s

Jana Jeffery ’12 plays soccer at Boston College and was named the 2011–2012 Gatorade Texas Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

Ursuline Athletes Who Have Signed Letters Of Intent To Play Collegiate Athletics (Since 2005)

CLASS OF 2005 Molly Burke Soccer, Saint Louis University Alexa Coralli Soccer, Rice University Allie Daus Soccer, Pennsylvania State University Gillian Field Soccer, Southern Methodist University Courtney Johnson Soccer, Texas Christian University Jennifer Kacergis Soccer, University of Tulsa Celeste Miles Soccer, University of Virginia Lauren Olsen Soccer, Saint Louis University CLASS OF 2006 Stephanie Futscher Swimming/Diving, Texas Christian University Rachel Hartman Soccer, Louisiana State University Justine Hedlund Soccer, Creighton University Stephanie Moore Volleyball, Rutgers University Colleen Pitts Soccer, Texas Tech University Jennifer Raad Soccer, Southern Methodist University Sarah Seltzer Soccer, Bucknell University Erin Scott Tenney Soccer, Rice University CLASS OF 2007 Kendall Campise Soccer, The University of Texas at Austin Kristie Daus Soccer, Pennsylvania State University Bethany Schornack Volleyball, Iona College Madee Schottleutner† Soccer, United States Air Force Academy Madeline Steiner Swimming/Diving, Dartmouth College Rebecca Wade Cross Country/Track and Field, Rice University Claire West Soccer, University of Oklahoma CLASS OF 2008 Natalie Crain Track and Field, University of Oklahoma Katherine Jones Swimming/Diving, United States Naval Academy Amanda Lee Lacrosse, Seton Hill University Jordyn O’Donnell Softball, The George Washington University CLASS OF 2009 Sophie Campise Soccer, The University of Texas at Austin Alina Garciamendez Soccer, Stanford University Ali Higgins Soccer, Vassar College Kendrick Koch Volleyball, Southern Methodist University Christine Molina Tennis, United States Air Force Academy Rachael Roth Volleyball, Loyola University – New Orleans Melanie Wilcox Cross Country/Track and Field, Dartmouth College

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CLASS OF 2010 Juliann Jeffrey Soccer, Yale University Veronica Ryan Golf, Grand Valley State University Kristin Schoonover Volleyball, University of Pennsylvania CLASS OF 2011 Ali Alcott Soccer, Belmont University Jordan Grimes Soccer, McNeese State University Emily Hoffend Soccer, Boston College Katie Hosea Soccer, Arkansas State University Natalie Huggins Soccer, Baylor University Stephanie Kalu Track and Field, Georgia Tech University Chandler Lentz Volleyball, Southwestern University Kaci McCartan Golf, Santa Clara University Vanessa Randall Soccer, University of Central Arkansas Mary Cathryn Rau Golf, Creighton University Claire Uke Track and Field, Rice University Katie Walker Volleyball, Middle Tennessee State University CLASS OF 2012 Elizabeth Balido Basketball, Trinity University Kathleen Bentley Crew, The University of Alabama Talia Campbell Golf, University of Notre Dame Kaitlin Carpenter Softball, Springhill College Laura Fitzgerald Soccer, University of Arkansas Gabby Hunt Tennis, Southwestern University Caitlin Jancuska Soccer, University of Tulsa Jana Jeffrey Soccer, Boston College Candace Johnson Soccer, University of Missouri – Columbia Belle MacFarlane Track and Field, Rice University Lilette Mocio Golf, Columbia University Anecia Richardson Basketball, Trinity University Courtney Taylor Lacrosse, College of William and Mary Emily Van Blargan Crew, The George Washington University † Deceased

Ursuline Academy of Dallas State Championships Becky Wade ’07 (track and ﬁeld, cross country) recently completed a highly decorated collegiate career running for Rice University which culminated in earning a spot in the steeplechase at the 2012 U.S. Olympic track and ﬁeld trials. She’s one of 40 college graduates to receive the $25,000 Watson Fellowship, which involves a year of independent study and travel outside the U.S. Following the Olympic trials, Becky traveled to London to begin a 12-month investigation of running cultures around the world. “In high school, I learned how to manage the delicate balance between academics and athletics and found that the two can actually complement each other. Ursuline taught me how to build a routine, use my free time productively, and invest all of myself in whatever I choose to do,” said Becky, who mastered that balance by graduating from Rice University in May with degrees in history, sociology, and psychology and a 4.02 GPA. Alina Garciamendez ’09 (soccer) was the 2008–2009 Gatorade Texas Girls Soccer Player of the Year as a senior at Ursuline, and led her team to four straight TAPPS titles. After Ursuline, she continued her illustrious soccer career at Stanford University. Alina entered her senior season at Stanford in fall 2012 as a three-year captain and a starter of every game since she arrived in Palo Alto, Calif. She anchored her team’s de-

The Ursuline Academy varsity golf team — from left: Savannah Washlesky ’13, Elisabeth Rau ’13, Talia Campbell ’12, Courtney Wilson ’14, and Ali Oberman ’15 — won its fourth TAPPS 5A State Championship in April 2012.

fense that allowed just nine goals in 26 games as Stanford went on to win the 2011 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship. She is also a defender on the Mexican Women’s National Team that played in the World Cup in the summer of 2011. Alina’s National Championship placed her among an elite group of Ursuline Alumnae who have become NCAA National Champions. Jordan Snyder ’09 and Claire Gallerano ’03 each won a NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship at the University of Notre Dame in 2010 and 2004, respectively, and Jordan Walker Kemere ’99 was a three-time NCAA Women’s Soccer Champion with the University of North Carolina. Beyond the incredibly talented, driven, and successful student athletes, much of the success of the UA athletic programs over the years can be credited to Ursuline tradition. Every aspect of the school and the athletic program is rooted in the past. From the plaid skirts to the pre-game cheers, Ursuline girls value and appreciate those who played before them and established these traditions many years ago. And, what makes this even more special is that every championship earned by presentday Ursuline student athletes proudly resonates with those who once wore the same uniform. “I get excited when February comes around because that means it is playoff time for soc-

cer, and I know that the team is gearing up to try to keep the tradition alive and win another state title,” said Sara Harris-Eaton ’97 (soccer). “I am thankful to forever be part of the Ursuline soccer family and will always feel connected to every success they have.” The mission statement of the Academy speaks to the total development of students through spiritual and intellectual growth, service, and community-building. Participation in athletics is one way that students can live that mission, through new relationships, the lessons learned both on and off the ﬁeld, and connection to Ursuline tradition. Every May, many talented and accomplished student athletes put on their white dresses, carry red roses, and move through the front doors on to a promising future. Their talents will no longer be present in Ursuline athletics, but their legacy and contributions will live forever as part of the Academy. After all, here at Ursuline, tradition never graduates. Allie Daus ’05 is head soccer coach at Ursuline and a member of the Academy’s physical education faculty. After Ursuline, Allie went on to play soccer at Pennsylvania State University. While there, she helped her team to one NCAA Final Four appearance and four Big Ten Conference Championships. Off the field, she earned four academic All-Big Ten team honors and was two-year Vice President of the Student Advisory Board.

(the past 29 years)

1983 (TCIL – Texas Christian Interscholastic League) Soccer, Swimming/Diving 1985 (TCIL) Soccer, Tennis 1986 (TCIL) Soccer, Swimming/Diving 1987 (TCIL) Soccer, Basketball 1991 (TAPPS – Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) Cross Country, Soccer 1992 (TAPPS) Cross Country, Soccer, Swimming/Diving 1993 (TAPPS) Cross Country, Soccer, Swimming/Diving 1994 (TAPPS) Cross Country, Soccer, Swimming/Diving 1995 (TAPPS) Soccer, Track and Field 1996 (TAPPS) Soccer, Tennis 1997 (TAPPS) Cross Country, Soccer, Tennis 1998 (TAPPS) Soccer, Track and Field, Tennis 1999 (TAPPS) Soccer, Tennis 2000 (TAPPS) Cross Country, Soccer, Track and Field, Tennis 2001 (TAPPS) Soccer, Track and Field 2002 (TAPPS) Cross Country, Soccer, Track and Field 2003 (TAPPS) Soccer (National Soccer Coaches Association of America and Adidas National Top Ten), Track and Field 2004 (TAPPS) Soccer, Track and Field 2005 (TAPPS) Cross Country, Soccer (Ranked No. 1 in the U.S. by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and Adidas National Top Ten), Track and Field 2006 (TAPPS) Cross Country, Soccer, Swimming/Diving, Tennis 2007 (TAPPS) Soccer, Swimming/Diving, Tennis 2008 (TAPPS) Cross Country, Soccer, (Lacrosse Division II Texas Girls High School Lacrosse League State Champions) 2009 (TAPPS) Soccer (Ranked No. 3 in the U.S. by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and Adidas National Top Ten), Track and Field, Golf 2010 (TAPPS) Soccer (Ranked No. 4 in the U.S. by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and Adidas National Top Ten), Golf, Track and Field 2011 (TAPPS) Swimming/Diving, Soccer, Golf, Track and Field 2012 (TAPPS) Swimming/Diving, Soccer, Basketball, Golf

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

“Live a New Life”

cover story

Ursulines of the Roman Union: Vibrant With Angela’s Vision

— St. Angela Merici

oday, while the Ursuline Sisters who live and minister in Dallas are fewer than in the past, the spirit of St. Angela continues to inspire their vigorous and selfless service in a variety of ministries. And, as ways of living their mission are eagerly reimagined for the needs and challenges of the 21st century, the Company of St. Ursula remains strong and far-reaching. On the outskirts of Desenzano, Italy, there stands a house called Le Grezze, where St. Angela Merici spent a good portion of her youth, helping with the family farm and listening to stories of the saints as she sat at her father’s feet. On the ground outside, etched in stone, are the names of the countries where Ursuline communities are found throughout the world. They range from Thailand to Peru to the United States and spread out from a center stone like rays of the sun. The Ursuline community of Dallas, Texas, is part of this vast network. The Ursulines of the Roman Union, the religious order that Ursuline Academy and the Dallas community of Sisters are affiliated with, has its international center just outside Rome. On a verdant five acres that once served as a working farm in the years after World War II, the Generalate consists of a large building filled with meeting rooms, offices, living quarters, and a chapel. It is here that Mother Cecilia Wang, the Prioress General, and her General Council and various commissions gather to meet and work on issues pertaining to the Ursuline Sisters. A Finance Commission manages assets and assists provincial treasurers. The Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Commission sets goals and plans with regard to social justice initiatives. An education committee, which

B y

A ma n da

T rimbl e

Illustrations by Eleanor Grosch 18

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ROMAN UNION URSULINES AROUND THE WORLD

U. K.

NETH.

BELGIUM

POLAND CZECH

SLOVAKIA UKRAINE FRANCE AUSTRIA HUNGARY SLOVENIA ROMANIA CROATIA BOSNIAHERZEGOVINA ITALY SPAIN GREECE

U. S. A.

EUROPE Province Austria Croatia

MEXICO

SENEGAL

BARBADOS VENEZUELA

AMERICAS Province Brazil Caribbean

Countries Barbados, Guyana, Venezuela

Mexico Peru/Chile USA (includes Central, East, Northeast, and West provinces)

Sisters 91 19

GUYANA

CAMEROON

AFRICA PERU BRAZIL

29 25 279

Province Cameroon Senegal Southern Africa

Countries

South Africa, Botswana

Sisters 8 12 23 BOTSWANA

CHILE

Countries Croatia, BosniaHerzegovina

CzechoMoravia England France/ Belgium/ Spain Generalate (Rome) Greece HungaryRomania Italy Netherlands Poland Poland, Ukraine Slovakia Slovenia

Sisters 32 66 TAIWAN

30 50 218 19 7 15

THAILAND PHILIPPINES

87 54 326

EAST TIMOR

74 57

AUSTRALIA

SOUTH AFRICA

ASIA AND AUSTRALIA Province Australia China Indonesia

Data courtesy of the Ursulines of the Roman Union website. To learn more, visit www.ursulines-ur.org.

The Dallas community of Ursuline Sisters: (standing, left to right) Sisters Jill Jaeb, Mary Troy ’51, Margaret Ann Moser ’56, Ann Mangelsdorf, and Peggy Hill ’53; (seated, left to right) Sisters Louis Marie Carter, Lois Castillon (Prioress), and Nancy Fearon. Not pictured: Sisters Madeline Kelly and Emilia Villarreal

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Ursuline Dallas’ Director of Mission and Heritage Sister Lois Castillon served on, worked for a time to gather and edit source documents on Ursuline education from around the world. In addition to these Sisters in Rome, there are close to 2,000 Roman Union Ursulines in 36 countries who carry on St. Angela’s mission of presence and service for God’s people in multiple ways. It is estimated that there are approximately 8,000 Ursuline Sisters worldwide, belonging to independent congregations and different unions. Although these numbers are smaller now than in the past, there is still growth in areas around the world, including eastern european provinces in Poland, Slovenia, and Slovakia, and in Latin American countries such as Mexico and Brazil. In 2003, the Roman Union’s JPIC Commission received its first charter and members. The goal was to encourage the Ursuline Sisters to live justice, peace, and integrity of creation in their everyday lives and to give consideration to these causes wherever they call home. To that end, Sisters from a variety of geographic regions were nominated and selected who

“We asked ourselves, what are things that we can do to foster people’s awareness, and how can we act?” — Sister Mary Ann Dooling, O.S.U. JPIC Commission Member St. Louis, Mo. would be well-suited to serve on the commission — that is, to have a knowledge of and commitment to social justice causes, the ability to travel and work with different cultures, familiarity with technology and access to email, and possessing creativity and an awareness that “things take time and patience.” The group meets annually in Rome to discuss progress on its current initiatives. Members then return home to report to the provinces. “each of us has a responsibility for culture groups that we’re in contact with,” said Sister Mary Ann Dooling, the representative to the

Thailand

Countries Taiwan, R.O.C. Indonesia, Philippines, East Timor

Sisters 61 41 259 39

JPIC Commission for the United States, england, Australia, and other english-speaking regions, and a theology teacher at Ursuline Academy in St. Louis, Mo. “So, I’m the connector. I keep all the provinces up-to-date with what we’re doing and why.” afTer The lasT General chaPTer of The roman Union in 2007, two initiatives were set forth for the JPIC Commission to focus on for the coming years: awareness of human trafficking and access to water. “We asked ourselves, what are things that we can do to foster people’s awareness, and how can we act?” Sister Mary Ann said. “We emphasized trafficking at first, and now we’ve pushed the water project in the last couple of years.” The water project, or Project Africa as it has come to be known, has been a great success thus far for the Commission and the Sisters in Africa, who are directing resources into villages where access to water is a challenge. In Cameroon, the aim was to dig a well to provide clean water in the village of ngaoundéré

Sister Frances Boston works with one of the women of Sefhare, Botswana, who has beneﬁtted from the installation of a water tap in her yard.

(cost: €3,050). In Senegal, the goal was to provide clean water to the Ursuline clinic in Léhar (cost: €8,353). And in Sefhare, Botswana, the village that Ursuline Dallas students raised funds for during Lent last spring, the goal was to install taps to provide better access to water for a group of women and children (cost: €6,556). Sister Frances Boston is the Ursuline Sister who is directing the water taps project in Sefhare. The goal of paying for 13 new water taps has been achieved, but only six had been installed as of last summer. “They need a special machine to dig the trench to the mainline, as these homes are on the far end of the village,” explained Sister Frances. “So I make a weekly trip to Water Utilities to push them to complete the task.” In november, Sister Frances reported that the last of the taps had finally been installed. The next part of the project was the installation of tanks to collect rainwater to be used to grow vegetables and fruit trees. Starting in August, the installation of the 2,500-liter water tanks began in the yards of seven women gardeners. “I work with these women on a permaculture project, where each one has a small home garden,” she said. “Any produce over what they need to feed their families, they can sell to supplement their income. The water tanks are needed, as often the village water supply can be turned off for days at a time, and this is difficult and sometimes

“Water is either carried in a bucket on the head or in containers pushed in a wheelbarrow. The original 13 families … are led by single mothers, mainly unemployed with children, and most are HIV positive. A water tap in their yard can change their lives.” — Sister Frances Boston, O.S.U. Sefhare, Botswana

disastrous for the gardens.” Due to enthusiastic response in the early stages of Project Africa, each of the Sisters has reached their goal and is establishing phase two plans for fundraising. Sister Frances has already registered another group of women to receive water taps, and now has plans to add an additional group in the spring. “Our Sisters were so good in that they didn't just say, ‘We need water for this whole village,’ ” said Sister Mary Ann. “They said, ‘Can we get water in just 10 households?’ And because now

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“When I see girls growing up in wisdom and successfully, it gives me great joy.” — Sister Claudine-Marie Ndione, O.S.U. Thiès, Senegal which time she became an Ursuline Sister, she returned in 2010 and began her work at Marian Academy. Almost immediately, she saw ways to incorporate her passion for the environment and respect for creation at the school. “When I came back to Guyana, I saw all these plastic bottles thrown on the street and collecting in drains, and I was a bit taken by it,” said Sister Shelly. After some research, she found a company that would come collect plastic bottles from the school for recycling, installed a special container in the cafeteria, and began encouraging the students to add their water bottles to it. “We have collected maybe 600 pounds of bottles so far,” she said. “They give us very little money for it, but we’re not doing it for the money. It’s for the love of the environment and to spread awareness. That’s why we are doing it.”

“We have collected maybe 600 pounds of bottles so far … They give us very little money for it, but we’re not doing it for the money. It’s for the love of the environment and to spread awareness.” — Sister Shelly Jhetoo JPIC Commission Member Georgetown, Guyana they have the funding for that, they can expand to more. They’ve been very thoughtful about doing things in pieces that are manageable.” Even small projects are making big impacts. “In Sefhare, a large majority of the people still have to go to the general village pump to draw water for their daily needs,” said Sister Frances. “The water is either carried in a bucket on the head or in containers pushed in a wheelbarrow. The original 13 families I identified to assist are led by single mothers, mainly unemployed with children, and most are HIV positive. A water tap in their yard can change their lives.” To help fund Project Africa, Ursuline Academy of Dallas has been joined by Ursuline schools and other Ursuline communities around the world, one of which is Marian Academy in Georgetown, Guyana. At this school, Sister Shelly Jhetoo works to educate students on environmental issues while

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(Clockwise, from top left) The children of Marian Academy in Georgetown, Guyana, raise funds for Project Africa. Sister Claudine-Marie Ndione, an Ursuline Sister from Senegal. The JPIC Commission: (from left) Sisters Veronica Andayani, Mary Ann Dooling, Alice Montgomery, Shelly Jhetoo, Paola Scarpin, Maria Teresa de Llano, and Leocadie Gody Cissokho, attend the annual meeting at the Generalate.

also teaching religious education and remedial reading. During Lent last spring, they decorated a box with stickers and the words, “Water is a gift from God — Water is life!” and set to filling it with funds. “We told the children that during Lent, you can make a sacrifice,” said Sister Shelly. “Instead of going to buy something sweet, they could just give it up for that day and put the money in the box.” By the time Lent had ended, the box contained approximately $1,200. “That’s a lot for Guyana because we are not a rich country, and it came out of the children’s own pocket money. But they were very enthusiastic about the project.” Sister Shelly is also a member of the JPIC

Commission, representing the Caribbean Province, and works on a vocation commission in Georgetown. She was 23 when she entered into the sisterhood 16 years ago. But her vocation was not always a clear-cut answer to her. Despite being heavily involved with her church and a growing desire to help others, she was not sure where the devotion to her faith was taking her. “Once after Mass when I was young, one of the Missionary of Charity Sisters asked me, ‘Would you like to be a Sister?’ And my answer was a firm ‘no,’ ” recalled Sister Shelly. “It took me many years before I began to wonder, ‘Is it possible that God is inviting me to a religious vocation?’ ” After 13 years away from Guyana, during

Protection of the environment, the availability of education, and respect for all living creatures drives Ursuline Sisters around the world to continue St. Angela’s work in many different and often profound ways. Sister Patrice Clifford, a graduate of Ursuline Academy in New Orleans, moved to Cameroon 28 years ago to help found a new Ursuline community there and has never left. She teaches English to French-speaking Cameroonians. For 20 years she taught at a diocesan secondary school, and now she teaches groups of young men preparing to enter seminary school. The women in the Ursuline community there in-

Sister Patrice Clifford, a graduate of Ursuline New Orleans, lives in Cameroon.

clude four Cameroonian Ursulines, the youngest of whom made her first profession in September. “One of the really special graces of my years in N'Gaoundéré has been the day-to-day contact with my Muslim brothers and sisters,” said Sister Patrice, explaining that about one-third of the population of Cameroon is Muslim, with the remaining population split between Catholics and Protestants. “For a lot of them, this is their first contact with a Sister. These warm, friendly encounters mean a great deal to me. I think that Angela, peacemaker par excellence, would delight in being present here to strengthen bonds of peace through very simple, daily encounters with God’s children of diverse religious backgrounds.” In Senegal, Sister Claudine-Marie Ndione became an Ursuline in 1995. Since then she has spent some time as a principal of a secondary school for girls in Thiès, Senegal, and recently finished her tertianship, a year of spiritual renewal, in Rome. “From the beginning, when I met the Ursuline Sisters, I was attracted to their life,” said Sister Claudine-Marie, who today is working with a group of girls preparing to become Ursuline Sisters, while also helping to plan the 50th anniversary festivities of the foundation of the Ursuline community in Senegal. “I liked the way the Sisters help young girls become free from African traditions. In my country, girls do not have the same opportunities as boys when it comes to continuing their studies. “We especially try to help girls who come from poor areas. I met a very special girl who had not had a very healthy development — she looked like a small child, but she was already 12 years old. I helped her join our school, and now she is happy to be an Ursuline student,” recalled Sister Claudine-Marie. “When I see girls growing up in wisdom and successfully, it gives me great joy.” In Brazil, Sister Helenice de Souza recently celebrated 25 years of being an Ursuline Sister. In Ribeirão Preto, she is the principal of Colegio Santa Ursula, which is home to 1,550 students. She describes how the Brazilian Province decided to focus its initiatives on environmental preservation. “When the Roman Union motivated us to work in the development of a project on a ‘culture for peace,’ I felt I had to give my best to make peace a part of the reality of wherever I could be sent to work,” explained Sister Helenice. “But the Brazilian Province understood it would be impossible to work for a peaceful soci-

“Go out into deep water” Last October, all nine Sisters in the Dallas Community of Ursuline Sisters traveled to White Plains, N.Y., for a U.S. Chapter meeting of Ursulines of the Roman Union. With their theme, “Go out into deep water — With courage and hope, welcome the future!” (Luke 5:4), more than 170 Ursulines from 12 states and more than 50 communities gathered to pray, play, eat, talk, reflect, and meet together in the spirit of St. Angela. Every six years, similar chapter meetings of Roman Union Ursulines are held in regions around the world. The purpose is to plan and review ministries and local, national, and global issues. During the first two days of the White Plains meeting, the U.S. Sisters also met with lay collaborators from across the country for reflection and discussion. Ursuline Academy Principal Elizabeth Bourgeois participated as one of these collaborators. Proposals from the U.S. Chapter meeting, including the selection of delegates to the September 2013 worldwide General Chapter meeting, were sent to the Ursuline Global Leadership Team in Rome. To read Elizabeth Bourgeois’ reflection on the Chapter meeting, visit www.ursulinedallas.org/ursulinesisters.

ety without first considering our dependence on a healthy environment, and so I strongly embraced this cause.” Last September, a group from Ursuline Academy of Dallas, led by Sister Lois Castillon and Cecilia Nipp ’85, Director of Diversity and Global Education, took three students to Brazil to participate in a cultural and educational exchange with students at Colegio Santa Ursula and other schools in Brazil. The students who made the trip, members of Ursuline’s Permaculture Awareness Club, shared what they were doing to further the cause of environmental stewardship and sustainability. (Read more on page 8.)

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

USA Central province to the General Chapter in 2007. And then while in Rome participating in this memorable gathering, I was elected to be on the leadership team.

Sister Maria Teresa de Llano (right) poses with another Ursuline Sister in Cameroon.

The fUTUre of The UrsUlines lies WiTh YoUnGer Women liKe sisTers shellY, Claudine-Marie, and Helenice, who are following in the footsteps of role models and trailblazers like Sisters Frances and Patrice. Back in Rome at the Generalate, Sister Maria Teresa de Llano is doing her part to grow and strengthen the mission of Ursuline Sisters worldwide as a member of the General Council, an international leadership team for the Roman Union. (Imagine the U.S. President’s cabinet with the President being the Prioress General.) Although she is from the United States (Texas to be exact), Sister Maria Teresa’s knowledge of the Spanish language enables her to serve as a link to both the Americas region, which includes all of the U.S. provinces, and the Latin American region, which includes the provinces of Mexico, Peru/Chile, Brazil, and the Caribbean. She is also a General Council representative to the JPIC Commission. We asked Sister Maria Teresa some questions about the role of the Ursulines today and in the future. UrsUline academY: First of all, what did you do before you worked at the Generalate in Rome? sisTer maria Teresa: I was working along the border of Texas and Mexico with Project Vida Digna, a group of Ursulines and lay collaborators who are helping the poorest of the poor that are living in and around the dump yards on the outskirts of Matamoros, Mexico. We began with a clinic providing basic health

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

care, especially to women and children, including prenatal and natal care, vaccines for children, education in preventative care, and personal hygiene. Approximately four years into the project, we started working with groups of high school students and adults to build very simple but adequate housing for those in greatest need. Ua: Can you tell me about the path that led you to your current position today as a member of the General Council? smT: The Ursulines of the Roman Union meet every six years for what is called a General Chapter. Representatives from each province are elected to participate in this very important gathering where policies are reviewed or changed, decisions made, and elections are held for the General Leadership Team, or Council, that will serve for the following six years. During our Provincial Chapter meeting, I was elected to be one of the representatives from the

“The spirit of Angela … continues to endure as we entrust that charism not only to those whom we minister with, but to those we minister to.” — Sister Maria Teresa de Llano, O.S.U. General Council Member, Rome, Italy

Ua: Since being elected, what have these past five years been like for you? How has your experience changed your perspective on being an Ursuline Sister of the Roman Union? smT: These past five years have opened up a new world for me, and led me in a direction I would have never imagined. Almost overnight, I was part of a team of nine Ursuline religious women who said “yes” to working together for the common good of our missions and that of our Ursuline Sisters throughout the world. This “yes” for me meant constantly adapting and learning to change in order to find common ground, regardless of the differences in languages, cultures, customs, and lifestyles. I now have a much broader global vision of our world not only on the religious level but at all levels as well — political, economic, and social. Learning to be open to different ways of expressing and living what it means to be an Ursuline is my greatest challenge as well as a blessing. I now see our world as a place where what we have in common is more important than what makes us different. Ua: How important are social justice initiatives like Project Africa and the JPIC Commission to the future of the Roman Union? smT: Social justice initiatives are important to us right now, but even greater attention and focus needs to be placed on them in the future. The gap between those who have more than they need and those who are not able to live their lives with dignity increases daily. Worse still is the use of human beings for profit, as in the cases involving human trafficking, especially of women and children. This includes child labor, pornography, and the selling of human organs to mention only a few. I often think of St. Angela’s words to us, “you have a greater need to serve than they have of being served by you.” Our active participation needs not only to include outreach but inreach as well. Outreach is the giving of ourselves, financial support, and sharing what we have with others. But just as important is our ability to learn from those we minister to — this is inreach. The marginalized are an open Bible of God’s Word, incarnate in flesh and blood in our brothers and

sisters. Together, we can learn the lessons of life that are the most important and lasting if we are but willing to give as well as receive. Ua: How do you see the Roman Union evolving and growing as the Sisters continue to adapt to an ever-changing, modern society? How is the Sister’s role in that society changing? smT: It is a challenge for us because, as Ursulines, our values, priorities, and charism are counterculture. We live in a world that values power, money, control, and self-centeredness while we try to live more centered values such as solidarity, ecumenism, acceptance, and tolerance of differences. As we minister with and for others, we must continue to grow and evolve, accepting the challenges that come with today’s world. In order to do this, technology is a must. One of our greatest challenges is finding that delicate balance of using it, but not abusing it. We learn to live only with what is necessary, but at the same time we want to be connected, informed, and in solidarity with our world, especially when it comes to helping women and children. Thirty or 40 years ago, I would never have imagined myself, our Ursuline Roman Union, or religious life being where it is now. Back then, we could live in a rather small part of the world — one that dealt mostly with issues pertaining to our ministries of teaching, administration, and

pastoral ministry. However, today, in a world where communication happens in a few seconds, we are constantly exposed to what is happening in different parts of the world, and we cannot ignore it and go on with our daily lives. We are constantly reminded of wars, poverty, and injustices, but we see the good things, too. Our role is to be witnesses to this fragmented world and to be an example of what can be possible when we accept one another, truly live life in communion, and work toward the common good of all.

smT: In my opinion, collaboration with the lay community is of utmost importance and the way to continue St. Angela’s charism. The Ursuline spirit persists only to the extent that we are willing to continue to collaborate with our staff, lay collaborators, and lay community. In some places we began this collaboration some time ago, but unfortunately, in other places we are only just beginning to realize the hidden treasure we have with the lay community. More and more we need to continue to give them their place in our ministry throughout the world.

Ua: What would you say to people who might suggest that Sisters don’t have as strong a presence in the world today — that their influence is diminishing? smT: I would begin by saying to them that this is true. The way we have been present is changing drastically, as we have fewer vocations and there is diminishment in numbers of Sisters who can actively participate in ministry. However, the spirit of Angela, her charism of living in harmony, building community with one another, and her values, continues to endure as we entrust that charism not only to those whom we minister with, but to those we minister to.

Ua: What are the aspects that remain steady and current, with respect to St. Angela and the vision she had for this company of women? smT: St. Angela’s vision for her company, her daughters, and her Sisters, continues to be that we live in harmony with one another and be of one mind and heart. She showed us how this can be accomplished by respecting and valuing each one for who she is, taking her with her gifts as well as her weaknesses. In other words, we should be accepting of one another just as we are, while helping each other become the best persons we can be.

Ua: How important is collaboration with the lay community to the future of the Ursuline Sisters?

At the request of the General Chapter of 1947, Mother St. John Martin had a new coat of arms prepared for the Ursulines of the Roman Union in conformity to heraldic rules. This emblem was based on the coat of arms authorized by King Henry IV in 1607 for the Ursulines of Paris.

The Ursuline coat of arms

By Sister Peggy Hill ’53, O.S.U. Uno Romana Ordinis S. Ursulae (Ursulines of the Roman Union)

The crown The crown is the premier symbol of royalty, nobility, and success. Because it is worn on the most “noble” part of the body — the head, seat of the soul — it emphasizes the wearer’s temporal and spiritual devotion and authority. Ursula — princess, 4th century virgin, martyr, patroness of the Ursuline Community, and protector of young people — is usually pictured wearing a crown and a protective cloak. The division of the field (heraldic shield) In the upper left field: Three fleur-

amanda Trimble, Communications Associate, worked in magazine publishing for six years before joining Ursuline Academy in 2009.

de-lis (or flower of the lily in French) mounted on deep blue signify perfection, light, and life. Traditionally, they are the signature of the kings of France. Angela, also seen with the “lily," was sainted by the Church for her extraordinary understanding of the signs of the times, initiating a new way of being for women and a life of consecrated love. In the lower left field: An aureole (halo) manifesting the fire of God’s love encircles the symbols of the Passion of Jesus Christ — letters that refer to Jesus, son, and savior — and three nails on a red (blood) background. In the upper right field: A descending dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit in Christian art. Angela, herself inspired by the Holy Spirit, urges the women under her spiritual guidance, “Above all, obey the counsels and inspiration which the Holy Spirit unceasingly

sends into our hearts.” (Ref. Rule Chapter 8) Below the dove is Ursula Laurus (Lauris, anagram of Ursula). In the lower right field: The symbol of the laurel tree is rooted in the good earth. Again, Angela speaks of the Company of Ursula using the symbol of a tree “rightfully planted by God’s Holy hand … if it is God who in the first place planted it, who is there who can uproot it?” (Ref. Last Legacy) Soli Deo Gloria (To God alone Be Glory) The Roman Union strongly reaﬃrms this principle of faith — Soli Deo Gloria, the Ursuline motto. This is the discerning grace available to those called to promote the Divine milieu — the spirit alive in every community and every living story of the neighbors they serve.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

on campus

by gretchen z. kane Ursuline welcomes sister school visitors from Beijing.

(seven 2012 National Merit Semi-Finalists; digital game creation; Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Award for ESSE, the Ursuline literaryarts magazine); moving (Rangerettes dance team accompanies Jesuit Rangers to Dublin, 48 senior service locations, Ursuline International Youth Conference in Brazil); risking (fall performance of Almost, Maine; student-led efforts in raising scholarship funds); being confident (hosting students from Huaxia School in Beijing, China, and Instituto Nossa Senhora da Piedade in Ilhéus, Brazil; state basketball, soccer, golf, and cross country championships); persevering (Peace One Day designed by Peer Ministry team, Class of 2012 admitted into nearly 200 colleges and universities); and praying (student-led retreats, morning and afternoon prayer, monthly Masses, faith classes). There are many daily surprises at our Walnut Hill Lane campus. But the one thing that is not a surprise is that Serviam continues to be the heart of Ursuline. Some of the school’s activities may evolve, but one thing is a constant. The ideal, Serviam, will always define Ursuline and be the best part of each and every member of the Ursuline community. Being an Ursuline graduate is truly an honor, and Ursuline women put a high value on servant leadership. Perhaps the greatest challenge for any educational institution is to avoid complacency — to be dissatisfied with the status quo. Ursuline Academy is no stranger to the tension of living at the center of both tradition and innovation, and we continually strive to improve, both as an educational institution and as a center

Almost, Maine fall play 2012

Intramurals 2012

Angela ngela’s FOLLOWING IN

Footsteps

t. Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursuline Order, was quite a progressive woman for her time. In the 1500s, women really only had two options: to marry and be a wife and mother or to enter a cloistered religious community. St. Angela chose a third option: to form a group of companions who were contemplatives in action, serving those in their community and beyond. One of my favorite St. Angela quotes is, “Look upon yourselves as helpers and servants, thinking that you have more need to serve your daughters than they have of being helped and directed by you.” I am truly blessed to be a part of the Ursuline Academy family and to serve our Ursuline community. Each day I pray that I can lead with a grateful heart. An ultimate aim of an Ursuline education is the full growth of the individual which leads to

action — action, especially, that is suffused with the spirit and presence of Jesus Christ. This goal of action, based on sound understanding and enlivened by contemplation, urges students to self-discipline, take initiative, and demonstrate integrity. All of us, not just the students, are called to action. And we, too, are called to action based not on a whim, but on sound and intentional planning rooted in the Ursuline mission that has been part of the Dallas community for nearly a century and a half. The passion, perseverance, faith, and progressiveness of the Ursuline Sisters who settled in the small Dallas frontier town in 1874 not only gives one pause, but also should be a prime motivating factor for all of us to continue this great legacy. The care for the institutional life of our school links us to a care for the spiritual heritage represented by St. Angela Merici. If we have the will to revisit the sources of our Ursuline heritage, not merely as ascetical practice or spiritual enrichments, but as profound ways to challenge our cultures, then we will offer our students an alternate culture. A school must be a school. It has to be a place where the students learn and develop in order to live successfully in their cultures. But an Ursuline school is also a place where values and beliefs become not a private support system, but a summons to change whatever in the culture enfeebles the gospel call to be women in service to others. St. Angela’s message is as relevant today as it was in 1535 when she invited women to “do something, get moving, be confident, risk new things, stick with it, get on your knees, and then, be ready for big surprises!” And that is exactly what is taking place at the Academy today. Students are doing

Freshman Mass and Convocation

Team building at Senior Community Days

of culture and faith. Continual improvement implies action. That action is a labor of love — love for an extraordinary school. You are that action, and you represent that love. All of us have an incredible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students. On behalf of the Academy and the Ursuline Sisters, I thank you for your support of our goal to keep the Ursuline legacy alive for many, many more generations of young women to come. Gretchen Kane is President of Ursuline Academy of Dallas.

2012 Cross Country State Champions

URSULINE ACADEMY OF D

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

archives

Family

FIVE tions a r e n e G line of Ursu s Girl

Three generations of Ursuline women: Kate Campbell Morrison ’16, Sharon Stack Morrison ’87, and Sue Sommerfeldt Power ’56. The three generations agree wholeheartedly, “While many things have changed throughout the years, we all value our Ursuline friendships.”

A Great- Great-

Heritage

When Margaritta “Rita” Simmons Lovelace, Class of 1897, walked the halls of Ursuline Academy of Dallas, she could not have imagined that 115 years later her great-great-granddaughter, Kate Campbell Morrison, Class of 2016, would be following in her footsteps. And in the footsteps of the three generations linking the two. But while these five Ursuline girls share the same academic and familial heritage, many things changed over the generations.

Out of 33 graduates in the Class of 1956, seven (more than 20 percent) joined the convent.

1922

1897

Ahead of her time, Mary Nick Lovelace Sommerfeldt, a ballerina, studied ballet in London, Paris, New York, and California. She owned dance studios in the Melrose Hotel and Snyder Plaza, Dallas.

Rita Simmons Lovelace graduates from Ursuline. Shown at left is her 1893 receipt of payment for tuition and boarding.

1874

Ursuline Academy of Dallas is founded.

1897

1920

1922

M. H. Cannon becomes first woman state senator in U.S. (Utah).

The Roaring ’20s; the “flapper shoe” sells for $3.25.

Annie Oakley sets women’s record by breaking 100 clay targets in a row.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

When the Class of 1956 wanted to learn to type, the Sisters said, “We teach you how to live; we are not here to teach you how to make a living.”

Necklines of Snow Ball dresses in 1956 had to come up to the girls’ clavicles.

1956

Described by her classmates as “a graceful dancer,” Susan Sommerfeldt Power founded the Ballet Club as a sophomore. Her class remains extremely close, hosting reunions every five years since 1966.

1948

1950

The first Snow Ball is held — a tradition that continues today.

The entire Academy is relocated to the new school building at 4900 Walnut Hill Lane.

1987

Sharon Stack Morrison played on the state championship basketball (named MVP, AllTournament, All-District, All-State) and soccer teams, and played on the volleyball team that went to state her senior year. As a student, she wore her grandmother’s Serviam pin and her mother’s Ursuline ring. She served on the Board of Trustees from 2003–2009.

2016

Kate Campbell Morrison played on the freshman volleyball team, and will become fifth generation Ursuline graduate.

1956

1981

1987

Elvis Presley appears on national TV for the first time (The Ed Sullivan Show).

Soon after personal computers are introduced, six are being used at Ursuline Academy, five in computer math classes and one in journalism.

Dirty Dancing premiers.

2012

UA’s soccer team wins state title for 22nd consecutive year.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

profile

by amanda trimble

Rose

Ursuline’s

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

he Ursuline Academy of today is very different from that of 40 years ago. While we no longer have an elementary school or Ursuline Sisters living in the convent, one thing has blessedly remained the same: Rose Hemstreet is still here to greet us at the front door. From 1971 until today (except for the ’75–’76 school year, which took her unexpectedly to San Antonio), Rose has been the receptionist at Ursuline Academy. And for alumnae, it’s a great comfort finding her here when they return. “It doesn’t matter how long it’s been between visits to Ursuline — just one look at Rose Hemstreet in that front office and I know I’m home again,” said Nora Campos ’77. “As an alum and as a parent of an alum, I don’t think it would be the same without her. Mrs. Hemstreet has a genuine love of Ursuline and every girl who comes through the school.” The faculty and staff have a similar attachment to Rose — whether saving neglected plants from ruin or sharing the latest, greatest cartoon clipped from the newspaper, she is always brightening their days and making everyone laugh. “From the moment I started working here, Rose has treated me like a daughter,” said Jennifer Hurley Bubel ’80. “When we had an advisory together, one day we had a tea party for the girls. Rose made it feel like we were in England, with real teapots, cups, and English cookies.” Although she has spent most of her life in Dallas, anyone who has spent time with Rose knows that New Orleans is always going to be her home. She grew up there in a Catholic family but did not attend Catholic school. Her father, an elected judge, decided it was best if his children went to public school. “And you don’t argue with your parents,” said Rose. So instead, she attended a school that just happens to be directly across the street from Ursuline Academy New Orleans. “But I still had to take CCD classes. So two days a week, I would cross the street to go to Ursuline.” After several moves dictated by her late

husband Harry’s career, the Hemstreet family settled in Dallas in 1960. “When I told her, my mother wanted to know if there was a place to buy good clothes and furniture,” said Rose with a laugh. “She meant well.” Rose’s connection to Ursuline Academy of Dallas all started when her oldest daughter Julie ’75 enrolled as a freshman in 1971. “Sister Frances Marie, who was the principal at the time, called me up and said, ‘Do you want to work here part time?’ ” recalled Rose. “When I took the job, I didn’t know anything about how to do it. There was a big black phone, and it only had four lines. I was paid $2 an hour.” The rest of the Hemstreet daughters followed Julie: Margaret ’76, Lenore ’78, Virginia ’81, and Joan ’86. “They didn’t hang out in my office unless they needed lunch money,” said Rose. “But it was very nice. We could ride to school together, go home together, and, if they had a paper that needed to be signed and they forgot, I could do that too.” Now, almost 27 years after her youngest daughter graduated from Ursuline, Rose still staffs the front desk, taking calls, and greeting guests, and she’s learned some tricks of the trade along the way. For example, she sets aside a pile of candy for the mailman when she knows he’ll have to load up

Rose in a 1973 Acres yearbook photo

Family photo, from left: Rose’s daughter Margaret, daughter-in-law Judy, daughter Joan, daughter Lenore, littlest Hemstreet and granddaughter Hayley (Hal’s daughter), daughter Virginia, son Hal, daughter Julie (the bride), son-in-law David, Rose, and Harry

MemoryLane

Once, Brittany Claypool ’10 and I were walking around during a free period as “ghosts of Ursuline” wearing rain ponchos and masks. We came across Mrs. Hemstreet, and instead of her being scared or mad, she laughed and took pictures of us! Others would say that Ursuline students keep her young, but in reality, I think Mrs. Hemstreet helps keep the students young. — Kirstie Carrizales ’10

My favorite Mrs. Hemstreet memories are when she let me be “assistant secretary,” and she taught me how to answer the phones, transfer calls, and greet visitors. When asked, I would always say, “I’m Mrs. Hemstreet’s little helper.” Now, every time I call UA, I look forward to hearing her voice on the other end of the line and catching up with her. — Marisa Allen ’04

a particularly large stack of letters that day. Another good tip: how to avoid giving your name out to salespeople who solicit via the main number daily. “When they call, they have to get a name to show they talked to someone. So if anybody ever calls asking for Marigold Featherstone or Cristobel Sparrowhawk, that’s me.” Even when things get busy, Rose doesn’t let the chaos get to her. It’s all about keeping a positive outlook. “When you get older, you just take things differently,” she said. “Working here has been good for me. But the thing is, it’s not about me, it’s about everybody who works here. They’re my support. I wouldn’t be who I am if it weren’t for everyone at Ursuline.” So as a new freshman class prepares to enter the halls of the Academy this fall, is the thought of retirement in the air? “I can’t make up my mind,” she responded cryptically. One thing is for certain — when Rose does decide to retire, the students will miss Mrs. Hemstreet, and she’ll miss them. “At the end of the school year, I always get maybe a half-dozen letters from students saying how much they appreciated my presence, and how I was helpful to them. Even if it’s just a few, I feel like I’ve reached them.”

I remember always feeling secure knowing Mrs. Hemstreet was there in the front office. I knew if I needed something, she would be there for me. One of my favorite memories was one Halloween when her daughter Virginia had a party. We all came over in our costumes, and in the kitchen stood Mrs. Hemstreet in an Ursuline uniform. It was priceless. I loved that she would dress up, and her choice of costume was the apparel we wore five days of the week. — Angelique Thomas Reagor ’81 I’ve known Mrs. Hemstreet since I was two when my mother started bringing me up to Ursuline. She

has always been an ear to listen, a neck to hug, and the unofficial “house mom” to literally thousands of girls. We are all lucky to have her in our lives, and she will always be in our hearts. — Claire Blanshard Webb ’97 I will always remember when I was a freshman at Ursuline, she knew my oldest sister Rosalyn was at the hospital in labor. I was at school, and I could not wait to see if I had a new nephew or niece. My mother called Rose and asked her if she could let me know, and Rose put a sign on her office door that said “It’s a girl!” — Connie Lovejoy ’76, Finance Department

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

ways of giving

my Lif my LLife ifife e

Investors in

Nathalie Amador ’12, from her remarks at Lunch With A View 2011

y name is Nathalie Amador, and I am a senior at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, the school hosting this event today. I attended St. Mary of Carmel Catholic School, a small grade school in the heart of West Dallas. The great education that I acquired at both of these schools would not have been possible without scholarships, which is what today’s event benefits. When I was asked to speak on the impact of scholarships in the life of a student I was nervous, but I knew I had to do it. I have been a recipient of scholarships my entire life and they have truly made all the difference. Growing up in a single parent household with an immigrant mother, my opportunities might seem limited; however, something in me has always wanted more and fought for more. When I was young, my father left my mom and me. That could have negatively impacted my life, but it didn’t. Luckily I have three older brothers, and one in particular stepped up. My brother, George, offered to help pay for school when I was younger to help my mom. He enrolled me in sports, he went to all of my games, he disciplined me, and most of all, made sure that I knew I was important. When I look back now I can truly say that he is one of my first “investors.” As my brother started his own family, his focus naturally shifted. So as it was just my mother and me, St. Mary was nice enough to find someone to sponsor my education. It was at St. Mary that my fifthgrade teacher told my mom that I had to go to Ursuline. This is where I am today, and I know that Ursuline is where I need to be. As I entered eighth grade, I was so worried about applying to high school. I was worried about how I would pay for a great school if I was accepted, and how I would fill out the applications. My Spanishspeaking mother didn’t know much about the admissions process for high school or college since none of my brothers attended college. Somehow I got through it, and I turned out to be the only girl from my school accepted to Ursuline. I was accepted on conditional terms which meant that I had to take and pass an English course and math course over the summer. Unfortunately, I did not pass my math course; but with much persistence, a lot of dedication, and a lot of crying, I convinced Ursuline to give me the chance. Thanks to the financial support of my godmother, I spent what was left of my summer in tutoring. I worked hard to show Ursuline that I was worth it. My first semester I had to have a 2.5 GPA in order to stay at Ursuline. If you know anything about

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

WAYS OF GIVING

GPAs, that is a little low. But I ended my first semester at Ursuline with a 3.5 GPA, and I am happy to say it has only gone up since then. When it comes to scholarships, it’s not just about the money. It’s about the value added to the person’s life and the value added to the world. Scholarships give students like me the hope that they need to succeed and the encouragement they need to know they can make a difference. Everything I do, I do because I love to do it. I want to not only say, but also show the people who have helped me that I appreciate their support and that it was their support that helped me excel. The love that I was shown by my sponsors throughout life has encouraged me to keep giving because giving has a ripple effect. Anything, even the smallest thing that you do for someone, can touch the heart of others and encourage them to do the same. Luke 12:48 states, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” The first time I heard this verse was from Melinda Gates, an Ursuline graduate, when she spoke at our school. She is the perfect model of this verse and of the Ursuline motto of Serviam, which calls us to serve. The idea of “paying it forward” has always been in me and it pushes me to give back. At Ursuline I am an Ambassador and I help represent the school to others. It’s my small way of giving back to them for giving me so much. I am also the president of Latinas Unidas and last year we started a computer program that helps teach technological skills to underrepresented communities. Ursuline helps by donating the laptops and we students help teach. Again, I am proud to say that I do these things because I am passionate about them. They are not my job. They are just part of who I am. In the end it is always important to give back. As I said, I have many investors in my life who have entrusted me with their support. I take that very seriously. And I give thanks that they set up a path for me that led to many great opportunities that I would have never imagined in my life. I hope that I have never, and will never, let any of them down.

Nathalie Today “The University of Texas, and Austin in general, have both been amazing to me these past couple of months. I enjoy being close to home and with many of my UA sisters. The classes are different from those at Ursuline, both in size and teacher involvement, and that takes some adjusting. However, I am very thankful for the study skills and time management I mastered over the past four years; they have made all the difference, and the writing has been a breeze. I also truly have an upper

hand when it comes to understanding when to study, what to study, and when to have fun. Moreover, my experiences at Ursuline, from Ambassadors to studying abroad in China and doing mission work in Honduras, have all prepared me well to be at such a great and diverse university. I am thankful everyday to have been an Ursuline girl! I look forward to my next three years here as a nutritional business major! Hook ’Em!” — Nathalie Amador

Endowed Gifts • Future of Ursuline depends on strength of endowments • Priority needs are for scholarships and faculty support • Foundation provides for safe, effective asset management The Ursuline Fund • Funds essential annual operating expenses • Bridges the gap between tuition and actual cost of an Ursuline education • Provides for competitive faculty salaries, excellence in academics, athletics, arts, and other student programs Lunch With A View • All net proceeds benefit needs-based financial assistance • Brings Dallas business community together to hear speakers of interest • Features remarkable individuals, thought-leaders, and role models Mardi Gras Ball • Annual auction event with all net proceeds benefiting student scholarships • Event also recognizes named gifts to scholarship, faculty endowments

DONOR RECOGNITION The President’s Circle • Includes donors making gifts of $3,500 or more in a fiscal year • Donor report and website acknowledgement • President’s Circle Dinner in April Alumnae Serviam Circle • Includes alumnae contributing $1,000 or more in a fiscal year • Donor report and website acknowledgment • Special reception in the spring Ursuline Society • Charitable planned gifts help ensure the long-term financial stability and future growth of Ursuline Academy. • Donors naming Ursuline as the beneficiary are recognized as members of the Ursuline Society.

To learn more, visit www.ursulinedallas.org/giving.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

Reunion

photo gallery

2nd Annual Alumnae Reunion Weekend

JUNE 8–10, 2012

lumnae Reunion Weekend incorporates the tradition of Homecoming but adds an exciting expansion of events and activities over a three-day weekend. Alumnae from all classes are invited to attend the weekend’s events. Participating Reunion Classes are offered extra perks including a VIP hour before Friday night’s event, a professional class photograph, mailings, and more. Ursuline’s 2nd Annual Alumnae Reunion Weekend kicked off with a Girls’ Night Out Fiesta in Haggar Center. More than 300 alumnae of all ages came back to campus to catch up with old friends and familiar faces. On Saturday, Family Fun Day included a song and dance session with children’s performing artist Eddie Coker. The weekend concluded with a beautiful Mass and ceremony to remember recently deceased alumnae.

Class of 1981: Angelique Thomas Reagor, Linda Thomas White, Jean-Marie Carson Jobs, Julia Jernigan Gibson, and Anne Vilfordi Arneson

Class of 1977: Susan Mercado Owen, Mary Ashmore, Lisa Domas Cooper, Kathy Guerra Purser, Sylvia Orozco Joseph, and Karen Maas Donaldson

Above: Class of 1997: Michelle Verdiguel Alonzo, Natalie Rubio Delgado, and Gabriela Bucio Left: Madeline Baker ’72 and Dr. Sharon Larkin ’72 Below: Eddie Coker, children’s entertainer, proved you’re never too old for the “Woo Woo Dance!”

Class of 1974

Children Ezra, Olivia, Nathaniel, Mia, husband Stephen, and Amee Lingg Pable ’92

Kelly Matula Dickerson ’96, Amy Staubach Mentgen ’95, Maggie Haning ’97, Jennifer Houston Scripps ’95, and Andrea Wooten-Akirtava ’95

HE SAVE T

On Saturday afternoon, the Class of 1962 reunited for its 50th Reunion luncheon at St. Ursula Hall with an outstanding turnout of more than 30 class members. Pictured (from left): Judy Fowler Gordy, Patsy Sellmeyer Loveland, Carol “Toby” Tobin Giesting, Manon Brenner, Sherry Hickey Shay, Chelle Bovis Banks, Mary Murphy Gill, Diane Piering Hardin, and Rene Reid

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

DATE

eunion R e a n m Alu 2013 Weekend–9 Juneda7llas.org/reunion line www.ursu

Above: Alumnae Mass and Memorial Ceremony Right: Class of 1997: Paige Morrow Gilbreath, Sarah Katherine Davis Zavala, Janice Yllana Ezell, Lauren Wood Brown, and Shelley Myers Watson

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

Chapters

photo gallery

Gretchen Kane and Amy Brown Staas ’88

Bay Area

Houston

Ginny Allen ’96 and Letha Allen ’96

Aimee Baillargeon Griffiths ’90, Susan Hayes Raffo ’74, Beth Barger Fontana ’85, Gretchen Kane, Susan Kelly ’72, Nath Brophy ’74, Jacquelyn Brown ’98, and Christy Frazer

Above: Regina Fonts Morris ’82, Cecile de Filippis Ashby ’98, Christina Duffield Carroll ’95, and Bea Garcia ’86 Right: Ann Arkwright Witucki ’69, Kirsten Cannon ’92, and Deborah Thie Cannon ’69

Above: Patti Sue Murphy Mehaffey ’54 and Sr. Anna Marie Flusche ’62

New York Ursuline and Santa Clara University Alumnae: McKenzie Sullivan ’06, Anne McGrath ’06, Casey Butzburger Soares ’04, Meagan Hall Coughlin ’02, and Susan Hayes Raffo ’74

Ben Cryer, Casey Butzburger Soares ’04, Daniel Soares, and Elizabeth Rodriguez Cryer ’93

Boston (Standing, from left) Julie GriffinCarty, Lisa Mullan Perkins ’91, Jenifer Walkowiak ’96, and Maria Box ’10; (Sitting, from left) Sara Schulten McCabe ’83, Patricia Embree ’67, and Bianca Goins ’08

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

Kathleen Irvin Loughlin ’88 and Juliana Rodriguez ’07

Tash Kouri, Danielle Keehn ’07, and Gretchen Devero ’07

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

Weddings

photo gallery

Elizabeth Price Asrabadi ’99 and Adib Asrabadi

Class of 2006: Sarah Shade, Adrianna Eckley, Katey Barr Rehkemper, Laura Tulli, and Emily Newton ’07

Photo includes 2003 alumnae Nicole Lott, Joanne Blast, Sabrina Browne, Lisa Pimentel, Emily McBride Wendell, Rivann Saynhalath Yu, Rita Saynhalath Torng, Claudia Rodriguez, and Dana Berry

Class of 2005: Jordan Murray Civello, Catie Ruffini McGrath, Sarah Stuart, and Molly O'Connor

Deb Borrell ’83 and husband Michael Hawkins

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

Meagan Hall ’02, Megan Rodman ’02, Laura Cowan ’02, Jordan Gates ’11, Jessica Gates Whitsitt ’02, Nikki Tosi ’02, Cassie Johnson Lazo ’01, Molly Boeding ’01, and Liz Conrow ’01

Wedding of Elaine Cochran Snow '01

Class of 1998: Genny Moser Moller, Lauren Rouqette, Colleen Johnson Johnson, Peyton Cooper Brewer, Carrie Yeargan Song, Paige Harnden Sidhom, Matt Sidhom, Lauren Asher Smith, and Chrissi Anderson Crampton

Alice Ann Spurgin Holland ’04 and husband, Brian Holland

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

short.F

bears mentioning

Life is

DID YOU KNOW? Intramurals has been a unique tradition of Ursuline student life for decades, going all the way back to 1958.

1962

CLASS OF

2012

CLASS OF

by grace cicardo ’12

Stay LOOP! URSULINE ALUMNAE

IN THE

Go for the Spirit Stick!

erris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” Bueller’s (or Blueller’s, as the Class of 2012 would say) words cannot be more applicable than to life as a senior, or as part of any other Ursuline class for that matter. That’s what makes Intramurals so special at UA. They’re a time to stop and look around. As a member of the hallway committee, I painted with our class and student body president Maggie Murphy in the garage at her house, listening to the latest Taylor Swift CD. As a can collector for food pantries, I joined my friends in packing our cars to the brim, laughing and joking the entire time. Seeing my friends with cars and cars of cans filled me with happiness, as I knew so many families would have warm, well-rounded meals for the holidays. It was through the can drive that I realized how much fun Serviam could be, and something I now want to share and pass on to others. As a cheerleader, I made sure our class was ready to take the flagpole, even if that meant freezing at 6 a.m. when I had a precalculus test that day. And finally, as a member of the Class of 2012, I danced and cheered after every loss or victory we had that year. I am going to miss so much about Ursuline, but Intramurals is probably one of the things I will miss the most. Like most of my classmates, I wish we had one more shot at that spirit stick. (Which brings up a good point … can we form an alumnae team?) Try to explain Intramurals to any person who is not an Ursuline alumna and you simply just can’t find the right words to describe it. Intramurals not only made me feel like a true member of our class, but also made me realize why I love Ursuline so much. Two hundred of my classmates and I wore head-to-toe denim without a care in the world because, “life moves pretty fast.” Grace Cicardo ’12 is currently a freshman at The University of Texas at Austin, with plans to study Public Health and attend medical school. Among her many activities and involvements during her years at Ursuline, Grace was a correspondent for Texas Catholic and Dallas Morning News, mock trial member, and Ursuline Ambassador.

Visit www.ursulinedallas.org to keep up with all the latest alumnae news, events, and volunteer opportunities. Log on to update your information.

“Like” us on Facebook at Ursuline Academy of Dallas Alumnae Association and Ursuline Academy of Dallas pages.

Follow Ursuline on Twitter @uadallasalum and @ursulinedallas.

Update your email and receive Connects — your monthly e-newsletter.

Join the Ursuline Academy of Dallas Alumnae and the Ursuline Professional Women’s Network groups on LinkedIn.

View photo galleries of alumnae events.

For more information, contact the Alumnae Office at alumnae@ursulinedallas.org. 40

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

Grace at Intramurals her senior year

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

your

URSULINE

Community

Join your classmates, sister alumnae, and Ursuline families, faculty, staff, and friends at events throughout the year! Alumnae are welcomed back on campus anytime. Come home to your Ursuline community.

January

2013

Calendar

Class Agent Luncheon

February 1

Alumnae Award Nominations Due

Basketball: Ursuline vs. John Paul II at UA

March

Senior Mass & Induction to Alumnae Association

June 7–9

TAPPS State Swim & Dive Meet in San Antonio, Texas

UPWN Event

St. Angela Feast Day

25–26

28–2

Mardi Gras Ball 2013

Phonathon

Basketball: Ursuline vs. Bishop Lynch at UA

Ursuline Musical: Crazy for You

11-15

April 7

3-4

Spring Break School Closed

May

17–18

Ursuline Festival of One-Act Plays

Deadline for Indicating Interest in 2013–14 Alumnae Board Positions

Student Dance Finale

All Alumnae A Alumnae Reunion Weekend Welcome re ! Friday: Girls’ Night Out Saturday: 50th Reunion Class Luncheon Sunday: Community Mass & Alumnae Awards

Alumnae Easter Egg Hunt

Sounds of Spring Student Concert

Easter

Jazz Night at UA

Mother/ Daughter Style Show

Senior Picnic: Presented by the Alumnae Association

Alumnae Memorial Mass

Graduation Class of 2013

Check www.ursulinedallas.org/alumnae for the latest news and calendar updates throughout the year.

For additional information, contact the Alumnae Office at 469-232-3587, or alumnae@ursulinedallas.org.