As Ursuline Academy of Dallas prepares to enter its 150th operating year during the 20232024 school year, you are invited to submit your fondest UA memories. These stories will form a collection to be shared with the Ursuline community during the UA150 Celebration.
Unique, respectful, prudent, resilient, inventive, resourceful, caring, and funloving – the 2022 awardees describe their class.
Progress on the strategic roadmap has been a journey replete with tremendous joys, unexpected twists and turns in the road, and a truly innovative spirit.
In 2017-18, Ursuline set a future course in the form of a Strategic Roadmap. Now, over five years later, what a journey it has been in preparing students for the world they will inherit!
PRESIDENT Gretchen Z. Kane gkane@ursulinedallas.org
PRINCIPAL Andrea Shurley Ed.D. ashurley@ursulinedallas.org
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Jill Stephenson Chief Development Officer jstephenson@ursulinedallas.org
Highlighting recent accomplishments of alumnae, students, faculty, and employees.
ALUMNAE OFFICE
Claire Blanshard Webb ’97 Director of Alumnae Relations cwebb@ursulinedallas.org
COMMUNICATIONS Valerie Oates Director of Communications voates@ursulinedallas.org
Aubree Auletta ’12 Communications Associate aauletta@ursulinedallas.org
Leah Chapman Digital Marketing Manager lchapman@ursulinedallas.org
URSULINE SISTERS OF DALLAS
Sister Lois Castillon, O.S.U. Prioress srcastillon@ursulinedallas.org
DESIGN SullivanPerkins
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kristina Bowman
Kevin Gaddis
Wade Griffith
Judy Nordseth
Jim Olvera
Bill Thompson Ben Torres Brandon Wade
Theethos of a Catholic school is undoubtedly its spirituality, and ours is the spirituality of St. Angela Merici…a spirituality based in hospitality. It doesn’t take long for visitors to our campus to feel that hospitality demonstrated by the warmth and energy that is characteristic of an Ursuline student’s daily life.
The dynamic academic, co-curricular, and extra-curricular programming at Ursuline, led by outstanding and caring educators, is designed intentionally to engage students as agents of their own learning. We guide our students to discover what it means to think critically, to lead with a grateful heart, and to live authentically at this current time and place in our history. And we embrace living in the center of both tradition and innovation.
As you read through this edition of LOGOS, join me in celebrating the many accomplishments of our Ursuline community. You will see that the Academy is moving forward, adapting to challenging times in relevant and responsible ways.
Across the country, independent schools are under pressure to reimagine themselves in ways that meet the needs of changing markets, yet still remain true to their missions. Over its long and rich history, Ursuline has lived with many challenges, but has remained grounded in mission and been fortunate to have the communal support so very important to the success of our school.
Our students bring joy to our campus every day. And our greatest reward comes from knowing that they are not only women prepared with intellect, skills, and disposition to live healthy, successful lives, but that they are formed to answer the summons to change whatever in the culture enfeebles the gospel call to be women in service to others.
Yours in Christ,
GRETCHEN Z. KANE President
Unique, respectful, prudent, resilient, inventive, resourceful, caring, and fun-loving. These are just some of the many adjectives the Class of 2022 Awardees used to describe their class.
“The community that I felt with the Class of 2022 was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Katie Robb.
“Our class was highly energetic, always managing to make the best out of stressful situations,” said Sarah Kerber.
“We were passionate about what we were studying, the relationships we were cultivating, and the futures we were building while at Ursuline.”
“Our sisterhood rested on our shared impulse to serve, to solve problems, to leave a meaningful mark,” said Jamie Lim.
“We were gracious in defeat, humble in victory, resilient in hardship, and balanced in ambition.”
“The Class of 2022 grew in graciousness over the last four years and learned how to handle ourselves in times of difficulty,” said Maddie Colbert.
Maddie really opened her eyes to the importance of her relationship with Christ during high school.
“I learned how to foster God-glorifying community and when I wanted to do more with my faith, Ursuline provided me with the means to do so,” she said.
Katie discovered resilience.
“From struggling to adjust to a new school my freshman year, failing my first test sophomore year, starting Rosaries for Hope junior year while juggling COVID-19 restrictions, and learning a completely new sport senior year while applying to colleges, I faced a lot of unforeseen challenges while at Ursuline,” she said. “I now know that I have the strength to overcome the challenges that I face, and I’m better for it.”
Ursuline redefined Jamie’s interpretation of success.
“I realized that success means so much more than personal achievement in the classroom setting,” she said. “Through Serviam and extracurriculars, I learned to prioritize successfully helping my community, pursuing my interests, and making meaningful relationships.”
And for Sarah, a hallmark of her Ursuline experience was the encouragement she received to pursue all interests.
“My wonderful advisors never suggested I give up the classes I really wanted to take,” she said. “I was encouraged to also pursue my interests with athletics, mainly softball, which provided me great lessons in mental and physical discipline.”
Jamie Lim, Valedictorian: Johns Hopkins University; Major: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Minor: Spanish
Sarah Kerber, Salutatorian: University of Notre Dame; Major: English
Maddie Colbert, Sister Emmanuel Shea Award: University of Notre Dame; Major: Theology and/or Philosophy
Katie Robb, SedesSapientiae Award: Texas Christian University; Major: Psychology and Spanish on PreMed Track
Katie immediately felt bonded to her class when she learned her Freshman Dance with them on their first day together.
“It then became a full-circle moment my senior year teaching the Freshman Dance to the Class of 2026- especially since my younger sister was a part of that class,” she said.
Jamie will never forget ghost hunting with friends late at night during Senior Retreat.
“After hearing about a haunted cabin whose windows had a red glow in the dark, my friends and I decided to investigate,” she said. “I ended up banging on the door and shouting, which resulted in the entire group running for our lives back to our non-haunted cabin!”
For Sarah, it was one disastrous test her senior year.
“I scored a 60, and my inner perfectionist started to panic - but suddenly, the whole class was laughing and commiserating together over our scores,” said Sarah. “I love this memory because it speaks to how we overcame the typically competitive nature of academics in favor of supporting each other.”
Maddie loved her AP Psychology class, and while she initially took it to gain exposure in the subject, she ended up enjoying the fun classroom environment.
“I learned so many interesting things about the human mind and behavior,” she said. “It was engaging and relative to our daily lives. The experience led me to take another psychology class my fall semester of college!”
“My experiences with Peer Ministry, Theology, Introduction to Philosophy, and Social Studies classes gave me a taste of what I intended to study in college,” said Maddie. “So many of my Ursuline classes and teachers helped inform my view and understanding of the world and how I can use what I’m studying to better serve my community.”
She’s excited to take her Ursuline foundation to the University of Notre Dame community and beyond as she dives deeper into her Theology and Philosophy studies.
Also at Notre Dame, Sarah is currently studying English, aiming to go into Law. Her pursuits are largely inspired by a lifelong reading habit, a love for analyzing language, and her role on Honor Council at Ursuline.
“I found the work that I did – advocating for students and evaluating detailed cases – to be enormously fulfilling,” she said. “It was challenging, but I appreciated the opportunity it gave me to contribute meaningfully to the student body.”
Katie’s current plan is to become a Pediatric Psychiatrist, double majoring in Psychology and Spanish on the Pre-Med Track at Texas Christian University.
“My junior year, I took AP Psychology and absolutely loved the class,” she said. “I’m also double majoring in Spanish and learned so much about the language from my teachers. They gave me confidence in my ability to speak Spanish and a love for the culture.”
She also met with a Pediatric Infectious Disease Physician Scientist during Career Day her senior year, who she later interned with and shadowed, ultimately helping her decide that she wants to specialize in treating children.
Jamie’s STEM classes at Ursuline piqued her interest and curiosity about the growth of mechanisms of cancer cells, the orientation of polar molecules, and the application of derivatives in global trends.
“The
she said. “After listening to the clinical and laboratory work of a Physician Scientist during Career Day, I am considering the PreMed track in the hopes of studying and treating chronic diseases.”
She’s attending Johns Hopkins University, majoring in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with a minor in Spanish.
Now, as an alumna, Jamie is excited to represent Ursuline while she explores new fields and opportunities in college.
“I hope to become involved in medical research as well as disease-related organizations and service-oriented clubs,” she said. “While I plan to continue prioritizing academics, I also want to cultivate lifelong friendships, find fun things to do in Baltimore, and pursue my passions outside of the classroom – passions that will continue to influence my career path as I discern what exactly I want to do with the life with which I have been blessed.”
Sarah offers this advice to current and future Ursuline students:
“Take initiative,” she said. “If there’s a club you want to join, go join it. If there’s some feedback you want on an assignment, go ask for it. Being able to advocate for yourself and your interests will be vital to your success. College, even in the limited time I’ve spent here, has required a lot of that initiative, so I recommend building the skill while you have the time to do so comfortably.”
Ursuline showed Maddie how to form authentic relationships with her friends and teachers.
“I learned how to invest my time and effort into things that mattered to me,” said Maddie. “I was able to discover who I am and what my values are.”
And finally, Katie contributes her achievements to God and her family.
emphasis on Serviam has encouraged me to seek ways to positively impact a community or field through my academic strengths,”
“God has blessed me to be able to come to Ursuline, meet so many amazing people, and have some incredible experiences,” she said.
“I am also so thankful for my family. They have supported me through my challenges and celebrated me through my successes.”
UA Class of 2022
209 graduates 171 with honors (Total Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude)
629 merit-based scholarships offered totaling more than $35 million
1 National Merit Semifinalist
12 National Merit Commended
14 National Hispanic Scholars
2 National African American Recognition Program Scholars
For a complete list, visit www.ursulinedallas.org/collegeacceptances2022
Kaia Putnam ’23 loves creating anything that her mind can come up with. “If I can dream it, I can build it!” she said.
She’s been the head costumer since her freshman year, and it has taught her a lot about organizing and leading a team, involving others in her designs, and helping them see her vision.
She believes one of the best parts about costuming is the comradery that the group has with the running crew and actors.
“We welcome all students to the team,” she said. “When they first join, a lot of our crew doesn’t know how to hand or machine sew. Over time we teach our team to properly measure people to get the right clothes for them, how to hem skirts and alter pants, and how to sew on buttons and snaps.”
She has loved the new dressing rooms and costume storage because it has allowed students to review much of the stock that is kept from previous shows.
“I love the historical costumes that we have from previous Ursuline Productions,” she said. “There are even some from vintage designers that are no longer in production.”
Kaia looks forward to the new theater being able to push the limits on what students can design.
“I feel so fortunate to be at Ursuline for the construction of the new campus additions. I can’t wait to come back to watch future shows as an alumna and see how the theater department has grown into the new space,” she said.
Grace Gargiulo ’23 loves the rush she gets when she’s on stage.
“It’s nerve-wracking and terrifying at times, but that sort of adrenaline is really euphoric to me,” she said.
She has met some of her closest friends in the performing arts.
“The friends you make throughout the whole process are really the best,” she said. “You get to interact with every grade level and meet people from other schools who have the same interests as you.”
What was she most excited about for Ursuline’s new theater? All the new space it brings.
“With the bigger stage and new equipment, shows will run smoothly and there will be so much more space to utilize,” she said.
“The new theater and music room really enhance the sound of the wonderful music we make here in our Performing Arts classes. When you sound good, you feel good, which increases my love for music even more!”
Annie Zhu ’24
Grace Arnott ’24 has performed most of her life, beginning with dancing when she was just three years old. She began playing piano when she was five and started singing at eight.
“Growing up in a highly creative family, I have been immersed in music and the arts for my entire life,” she said. “I look up to my dad because he is the one who sparked my interest in the arts and encouraged me to persevere even when I struggled.”
She loves performing and the joy and relaxation it brings her. It has also contributed to the development of her leadership skills.
“I enjoy the close-knit community of the Ursuline Theater Department because it has helped me meet and become closer with some of my closest friends,” she said. “I find the community within performing one of the most valuable aspects of theater because I would never be where I am today without the assistance of all the bonds I have created through theater.”
• 70-piece lighting fixture over the grand entry staircase
• 1,250 SF of built-in gallery walls for display of student work
• Second level outdoor terrace for event space
• Ticketing booth and events center for hosting events
• 16,650 SF for theater main house, balcony, and stage
• 1,000+ person seating capacity
• Sculptural ceiling cloud and side walls to maximize acoustics for spoken word, musical, and theatrical performances
• Full stage acoustic shell for choir performances with integral ceilings in the rigging system
• Orchestra members Anastacia Chu ’23 and Rachel Ok ’26 were selected for the Texas Music Educators Association (TPSMEA) All-Region Honor Orchestra.
• Vocalists Ai-Vy Hoang ’25 and Annie Zhu ’24 were chosen for the TPSMEA All-Region Mixed Choir. Both advanced to the next audition leading to selection for the AllState Choir.
• Sameera Chiruvolu ’24, Maddox Short ’23, and Rose Zhou ’24 were named to the TPSMEA Treble Choir for 2022-2023. These choirs performed together in January 2023 at Trinity Christian Academy.
• The Ursuline/Jesuit Ranger Band and Color Guard earned Superior Ratings at the TPSMEA State Marching Competition in Fort Worth in October 2022. The Drumline was also recognized as an outstanding percussion ensemble at the competition.
Esse’s 56th edition, Esse 2022, is now available online. Produced by the Ursuline Literary Art Magazine Club, the works follow the theme, “Burn.” The annual publication features a diverse set of work from Ursuline students including poetry, short stories, plays, photography, and paintings.
The award-winning magazine also continues to garner numerous national awards and recognitions every year from the American Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association, and National Council of Teachers of English. It receives approximately 300 submissions each year, judged by students such as the Editor-in-Chief, Art Editor, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Assistant Art Editor, Public Relations Chair, Copy Editors, and Layout Editors.
Read Esse 2022:
The Bear Facts student newspaper for Ursuline Dallas has won over 20 divisional awards for Best High School Newspaper. Recently (2019), it received the highest score among its competitors for the American Association of News Editors Best National High School Newspaper.
“Acres” yearbook has been cited as exemplary in many areas of yearbook production, appearing in the Balfour publication.
Ursuline’s Life Skills Curriculum aims to fully round out the Ursuline Graduate. Ursuline’s Life Skills courses cultivate students who focus not only on academics but also on resiliency, grit, and communication skills.
Abigail Rain ’25 describes the Freshman Seminar as “a jump start into high school.” She says she learned time management and public speaking skills that have already come in handy during her first year and a half at Ursuline. Other Freshman-level lessons include Microsoft Technology 101, Email Etiquette, Community & Inclusion, and how to build and maintain healthy relationships with others.
Dani O’Sullivan ’24 says just learning tips for how to use her calculator have helped over the years as math classes get more advanced. “I have continued to build on them and learn more tricks.”
Dani took both the Freshman Seminar and the Upperclassman Seminar. “Life Skills gives the freshmen the chance to learn Ursuline and get to know a new school,” she says. “It then gives upperclassmen practical skills we can use as we leave Ursuline and head to college and the rest of our lives.”
Juniors and seniors learn a wide range of life skills including: resume creation, tire changing, cooking, sewing, personal finance, and self-defense.
Two seniors, Lily Jancuska ’23 and Reagan Engleman ’23, have already found self-defense to be a very valuable skill. Lily says she was able to protect herself when approached at a gas station late at night. Reagan impressed law enforcement with
her Life Skills takeaway. “Not only have I been more aware of my surroundings, but I actually had to use them in a real-life situation. I had to use the verbal deterrents when approached while trying to enter my house. Afterwards, the police were very pleased to learn that because of this class I was able to keep myself safe in this dangerous situation.”
Overall, students are enjoying the “life hacks” they learn in this newer course and say it is a useful addition to the Ursuline curriculum.
TheUrsuline Summer Internship Program offers personal development, life-skills mentoring, and career awareness through practical experience.
Avery Richey ’23 completed her internship at Texas Skin Surgery Center with Mohs surgeon, Dr. Paul Martinelli.
She learned a lot about the human body, skin, and surgery procedures and ended up enjoying surgery more than she initially expected!
“I am so thankful for the Ursuline internship program for allowing me to participate in such an incredible, unique, and inspiring learning experience,” she said. “Dr. Martinelli is one of the most phenomenal doctors I have ever encountered!”
Taylor Radack ’23, with the hopes of becoming an engineer in the aerospace sector one day, interned with Flight Data Systems, running tests on equipment and compiling results for engineers.
She learned that the career of an engineer and their day-to-day has a lot more variety than she originally thought.
“There is a lot of room in the industry to explore different careers and each day’s work is a little different,” she said.
Sophia Combs ’23 first interned with Lopez & Freshwater PLLC, a small immigration law firm, in June. Here, she learned that immigration law is a tough field to work in.
“It takes a lot of empathy, emotional strength, and patience, both for the client and the attorney,” she said. “I gained an appreciation for attorneys who practice this kind of law because they work with all types of people, from all backgrounds and ways of life, looking to better their lives and work toward making that a possibility.”
Later that summer, she also interned with Jackson Walker, LLP, working with the recruiting team in the middle of recruiting season.
“This opportunity was very valuable, and I grew immensely,” she said. “The experience really opened my perspective to what the journey into the field of law truly consists of.”
Alexandra Alderink ’23 interned at GreenPeak Resources LLC, a hydro energy small business based in Dallas.
Ursuline welcomes Jennifer Kim Wilson ’91 as the new Student Internship Program Coordinator.
“I love helping students gain meaningful experiences and encourage them to step outside their comfort zones,” she said. “And, in the process, I hope they learn a thing or two about themselves!”
Want to partner with Ursuline to provide summer internships for rising seniors? Please contact Jenn Wilson at jwilson@ursulinedallas.org.
“I started this internship wanting office experience since I want to go into business,” she said. “I got more and more involved working for GreenPeak and enjoyed shadowing my boss, the CFO, and learning the ins and outs.”
Stephanie Limaye ’23 spent her internship at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Plano, working with Dr. Meredith Lightfoot, Urologist. She was struck both by the complexity of medicine and the importance of doctorpatient interaction and meeting a patient where they are.
“Whether it be nurses, front desk staff, or medical administration, there are many moving parts, and this cognizance painted a more well-rounded perspective on the day-to-day of running a practice,” she said. “I can confidently say that this experience has only strengthened my interest in medicine, and I am grateful for the opportunity!”
How about a career as an anesthesiologist?
Inquiring young minds want to know, and Ursuline students had the opportunity to learn about these fields and many more at Career Day 2022.
More than 80 alumnae and other female professionals volunteered to share their experiences and insights at the Academy’s biennial Career Day event. Recent technology upgrades at Ursuline, most significantly those of the last two years, made it possible to expand the reach of the program to include virtual presentations from speakers not previously possible to feature.
After attending three 40-minute sessions of their choosing, students then participated in a professional development seminar tailored to their specific class year.
Freshman – Resume Writing Tips
Sophomore – Finding a Career in Your Passions
Junior – Internships Can Open Doors (and narrow down your interests)
Senior – College Resources to Know and Use
“Career Day is an amazing opportunity to see all the great things women are capable of.”
Sofia Harfuch ’24
“I’m so thankful Ursuline gives us the chance to explore future occupations and connect with our very accomplished alumnae!”
Kate Thornton ’24
“I have presented at the last several Career Days and I always enjoy fielding the students’ thoughtful questions.”
Dr. Kristen Ohlenforst ’96, Licensed Psychologist
“No matter what you do, the time will pass, so you might as well spend it doing what you want to do.”
Kendall Baginski ’07, Endodontist
If you are interested in introducing your profession to Ursuline students at the next Career Day, please contact alumnae@ursulinedallas.org.
It began with an attempt to define the qualities it takes to be a successful athlete and became a recipe for success for any avenue of life, not just athletics. The goal was to encourage all teams to operate at their maximum potential and help them learn valuable qualities that will serve them long after Ursuline.
Anai Winings ’22 pitched her 400th career strikeout. As a pitcher, she loved the control and adrenaline she felt every time the ball was in her hand. And before every game, she tied her shoelaces as tight as possible, and considered it her pre-game ritual.
The best advice she ever received? To never show her emotions on the mound.
Sonia Hao ‘24 won her first American Junior Golf Association (AGA) at the Payne Stewart Jr. Championship. She played against players from around the world, winning wire-to-wire by one stroke.
“I feel incredibly blessed and grateful,” she said. “I’ve worked very hard and I’m proud of myself for staying calm to keep it together in the final round.”
for the 2021-2022 school year:
Bowling Coach and UA Faculty member
Sarah Kennedy was named the DFW Central Varsity Bowling Coach of the Year. Results from the Bowling Team’s first season:
• Varsity took 4th place in the Varsity Division
• JV Red took 3rd place in the JV Division
• JV White took 2nd place in the JV Division
Lily Garrigan ’23, Regan Bryant ’23, and Hadley Arcemont ’23 are two-time All-American Cheerleaders and received invitations to apply for NCA Cheer Camp positions in the future.
Golf Bears have won the last four Golf State Championships (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022), minus the 2020 COVID year.
Lacrosse finished their season with a record of 10-3 and made it to the 3rd round of Playoffs.
The Rangerettes competed with the American Dance and Drill Company, garnering many awards including, but not limited to: Best Overall in areas of Technique, Presentation, Precision, and Choreography; 2nd Runner Up in Best in
Class; and 7th in total overall points for Best of the Best Teams.
For the second time in Ursuline history, the Rowing Bears qualified for Nationals, which took place at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida in June 2022.
Ursuline Varsity Soccer Bears advanced to the Regional Round of the TAPPS Playoffs in February 2022.
Ursuline Swimming placed 2nd in State.
Varsity Tennis Bears competed in the State Championship Tournament in April 2022. They finished 2nd as a team.
To Avery Richey ’23, strong teamwork means never giving up no matter how difficult. “The most important thing is to have each other’s backs,” she said. Her teammate, Morgan McDowell ’23, agrees.
“We all want the best for each other,” she said. “I love this sport because of my teammates and the connections I have with them. It would not be the same without them.”
And to Charlotte Hayden ’23, the Ursuline VolleyBears have created a strong connection due to pre-season bonding.
“We were blessed to be able to spend time with each other on and off the court, which has shown in our games,” she said.
Amanda Hogan ’22 beat Ursuline’s Cross Country record. She had no idea what the Ursuline 5K record was ahead of time, her goal was to just race competitively and run to a new personal record.
“When my mom pulled up the records on her phone after the race, I visually scanned the times up the list and found that my time sets me first in the ranks! I was stunned since the previous record was set back in 1997,” she said.
Taylor Radack ’23 first discovered Track & Field in the 7th grade but didn’t start pole vaulting until high school. She not only set Ursuline’s newest high record, but she did it… twice!
“It feels bigger than me because one day it might be my name an Ursuline pole vaulter stares at to remind herself why she is going to get on a pole that might scare her, why she won’t hesitate at the end of a runway, and why she is putting in all the hours she has,” she said.
Breanne Tehan ’22 grabbed over 200 rebounds during her last season at Ursuline and was just shy of 400 on her two years on the Ursuline Varsity Basketball Team.
“I am short for my position and would never have imagined reaching even 100 rebounds,” she said, shocked. “I feel truly honored and proud to have reached this moment.”
Nicole Estrada ’24 was awarded the Dan McAllen Memorial Scholarship, a scholarship named after a devoted USA Swimming member and volunteer at nearly every level of the sport.
In her scholarship essay, she wrote:
“Swimming has taught me more about myself than any other sport and has seen me at my best and at my absolute worst, mentally, and physically. Even on early mornings when I don’t feel like getting out of bed, there’s a spark that drives me to push myself when it’s the hardest: the spark of leadership.”
Mary Alice Perkins ’18 started her broadcasting career when she was a junior, sharing the morning and afternoon announcements over the intercom. Soon the way those announcements were broadcast to the school community would change forever.
“Initially, the goal was to livestream Intramurals excitement with the extended UA community,” she said. “It was just a couple of us learning something new and having fun.”
And what started as a fun project took off into a full, livestreamed show every Friday morning. The beginning was also a time of trial and error and seeing what worked and what didn’t.
“I loved experimenting with catchy phrases during segments like, ‘Yo, yo, yo, hey what’s up? It’s Bear Faithful!’” said Mary Alice.
She participated in UA Live up until her graduation in 2018 and during her senior year, she was joined by then freshmen Zoe Rodriguez ’21 and Tess Hayes ’21.
At the time, the club was called the Broadcasting Bears and the group was reading morning announcements from the school office Monday through Thursday.
“On Fridays, I would record Jan Rotich ’18 and Mary Alice on a small camcorder for the live announcements,” said Zoe. “My sophomore year, we started calling Fridays ‘UA Live Fridays.’”
UA Live began to add segments like teacher features, sports announcements, the “Weather with Tess,” and even gave other students the opportunity to participate in reporting. UA Live was becoming a real-life news/talk show.
Then, in the Spring of 2020, COVID-19 caused UA Live to undergo a big transition.
“The first week we spent in lockdown was the biggest transformation,” said Tess. “Like many TV news programs do, we had to learn to write a script, produce, and shoot a show from our bedrooms, every day.”
Ultimately, the pandemic completely changed the trajectory of the show.
“People began watching with their families, grandparents were tuning in, alumnae began following the Instagram; it became important,” Tess said. “We became content creators and joy bringers. In the crazy time we were living in, UA Live was always going to be consistent.”
At this point, it was clear UA Live had become more than just a weekly announcement show. It became a community builder, bringing comfort to many during lockdown.
Eventually, school was able to resume in-person and UA Live found a new home in The French Family Center hallway, complete with a green screen. And Zoe was ready to get creative with new segments like “Spotlight Spin” and “Cooking with Chad.”
“The best part was putting on the show and working as a group to bring a morning welcome, smile, and a laugh or two,” she said. “I learned so many positive leadership values. It’s exciting to see how it’s grown into the remarkable program that it is today.”
And grow, it has. Current co-hosts, Kat Weber ’23 and Ava Mychel Rodriguez ’24, continue to bring joy to those who tune in. Only this time, in the brand-new Broadcast Studio.
The new studio gives students the opportunity to use advanced technology to bring daily news to the Ursuline community, and current club members are excited for the endless possibilities.
“We’ve gotten to learn things about audio production and how video streaming software like VMIX works,” said Charlotte Robinson ’24. “The overall quality of UA Live has definitely advanced.”
Ryan Bomersbach ’24 thinks that the new studio and equipment will draw in people who want to learn how to use it.
“Being able to operate complicated filming equipment is a great skill for a resume,” Ryan said. “It’s already started attracting new club members who want to pursue Broadcast Journalism or news-related careers.”
Charlotte agrees, “The upgrade has allowed for us to do awesome things with graphics, green screens, and groups.”
When Mary Alice saw the new studio, she was blown away.
“I definitely nerded out a little,” she said. “Things have a come a long way from when I started!”
Tess agrees and hopes that the new state of the art studio inspires other women to have the same passion that she does. She is currently pursuing a career in Broadcast Journalism.
Zoe, majoring in Fashion Media, looks forward to the broadcasting opportunities that await her in the field. She remains an avid UA Live fan and continues to tune in today.
And current member Mary Atwell ’24 is hoping to join a similar organization when she heads to college in a couple of years.
“Without UA Live, I doubt I would be the same leader, creator, and thinker that I am now,” she said.
The new Broadcast Studio utilizes state-of-the art equipment
• Canon Vixia HF21 HD Camcorder Kit
• LimoStudio green background support & 600W output studio lighting kit
• Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD
USB Audio Interface
• Shure Dynamic Mic with receiver
• Behringer Europower EP4000 Power Amplifier
• Acer Predator Helios 300 (streaming laptop)
“And that’s all we have for you today, Ursuline!”Current UA Live Co-Hosts filming a UA Live episode UA Live today
Ursuline Academy’s auxiliary programming has grown exponentially in recent years. What used to be a way for students to take a summer class to open a “free period” during the school year has now become a way to extend the school calendar, enhance curriculum, and enrich the entire Ursuline community.
UA+, the overarching name for all auxiliary programming, now offers year-round learning adventures for parents and alumnae in addition to current and prospective students through community workshops and camps.
• .5-credit courses are offered for our current Ursuline students (FreshmanSenior) in June and July in two compact and accelerated 15-day sessions on campus.
• 1-credit fully online courses are offered June-August through Ursuline’s partnership with OneSchoolhouse.
In 2022, 374 Ursuline students completed 1 or more of 15 available Summer School courses on campus.
• Camps and workshops for both boys and girls in elementary and middle school offer a broad range of themed activities such as sports, performing arts, and STEM.
• Workshops for incoming Ursuline freshmen introduce new students to campus, faculty, and new friends, helping build confidence for the upcoming school year.
• Community Workshops are open to employees, students, parents, alumnae, and parents of alumnae. They provide space and time, after school, for exploration, deep dives, and passion projects such as calligraphy, cooking techniques, and experimenting with new types of art.
The Surface Laptop Studio with Windows 11 Enterprise has a unique 14.4” touchscreen featuring a three-position hinge system which allows the device to be used in three different postures – laptop mode, stage mode (angled), and studio mode (flat tablet). It has an 11th generation quad-core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB Solid-state drive. It also has a 1080p resolution front-facing camera, advanced sound system and graphics, and a slim stylus which charges while magnetically attached under the front of the keyboard.
Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts
Ursuline is proud of its 28 faculty and staff members who were named Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts for the 2022-23 school year. There are a total of 830 MIE Experts in the U.S. this year, 65 of which are in Texas.
830
2022-2023
U.S. MIE Experts
In Summer 2022, there were 827 enrollments in 44 Summer Camps and 19 Workshops, welcoming many new families to campus for the first time.
Last October, after 10 hours on a plane and four hours on a bus, 15 excited Ursuline students arrived at Colegio Santa Ursula in Ribeirão Preto. They were greeted warmly by their host families with whom they would spend the next week fostering relationships and learning Brazilian culture.
It was a wonderfully busy week trying new foods, learning to cook traditional dishes, experiencing traditional sports, playing local games, and creating lasting friendships.
“My favorite activities were going to class with my host sister, taking the cooking class, learning capoeira, camping at the retreat center, and attending the farewell presentation,” said Avery Welter ’23. “All of the teachers were so sweet, and I loved helping teach the English classes.”
The Ursuline delegates also participated in Colegio Santa Ursula’s annual Serviam Day, a community-wide food drive to collect non-perishables for three local organizations. It was also on this day that Ursuline Academy of Dallas and Colegio Santa Ursula formally celebrated a decade of partnership.
“This is much more than a partnership, it is a true sisterhood and friendship that we have fostered for the last 10 years,” said Rafael Bianchi, Principal of Colegio Santa Ursula.
“It is an honor to be here on your special Serviam Day as we celebrate our friendship and service to each other,” said delegation leader Danny Poellot, Student Activities Director and Computer Science teacher at Ursuline Dallas.
Traveling to Brazil not only fostered students’ curiosity and appreciation for the culture, but also taught them important life lessons and new things about themselves.
When they look back on their trip to Brazil, the Ursuline delegates will remember it fondly.
“I will always think of the people,” said Demi Fashemo ’23. “From my host family who welcomed a stranger into their house with open arms, to the little kids at the school helping me with my Portuguese, every person I came across treated me with nothing but love and kindness.”
“My time spent in Brazil is a time that I will cherish forever,” said Shelby Lovejoy ’24. “I’ve learned just how much I value experiences and connections with people and to take in every moment in its entirety, aiming to make memories that will last a lifetime.”
“I discovered my happiness and curiosity when it comes to different cultures and learning new things.”
Corin Portocalis ’24
“I have grown in appreciation for the importance of community. Small efforts to appreciate a culture make a big difference.”
Stephanie Limaye ’23
“I can be comfortable with change and resilient in new situations.”
Genevieve Campbell ’24
Ursuline students also took on the Big Apple in October to pursue an Asian adventure. They explored Chinatown, learned calligraphy, practiced their Mandarin, visited museums, ate and made traditional Asian cuisine, and more, including being joined by students from Ursuline Academy of Wilmington and a visit to The Ursuline School in New Rochelle, New York.
“The most rewarding thing about hosting is the friendships that I was able to create,” said Lola Kearney ‘25. “I know that I have built long-lasting friendships even if I can’t see them often. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience, and I feel blessed to have met my guest sisters.”
Ursuline Dallas students hosted their Wimbledon sisters and kicked off the week with a Bubbles, Beatles, & British Bash Welcome Party. The British visitors joined Mass on the Feast of St. Ursula, went to class with students, explored the Stockyards, and more.
The Innovation Time Grant also lets our teachers know that Ursuline values their creativity and supports their growth.
When Ursuline’s current strategic roadmap was released in 2017, our third imperative focused on attracting, retaining, and rewarding a mission-congruent, talented, and diverse faculty and staff. This imperative was an easy one to identify, because teachers are the heart of how a student experiences Ursuline.
We know that one way to meet this strategic imperative is to provide faculty members with the tools and training to expand their teaching repertoire in accordance with their interests and talents In conversations with teachers, I heard again and again that time was what held them back from making some big innovations in their teaching practices.
Through the vision of our administrative team and the Board of Trustees, we were able to design a new program to give teachers time to research and build up their practices, and the
Innovation Time Grant was approved. In this program unique to Ursuline, accepted teachers are given a single “release” period for the school year of their grant, and use that release time to pursue a project that will allow research and development of innovative education practices.
In their proposals, teachers describe the innovation, demonstrating a clear link to the strategic roadmap, and offer suggestions as to how the idea or project could be shared with others in their department and beyond to benefit even more learners. Applicants also identify how they will evaluate their success. Now in its fifth year, the program has offered grants to teachers in English, Math, Theology, Social Studies, and Computer Science.
Throughout the year of the grant, grantees meet regularly as a cohort with the Principal, Dean of Academics, Director of Professional Learning, and Director of Research and Education Innovation to share their progress, what is working well, when they need to change direction, and best practices. Grantees also present their findings to the full faculty, describe their “takeaways” for the Board of Trustees, and propose a session/seminar at a conference or an article for a scholarly journal and present/publish if accepted.
As with all initiatives, it is interesting to see how far the work impacts each teacher. When I reached out for their reflections, each grantee spoke of the
value to be found in having the time and space to imagine and follow a thread of curiosity. The time allocated also allowed them to reach out to peers in other schools and organizations to build their research. Grantees appreciated the program’s structure that allowed them to not only brainstorm with the administrative team but also to learn from sharing with fellow time grantees.
Two of our earliest grantees are still seeing direct effects of the research and work they pursued in their teaching.
Megan Griffin explored and has applied personalized learning techniques in the English classroom, with a focus on student choice/pathways and shifting the feedback model. She shared that “students now have more choice reading, whether that looks like a book club or an independent read, or even a new paired reading. At the junior level, the seeds of the Citizen Rhetor research essay emerged
Our teachers who have taken the opportunity to explore, dream, imagine, and build are helping us be the school we know we need to be for our girls.Eve Juarez, Computer Science
from this grant work and, with the help of my colleagues, has transformed the kind of research and writing we do during this unit.”
Computer Science Chair Eve Juarez, who developed an online/blended course model, reflected that “the greatest outcome from my grant was giving students a more personalized approach to their learning where they could regulate their own pace.”
Katie Hayes researched how to bring feedback and reflection into the math classroom to build up learner engagement. Reflection is now an invaluable part of her classes, and she has seen her department colleagues embrace the practice as well, saying that they “have found that [reflection] helps students grow and deepen their mathematical understanding... students become more involved and can take control of their own learning.”
In English, Kate Schenck connects the collaborative blog and new podcast, both called “Her Voice at the Table,” back to the grant, as well as the reimagined
freshman English curriculum that focuses on identity and belonging.
Angie Jakubik, Theology Chair, has brought the fruits of her research into her classroom and the full department, with Theology teachers reflecting deeply on Ursuline’s core value of respect for the uniqueness of the individual, asking the question, “How might I best walk with each student on her unique journey of faith?” Department members create classroom experiences where students examine their beliefs, ask tough questions in a supportive environment, learn about the Catholic faith, and, most importantly, have the opportunity to encounter God through prayer, Scripture, and sacrament. Each recipient spoke about how their research and time grant work allowed them to share their findings with fellow Ursuline teachers, in and out of their respective departments. They have also represented Ursuline in many ways.
Megan Griffin and Kate Schenck presented at both a local and a national/ global National Coalition for Girls’ Schools conference, and they recently co-wrote an article to be published in a special issue of The English Journal (the official journal for the National Council for Teachers of English). Kate Schenck presented at the International Coalition of Girls Schools Global Summit in Boston in June 2022 and has published for the NAIS Independent Ideas blog.
Katie Hayes presented along with colleague Claudia Mathison at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics conference, sharing how they incorporated student self-reflection into math classes as well as showcasing assignments/projects they created for Algebra II students to demonstrate understanding.
Eve Juarez is a teacher trainer for Code.org, which allows her to help Computer Science teachers around the country. Angie Jakubik was named a Duc in Altum Fellow, and she presented for their
annual conference on how Catholic schools might shift to the accompaniment model. The phrase “tradition and innovation” resonates for us at Ursuline. We cherish our traditions and our strengths built on over a century of educating girls, and we believe that we can always grow in service of our learners.
Innovative explorations yield an even richer learning experience for our students. We know that the world in which they will live and work will look differently in many ways from the one in which many of us were formed. The one element known about that mysterious future is that they will need to be flexible and creative in their work, and it is our commitment to model these qualities for our students.
2018-19
• Eve Juarez, Computer Science
• Megan Griffin, English
• Jules Musal, Mathematics
2019-20
• Katie Hayes, Mathematics
• Sarette Albin, English
2020-21 and 2021-22
• Angie Jakubik, Theology
• Kathleen Schenck, English
2022-23
• Jeffery Smith, Social Studies
• Tammy Yung, Mathematics
It was the 2017-18 school year when Ursuline Academy of Dallas set a future course in the form of a Strategic Roadmap.
Now, over five years later, what a journey it has been along the road of preparing our students for the world they will inherit! These words of St. Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursuline order, have been both relevant and inspirational as we faced roadblocks, charted new routes, and traveled through unfamiliar terrain:
“Do Something – Get Moving – Be Confident – Risk New Things – Stick with It – Get on Your Knees – Be Ready for Big Surprises”
Ursuline has made great strides on its journey of effectuating the roadmap’s five imperatives: Mission & Values, Student-CenteredFocus,Attractingand RetainingTalent,OurSetting, and Financial Sustainability. It is rare that a journey is ever smooth, and, at times, the school saw the need to adjust its course. As challenges and opportunities presented themselves, Ursuline stayed grounded in mission, persevered positively, and led with a grateful heart. What follows is a way for you to follow Ursuline on its journey replete with tremendous joys, unexpected twists and turns in the road, and innovations developed by a truly responsive and collaborative community.
UA becomes a Microsoft Showcase School one of only 41 schools in the U.S. to do so, and the only one in Texas. Microsoft Showcase Schools are a global community of schools engaged in digital transformation to improve teaching and learning. Showcase Schools create immersive and inclusive experiences that inspire lifelong learning, stimulating development of essential life skills so students are empowered to achieve more. Showcase School leadership teams are part of a professional community that amplifies the use of technology to drive transformation and efficiencies. Microsoft Showcase Schools emphasize personalized learning for their students.
Gene Batiste, a consultant specializing in engagement, diversity & inclusion, leadership, and organizational development in independent schools, facilitated education and training over two and a half years.
A 24-person planning committee comprised of trustees, administrators, faculty/staff, alumnae, students, and potential donors, in consultation with a majority woman-owned architecture firm, created a campus plan. It would be tested by a feasibility study which revealed that parts of the plan were not feasible in terms of fundraising capabilities. However, all elements that aligned with student wellbeing and curricular/cocurricular/extra-curricular programming were retained.
Teachers are trained to create pathways where students access new content and skills in the way that is most effective and efficient for them. Students are given choice in what they learn and voice into how they learn.
A year-long self-study was conducted, followed by a reaccreditation visit from a team of educators from ISAS schools. The final visiting team report together with our Strategic Roadmap provided the framework for our school-wide priorities for the next several years.
2018-2019
School administrators and faculty/staff did deep dives into recent books and articles on girls’ learning and development (Lisa Damour, Rachel Simmons, Jean Twenge, etc.) which provided expertise on development of curriculum, well-being initiatives, and socialemotional learning.
A Portrait of an Ursuline Graduate was developed by a faculty evaluation task force after meeting with Madeleine Ortman, a consultant with Independent School Management. Receiving feedback from the school and campus administrations, ensuring college-age alumnae and parent survey feedback had a place, and alignment with our Strategic Roadmap were important to finalizing the Portrait of an Ursuline Graduate, one of many components in the development of a faculty evaluation model.
“If, with change of … circumstances, it becomes necessary to…alter anything, then do it with prudence, after taking good advice” (Last Legacy).
St. Angela Merici’s words certainly rang true as Ursuline altered its course to ensure (1) the campus master plan provided learning environments aligned with newly designed school programming, and (2) annual fundraising needs would be met.
The largest in the school’s history, TheCampaignforUrsuline: Act, Move, Believe focuses fundraising efforts to provide for all the Academy’s philanthropic needs including annual support for Programs and Operations (The Ursuline Fund and Scholarships) and long-term investment in Endowments and Capital Improvements.
Sister Maureen Welch, O.S.U. provided a framework for Ursuline to understand and explore where the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development intersect with the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, and what concrete actions are possible for our school. The framework addressed the integration of Catholic Christian identity and social justice principles across academic areas, throughout the school community, and promotion of global citizenship and environmental stewardship.
In pursuit of exceptional and leading-edge technology integration, as well as consistent learning management system applications by faculty and students, Ursuline committed the resources necessary to provide innovative educator technology training.
A faculty task force representative of all school departments developed a set of Essential Expectations for faculty, as well as a set of Commitments to Professional Excellence that faculty would use as a guide for their professional growth. Ursuline is proud to cultivate a culture of growth mindset among its faculty through “best in class” professional development programming.
2019-2020 YEAR 3
Before interruption by the COVID-19 pandemic, a new Service Learning class was introduced through Campus Ministry to be aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to be executed through partnerships with local nonprofits. This class went “virtual” during COVID but has gained momentum since returning to in-person classes.
After two and a half years of work with Gene Batiste, and a visioning session with a diverse group of 24 including trustees, parents, alumnae, students, faculty, and administrators, a drafting committee from the group proposed a Statement on Community & Inclusion for Ursuline Academy which reinforced our mission, the spirituality of St. Angela Merici, and the core values of an Ursuline education. The statement was endorsed by our entire community and appears on the Ursuline website, in the parent/student and employee handbooks, and in the Board of Trustees documents.
Ursuline’s Anatomy and Physiology classes have never been so cutting edge. The Anatomage Table, a virtual cadaver, is an educational tool found in the world’s leading medical schools, but very few have reached the high school classroom. No other school in Dallas currently has an Anatomage Table, which is the only real human 3-D anatomy system. Ursuline students have the opportunity, through Anatomy & Physiology classes, to study, dissect, and annotate four different virtual cadavers through hundreds of case studies.
Provides for remote, hybrid, and on-campus learning models as well as health & safety protocols and equipment designed to mitigate transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
Every five years, Ursuline Academy of Dallas, along with the other Ursuline schools in our Central Province, undertakes a self-study to determine how the Core Values of an Ursuline education are lived out in our school community.
2020-2021
YEAR 4
The Ursuline mission statement communicates the school’s vision. Derived from the mission statement, the Ursuline Portrait of a Graduate (POG) represents our forethought for the 21st century skills, known as competencies, and character traits students need to succeed in college, in careers, and in life beyond higher education. Each academic discipline has identified five or six competencies unique to the subject –in alignment with the POG – to succeed in a particular course.
Successful pivot to distance learning during the pandemic lockdown
Faculty-wide summer professional development to prepare for hybrid learning
In support of a schoolwide priority to enhance student well-being and support student growth and development, Ursuline reorganized its Dean of Students Office to provide, in addition to its Dean of Students, a Dean for each grade level and a Director of Student Activities to oversee clubs and school activities/events. This additional level of support, wherein each dean knows every student on their grade level, has garnered much positive feedback among the students.
Sister school partnerships increased to include São Paulo, Brazil; Beijing, China; Lima, Peru; Santiago, Chile; Wimbledon, England; Vannes, France; Johannesburg, South Africa; Taichung, Taiwan; Toowoomba, Australia; Amman, Jordan; Wilmington, Delaware.
Now in their second year, Innovation Time Grants provide teachers with time set aside in their schedule to research and develop a particular innovative idea aligned with the Strategic Roadmap. Unique to Ursuline, the time grants focus on innovative practices and encourage faculty to research and implement shifts in education specifically toward a more student-driven learning model. A maximum of three grants are awarded each year.
GRADE DEAN CHANGE
Freshman and upperclassmen seminars are integrated as part of a cocurricular effort to provide students with skills and competencies not overtly included in academic programming. Topics in Freshman Seminar classes include media use, organization and study skills, interpersonal communication, and life balance. Upperclassmen topics include personal finance, digital leadership, self-defense, defining personal values, life hacks, and resolving conflict.
In combination with 1:1 laptop protocol and the use of Microsoft’s OneNote and TEAMS as our Learning Management System, Surface Hubs provide an integral component for Ursuline’s personalized learning model. Hubs also allow students learning remotely to join their teacher and classmates synchronously.
Not the flashiest stop, but a Central Utility Plant allows cooling of separate zones on campus as opposed to the entire campus. This investment was particularly beneficial as we prepared to bring 90,000 square feet of new facilities online. Utility costs remain relatively even.
Is there anything more exciting than seeing capital projects resulting from hundreds of hours of planning come to life? There were those who thought us pretty crazy to break ground and move forward with construction during a pandemic. But, we believed, like St. Angela, that we should proceed.
Two phases of Ursuline’s capital improvements get underway: renovation of Haggar Center providing an additional 4,000 sq. ft. of space on upper and lower levels and expanding Fox Dining Hall to reduce three lunch periods to two, and a brand new East Campus.
“Persevere faithfully and joyfully in the work you have begun.”
Equipped with Microsoft Surface Hubs, collaboration spaces, huddle spaces, independent study spaces, five visual arts rooms, STEM research and Engineering Design room, Fabrication lab, Forensics room, humanities classrooms, seminar/ lecture room, 1000+ seat theater, Broadcast Studio, Music Hall, Dance Studio, Outdoor Terrace, Distributed Dining Space with 100-seat outdoor dining area, and a large courtyard.
57 zip codes served 34% students of color
+ Increased board and faculty/staff diversity
+ Increased diversity in course offerings
2021-2022 YEAR 5
Summer Programs
On-Campus Classes for Credit Camps & Workshops
Online Classes for Credit
With over 1,300 registrations in summer school classes, workshops, and camps.
School Year Programming
Community Workshops
Esports & Rec Sports
Board and the school. A new position, Director of Community and Inclusion, is created to lead the school’s C&I work with all constituencies, both on and off campus. In addition to overseeing all C&I programs, the Director participates in student and faculty recruitment, development, and retention, as well as curriculum development and student life.
In our inaugural debut, Ursuline Academy of Dallas places third out of 34 named in the Best Mid-Size Company category and earns a first-place special award for Best in Training.
UA reaches 93% of $85M comprehensive Act, Move, Believe campaign goal
Ahighly engaged community continues to propel Ursuline Academy forward through The Campaign for Ursuline: Act, Move, Believe. As of December 31, 2022, total gifts and pledges to the campaign have surpassed $80 million.
This bold effort has attracted gifts from many longtime supporters, and many new donors have become part of this historic endeavor. Now as the campaign enters its final months, the momentum of its progress to date energizes a renewed outreach for gifts at all levels to achieve the $85 million goal.
Throughout this edition of LOGOS, we have shared the enormous impact of this campaign, which has been guided by the imperatives of our Strategic Roadmap. The far-reaching results can be seen across our campus and in every part of the Ursuline experience. Those benefits are also reflected in the stories of our faculty and students.
Among the most visible outcomes are the physical spaces.
$85M
Remaining Goal $4.68 million
Yet even more has been made possible by the unprecedented generosity of so many.
Endowment gifts directly impact our ability to support the students, faculty, and staff who are at the core of what we do, now and in perpetuity. During Fiscal Year 2022-2023, just over $815,000 of the total $1.6 million awarded in student scholarships is being supported by distributions from the Scholarship Endowment, with the remaining coming from Mardi Gras benefit proceeds and direct scholarship support.
The Faculty Support Endowment, which ensures enriching professional development opportunities for our teachers, is providing almost $149,000 for faculty development and enrichment.
The Ursuline Fund provides essential funding for school operations above and beyond what is covered by tuition. Giving without restriction has an immediate impact on current students, advancing the Ursuline mission through great teachers, unique course selection, programs and experiences that contribute to Serviam and spiritual formation, student well-being, technology, athletics and the arts, and time-honored traditions.
We are inspired by your partnership and participation…Thank you!
If you have not yet had an opportunity to give, there is still time to participate! Every Gift Matters, in any amount. We hope you will join us in supporting this most ambitious and transformative time in the history of Ursuline Academy of Dallas.
Ursuline means so many things to me beyond an extraordinary education and life-long friendships. The new Ursuline campus of 1950 didn’t have the drama of the Old Gothic Ursuline in East Dallas or the beauty of Merici, the estate across the creek. But it did project the strength and sturdiness of the ages as it has lasted these 72 years. Our class – the Inimitable Class of 1951 – breathed life into this new building with our laughter and the joie de vivre of young girls.
Yes, we were the first class to graduate from this new building, but we took one penance for the future classes by graduating inside in the makeshift gym. Our graduation picture taken in the Rotunda clearly shows the downpour glistening off the floor to ceiling windows but our hearts were young and happy.
The Ursuline Sisters were semicloistered. They were our missionaries who never traveled but opened the world to us. They had limited boundaries but limitless spirits. We were encouraged to honor “Courtesy, Loyalty and Courage;” to show “initiative;” to take “Serviam” to heart; to have boundless morals and to embrace our Maker. I became a teacher to honor my students as I was honored at Ursuline.
Sister Dolores Marie Ramsey was more than the first principal and general
Iwas12 when we moved to Dallas in 1946. My father who was non-Catholic decided it was time for me to walk to the neighborhood public school 3 blocks away. My mother who was Catholic chose Ursuline Academy, the edifice on Bryan and St. Joseph’s Streets…definitely not walkable. And for the next five years I took an hour-long ride of one trolley and two buses to school. My father was extremely proud through those years that I was an “Ursuline Girl.”
overseer of the building project. She set the standard for educational excellence and for Serviam that continues today. She even taught us to pray as the Protestants do, in conversation and not just memory.
Yes, there is a sisterhood at Ursuline –then as now. My classmates are my dearest friends and our commitment to Ursuline remains strong. We even have our own Ursuline Sister – Sister Mary Troy – who celebrated 69 years as an Ursuline. We celebrated our 70th reunion a few months ago and of course, we had not changed. Returning to Ursuline is the best spa in town.
Because of the foresight of Lydia Haggar Novakov ’68 and Sister Carla Dolce, the Alumnae Office was established in 1982. I began the most perfect position as Alumnae Director. It was exhilarating and challenging to bring 5,000 alums back to Ursuline on a regular basis through reunions, events, publications, and “fun”-raising.
But first we had to transfer Sister Emmanuel Shea’s 3000 index cards, with each alumna cataloged, into a database. The Haggar Company came to our rescue again. Being the Archivist was a cooling down position. Here I was, a fossil myself, digging up forgotten facts, newsworthy stories, and displaying treasures from the past. Joyce Meyer ’70†,
an extraordinary volunteer, and I did a school favorite display titled “Hairstyles from 1874 to Today.”
So here I am overwhelmed by this honor and certainly passionately grateful to my family for being loving and Ursuline favorable all through these years.
I am grateful to Gretchen, Michele, Valerie, and Claire and many others through the years for their gracious support on my multi-year Ursuline journey.
And, of course, I am thankful to you for your vision and generosity to continue making it possible to have generations of Ursuline Girls. The world needs Ursuline Girls.
An Extraordinary Education
Happy Remembrances
to me?
Sisterhood of Classmates and Beyond
Intrepid Ursuline Sisters
Blessed Morals and a Serviam Spirit.
I am closing these remembrances in a traditional but revised Ursuline way:
St. Angela has watched over the days of my youth.
And at 88, St. Ursula is still protecting my future.
Thank you.
The organization’s four objectives are to 1) provide critical nutrition and support sustainable agriculture development, 2) work with local organizations to promote best health and hygiene practices, 3) improve education and childhood literacy, and 4) celebrate and promote local Indigenous cultures.
Taking Ms. Merani’s Service Learning class my senior year at Ursuline allowed me to truly appreciate the holistic approach the Quispicanchi Project emphasizes. I can really see the lessons we learned in the first semester being applied to our work, and it is personally a very hands-on learning experience to partake in their multifaceted approach to service.
My time working for this grassroots nonprofit began in late May 2022, when I had the chance to live in Peru for six weeks and work as a P.E. teacher at Fe y Alegria 44, the local community school run by Jesuits. My days were full of speaking Spanish, yoga, games, and giggles – I would not trade it for the world!
After working at the school, I would walk across the village to assist with the meal program we support which provides nutrientdense meals to over 150 individuals in the community. I filled in wherever I could whether it be peeling potatoes or passing out plates. I worked with three women whom I love very dearly, and it was in this kitchen where I learned the most about myself and gained the most valuable life lessons.
I also assisted in women’s health and basic hygiene initiatives in the communities we worked with. On weekends we would hop around, sometimes like tourists we would explore. Other times we would spend time on farms, dancing at festivals, and have dinners with different families. My goal as a companion was to accompany people in the service sites where I was assigned and gain insight into their lives. We used these experiences to gauge where and how we help.
Now stateside, I get to plan events such as pop-up shops and parties! I author newsletters and donation campaigns as well as promote the Gap-Year program. I also write blogs to share more personal reflections. Last October I traveled to D.C. to speak at the Ignatian Family Teach-In, with a focus on sustainable service as well as recruitment for our next live-in team.
I have truly loved this “job,” but it doesn’t feel like work at all when it is for people I love. My eyes are watering just writing this!
I do not think this would be something I would have taken interest in had I not gone to a school that emphasizes service the way Ursuline does. I really appreciate the work Ms. Merani put in to making it a part of our lives. I am going to try to convince more Ursuline girls to go next year, fingers crossed!
Last fall, I completed a Public Relations and Communications internship with the Quispicanchi Project, a relationship-based international organization supporting people within Indigenous communities in Peru. Its efforts take a holistic approach to service, focusing on forming relationships that guide its work.
In the summer of 2021, Shelby Lovejoy ’24, participated in the Young Women’s Leadership Challenge (YWLC), a program created in 2012 to empower high school-aged young women in the U.S. to become confident, equipped leaders and community changemakers. YWLC is a year of activities including monthly meetings, mentoring, and their signature Take Action Challenge which requires participants to design and implement a service project.
Not feeling particularly tied to one organization, Shelby created a Serviam Fair that would allow multiple organizations to benefit. She invited six nonprofits to come to campus with specific projects that could be done in a short amount of time. This allowed the students the opportunity to serve those nonprofits during the school day.
The Serviam Fair took place during Activity Period (a time that is already built into the weekly schedule) on four consecutive Wednesdays in the Spring of 2022. Over the course of those weeks, 158 students provided 240 service hours to six nonprofits.
“It was so beautiful to see how many students were eager to help these organizations. I’m looking forward to presenting an even bigger opportunity this year!” – Shelby Lovejoy ’24
VNA Meals on Wheels
Toys for Paws
Prayer Blankets for Preemies
Create to Donate
Art in a Cart
You’ve Got Mail
In all, more than 300 alumnae, parents, and students participated in a wide variety of activities like cleaning up White Rock Lake, distributing food at St. Vincent De Paul in Austin, gardening at Our Lady of Hope Catholic School in Kansas City, Missouri, and helping rebuild homes for the Saint Bernard Project in New Orleans.
Ursuline’s sixth annual International Serviam Day brought participants from around the world together to help their own communities. Projects were organized by the Ursuline schools in New Orleans, St. Louis, Toledo, Dedham, Wilmington, Cincinnati, Toledo, and New York, as well as alumnae in Chicago, Austin, Washington D.C., and many other cities.
“International Serviam Day is a wonderful reminder of St. Angela Merici’s words, “You have a greater need to serve the poor than they have of your service.” Now that our family lives in Germany, my daughter and I donated some of her clothes to S’Einlädele, a local thrift store and volunteer-run coffee shop. There, her clothes can be sold or used in the charity’s most recent project of rehoming a Ukrainian orphanage that was displaced by Russian invasions.” – Lilly
Watson Neubauer ’03“As Ursuline students, we accepted the call to use our unique gifts and talents to serve those in need. The expansion of ISD provides a platform for us to continue this commitment as adults. I am so proud to see the spirit of Serviam positively impacting organizations across the country and witnessing alumnae come together to serve and support this effort.”
To participate in or organize an ISD project in your area, contact alumnae@ursulinedallas.org.
– Mary Thornton Hammond Mosley ’96, Alumnae Board Member“What a gift it was for Ursuline Academy St. Louis to team up with our alumnae sisters from around the country in our united spirit of Serviam We look forward to once again giving back to our communities and making a meaningful impact alongside different generations of Ursuline women.” –
Katie BalekKempf, UA STL ’03, Alumnae Relations Coordinator at Ursuline Academy Saint Louis
Twiceeach year, a small group of Ursuline faculty and staff gathers off-campus for two days to learn more about the life and spirit of St. Angela Merici, Foundress of the Ursulines. The retreats provide time for reflection and sharing, as well as for participants to enjoy each other’s company, create delicious meals, and share stories and dreams.
Each Angela Retreat includes eight to twelve participants, facilitator/presenter Sister Diane Fulgenzi, O.S.U.; coordinator Sister Lois Castillon, O.S.U., Director of Mission and Heritage; and a member of the Mission and Heritage Committee who assists the coordinator. The retreats take place at the Nazareth Retreat Center in Grand Prairie, Texas, where participants stay overnight.
Core to the program is the knowledge and enthusiasm for the life and spirituality of St. Angela that Sister Diane brings to the retreats.
“I find these Angela Retreats life-giving and renewing,” shares Sister Diane. “Those who participate understand how the legacy of Ursuline education is in their hands. It
is so heartening to see how eager they are to incorporate St. Angela’s spirit and vision into all they are about at Ursuline.”
Among all current faculty and staff, close to 130 members have made an Angela Retreat since the retreats began in 2005. Participants are invited to attend by the Director of Mission and Heritage. Usually those invited are newer teachers and staff members, a mixture of co-workers at the school.
Many employees who have made an Angela Retreat over the years have asked for a renewal to refresh them with new insights into Angela Merici and bring them together to nourish our building community.
An Angela Retreat 2.0 is being offered in 2023.
“Through this opportunity I understand more about St. Angela’s mission. She was a peacemaker, and modeled reconciliation. I also enjoyed the companionship with my colleagues … I was thankful for the opportunity to have two days to pause and contemplate God’s creation and my mission at Ursuline Academy of Dallas.”
– Participant, Angela Retreat, December 2022
Geoff Chelule, science teacher and faculty assistant for Angela Retreats, shares his thoughts below:
Angela Retreats are among the hallmarks of my Ursuline experience. The retreats allow me to immerse myself fully into the teachings of St. Angela Merici and reflect on ways that I can live and exemplify her spirit in my mission at Ursuline.
As Sister Diane took us through St. Angela’s journey (in Italy) from her humble farm community of Desenzano, through the shore city of Salo, and finally to the needy town of Brescia, I constantly
reflected on my own journey. Am I living St. Angela’s spirit? Am I being willingly gentle? Am I tending well to the vine entrusted to me? What tools am I equipping myself with to cultivate this vine well?
I came out with a commitment to never cease working towards the goals and aspirations of St. Angela, and with a full understanding of her words that, “If you strive to look like this..., God will be in your midst.” I want to continue striving to achieve St. Angela’s contemplative spirit and carry on with the mission that she started around 1535.
Schoolsacross the country are facing some of their toughest staffing challenges in recent memory. While teacher shortages vary state-to-state, across districts, and in public and private sectors, it is nonetheless concerning.
According to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), teachers at independent schools are twice as likely to leave the profession than public school teachers. Education leaders are struggling to fill openings caused by pandemic-related turnover.
LOGOS asked Elizabeth Smith, Ursuline Academy Dean of Academics, to share a few thoughts on her hiring challenges, processes she uses for recruiting/interviewing potential teachers, her most effective training and mentoring practices, and how Ursuline is able to maintain a strong retention percentage.
Q: What are your top 3 challenges in hiring teachers for Ursuline?
A: We are seeing fewer applicants for open positions and a more competitive market for hiring, which could result in a great candidate fielding multiple offers at once.
The number of students in education departments at colleges and universities is also declining, a trend that will result in fewer candidates down the road and impact schools for several years to come.
And, attracting the right applicants – candidates need to be mission aligned. That means they are excited about four criteria: being in an all-girls, Catholic, private, high school.
Q: How do you know if a teacher is going to be a great fit for our community?
A: First, a teacher who is genuinely excited to work in a faith-based school makes an excellent fit at Ursuline. Additionally, we seek teachers who demonstrate a genuine eagerness to grow in their craft and profession. Successful candidates for Ursuline teaching positions authentically engage in giving and receiving feedback, even in a difficult moment. And they find joy working with teenage girls.
Q: What steps are involved in the hiring process?
A: The hiring process begins with a 30-minute initial interview with the department chair and me. We do these initial interviews mostly through Teams.
If the candidate feels they may be a good fit, we invite them to campus to conduct a sample lesson to a class of students. The department chair, Director of Professional Learning, Dean of Academics and Principal attend the lesson.
Immediately following the lesson, the candidate has a reflection meeting with the department chair, Dean of Academics, and Director of Professional Learning. We ask the candidate what he/she thinks went well during the lesson and what would change if he/she could go back in time.
If we feel a candidate is missionaligned for Ursuline, they next have a 30-minute interview with the Dean of Students and a 30-minute interview with the Principal.
Candidates also submit an Ursuline employment application and resume. We call three references, and we sometimes ask the candidate to submit a writing exercise with typical scenarios they may encounter at Ursuline.
Q: Beyond salary incentives, what other factors contribute to teacher retention? Why do teachers love working for Ursuline?
A: For teachers new to Ursuline, our Mentoring Program ensures a positive onboarding experience and the
opportunity for these teachers to make connections that build their relationships within the school.
There is a strong community and sense of comradery among our faculty; we have meaningful systems of support and training for our teachers. We have excellent opportunities for professional learning, from teacher-led professional learning built into the school day to the opportunities to travel to conferences regionally, nationally, and internationally.
As a school we strive for intentionality and strong communication with every decision that is made so that our faculty know and understand the school.
We also have unique programming, such as our Global Program for which our faculty serves as chaperones. While participating teachers certainly work as chaperones, these educational and cultural trips also provide once-in-alifetime opportunities to travel to other countries and meet and work with Ursuline colleagues across the globe.
Q: What would you like to add as you look at the workforce outlook for the future?
A: Schools (and many organizations) may have up to four generations working together. It is important to understand each generation and the value it brings. No one generation is 100% right or wrong.
visit www.ursulinedallas.org/highnotes.
Sister Ann Mary Hasting, O.S.U. ’57 celebrated her 60th Jubilee. Pictured (left to right): Bobbie Heinen, Fr. Milam Joseph, Sr. Ann Mary, and Carolyn James.
Catia Ojeda ’97 was featured in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, “Who are Apple TV+’s ‘Surfside Girls’ Texas Connects?” for her role as Monica in Surfside Girls
Christine Sidhom Smart ’98 published a children’s book, “The Rings that Sing.” It is an inspiring story allowing children to dream big and reach for the stars!
Kendall Antosh ’01 illustrated the children’s book, “Thank you Thank you Thank you,” which was designated the #1 Children’s Book for 2022.
Nancy Bowen Brown ’70, finished her second children’s book, “Shelby’s Spirit”.
Amy Fraler Delgado ’98 was selected to be in the second cohort for the Witness Institute’s Fellowship for Emerging Leaders. Her research involves studying Holocaust rescuers to determine how their example, character, and formation can be integrated into religious education programs and curricula.
Diane Martich Merrill ’73 is serving a twoyear term as Vice Chair of Public Programs for the Holocaust Museum in Houston, TX.
Dr. Becky Ennis Bruno ’88, Neonatologist, and Medical Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, was named a recipient of UT Southwestern Patient and Family Recognition Award. This award honors clinical faculty whose dedication to the compassionate, respectful delivery of exceptional patient care has garnered the highest degree of patient trust and satisfaction.
Jennifer Houston Scripps ’95, formerly the City of Dallas Director of Arts and Culture, is the new President and CEO of Downtown Dallas Inc.
Molly Marrin ’99, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Regis University, hit 100 wins in only seven years.
Alexis Archer ’01 received a laurel for her 2019 script, “The Other Room.” It was also named “Best Short Screenplay” by the Los Angeles Film Awards in April 2022.
Sarah Crain Hambric ’03 was recently promoted to the position of Deputy Director of Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park and continues to promote historical education and urban green space conservation in collaboration with the Texas Historical Association and the City of Dallas.
Hallie Bezner ’03, attorney at Bezner Law Office, received the 2022 Melissa Matuzak Award which recognizes deep professional commitment to liberation from prison and carceral punishment through legal work.
Alice Ann Spurgin Holland ’04, Ph.D., received The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology’s inaugural Jerry Sweet Leadership Award. Her selection centered around her advocacy leadership for the adaptation of competency standards for neuropsychology in Texas, which is serving as a model for similar advocacy elsewhere.
Erin Trieb ’00, Director at The Homecoming Project and freelance photographer, photographed Ukraine for Bloomberg Business.
Kristen Onsgard ’06 was the runnerup in the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) Fall Tournament Open Women’s Pairs event defeating many world championship players.
To follow are highlights of recent professional, volunteer, and personal accomplishments submitted by Ursuline alumnae, students, and faculty. To read more,Photo from Regis University Athletics Website
Rosario Martinez-Rosales ’08 published her first children’s book, “Tiger’s Tough Time and A Fantastic Plan.”
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Send your professional, service, and leadership accomplishments to alumnae@ursulinedallas.org, and we’ll share in our monthly e-newsletter, Connects, and on the Alumnae High Notes page www.ursulinedallas.org/highnotes
Caitlyn Epes ’16 is the Head Team Photographer for the Arizona Cardinals. She is one of four female team photographers in the NFL and the first in the history of the Cardinals.
Catherine Blizzard ’16 and her dad, Dan, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania over eight days, reaching the summit at 19,341 feet.
After appearing on Jeopardy! In 2021 and coming in second place, Molly Karol ’10 was invited to compete in Jeopardy!’s first-ever Second Chance Competition. She won her semi-final match and came in third place overall.
Michelle Hagan ’13 is transferring to Dallas to cover the Texas economy and government for Bloomberg News. She is moving back from spending more than two years in Ottawa, Canada covering the Central Bank and economy.
Marisa Adame Grady ’13 has published her second poetry book, “girl becomes collateral.” Additionally, she is in production for a short film that she has written and directed.
Alexandra Tedeschi ’18, Biomedical Engineering Senior, was chosen by the Clemson University Department of Bioengineering for the 2022 C. William Hall Undergraduate Departmental Honors Award. Established in 2017, the award honors the most outstanding Bioengineering Departmental Honor student for fostering research, leadership, and/or service beyond the department and its borders and beyond the regular undergraduate research duties, in addition to scholastic excellence.
Mackenzie Morris ’20 raced into the record books in the Big 12 Conference volleyball opener and recorded her 1,000th career dig, becoming the fastest in Kansas State school history to reach the milestone.
Lillie Bradford ’21, a rising sophomore at Auburn, began pilot lessons in 2020, and officially received her pilot’s license in 2021, enabling her to enter the Professional Flight Program at Auburn.
Miller Kerr ’21, Captain of the Kilgore Rangerettes, was featured on CBS News and in Preston-Hollow People this fall. She also held her first Walk Strong 3K raising more than $13,000 benefitting Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association/ Complex Region Pain Syndrome (RSDSA/CRPS). Miller was diagnosed with the rare medical condition when she was 10 years old, spending six weeks at the Cleveland Clinic where she underwent various types of intense therapies. Upon return, she enrolled in a dance class in the 6th grade as a way to “keep moving”. How one college student has overcome a rare medical condition - CBS DFW (cbsnews.com)
Jacqueline Gibson ’15 was selected by the Texas Exes Black Alumni Network for the Barbara Smith Conrad - Young Alumnus of the Year Award. The award honors an alumnus who obtained their undergraduate degree within the last 10 years and has accomplished exceptional achievements within their profession and society.
“Dance became so much more than a way to keep my body moving. Dance served as both physical and mental therapy for me.”
1999 classmates Nono Osuji and Megan Nausler Neitzel were featured in NBC DFW’s news feature, “From Classmate to Kidney Donor: Ursuline Academy Classmates to Become Kidney Sisters.” Nono was diagnosed with Lupus 12 years ago and recently went into renal failure, needing a kidney to survive. Megan was a perfect match and donated her kidney to Nono in December.
Callie LaValle ’22 and Sidney McKerrow ’22 were selected for this year’s World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth 2022 “20 Under 20” Class for service to their communities and for excellent representation of the ideals of global citizenship.
Maggie Griffiths ’22, Emma Brodsky ’22, and Beckett Morris ’22 placed 3rd in the DFW region of the Digital Divas Coding Competition.
Lauren Stump ’22 received the Congressional Award Gold Medal for completing at least 400 hours of Voluntary Public Service, 200 hours of Personal Development, and 200 hours of Physical Fitness. Additionally, recipients must spend at least five days and four nights exploring a new environment or culture. Lauren received this distinction after spending a little more than two years on it, the minimum required amount of time.
Cady Lambert ’22 and Marie Relucio ’23 were chosen to exhibit their artwork in the 2022 TVAA High School Art Exhibition which celebrated 50 young artists from Texas chosen by juror, Sam Lao.
108 reusable toiletry bags that will assist girls in attending school while menstruating.
Celeste Theriot ’25 was selected to be a member of the SMU Young Artist Flute Ensemble. She is one of 14 selected from the Dallas Metroplex. The Ensemble performed in November 2021 at SMU’s O’Donnell Recital Hall. Their performance featured works by Percy Grainger, Rick Pierce, Ann Cameron Pearce, and Kelly Via.
Sasha Dikun ’25 received the JV Jesuit Hockey Team MVP Award. She is the first female to play for the organization.
Hannah Singer ’23, along with her team, presented in the NASA STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Virtual Science Symposium about, “GIGASat: Satellite and Orbital Design to Monitor Environmental Factors.”
Morgan Merritt ’23 was recognized by Metrocrest Services as a “Hidden Hero.” She has volunteered with Metrocrest Services since she was a child. In 2020, she hosted her first Easter Egg Hunt, a fundraiser providing financial support to Metrocrest Services. To date, the event has raised $5,000 for the agency.
Five students were awarded full scholarships to attend the 2022 University of Hawaii STARTALK Year-round Chinese Language program this summer. They participated in an intensive 3-week program on the University of Hawaii’s Manoa campus and received three college credits.
• Rebecca Loera ’22
• Samantha Liao ’23
• Kaia Putnam ’23
• Charlotte Robinson ’24
• Bronwyn Hamilton-Evans ’25
Samantha Liao ‘23 wrote a Chinese essay that was published in “The Second Chinese Writing Selection,” a digital publication by the Chinese Language Teachers Association of Texas.
Kaia Putnam ‘23 received her Eagle Scout Award for advocating for a change in the Period Poverty Cycle. She created and packed
Nika Vahadi ’24 had a photograph accepted to the 2021 Drexel University High School Photography Exhibition, a national, competitive exhibition.
Mercedes Ramirez ’25 received the “Lone Star Artist Award,” at Art in the Square in Southlake. Her painting was placed in the Texas State Capitol building last summer.
Mags McKinney ’24 created a coloring book, “Incredible Creatures,” to donate to the Dallas Children’s Hospital. The coloring book centers around endangered species, something Mags is passionate about.
Her original goal was to raise enough money to publish 500 books within a 30-day timeline through Kickstarter, a crowdfunding campaign.
Her goal was not only met in one day of fundraising, but it was greatly exceeded!
“I was able to print a thousand copies to donate,” she said. “I am glad that there are so many others out there who are as passionate as I am about giving back to kids and raising awareness for endangered species.”
Mags believes that it takes a village to make a change, which is why Serviam is important to her.
“Every voice and every helping hand matters, no matter what one may bring to the table,” she said. “I enjoy serving others, whether that be trying to entertain children in need like those in the hospital or advocating for species that are susceptible to extinction.”
Ursuline now has 13 Microsoft Certified Educators (MCEs) on campus!
The Microsoft Certified Educator exam assesses whether educators understand how to apply the technology tools in the six different content domains within the 21C Learning Design. They are now ready to put those competencies into practice. Congratulations to:
• Jessica Bailey
• Camelia Benhayda
• Geoff Chelule
• Renee Chevallier
Natalie Volanto ’23 had plans to take a college class over the summer, but when a family friend introduced her to a volunteer teaching program called Golden Aya Corp, a new adventure unfolded.
Founded in June 2019, Golden Aya is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to connecting Africa and its diaspora and improving the collective condition through innovative programs and projects supported by volunteerism.
Through Golden Aya, Natalie was placed in Arusha, Tanzania to assist teachers in implementing an innovative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) program.
“I was a little anxious at first,” she said. “I had never taught a class by myself with all eyes on me. But I decided to reach out because I wanted to give other kids the same exposure to STEM that I have had.”
She felt fulfilled building these connections and was sad when her time came to leave because she had grown close to her fellow teachers, staff, and students.
“Overall, I’m so glad I decided to teach abroad,” she said. “From the welcoming culture to the collaboration with teachers and students, I truly felt I made some favorite moments and connections there. If anything, I hope I helped expose students to a new field they might want to develop more someday.”
World Language teacher Roxana Casco received the 2022 Teacher of the Year Award, a peer-nominated award for someone who serves as a role model for students and models 21st century learning skills and teaching tools.
“My favorite part about being a teacher here at UA is the strong connections that I am able to make with my students,” she said. “I also love helping them fall in love with Spanish!”
Visual Arts teacher, Seminar Lead teacher, and Assistant Director of UA+ Sarah Kennedy received the 2022 Hal and Joann Tehan Award, an award established by Hal Tehan to honor a teacher whose life and work demonstrates strong integration of the Ursuline mission.
“My students bring joy into my life,” she said. “I enjoy getting to help them grow into not only intellectual students in the classroom, but also into good, wellrounded humans, in general.”
• Rachel Clark
• Hadil Issa
• Angie Jakubik
Dean of Academics, Elizabeth Smith, was featured on the NAIS blog site for her piece, ”Beyond the Classroom: Celebrating the Late Bloomer.” She discusses how to encourage students who have not yet found their path. She was also a special contributor to a OneSchoolhouse blog, “Creating a Culture of Collaboration.” Additionally, Elizabeth and Principal Dr. Andrea Shurley joined the Association for Academic Leaders through OneSchoolhouse.
French teacher and Director of Auxiliary Programs Amy Gilchrist was featured in a Member Profile for the Summer Programs and Auxiliary Revenue Collaborative (SPARC). She answers questions about herself as well as summer programs at Ursuline Academy.
Dr. Caitlin Rathe was accepted into the prestigious Klingenstein Summer Institute for Early Career Teachers (KSI). The Klingenstein Summer Institute for Early Career Teachers (KSI) is a fully funded fellowship and a non-degree, graduate level course at Teachers College, Columbia University. Participants learn from experts in various aspects of independent school education, master teachers from schools across the country, and fellow educators in an atmosphere of intellectual rigor, selfreflective discovery, and collegial support.
English teachers Kate Schenck and Megan Griffin, and Math teacher Claudia Mathison presented at the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS) Conference in June. Their presentation, “Her Voice at the Table: Student Well-Being in the Academic Classroom,” shared how they have integrated well-being competencies into their English and Math classes.
• Matt Lepley
• Claudia Mathison
• Danny Poellot
• Jeffery Smith
• Tammy Yung
• Robert Zamora
Cecilia Nipp ’85, Director of Global Relationships & Cultural Exchange, presented at the ICGS Conference as part of a Global Education Panel on Developing, Sustaining and Growing a School-Wide Global Education Initiative. Panel participants presented different models of Global Education programs in all-girls schools and advised participants on how to initiate and develop global programming with the goal of forming global citizens.
The Computer Science Department received a robotics grant from the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, which supports efforts in encouraging women to engage and participate in STEM fields.
English teacher Kyle Lee was named a University of Chicago Outstanding Educator. His former student, Ella Kobyluch ’22, nominated him for the award. “Each year, newly admitted University of Chicago students have the opportunity to select educators who go beyond everyday teaching and leave an impression that is carried over a lifetime. An Outstanding Educator thinks carefully about their instruction, shares an infectious love for learning, and cares for their students both inside and outside of the classroom.”
Social Studies teacher Dorothy Cassetta was accepted as a member of the Global Action Research Collaborative on Girls’ Education’s 2023-2024 cohort, which will be researching, Engaging the Power of Many Voices: Leveraging girls’ collaborative spirit toward courageous and joyful learning.
French teacher Sophie Greene received her American Citizenship.
English teacher Kate Schenck was featured in the Dallas Morning News 2022 Guide to Private Schools, in the segment, “5 private school teachers making a difference in Dallas-Fort Worth.”
Susan has distinguished herself among her peers since attending Ursuline Academy where she received the Sedes Sapientiae Award in 1957 for loyalty, achievement, and scholarship.
That same year she married Lt. Thomas Stanzel, Strategic Air Command, U.S. Air Force, and began serving the Catholic and military communities in each city where he was stationed.
In 1970, Susan and Tom returned to Dallas where she began her work with Holy Trinity parish, the Diocese of Dallas and the Dallas community. She served as a board member of the Diocesan Convention on Parish Life, as a coordinator of the Holy Trinity Jail Ministry and President of the Altar Society. Simultaneously she served on the boards of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League, the Dallas Ballet Company, The Catholic Foundation, The Highlands School, the Dallas Council on World Affairs, the Way Back House for penal ex-offenders, The Ursuline Alumnae Board, and as President of the Colony of the Meadows School of the Arts.
In her current parish of Christ the King, Susan has served on the Altar Society Board, coordinator of the middle and high school C.C.D. programs and a Liturgical Choir member.
In 1985, Susan and Tom co-founded the Cardinal Mindszenty Foundation of Texas which produces annual conferences on public policy issues like Pro-Life, Communism, and other timely topics. She received national awards including the Cardinal Mindszenty Freedom Award, Motherhood Award and the Bishop’ Pro-Life Award for Education, and the Catholic Foundation Award.
Susan believes that human life begins at conception and that each baby is made in the image and likeness of God. She served on the Texans United for Life Board, the Vitae Foundation Steering Committee, coordinates weekly meals for the Guadalupe
Home for unwed mothers while supporting the Bishop’s Pro-Life committee, the White Rose and Birth Choice.
In 1988, Susan coordinated the Dallas’ Patrons of the Vatican Museum’s Sistine Chapel Restoration Presentation and chaired the Vatican Etruscan Gregorian Gala in 1992.
Since 1994, she has served the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land as a Board of Trustee member, organized six pilgrimages to the Holy Land, chaired eleven Dallas Benefit Dinners and coordinated seven Benefit Dinners at the Vatican Embassy in Washington, D.C. She has received the Pope Leo XIII Gold Cross of Honor, the Seal of Jerusalem and the Guardian of the Holy Land Awards. In 2009 she received an Honorary Master’s Degree of Humane Letters from the College of St. Thomas More.
Susan considers her proudest accomplishment and greatest blessing in life to be her marriage of 65 years to her husband, Tom, and the rearing of their children Rose, Richard, Paul Michael, and Rachel.
The Sr. Marie Staats Award honors a member of the Ursuline family, male or female, who has shown an outstanding commitment and tireless service to Ursuline Academy or its Alumnae Association. Such individual’s service and commitment should have deeply and positively affected the Ursuline Community.
Susan’s impact on Ursuline Academy spans the last six decades. A member of the Class of 1964, Susan worked on the yearbook, played basketball and tennis, and participated in theater productions receiving the Linz pin award and the mathematics award at graduation. She then attended the University of Incarnate Word majoring in Mathematics and English, planning to teach in secondary education.
Susan joined the faculty at Ursuline in 1977 eventually teaching every possible math course. She became department head in 1979 and expanded the mathematics curriculum to include a wide variety of 4th year mathematics courses including AP Calculus. Susan was asked to participate in a national grant to develop modern calculus curriculum and the graphing calculator in conjunction with Texas Instruments.
In the fall of 1981, Susan started the computer science program with five Apple II+ computers, a thermal printer, and 12 students, concurrently attending UNT to get a Master’s in Computer Science. For more than 30 years, Ursuline has required one year of Computer Science to graduate.
In 1995, Microsoft asked Susan and Shaun Underhill, Ursuline’s principal, to join a group of 12 educators to evaluate educational technology use in Australia, where 1:1 laptop education was being used in many schools. The following year, Ursuline partnered with Microsoft and Toshiba to introduce “Anywhere, Anytime Learning” and became the second school in the nation to implement a 1:1 laptop program.
Still teaching Calculus and Computer Science, Susan became Ursuline’s first Director of Technology. During the next few years, Susan facilitated visits to and from more than 400
schools internationally to help facilitate 1:1 learning. In 1998, she was awarded the Smithsonian Innovation Award with a case study of Ursuline’s program presented to the museum’s archives. Ursuline was also awarded the SPICE (Selected Programs for Improving Catholic Education) Award in 1999 from Boston College and NCEA.
Susan also played a key role in the creation and growth of Ursuline’s global program beginning with the first sister school partnership with Huaxia Girl’s School in Beijing, China. She has also helped many of our global sister schools advance their technology program including Collegio Santa Ursula in Santiago, Chile which became the first school in Chile to have a 1:1 laptop program.
Susan saw the benefits of being a member of One Schoolhouse to provide increased options for students to take courses that Ursuline couldn’t offer and professional development for faculty. She suggested an innovative time grant to give faculty the time and space for educational innovation. Susan has had various roles at Ursuline as a teacher, department head, Academic Dean, Technology Director and currently Director of Research and Educational Innovation. During her career, she was supported and encouraged by her late husband Gene to pursue her ideas for innovation and education. She is always learning and searching for innovative ways to foster education at Ursuline Academy.
The Young Alumna Award honors an alumna who graduated in the last fifteen years who, through her service, leadership, and achievements, has made outstanding commitments within her community and profession.
The daughter of successful immigrants from Michoacán, Mexico, Gaby was raised to be a “mujer del mundo” and value hard work and dedication. Her passion for cultivating connections and educational opportunities compels her to work for the growth and empowerment of her family and communities.
While at Ursuline, Gaby was President of Latinas Unidas and the Spanish Honor Society and participated in programs with the National Hispanic Institute, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Student Diversity Leadership Conference, and the Global Relationships and Cultural Exchange program.
She volunteered in after-school tutoring programs for elementary students, provided computer literacy classes to families at the Reverchon Recreation Center, and coached the Dallas and Ursuline Debate Club NHI teams. She was the 2011 recipient of the Sister Emmanuel Shea Award for serving Ursuline willingly and generously.
After graduating from Ursuline Academy, Gaby moved to Austin, Texas where she studied at St. Edward’s University. She was a member of Campus Ministry, Hilltop Mentors, and S.E.R.V.E., and she worked in the Office of Community
Engagement as the Social Media and Marketing Manager. She was a member of the first Google Fiber Community Leaders Program in Austin, in partnership with the River City Youth Foundation, to build greater computer literacy for underprivileged communities in the Dove Springs neighborhood, an area labeled as “one of the most difficult places for a kid to grow up.”
In 2017, Gaby not only returned home to Dallas, but went back to the place where it all started – St. Mary of Carmel Catholic School (SMC). As the Development and Communications Officer at SMC, she oversees and manages the school’s fundraising, admissions, marketing, and alumni and community outreach.
Since 2018, Gaby has coordinated fundraising events to raise additional funds for tuition assistance and school operations, spearheaded volunteer opportunities, and led the Madrinas Program, an outreach program aimed to recruit and retain Latino families in Catholic schools.
Gaby is a leader within her communities, motivating others to find their voices, see their full potential, and live their faith in action.
The Serviam Alumna Award honors an alumna who embodies the Serviam volunteer spirit of Ursuline Academy. Through her spirit, service, and quality of life, she exemplifies the Christian ideals of her Ursuline education.
Cara graduated from Ursuline Academy in 2007, having been president of the Pro-Life Ursuline Students (PLUS) club, a member of the science fiction club, and an actor and director of theater productions.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, CA, where she founded the Pre-Health Society and was recognized as the top female graduate to address the College’s Board of Governors as a senior student. Following this, she attended Texas A&M Health Science Center, where she was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society and Alpha Omega Alpha, and received the American Medical Women’s Association’s Glasgow-Rubin citation for academic achievement, given to the top female medical student in each graduating medical school class.
2015, Dr. Buskmiller was consecrated in the Diocese of Dallas as a consecrated virgin living in the world, an ancient vocation of permanent virginity dedicated to love Christ as a spouse, and serve His Church.
Dr. Buskmiller is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, having completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at St. Louis University School of Medicine in 2019,
where she served as one of two administrative chief residents and won multiple teaching awards. Most recently, she graduated from fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine from the University of Texas at Houston, during which she also earned a Masters in bioethics from the University of Mary.
She has published 21 peer-reviewed papers in 11 journals on clinical and ethical topics, given dozens of presentations on research and clinical medicine and most recently was the sole female co-author of Sexual Identity: the Harmony of Philosophy, Science, and Revelation, a Catholic attempt to understand the complex issues surrounding what men and women are.
Dr. Buskmiller serves as the Chair of the Research Committee of the American Association of Pro-Life OB/GYNs and as the Treasurer of Conscience in Residency, a nonprofit she started in 2015 to help medical students and residents successfully match to and graduate from residency, even while following Church teaching on contraception, abortion, and sterilization.
Hundreds of alumnae joined us for Homecoming Weekend to visit with friends, shop from our Holiday Bazaar vendors, and sing along to The Spazmatics. The 3-day event also included special celebrations for the class of 1982 and 1972 and concluded with a beautiful luncheon honoring our four Alumnae Awards recipients.
Emily Blanshard ’92 to Brian Sendker
Monica Harry ’96 to Scotty Roy Mann
Bailey Butzberger ’02 to Jeffrey Harrell
Molly Richardson ’05 to Matt Tolley
Jenna Kueker ’07 to Seamus McAfee
Sheri Sullivan ’07 to Michael Wilson
Shannon Davey ’09 to William Engel
Olivia Price ’10 to Connor Black
Sarah Yung ’10 to Logan Richardson
Morgan Uber ’11 to Eric Lindsey
Ally Ryder ’12 to Evan Turpen
Kelsey Brockett ’13 to Zachary Haley
Courtenay Cavett ’15 to Brandon Evans
Hayley Eckert ’15 to Bill Newman
Katie Simion ’15 to Zachary Johnston
Katie Gross ’16 to Sean O’Leary
Anna Rehagen ’18 to Matthew Dorn
Stephanie Zorn (faculty) to Rory Gerken
Katie Hayes (faculty) to Michael Lee
Girls
Megan McClendon Rios ’97
Evie LaLangas DeHaas ’01
Emily Johnson Larkin ’01
Anne Ebeling Mulvihill ’01
Mary LaDriere Glasnapp ’03
Carmen Jimenez Cramer ’04
Allie Morgan Dunklin ’04
Hayley Zimmerman Creecy ’06
Cristina Gandia Niver ’06
Rachel Wade Roberston ’06
Jenn Paull Cook ’07
Erin Sullivan-Baca ’07
Rebecca Quinn Teresi ’07
Eryn Murphy Berry ’08
Abby Kemp Bedenkop ’10
Kirstin Berney Godat ’10
Amanda Rivera Johnson ’11
Jordan Gates Vierling ’11
Calla Spatz Shuman ’12
Boys
Lauren Brown Heitman ’97
Jodi Schwartz Todd ’00
Lauren Ohlenforst Carney ’01
Jackie Ramon Melle ’01
Laura Norris Farber ’05
Samantha Fechtel Howell ’05
Julia Frasco Santosuosso ’05
Megan LaDriere White ’05
Melanie Wortley Mitchell ’06
Melissa Gramlich Kings ’07
Mary McKillop Paltzer ’07
Taylor Franke Wheeler ’08
Clara Doyle Ogden ’09
Marti White Ramapuram ’10
Rachel Huber Nerren ’11
Olivia Ide (faculty)
Twins
Evelyn Acosta Conley ’09 boy/boy
Alumnae
Betty Lee Chandler ’42
Catherine Stanton Cook ’44
Ruth Brown Wiseman ’44
Jeanne Abraham Totah ’46
Dorothy Edwards Thornhill ’47
Kathleen Smith Schaffer ’48
Martha Ann Lerner Smith ’49
Geri Keller de la Garza ’52
Lucia Ribelin Francis ’54
Marilyn Brett Otteman ’55
Dava Lee Beisecker Ladymon ’57
Earlyne Tarrant ’57
Peggy Joseph Montgomery ’58
Carole Nemec Faraizl ’60
Rosemary Pitts Burns ’60
Dusty McEvoy Burke ’61
Marilyn Trubenbach Koontz ’61
Juanita Mroz Wilson ’62
Jay Blackwell Albright ’63
Barbara Bergren Harris ’67
Mary Pat Unis Eubank ’69
Joyce Meyer ’70
Molly McKool Phelan ’70
Tracy Virant ’72
Leslie Garvey Hansen ’72
Susan Triece Tomasofsky ’73
Annette Shell Baldwin ’74
Louise Melgoza ’74
Mary Jo Phillips Mote ’77
Stacey Snyder Verbeek ’83
Cathy Chrisman Thompson ’83
Joan Hemstreet West ’86
Jacqueline Clauss ’93
Kim Raschke ’99
Mary Duffee ’11
Husbands of
Dolores Lee Iliya ’44
Barbara Holton Wright ’54†
Celeta Simmons Walther ’57
Joanne Vassallo Tomlin ’59
Dusty Wood Clark ’63
Barbara Neuhoff Schlachter ’63
Sheila Trapani Meeks ’66
Carolyn Arnone Vaughan ’70
Vicky Duffin Day ’73
Ann Lawrence Shortall ’73
Nancy Buechler Campbell ’77
Gina Wischmeyer Totah ’81
Erika Bondy Redd ’84
Michelle Marlow Fojtasek ’84
Mothers of
Lydia Haggar Novakov ’68
Beth Gibbons Everett ’69
Cathy Cook Phillips ’70
Linda Meier Svrcek ’70
Jo Ann Cole ’70
Martha Gibbons Nelson ’71
Marian Haggar Bryan ’72
Colleen Cook Collins ’72
Susan Gibbons Florence ’72
Beth Cole Lougee ’72*
Patti Ling Pryor ’73
Laura Wolf Spears ’74
Anna Wolf Klein ’75†
Susan Wolf Robertson ’77
Marian Romagosa ’78
Dianne Meier Sanchez ’78
Maureen McCartin Schwartz ’78
Barbara Wolf Byrd ’79
Michelle McCartin Cooke ’80
Carol Savage Ryan ’81
Shanon Clark Steele ’81
Martha Wolf ’81
Christine Jack Blum ’82
Karen Meier Eubanks ’83
Gretchen Schlak Boudreaux ’83
Kim Summers Bieron ’84
Lisette Romagosa Smyrnios ’85
Barbara Savage ’85
Anna Stewart LeBlanc ’86
Angelique Ricci ’86
Jeni Logan Baldwin ’87
Nicole Ricci ’87
Michelle Ingram Morales ’89
Stefanie Baych Lee ’91
Kathy Ingram ’92
Karen Bishara McMahon ’93
Hillary Dean Siekierski ’96
Emily Driscoll ’98
Ellen Hagood Edgington ’98
Lauren Asher Smith ’98
Kim Raschke ’99†
Camille Wright Jacobie ’99
Kacy Potemra Young ’02
Allyson Bohannon Goldman ’07†
Emily Hoffend ’11
Jenna Hoffend ’13
Kaitlin Codd ’18
Clara Tschoepe ’19
Katie Tschoepe ’21
Camelia Benhayda-D’Hoe***
Step-mother of Veronica Moreno**
Fathers of Sandra Cass ’69†
Jo Ann Cole ’70
Rosemary Iliya Obeid ’71
Donna Cass ’71
Lea Gibson-Bishop ’74
Jo Anne Wright Brooks ’76
Sylvia Orozco Joseph ’77
Rachel Landry Helms ’77
Dianna Orozco Garrett ’78
Dianne Wright Doyle ’78
Carolyn Neuhoff Shaw ’79
Claire Landry Wickersham ’79
Allison Wright Womack ’80
Carol Chrisman Weston ’80
Ellyn Landry Amador ’81
Mary Jane Neuhoff Brezette ’81
Shanon Clark Steele ’81
Francie Knochel Giles ’83
Melissa Cass ’83
Leann Fitch-Denney ’83
Anne Quadrini Rogers ’83
Kara Sherman Gehan ’85
Kristi Fitch Buckley ’86
Karen Quadrini Powell ’86
Shannon Davis Henderson ’87
Jennifer Salmon Tooker ’87
Susan Quadrini ’88
Gina McElhatton Wayman ’88*
Stefanie Coston ’89
Lynette McElhatton Jackson ’89
Lorrie Coston Spath ’90
Stefanie Baych Lee ’91
Tara Copp ’92
Susan Fitch Krygowski ’92
Leah Shafer Glaser ’95
Those listed here died between December 1, 2021 and November 30, 2022.
Shawna Salmon Saussus ’95
Stacy Lynn Reeder Blanco ’96
Kristin Sullivan Kowalski ’96
Melissa Dowlearn Tison ’96
Leslie Parmley Ren ’97
Sarah Katherine Davis Zavala ’97
Emily Driscoll ’98
Laura Stumpf ’99
Rachel Tafalla ’99
Kathryn Tarangioli Zack ’99
Lauren Sullivan Dorman ’01
Mary Tarangioli Smith ’01
Elizabeth Shortall Pulsinelli ’05
McKenzie Sullivan Paquette ’06
Eliza Palter ’16
Katherine Jarrett-Dean ’24
Savanna Vanciel ’25
Beth Jarrett-Dean ’26
Daughters of Ruth Currin Lewis ’42†
Marilyn Brett Otteman ’55†
Jamie Gallagher Gentry ’73
Niki Huffman Reynolds ’99
Rose Hemstreet**
Sons of Mamie Anton Coston ’31†
Sonia Ugarte Ganter ’63
Grandmothers of Liz Pryor ’02
Kathryn Pryor ’03
Natalie Nordseth Leveck ’03
Stephanie Nordseth Vance ’03
Kimberly Shultz ’04
Marika Dahlstrom Coleman ’04
Rosie Bryan ’05
Annie Dahlstrom Glaser ’05
Sarah Stefaniak ’06
Miki Alvarado ’07
Katie Klein Collins ’07
Cortney Shultz ’07
Kelsey Shultz ’08
Emily Bryan ’09
Kathleen Sabine McDaniel ’09
Kelsey Ryan ’10
Allie Ryan Gilliland ’11
Kelly Klein ’11
Katie Bieler ’12
Michelle Klein ’13
Kellie Sanchez ’15
Nicole Wolf ’15
Catherine Blizzard ’16
Erin Sanchez ’18
Maggie Savage ’19
Whitney Dodson ’21
Katherine McMahon ’22
Zoe Dodson ’24*
Claire Savage ’24
Olivia Morales ’24
Brenda Rasco***
Grandfathers of Christine Moore Erdeljak ’97
Rahle Shaw Berg ’02
Alison Mathews ’03
Catherine Nipper Gurley ’06
Catherine Iliya Palasz ’06
Selina Amador Parker ’09
Teresa Amador Gallagher ’07
Clara Doyle Odgen ’09
Kelsey Ryan ’10
Sara Amador ’11*
Allie Ryan Gilliland ’11
Alice Doyle McMahan ’11
Elizabeth Iliya ’12
Haley Tomlin ’13
Katy Cornwall ’14
Maddie Limber† ’14
Kendall Fox ’15
Elizabeth Nipper ’15
Maxine Seif ’15
Bella Limber ’16
Ann Gehan ’17
Emma Shields ’18
Neida Negrete ’19
Kylie Fox ’20
Maggie Griffiths ’22
Regan Bryant ’23
Ivette Negrete ’23
Mary Jane Neuhoff ’25
Audrey Bryant ’25
Great Grandmothers of Mallory Rasco ’18
Lydia Rasco ’25
Sisters of Patricia O’Donnell Herndon ’40†
Rosemary Edwards Harvey ’45
Margaret Mary Lerner Lester ’45†
Joanne Abraham Walls ’49
Maureen Smith Gallagher ’51†
Phyls Rodriguez Esparza ’57
Joan Smith Breuch ’61
Karen Shell Casey ’62
Paula Shell Bachman ’64
Cheryl Unis Mansour ’66
Christine Owen Feasley ’66
Sally Shell Zalkovsky ’69
Katherine Owen ’70†
Claudia Lewis Crocker ’71
Grace Melgoza Flusche ’74
Sue Virant Wunderlick ’74
Julie Hemstreet ’75
Margaret Hemstreet Krause ’76
Laura Virant Einspanier ’77
Emily Triece ’77
Lenore Hemstreet ’78
Kitty McKool Burns ’81
Virginia Hemstreet ’81
Lucy Phillips Gussoni ’84
Nathalie Clauss Cass ’89
Brothers of Mary Ann Neuhoff Collins ’48
Jean McRedmond Bonnen ’50†
Nancy Neuhoff Gallagher ’50
Dorothy McRedmond Weed ’51†
Frances McRedmond ’53
Kathleen McRedmond Kahil ’54
Catherine Neuhoff Dickson ’55†
Alice McRedmond ’56†
Sister Ellen McRedmond ’59
Joan McRedmond Cannon ’61
Beth Krage Lenzer ’63
Karen Coston ’69
Sharon Coston ’69
Jennifer Johnson Holt ’70
Elizabeth Driscoll Davis ’74
Madie Vilbig-King ’74
Ellen Neuhoff Elpers ’76
Betsy McMahon ’78
Harriet Ellison Cochran ’80
Maria Ellison Curtis ’82
Kristyn Starr ’01
Christy Lottie ’02
Laura Starr ’03
Jo Carol Mason**
Aunts of Mary Lynn Vaughan ’73
Marty Vaughan Rumble ’74
Ginger Williams Bucher ’74
Vicki Vaughan Miller ’75
Suzanne Harvey Grayson ’77
Melinda Harvey Kianpour ’82
Melissa Dowlearn Tison ’96
Stefanie Flusche ’02
Julie Wunderlick Huerter ’02
Rebecca Wunderlick Holterhoff ’05
Sarah Einspanier ’07
Jordan Snyder Cunningham ’09
Olivia Gussoni ’13
Francesca Gussoni ’14*
Mali Snyder ’19
Allison Vanderwoude***
Uncles of
Nancy Collins Elliott ’72
Susan Collins Hahn ’74
Ann Collins Field ’78
Madeline Collins Hamm ’79
Aline Murad Mitchell ’81
Jenny Gates Priddy ’82
Angela Murad Grover ’86
Jeanne Gates Howell ’87
Jenny Neuhoff ’90
Amy Ornelas ’94
Patricia Neuhoff Malorzo ’95
Mary Madden Melle ’96
Sarah Neuhoff Wolfe ’04
Jennifer Weed ’06
Jules McGee Musal ’08
Katherine Reynolds ’22
Bridget Reynolds ’23
Cora Ellison ’25
Mothers-in-law of Joanie Pickering ’68
Susan Wolff Wolf ’83
Michelle Marlow Fojtasek ’84
Stephanie Ashmore Ingram ’87
Jennifer Jascott Crumley ’88
Michelle Ackels Roudebush ’05
Fathers-in-law of Christine Coffin Todd ’78
Aimee Baillargeon Griffiths ’91
Christian Grammar Freberg ’92
Christy Lottie ’02
Christy Tuohy Eshelbrenner ‘05
Michele Snyder***
Son-in-law of Gabriella Veleba Bondy ’57
Sisters-in-law of Rosemary Haggar Vaughan ’43*
Martha Troy Ribelin ’49†
Tracy Driscoll ’70
Elizabeth Driscoll Davis ’74
Beth Balisteri Unis ’76
Brothers-in-law of Betty Lee Marquis ’46
Mary Neuhoff Balisteri ’56
Julia Vassallo Murad ’57
Gretchen Neuhoff Flanagan ’58
Pam Neuhoff Farnsworth ’66
Janice Beuchler Svatek ’71
Mary Alice Buechler Monk ’76
Barbara Marshall Ellison ’85
Elizabeth Bondy Reynolds ’88
Nieces of Sister Lois Bannon O.S.U.†
Patricia Currin ’50
Pat Gallagher ’60
Margaret Gallagher Jones ’64
Mary Jo Gallagher Maher ’70
Karen Gallagher ’80
Nephew of Jeanne Gates Howell ’87
Cousins of
Marlene Ackels Mallick ’51
Jeanette Lohr Kopko ’67
Nancy Marshall ’67
Lissy Lohr Nancarrow ’72
Suzanne Lohr Chance ’76
Marion Marshall ’76
Joanne Lohr McCoy ’77
Bede Marshall ’82
Miki Alvarado ’07
Ursuline is saddened by the losses in our community. We make every effort to accurately list each passing and regret any oversight or errors. Please remember to notify us of any updates at alumnae@ursulinedallas.org and join us for our Memorial Masses held in January, April, and August. *Non-graduate
Embrace your school spirit at the new and improved Bear Necessities located next to Haggerty Library.
Not in the area? You can now shop online!
