A Letter from our Board of Trustees Chair

Dear Members of the Ursuline School Community,

Rich Tradition, Bold Ambition.

The theme of last year’s Annual Fund, chosen well ahead of calendar year 2020, are just about the four strongest words to describe this community’s response to the events of 2020. It was the rich tradition of The Ursuline School which mobilized the faculty, administration, students, and parents to shift to distance learning within hours of being among the first schools closed in March. It was bold ambition that drove further plans for faculty support, PPE investment, graduation and moving-up ceremonies, welcoming the Classes of 2024 and 2027, and continuing with the Innovation Campaign construction.

Another aspect of both tradition and ambition was demonstrated by alumnae who stepped forward in conversation with members of the administration and trustees against the backdrop of this nation’s racial injustice headlines. Shared experiences, feedback, offers of help and connections will make The Ursuline School a place that all feel welcomed and encouraged to reach for their dreams and realize their potential. I am incredibly proud to have been part of the beginning of these dialogs last summer and applaud Ursuline’s commitment to cultivate an environment of equity and inclusion for all.

It is said that years like 2020 expose the true character of a community. Ursuline’s community demonstrated Serviam in countless ways – prayers, food and supply drives, sewing and delivering masks to frontline workers, support of each other and many unseen acts for others. Those who could responded with heartwarming support of the Serviam Scholarship Endowment Fund, whose growth remains a priority especially in these challenging times. The Innovation Campaign also benefited from the character of this community, receiving donations of major, multi-year pledges and one-time gifts. There will be much written about 2020. My hope is that the selfless and bold responses of The Ursuline School community becomes immortalized in our DNA. As I complete my term as Chair of the Board of Trustees, I will forever be grateful for the support of so many fellow trustees who responded to the call to serve. Among these special people, The Ursuline School is forever indebted to Claire McIntee ‘57, Ed Merrigan P’00 ‘02 ‘04, and JoAnn Murphy GP ’07 and ’22, who passed into eternal life while serving as trustees in 2019 and 2020. Each left an indelible and profound impact on the board room, The Ursuline School and me. Ac Fui, gratefully.

Finally, I am thrilled that Sheila Sohr P’12 has assumed the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees. Sheila has been involved with Ursuline for many years, as a Co-President of the Mothers’ Auxiliary, author of the 2013 Strategic Plan, Trustee, Committee Chair and Vice Chair. Fortunately, she did not “graduate” with her daughter Caroline so that Ursuline will continue to benefit from her trademark wisdom, steadfast commitment to improvement and the generous commitment of her many talents in the years to come.

Forever grateful, Ann Gillin Lefever ‘82 Chair, Board of Trustees