LOGOS - 2015 by Ursuline Academy of Dallas

N E T WO R K I N G : POWE RI NG YO UR LI FE PATH

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS | ALUMNAE MAGAZINE 2015

GROW A TEACHER Change a Life At Ursuline Academy, a culture of learning nourishes creativity, innovation, and growth. Teachers are encouraged to try new approaches. Highly engaged, they embrace professional learning as a lifelong pursuit. How can you help sustain this vibrant culture for future generations? Consider a charitable planned gift, designated to the Ursuline Academy Faculty Endowment. Major funding will be needed in the years to come to recruit, train, and retain the best teachers for Ursuline students. For tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s student, and for her teacher, your generosity will change a life.

To learn more about planned giving and the Ursuline Society, visit www.ursulinedallas.org/ plannedgiving or contact Christy Frazer, Director of Institutional Advancement, at 469-232-3584 or cfrazer@ursulinedallas.org.

table of contents

Cover Story

Networking

See how the power of networking can help put you on the path to success.

ON THE COVER Illustration by Antoine Corbineau

DEPARTMENTS

From the Prioress

3 From the Assistant Director 4

Alumnae Board

On Campus

Athletic Field

10 Living Serviam

“Perfectly Plain” to Plaid

An illustrated history of the Ursuline uniform.

26 From the President 30 The Ursuline Spirit 32 Ways of Giving 34 Vital Statistics 42 Photo Gallery

High Tech Anatomy

44 Bears Mentioning

Science teacher Matt Lepley makes the most of technology in the classroom.

Ursuline Alumnae Weekend 2014

The 4th annual Ursuline Alumnae Weekend brought more than 300 alumnae together for a weekend full of reminiscing, celebrations, and the presentation of the Alumnae Awards.

PRESIDENT

Gretchen Z. Kane gkane@ursulinedallas.org B E T T E R C O N T E N T. B E T T E R M A R K E T I N G .

Editorial Offices 750 N. Saint Paul Street Suite 2100 Dallas, Texas 75201 www.dcustom.com 214.523.0300 Paul Buckley President Jas Robertson General Manager Amy Robinson Editorial Director

Casey Casteel Editor-in-Chief Kyle Phelps Design Director Martin Long Account Service Manager Pedro Armstrong Production Manager Emily Slack Assistant Art Director

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

PRINCIPAL

Andrea Shurley ashurley@ursulinedallas.org ALUMNAE OFFICE

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

Julia Frasco Santosuosso ’05 Assistant Director of Alumnae jsantosuosso@ursulinedallas.org

ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

Christy Frazer Director of Institutional Advancement cfrazer@ursulinedallas.org

URSULINE SISTERS OF DALLAS

Sr. Lois Castillon, O.S.U. Prioress srcastillon@ursulinedallas.org CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

COMMUNICATIONS

Valerie Oates Director of Communications voates@ursulinedallas.org Kelly Morris Communications Associate kmorris@ursulinedallas.org

Amanda Trimble Harrier CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Blake Photography Deborah Kellogg Jim Olvera Nordseth Photography Tricia Schoon Brandon Thibodeaux William Thompson

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

from the prioress

Build Community Wherever You Go — St. Angela Merici, 5th Counsel

In the 9th Counsel, Angela says to ‘Put your whole soul into the enterprise you have undertaken — rejoice!’

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

ou might be surprised to learn that our Foundress, St. Angela Merici, was superb at networking. Well respected by her community, her advice was sought by young and old, the nobility and the poor. At the age of 61, she brought together a group of unmarried women, fellow Franciscan tertiaries, and other friends to form the Company of St. Ursula. These associates were consecrated to God and dedicated to service, but remained in their own homes, enabling them to remain active and present among those they served. Whether stepping forward to fill a need or gathering with like-minded individuals to serve a common good, it is not a stretch to see how the Ursuline women of today continue to grow and evolve in St. Angela’s image — both spiritually and professionally. Many of her teachings focus on using prayer and community to find that life path. In her Intro to the Counsels, Angela tells us to “Pray that God enlighten you, direct you, and teach you what you are to do.”

In a time when so many of us are considering our next steps amidst a shifting professional and personal landscape, St. Angela’s words provide focus and direction. Whatever stage of life we find ourselves in, our shared Ursuline connection can strengthen us and provide new opportunities. We network through the Ursuline Professional Women’s Network, share leads on LinkedIn, and inspire with stories of others who are following their own path. Like St. Angela, Ursuline women “build community wherever we go.”

Fondly,

Sister Lois Castillon, O.S.U. Prioress, Ursuline Sisters of Dallas Member, Ursuline Alumnae Association Board

from the assistant director

The Ursuline Alumnae Social Network Julia

Assistant Director of Alumnae Julia Frasco Santosuosso ’05

How can I connect with Ursuline Alumnae through social media?

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Ursuline Academy of Dallas Alumnae Dear photograph: these lockers and composites have seen a lot of faces walk by over the years. Think they have any good secrets? #ifthesewallscouldtalk #tbt

@uadallasalum What do you want to be when you grow up? Can't wait for Career Day tomorrow! #inspiringwomen

Ursuline Alumnae interact daily through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Search for “Ursuline Academy of Dallas Alumnae” to visit us on Facebook and LinkedIn, and find us

Erika Bondy ’84 Oh yeah! I had locker #85 in main hall, directly underneath my mother’s photo in her class photo from ’52. Imagine that!! Like

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@BrookeGreen12 (Brooke Houston Green ’97) This was always one of my favorite days as a student. Like

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on Instagram and Twitter by following @UADallasAlum. Connect and join the conversation! Nostalgic Throwback Thursday photos return you to your old stomping grounds. Inspirational alumnae stories keep you connected. And sharing your comments gives our community opportunities to get to know you better. In case you missed them, here are a few samples from our most popular posts on social media.

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Ursuline Academy of Dallas Alumnae In 1958, Braniff Gymnasium opened its doors to endless opportunities for sports, theater, class gatherings, and more as the first multipurpose gymnasium on campus! #uahistory #tbt

@uadallasalum How many #UAinfractions can you spot in this week's #tbt?

Maxine Kijek Sims ’82 Oh, how much duct tape we used to hang intramural posters!!!! Like

Comment

@jbbeesley (Jenny Beesley ’03) Pretty sure none of them have the second button buttoned. And, Amber, you better have a note for those flip-flops! Like

Comment

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

alumnae board

Alumnae Association Mission Statement “Let us band together, do something great, worthy of ourselves.” — Ursuline Annuals 1899 The mission of the Ursuline Alumnae Association is to strengthen and support ties between the alumnae and Ursuline Academy of Dallas, to nurture the bond of alumnae sisterhood at home and abroad, to preserve and share the heritage bequeathed to us by the Ursuline Sisters, and to promote opportunities for spiritual, social, intellectual, and professional enrichment.

he Ursuline Alumnae Board is composed of 13 volunteer leaders, led by President Amy Wills Reading ’88, who focus on the following areas: Alumnae Relations, Class Agents & Reunions, Development & Alumnae Giving, Young Alum, School Relations, Scholarship & Award Nominating, Professional Networking, and Alumnae Weekend. The Board was restructured in 2012 to better achieve the goals of

the Ursuline Academy Strategic Plan, based on alumnae feedback gathered from surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Successful initiatives to date include the addition of broader engagement events such as Alumnae Intramurals Cocktail Party, expansion of the Ursuline Professional Women’s Network (UPWN), and increased emphasis on Ursuline Alumnae Weekend each June as a community-building event.

Past presidents of the Alumnae Association gather annually for a luncheon to connect, engage, and stay informed of school initiatives and the Alumnae Strategic Plan progress. This year’s attendees heard updates from Academy President Gretchen Kane and Alumnae Board President Amy Wills Reading ’88, and also had the opportunity to meet new Academy Principal Andrea Shurley. Since its inception in 1899, the Alumnae Association has benefited from the leadership of 54 presidents, who current Board leadership look to for guidance and vision, representing the heritage and history we all share and seek to preserve.

To view a list of Alumnae Board Past Presidents, please visit www.ursulinedallas.org/myboard.

Decades of strong leadership were represented at the Alumnae Association Past Presidents second annual luncheon in June.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

2014-2015 URSULINE ACADEMY ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION BOARD (CLOCKWISE FROM CENTER) Sr. Lois Castillon, O.S.U. (ex-officio), Catherine Baetz Maurer ’98, Elizabeth Doczi Brush ’04, Karen Elias Ray ’81, Kathie Kahn Wood ’87, Tracy Fulkerson Wilson ’81, Fran Corrales-Drone ’86, Dori Neil Araiza ’05, Samantha Smith ’05, Linda Thomas White ’81, Jennifer Jascott Crumley ’88, Amy Wills Reading ’88, Kelly Moore Cook ’85 (center) Not pictured: Cristina Gandia Niver ’06

2014-2015 Ursuline Academy Alumnae Association Board URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

on campus

by amanda trimble harrier

Defining Excellence A community-created definition will guide Ursuline educators long into the future.

hat makes an Ursuline teacher great? That question was on President Gretchen Kane’s mind during her first year at Ursuline Academy of Dallas. She spent a lot of time getting to know the faculty, and could see how dedicated they are to their students, and how each young woman graduates with a mind prepared to think critically about the world around them. She knew it to be true, but her mathematician’s brain wanted to know: How can we quantify this? How do we measure it? And how do we use that information to show the world how incredible our teachers are? “For many years, I surveyed high school seniors, asking ‘What makes a truly great teacher? How specifically do they earn your respect?’” says Gretchen. “When we directed those questions at the teachers themselves, Committee Chair Michele Snyder has been Director of Admission since 2000.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

it proved to be an effective approach for Ursuline faculty to build their own consensus around what defines teaching excellence.” Thus began the Excellence in Teaching initiative. Over the course of approximately a year, Ursuline held focus groups with faculty, staff, and students, and sent surveys to the larger Ursuline community, all in pursuit of what each person felt defined a topnotch Ursuline educator. Once the research had been collected, a task force sat down to digest the data and put forth its collective definition. “I was definitely excited, and a bit intimidated!” says Director of Admission Michele Snyder, who was asked to lead the committee. “I was also really looking forward to working with my colleagues to create something that would have an impact on all of our lives. I wanted to do right by them.” The task force was composed of a mix of people from varied backgrounds: male and female; new and veteran educators; and the group represented humanities, science, and everything in between. Three Ursuline Alumnae faculty members were also part of the team: Gabrielle Merani ’04, Christy Miller ’00, and Jenny Beesley ’03. “As we took the time and effort to define what it means to teach here,” says Gabrielle, “one couldn’t help but notice how much Ursuline cares about its teachers and the advancement of its students.” Consensus was not always simple. With so many opinions in the room, there was a lot of negotiating and fine-tuning of the language. Eventually, five “pillars” began to take shape. Michele recalls when the task force realized that each idea could be connected to the words from St. Angela’s counsels. “It was a special moment when we made that discovery. Suddenly this list was very specific to us and to our mission, in a way that no other document could be.” The task force presented its resulting report (seen at right), at an all-employee meeting in early 2014. Although she is typically unfazed by public speaking, Michele recalls being a little nervous that morning. “Excellence in Teaching was always meant to be a community process, so the last step was to ask for the blessing of that community,” she states. “I was struck by the positive and supportive response. It was like we would not only celebrate the definition, but celebrate each other for how we bring the definition to life.” “Part of what drew me back to Ursuline was the influence and impact that many of my teachers had on me during my high school years,” says Jenny. “As an educator myself now, this initiative has given me a framework for how my teaching should look.” Looking to the future, the Excellence in Teaching project offers a foundation for other Ursuline initiatives, including a new professional learning model for faculty. The work of the task force and the community will also support efforts to recruit new faculty and students and grow the faculty endowment in the years to come.

athletic field

ield out the F Facts Ab d by gifts d n as fu e

eld w rs. athletic fi 100 dono The new more than m o fr n ony, or 3.5 millio n Cerem totaling $ Dedicatio e th f o ng, and video ion, lighti To view a construct t u o ab ore sit aping, vi to learn m le landsc n sustainab ofourow ld e fi /a org nedallas. li u rs .u w ww

Dedication Ceremony Sister Margaret Ann Moser, O.S.U. Athletic Field

rsuline Academy formally dedicated the Sister Margaret Ann Moser, O.S.U. Athletic Field on October 9, 2014, in front of more than 1,000 people, including the entire student body. “What was recently a vacant lot is now a beautifully designed field that will host games for generations to come,” said John Grimes Jr., Ursuline Academy Board Chair and Master of Ceremonies. Gretchen Kane, Ursuline President, thanked the donors, volunteer leaders, students and families, friends and neighbors whose support made the field possible. “It has been through this collective energy that we have achieved the goal of A Field of Our Own,” Ms. Kane said. “In the countless hours our student athletes will spend on this turf, we hope that they will always have a love of the game, strive for excellence, develop habits of true sportswomanship, forge friendships, and demonstrate graciousness in both victory and defeat.”

Y President Gretchen Kane and Bishop Kevin Farrell applaud as Mayor Mike Rawlings leads the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to Sister Margaret Ann.

I I Jennifer Staubach Gates ’84, Dallas City Councilmember District 13

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

Y Sister Margaret Ann Moser, President Emerita

John Grimes Jr., Chair, Ursuline Academy Board of Trustees and Master of Ceremonies

by kelly morris

Ursuline alumna Jennifer Staubach Gates ’84, Dallas City Councilmember, spoke next. “I never could have imagined when I walked those halls you girls walk every day that I’d be representing this neighborhood as your councilmember. My journey has led me to my role as public servant.” She then introduced Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, who made remarks and led the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to Sister Margaret Ann. Bishop Kevin Farrell blessed the field, adding a fun note at the end of his prayer: “Above all Lord, we ask you always to be on our side and to help us win every game that we play on this field.” The program closed with remarks and ribbon-cutting by Sister Margaret Ann, followed by the lacrosse and soccer teams taking to the field for exhibition play.

Students watched the teams scrimmage as they snacked on popcorn and Lemon Chills.

2 First-year head soccer coach Kelly Wilmoth (pictured with the varsity soccer team) said she was "very blessed" to use the long-awaited field.

I Filled with excitement, lacrosse coach Lori Wales (back row right) admitted she couldn’t sleep the night before Dedication.

Y Bishop Kevin Farrell with Student Ambassadors.

“I am reminded of words we use in the liturgy of Easter: This is a day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!” said Sister. “Be glad that every Ursuline student will have an opportunity to participate and to take pride in a field of their own. Be glad that, through athletics, every Ursuline student has the opportunity to build confidence in themselves and in their potential as leaders.” And she had one more message, especially for the students. “Girls, when you see that name on the field, I want you to remember that hundreds and hundreds of other names are also part of that name on the wall. What so many have worked for … over so many years … has now become a reality. Let us rejoice, and let us be glad … at this wonderful work of our entire Ursuline community!”

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

living serviam

Transcending Boundaries Two Alumnae Harness the Power of Public Art

ne afternoon last summer, as I worked with the homeless population in the public library in Downtown Dallas, I realized that this work is not charity, it is justice. This is the idea that drives the Catalyst Arts Movement. What started out as a public art project has transformed into a movement to end stigmas about a marginalized section of society: individuals experiencing homelessness in the Dallas area. It all began during my sophomore year at Ursuline Academy, when I witnessed public art’s emergence in Dallas after visiting Deep Ellum’s Bark Park. I was struck by how beautiful the murals made the area — a mostly concrete jungle adjacent to downtown with an interstate directly overhead. I couldn’t get the scene out of my head for quite some time and felt inspired to create my own public art piece. I began to do some research, first by visiting existing public art installations and meeting with a City of Dallas official. She directed me to Diana Goldberg, one of the creators of Luminaria at Love Field, a prominent piece of public art consisting of six giant metal luminarias. I also reached out to Barry Annino, President of the Deep Ellum Foundation. Everyone provided great insights, but at Ursuline is where I found my perfect partner for this project: Cristina Girod ’13. Knowing she possessed great artistic talents, I approached her in the lunch line one day at school, and she immediately accepted my invitation to collaborate. Cristina’s creative mind and artistic capabilities paired well with my ability to imagine, organize, and connect in the community. What really united us, however, was our belief in art’s transformative effects on human perceptions and experience. We branded our partnership Catalyst Arts Movement (Catalyst for short), for Cristina and I believed fully that our initiative was the beginning of a movement that would spread empowerment and resilience through art. Cristina introduced me to the irony that popular culture loves street art, yet ignores “street people.” In researching homelessness in Dallas, an article popped up in Google about Coffee and Conversations at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in Downtown Dallas. Primarily targeted to initiate conversation with the library’s homeless population, Coffee and Conversations provides those who are experiencing homelessness with an outlet to escape the stresses of surviving on the streets. We emailed the organizers to express our interest, and luckily, they gave us a chance to participate. The Coffee and Conversations program has been proven to have a significant impact on the homeless; they have been given a place that not only recognizes their existence, but also values and cares for them. Catalyst contributed by bringing art to these sessions, offering to hold open art classes. We showed our commitment to the program, and slowly but surely we have created a partnership that I think both Catalyst and the library benefit from. In March 2014, at Catalyst’s first of many sessions at the library, we found that art erased stigmas by providing a starting point in conversations, especially between individuals who previously had nothing in common. In one class, an elderly woman named Marilyn, asked Frank, a quirky man who describes himself as Einstein’s doppelgänger, about Frank’s financial and living situation. After Frank replied humorously to her questions and denied the existence of either

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

a home or a job, Marilyn finally asked, “But what do you do?” to which Frank replied, “I exist.” “It is moments like these that spark the Catalyst Arts Movement for us,” says Cristina. “Art has the ability to enhance the human experience and reveal beauty around us that we do not ordinarily see.” In the summer of 2014, Catalyst and the Dallas Contemporary teamed up to bring a unique session to Coffee and Conversations. In “Taking it to the Streets,” a speaker from the Dallas Contemporary discussed street art with attendees and gave all present the opportunity to make their own street art “tag,” which was then transferred to ballcaps that the artists could keep. “Our partnership with Cristina and Katherine has taken our initiative at the library

by katherine allen ’14

(Above) Katherine Allen ’14 (left) and Cristina Girod ’13 in front of a mural in Deep Ellum. (Below) A Coffee and Conversations attendee participates in an open art class hosted by Catalyst.

to a whole new level,” says Ann Bever, Branch Manager for the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library. “They are true Catalysts, sharing their passion, knowledge, skills, and energy to enrich our experiences with the community and create wonderfully unforgettable Coffee and Conversation programs. We are incredibly lucky and immensely grateful that

they reached out to us.” Although I’m now in Austin at The University of Texas, and Cristina is in Los Angeles at UCLA, we continue to work long distance on Catalyst. We are currently exploring a variety of different mural opportunities for the summer of 2015, and we recently added fellow alumna Angie Reisch ’14 to our team. To keep things moving forward, we talk on the phone, send photos back and forth of potential mural ideas, and look forward to our time back in Dallas. Until then, we are in the planning and fundraising phases of the mural project. Hopefully, this is the first of many successes for Catalyst, and what we say is “just the beginning” of our project’s goal to open the eyes of others to the beauty of art and its ability to transcend social boundaries.

The Catalyst logo incorporates a compass, which reflects that “in the populations we are currently serving, many people are lost,” says Cristina. “Some don't want to be found, and others don't know how to move forward. Catalyst is not the answer to their problems, but we are willing to be their compass and guide them to who they want to become.”

Katherine Allen currently attends the University of Texas at Austin as a Forty Acres Scholar majoring in Plan II Honors and Petroleum Engineering Honors. Cristina Girod is a sophomore at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she provides art therapy to those suffering from severe mental illness and homelessness with an organization called Creative Minds.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

“Perfectly Plain” to Plaid An Illustrated History of the Ursuline Uniform

1971–present day

Ursuline’s legendary plaid skirt was introduced in 1971. Since then, there have been many changes to the uniform, but the plaid skirt has been a constant. “Blouse — white, oxford, or cotton, pointed collar. Seniors may wear a blue blouse. Sweater — navy blue cardigan or navy blue v-neck; seniors may wear white v-neck. Blazer — navy blue. Shoes — navy or black saddle oxfords, clean and in good condition … . Skirt — red, white, and blue plaid, worn to the knee.”*

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

1948–1970

From post-war through the early 1960s, the Ursuline uniform was a navy blue serge suit and white blouse. The saddle oxford shoe was introduced to the ensemble. For the dress uniform, the shirt was buttoned to the collar, and a string of pearls, white gloves, high heel shoes, and hat were added. Later in the ’60s, the navy jacket was replaced by a white or blue blazer.

from the archives

1934–1940s

Ursuline adopted a new uniform that consisted of double-breasted navy blue jackets and full pleated skirts, white roundcollar blouse, and red tie. Knee socks and hose were tan with dark shoes. From a Dallas newspaper report in 1934: “The stylish new street suit of the Ursuline student is exciting interest and attracting the admiring attention of onlookers.” During World War II, with the difficulty of shortages, students did not wear uniforms.

1917–early 1930s

The first uniforms were introduced. “Materials and patterns must be purchased from the Academy as the regulation dress is obligatory. Red ties and hair ribbons for both summer and winter. Common sense shoes. No silk hose.”*

1874–early 1900s

In the earliest years of Ursuline Academy, there was no particular uniform, but the school required that “All clothing must be perfectly plain: no ruffles or flounces allowed. No jewelry is permitted except for plain earrings and a breast pin. White dress for ceremonies.”*

*Excerpts from student handbooks, called “catalogues” in the early days of the school.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

alumnae weekend

4th annual

Ursuline Alumnae Weekend june 6-8, 2014

FRIDAY, JUNE 6

Girls’ Night Out

pirits were high as Alumnae Weekend kicked off with more than 300 alumnae returning to their roots for Girls’ Night Out in Haggar Center. An Ursuline-inspired photo booth, reunion class photos, and tapas and sangria kept the fun going all night!

, RE PICS FOR MO S 18–19! E SEE PAG

3 Members of the Class of 1969 relived their UA days at Friday’s Girls’ Night Out photo booth.

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

50th Reunion Luncheon

aturday afternoon, the Class of 1964 had a fabulous showing — just shy of half their original 69 class members — at the luncheon hosted by the Alumnae Association. Student Ambassadors led them on a tour of the campus, and they enjoyed lunch in St. Ursula Hall while catching up on the last 50 years!

Z The Class of 1964 toured the campus in groups led by Student Ambassadors at their 50th Reunion luncheon.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

SATURDAY, JUNE 7

Parents of Alumnae Gathering

aturday evening, a reception was held in honor of our Parents of Alumnae at a private home. Nearly 100 parents attended, seeing friends from their days of Ursuline carpool and catching up on their daughters’ accomplishments.

Z With recent graduates of 2013 and 2014, Lucia Jentz, Beth Wilcox, and Lisa Costa are excited to finally be Parents of Alumnae.

SUNDAY, JUNE 8

Alumnae Community Mass and Alumnae Awards Luncheon 3 Student musicians Katie Gross ’16, Gladys Ohakwe ’14, and Julia Murad ’14 provided a beautiful ambiance for Sunday’s Alumnae Community Mass.

he Ursuline Alumnae community celebrated Mass together on the Holy Feast of Pentecost in the Ursuline Center for Performing Arts on Sunday morning. A beautiful candle lighting ceremony represented the lives of those alumnae who passed away between June 2013 and June 2014. Immediately following Mass, the Alumnae Awards Luncheon took place in Neuhoff Gym. Three awardees were honored this year for their outstanding service to the greater community and for being women of Serviam. The 2014 recipients were: Mnikesa Whitaker ’97, Distinguished Alumna; Mary Walker Sladek ’79, Serviam Alumna; and Becky Wade ’07, Young Alumna.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

alumnae weekend

Meet the

2014 Alumnae Awards Recipients

Mnikesa Whitaker ’97

Distinguished Alumna Award

nikesa Whitaker ’97 teaches middle school English in New Haven, Connecticut, where she also runs BalletHaven, a dance program designed for girls in grades 5 through 8. Her evenings and weekends are spent working toward the completion of her master’s degree in reading instruction. She does all of this while battling the effects of systemic scleroderma, a debilitating autoimmune disease that has left her in a race against time. A classically trained dancer from age 11, Mnikesa dreamt of one day becoming a professional dancer. While at Ursuline, she was an officer of the Jesuit Rangerettes and continued to dance throughout her time at Southern Methodist University. Her aspirations were cut short in 2001 when her illness began to dramatically affect her physically. It was then that she redirected her attention and became the fifth generation of teachers in her family. After graduation, she moved to Connecticut to start her teaching career. It was clear that she had found her calling when she was presented with the Beginning Teacher of the Year Award. She has also received the New Haven TAPS Award, which is a district-wide honor, and was recognized by her local community as New Havener of the Year. In 2011, Mnikesa founded BalletHaven with the purpose of using the art of ballet to instill dedication, focus, and discipline in her students. Students commit to staying after school twice a week and dedicate themselves to maintaining good grades and a dancer’s discipline. The majority of the participants come from low-to-middle income families who are asked to contribute what they can financially, but a great deal of additional support is provided by the community. Mnikesa bears the pain of day-to-day movements that are so often taken for granted because of her passion for dance and devotion to her students. Her goal is for BalletHaven dancers to become teachers, passing down the art of dance to those who follow in their footsteps.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

To spee view th e rec ches ip o alumr to nom ients’ Alum na fo inate an www nae Aw r an .ursu ard, v li n is e alum naea dallas.or it ward g/ s.

Rebecca Wade ’07 Young Alumna Award

R Mary Walker Sladek ’79 Serviam Alumna Award

ary Walker Sladek is a lifelong Dallasite and a proud member of the Class of 1979. She is one of 13 children, including eight sisters who also called Ursuline home. Mary has been married to her high school sweetheart, Bill (Jesuit ’78), for more than 30 years, and they have four children: Billy (Jesuit ’03), Brendan (Jesuit ’05), Brian (Jesuit ’07), and Maddie ’12. It was during her days at Ursuline that Mary began to understand the meaning of Serviam and the Christian call to service. Every Tuesday and Thursday during the school year, Mary tutors young children, primarily from immigrant families, as part of the St. Vincent de Paul Study Time program. In addition to her monthly commitment to prepare dinner for the families at Ronald McDonald House, twice a month, she serves breakfast and dinner at The Bridge, a homeless assistance center. As part of a Dallas County program, Mary received her certification to teach diabetes education classes to senior citizens. Heroic Media, a pro-life media organization, benefits from Mary’s generosity through her assistance in coordinating events such as their annual golf tournament, prayer breakfasts, and mailings. And, in both 2011 and 2013, Mary traveled to El Salvador on a mission trip to live and work among the poorest of the poor. In addition to her involvement with organizations around Dallas, Mary remains very active in the Ursuline, Jesuit, and St. Monica Catholic Church communities. She is a former member of the Ursuline Mothers’ Club and Parent Board, volunteers regularly in the campus bookstore, and has served on both the Ursuline Mardi Gras and Jesuit auction committees. Several times a month she volunteers as an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist, and steps in as a substitute teacher at St. Monica. Mary is living the life to which she is called; a life of love, compassion, and service toward all she encounters.

ebecca “Becky” Wade, Class of 2007, is one of four Wade twins, all Ursuline and Jesuit graduates — Rachel ’06, Matt (Jesuit ’06), and Luke (Jesuit ’07). She attended Rice University on a full athletic scholarship where she was a fourtime All-American in cross country, 10K, and 5K; the holder of Rice records in four running events; and the winner of Rice’s highest athletic honor. During her collegiate running career, Becky was the U.S. Junior National Champion in the steeplechase, qualified for the 2012 Olympic Trials, and was selected as the Conference USA honoree for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. Upon graduating with a triple major in History, Psychology, and Sociology, Becky traveled the world on a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, given annually to 40 graduating seniors across the U.S. for one year of foreign study and travel. During that year, she visited 22 countries, stayed with 72 host families, and ran more than 3,500 miles while exploring long distance running cultures. Becky spent two months of that year in Ethiopia training and volunteering with a scholarship program that teaches English and life skills to young female runners. In her marathon debut in 2013, she won the California International Marathon with a time of 2:30, becoming the third-fastest American woman marathoner ever under age 25 and qualified for the 2016 Olympic Trials. After that race, Becky was named “America’s Best Young Marathoner” by Runner’s World magazine. Currently, she is fulfilling her dream of running professionally, having signed a sponsorship contract with Asics. She will continue to prepare for the Olympics while serving as a volunteer coach for the Rice women’s cross country and track teams, giving motivational talks to young runners, and volunteering at Recipe for Success, which teaches nutrition and wellness to elementary school children. Becky plans to return to Ethiopia to continue her work empowering female athletes through running and education.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

alumnae weekend

1 Class of 1989: Christina Bode McLaughlin, Lisa Colgin, Annie Kahn Vaughan, Amanda DiGiuseppe Helms, Stacie Gokie Belter, and Holly Croft pose for the camera at Girls’ Night Out. 2 Ladies of the Class of 1984 know Alumnae Weekend is serious business. 3 Class of 1979 reminds you they are the “Class of All Time.” 4 Terri Mitcham Huddleston ’64 and Sandra Henderson Funkey ’64 catch up at Saturday’s 50th Reunion luncheon. 5 Christie Davis and John Davis pause for a Parents of Alumnae photo.

6 Hats off to the Class of 1998 for their creative photo booth props! 7 Class of 1964 in front of their composite in Main Hall. 8 Sunday’s luncheon attendees Molly O’Brien ’11, Lela Wunderlick Adams ’79, Barbara Balisteri Koeijmans ’79, and Anne Wunderlick O’Brien ’78 pause for a photo before the awards presentation begins. 9 Daniel and Arlene Larkin and Myriam and Anton Prodanovic enjoy Saturday evening’s Parents of Alumnae Gathering.

10 Sunday’s photo booth captured beautiful family memories (back row) Cindy Walker Pierotti ’72, Patty Walker Mason ’74, Jerilynn Walker Putnam ’93, Jamie Rae Walker ’94, Nancy Walker Adams ’76, Juliann Walker Chavez ’83, and Joanie Walker Brunkhorst ’85; (front row) Mary Walker Sladek ’79, Doris Blunck Walker ’56†, and Jenny Salazar. †Deceased

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

COVER STORY

or some, networking is like breathing. They seem to come home daily with a stack of new business cards. They orchestrate luncheons and events like practiced conductors. I am not one of those people. If it were up to me, I’d dodge networking all together and stick to my well-worn friends and acquaintances. But since starting my own business, I’ve found that the old adage, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” is, well, true — whether you like it or not. The good news? Networking doesn’t have to be a chore. After all, we network constantly. At its base, networking is creating and cultivating relationships. I’m not talking about stodgy networking events, where job seekers are ushered into a room full of suits and expected to recite their résumés over cheese. Rather, there are a multitude of avenues for networking in everyday life, to the benefit of any person at any age.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

COVER STORY

MAKE NETWORKING LESS “WORK” What do you do when you leave your house? One of the most effective ways to network is by getting to know groups of like-minded folks. Are you a super-yogi? Stay a moment after your class to get to know the people around you. Join a club to make a hobby more social. Get to know members of your church, your neighbors, and the regulars at your coffee shop; you’ll be surprised at the numerous ways their lives intersect with yours. “I joined a running group when I was training for my first marathon,” says Lisa Panchasarp Tran ’98, Director of the Cox School of Business Career Management Center at Southern

Julie’s career has pivoted several times, from consulting to founding her own software development company to teaching entrepreneurship, and more — including becoming a mother. “I’ve done a lot of volunteer work. It’s very important to keep up during a break and to stay in touch from place to place,” she says. “I knew I wanted to work on a national level, so I let others know what I wanted to do. My political appointment fell in my lap from a professional contact I’d known for 10 years.” I asked Julie what common issues women struggled with when networking. “Women not reaching out to find a mentor, or leveraging and expanding their network from mentors,” she quickly responds. “Get a ‘kitchen cabinet’ to give you objective insight and advice into opportunities.” This “kitchen cabinet” should be made up of trusted, career-minded mentors, family members, or friends — people who know you and your goals. By cultivating these meaningful relationships, you can take control of the expansion of your career and drive opportunity.

BE SOCIAL MEDIA SAVVY

A mistake often made is people see their LinkedIn profile as their online résumé, and it’s not. It’s your professional brand. — Emmy Rangel Furlong ’05

Methodist University. “One of the members is now a colleague of mine. You can always find individuals with whom you would like to connect on a professional level by doing something you enjoy.” For example, I’m an avid skier, but one day I found myself side-stepping 20 feet up a closed run (I missed the sign). A woman stopped to see if I was all right, and we skied to the bottom and chatted on the lift. We didn’t speak about work — we talked about skiing, snow conditions, no-pressure stuff. Six months later, I found out she works as a festival coordinator, and she was happy to help my magazine with our article on her usually hard-to-crack festival. A brief shared experience made all the difference. While connections are important, the key to making them is getting involved, says Julie Lenzer Kirk ’85, Director of the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship with the United States Department of Commerce. “Just going to events isn’t going to do it. You get out of it what you put into it,” she says.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

Of course, nowadays you don’t even have to leave home to network. With the explosion of social media resources like Facebook and LinkedIn, we can now visualize our networks as never before — as tangible lists that even show the acquaintances of our acquaintances. Facebook has solidified itself as the King of Social Networking with more than 1.35 billion active monthly users, and being clued-in to the lives of that network will give you a better idea of how you can utilize your connections to achieve your goals.

various work or volunteer projects with more than just a line on a résumé. Emmy Rangel Furlong ’05, a LinkedIn Relationship Manager in Ireland, works with businesses to develop top-tier social recruitment strategies and company brands on LinkedIn, ensuring that those businesses can attract the best talent available. Emmy recommends users do more than just copy and paste their résumés. “A mistake often made is people see their LinkedIn profile as their online résumé, and it’s not. It’s your professional brand,” she says. Be concise, but give more than just your title and how long you’ve been working in your position.

Just going to events isn’t going to do it. You get out of it what you put into it. — Julie Lenzer Kirk ’85

So go ahead: Add your colleagues on Facebook, and don’t be afraid to share updates of your life with them. If you do have something to hide (i.e., you’re looking for new work), take advantage of Facebook’s privacy settings, especially the ability to categorize your network and control what each category sees. For businesses, Facebook offers Pages, which can expand your audience by garnering likes (followers, basically) and providing your business with a platform to share content. The clear advantage of a separate Business Page is the ability to distance your personal life from your professional pursuits. This allows for branding through the content you post as well as the overall look and feel of the page. In addition, Pages lets you advertise and track the performance of your posts, giving you feedback into what content actually connects with your audience. While Facebook isn’t the answer for every business, it can be very useful for establishing a brand and connecting with your audience. But the rising star of networking is LinkedIn, a business-networking-specific site with a more professional atmosphere than Facebook. LinkedIn gives you the chance to talk about how you contributed to

Emmy also recommends having a complete profile with a professional photo (think headshot) and a detailed headline section. “Don’t just put ‘student’ or ‘job seeker’ — what exactly are you looking for if you are a job seeker? If you’re a student, what are you studying?” she says. The headline appears under your name in searches, so stand out with specifics. For the summary section, it’s important to first decide what you’re looking for in your career, and identify what types of people can help you achieve your goals. With these people in mind, tailor an elevator pitch to give these people a reason to keep reading. To increase the likelihood the right people find you, use as many varieties of relevant search terms throughout your profile as possible. “Think of what keywords they would search for to find you,” advises Emmy. Include software skills, specializations, and any training you’ve had. As for businesses, LinkedIn offers another avenue to create and maintain a corporate presence while transforming employees into brand ambassadors. “Ensure each employee has a complete profile and a picture,” Emmy says. Employee thumbnails appear on the company

The key is to conduct an informational interview before you apply for a job. If you are interested in a specific industry, company, or function, make sure to speak to someone who is doing what you would like to do one day. — Lisa Panchasarp Tran ’98

page, and they are often the first thing a potential client considers. And as a prospective employee, “If you are interested in working for a specific company, make sure you ‘follow’ them on LinkedIn. It’s also a great way to keep up with industry trends,” says Lisa. Another LinkedIn feature is Groups, where like-minded professionals can share tips, discuss industry topics, answer questions, and more. “Join groups that share similar interests to you,” Emmy says. Start with your alma mater. If you haven’t already, join the Ursuline Academy of Dallas Alumnae group and the Ursuline Academy of Dallas Professional Women’s Network (read

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

COVER STORY

UPWN events offer something for every career path and life stage. Save the date for the February 17th Happy Hour with Jesuit Alumni. Visit www.ursulinedallas.org/upwn to learn more.

more about UPWN in the sidebar at right). Search for your college’s regional or national alumni groups. Think about your professional interests, your geographic location, or even your hobbies, and you’ll likely find groups that fit. Groups open up a wider network, and will bump your profile toward the top of all searches performed by members of that group. They are also a great place to find sympathetic contacts that will give you a leg up over the hordes of faceless names that apply through job boards. The next step is to turn these virtual connections into face-to-face experiences by conducting informational interviews. These informal meetings may help secure a real job interview in the future. “The key is to conduct an informational interview before you apply for a job,” says Lisa. “If you are interested in a specific industry, company, or function, make sure to speak to someone who is doing what you would like to do one day.” While LinkedIn can be a tremendous resource, it’s important to keep in mind a few points of etiquette: Never falsely advertise yourself, don’t randomly send invitations to connect to strangers, and always be thoughtful and professional. Whenever sending an invitation to connect to someone you haven’t met, be selective. Take the time to write them a personalized message, detailing why they should accept the invitation. This extra step will help focus your efforts. Whether you’re starting your first career, switching gears, picking up after a long break, or already well established in your industry, strengthening old connections and fostering new ones could help you find the opportunities you need to further your professional goals. “The key is to pay it forward,” says Lisa. “Networking is a two-way street. When you connect with someone who has given you information or connections, always remember to follow through with recommendations.” “Then, do the same for someone else in the spirit of Serviam.”

Elizabeth Wallace ’08 is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Telluride Festivarian Magazine in Telluride, Colorado. She also provides graphic design and marketing services through her other company, Beardflower Creative. She is a graduate of The College of William and Mary with a BA in Philosophy and English with honors.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

URSULINE PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK By Linda Thomas White ’81, Ursuline Alumnae Board Networking Co-Vice President There are so many talented professional women in the Dallas area. If Ursuline could facilitate a platform for them to connect, they could build a strong foundation to support one another and promote and further their business endeavors. It was this belief that created the Ursuline Professional Women’s Network (UPWN). The intent of UPWN is to reach out to the alumnae base, and the wider Ursuline community in the Dallas area, and engage them in something different. UPWN has a LinkedIn page as well, which allows us to communicate through social media and share ideas, news about our events, business opportunities, and networking on a larger geographic scope. In September 2012, we held our first event and received overwhelming support. We continued to improve the concept, hosting events at Ursuline alumnae’s places of business to help showcase what these women have been able to accomplish. For example, we featured an exhibit of Ursuline community members’ artwork in conjunction with an event hosted at a framing gallery owned by Maxine Kijek Sims ’82. We also added an event that year with Jesuit alumni. Jacque Kennedy ’04 has been an integral part of the UPWN committee. “Getting involved with UPWN has allowed me to meet such a variety of Ursuline alumnae in the Dallas area — all smart, talented women of all ages and professional fields — that I may not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise,” she says. This year, we are adding luncheon events featuring speakers and planning to grow UPWN to other cities as a result of requests from Ursuline women outside of Dallas. With help, we can continue to grow this opportunity for Ursuline women to connect.

BREAKDOWN OF USERS:

Female users reached 44% of LinkedIn’s audience in 2014, up from 39% in 2009.

COUNTRIES WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBERS OF USERS:

RATE AT WHICH PROFESSIONALS ARE SIGNING UP TO JOIN LINKEDIN

The number of students and recent college graduates on LinkedIn. They are LinkedIn’s fastest-growing demographic.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

from the president

President’s Circle 2014 The Ursuline Experience, challenges of Leadership, and call to global citizenship The 2014 President’s Circle Dinner honoring major donors was held on April 10 at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. The President’s Award was presented to the Staubach family, recognizing their long-standing commitment to Catholic education and Ursuline Academy. In her remarks, President Gretchen Kane aligned the Ursuline educational journey with images of the museum’s extraordinary video

presentation, highlighting Ursuline’s unique heritage and history in Dallas, and the school’s enduring mission to embrace growth of the individual student, commitment to service, and leadership development. Following dinner, guests had the opportunity to tour the Bush Museum and hear presentations from an alumnae panel on global citizenship and from students on their Serviam experiences.

In her Ursuline journey, every student is given the opportunity to develop the critical skill sets essential for global leadership: appreciation of cultural diversity … global connectedness to people and issues … and the capacity to adapt in new and changing situations. — Gretchen Kane, President (Left) Ursuline President Gretchen Kane with Martha Blalack Brooks ’40 and Father Toshio Sato, C.M., Parochial Vicar, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Dallas. (Below left) 2014 President’s Award Recipients: the Staubach family Michelle Staubach Grimes ’86, Jennifer Staubach Gates ’84, Stephanie Staubach Phillips ’87, Marianne and Roger Staubach, and Amy Staubach Mentgen ’95 (Below) Sharing Serviam: Meredith Hoffman ’15, Allie Daus ’05, Cameron Pickoski ’16, Christy Miller ’00, Katie Gross ’16, and Sister Lois Castillon, O.S.U.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

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W. B USH T HE G EORG E AND MUSEUM LIBRARY PRESIDENTIAL

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A STUDENT’S JOURNEY Every Ursuline student embarks on a four-year journey of extraordinary personal growth. All along this path, she is guided by highly dedicated, talented, and caring teachers who respect her uniqueness and help her to become the person she is meant to be — competent, courageous, and compassionate. A diagram of the student’s journey, based on the layout of the museum, appeared in the President’s Circle program. For more detail, visit www.ursulinedallas.org/astudentsjourney.

Alumnae on Global Citizenship How did Ursuline education prepare them to become citizens of the world? Here are excerpts from comments by three Ursuline Alumnae who spoke at President’s Circle 2014.

Bridget McGovern ’91 Senior Director for External Relations

Adriana Martinez ’08 Market Strategist, Enterprise Development HighTower

MoneyGram International

“I have had the privilege to work for Secretary Condoleeza Rice and represent the United States government all around the world on a variety of important issues. Ursuline gave me the encouragement to go, to seek out, to be independent … to be brave and to embrace the world. My education helped me to take on a role like this and to think critically at a young age.”

Kathleen Flatley Hickman ’76 Special Agent in Charge George W. Bush Protective Division United States Secret Service

“In Ursuline education, there is an element of teaching global awareness … not just what is similar between me and someone on the other side of the world but also the comprehension of what is different. What I got from UA was the empowerment to know that what I do makes a difference, and the obligation to know that I must make a difference. Apathy is not an option. I have learned that sharing best practices can make the world a better place. We need to be the conduits to take those practices from one country to another, and learn how to apply them with cultural sensitivity.”

“It’s important to keep up with events to know what is happening throughout the world. I feel fortunate to be a citizen of the United States, and to travel in my work throughout the globe. I’ve seen the range of socioeconomic situations, from the very rich to very poor tribal villages. These experiences have been enlightening to me. Rich or poor, people want respect. When I was in school, ‘globalization’ was more of a buzzword. My Ursuline education and Serviam prepared me, and really opened my eyes. To see how we can serve others, even in a small way, gave me confidence I could have an impact.”

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

profile

Left and above: Science teacher Matt Lepley and a group of senior Ursuline students explore BioDigital Human on a tablet laptop.

High Tech Anatomy Science teacher Matt Lepley makes the most of technology

Matt Lepley teaches Anatomy & Physiology and Human Anatomy Honors, and is the faculty advisor for Honor Council.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

flipped classroom is all the rage at Ursuline Academy. To someone unfamiliar with 21st century educator lingo, that could be a perplexing statement. But at Ursuline, it’s completely revolutionizing what classroom time looks like. Many of us can recall sitting through teacher lectures in high school and college, but science faculty member Matt Lepley doesn’t lecture in his classroom. He has other priorities for time spent with his students. “With a flipped classroom, students spend time in class doing, not sitting and listening to me talk,” says Matt. Using a software program called Camtasia, Matt records his lectures and the students listen to them at home. This frees up 80 minutes of precious time for a hands-on application of what the students have learned. “My emphasis is on them experiencing it,” says Matt. “They listen to the lecture before coming to class, and I can use our time together to reinforce what they’ve heard.” During his nearly 10 years at Ursuline Academy, Matt has taught at the forefront of new technology. With innovations and apps, his students are exploring the human body using 3- and 4-D interfaces, performing virtual knee and hip replacements and deep brain stimulation, all in addition to the traditional dissections of yore. Books have been completely replaced by software like BioDigital Human, in which, according to the company website, “an interactive, medically accurate virtual body enables users to learn about anatomy, health conditions, and treatments in a visual format that resembles life itself.” Ursuline is a flagship partner in BioDigital Human’s K–12 innovation program. The company’s Chief Innovation Officer and Co-founder Aaron Oliker believes the software — typically used by universities, medical schools, and hospitals — could be in every U.S. high school in the next few years. “Ursuline is a cutting-edge school and Matt Lepley has led the charge in using this browserbased software,” says Aaron. “We have spent several sessions working with and learning from his usage. BioDigital will continue to tweak and adjust to better suit the needs of the K–12 market based on his feedback.”

by amanda trimble harrier Another software students are using is Daqri Anatomy 4D, which allows one to view the systems of the body individually and see how they relate and connect to one another. With Vernier Logger Pro software, students analyze the heart through EKGs (electrical reading of the depolarization of a heart rhythm), and measure heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, muscle tension and strength, and more. “I think the most interesting thing to me is that most pre-med and nursing students are using the same software,” says Jessica Blume ’15, who is taking Anatomy and Physiology at Ursuline. “BioDigital Human helps us fully interact with the human body, only stopping short of letting us physically touch the organs.” Knowing the impact Matt is having on his students is especially important when you realize how close he came to not becoming a teacher at all. During his freshman year at the University of Florida, he was accepted into a program that would fast-track him into dental school after only three years. Then in the spring of his junior year, a serious car accident left him unable to walk for five months. During that time spent at home recuperating, his thoughts returned to teaching. “I knew in the back of my mind that it was something I’d always wanted to do.” Once back in school, he changed course and applied for a master’s program in education. “That wreck was the best thing that could have happened,” says Matt, “because it completely redirected my attention to a career that I could see myself doing 20 years down the road and still be truly fulfilled. Not everyone can say that about their job.” His wife’s residency at Baylor brought the couple to Dallas. At first in his job search, Matt resisted the idea of teaching at a single-sex school. But an opening at Ursuline brought him there for a sample teach, where he was observed working with students as part of the interview process. “The girls were amazing — so engaged, responsive, and welcoming. I took the position, and there has never been a day that I’ve regretted that decision,” says Matt. Since then, his influence has been far reaching. Emma Sims ’10, a first-year medical student at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, remembers how supportive he was as a teacher. “I took advantage of his kindness in college by sending him emails asking about mnemonics for memorizing cranial nerves, and even when I was questioning whether or not I was cut out for medical school,” recalls Emma. “He always replied with encouraging words and had genuine faith in my abilities.”

Students at Ursuline are using BioDigital Human to study anatomy.

Having [his] support was invaluable...I started college knowing what it would take to get into medical school and feeling confident that I would get there. — Abby Brehm ’07

Abby Brehm ’07 is in her third year of medical school at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. “I remember him encouraging me to pursue these dreams of mine,” says Abby. “Having that support was invaluable, because I started college knowing what it would take to get into medical school and feeling confident that I would get there.” Thankfully for Ursuline, Matt plans to inspire students for years to come, because he knows he has found the right place for him. “I love the all-girl environment because of how diligent and hard-working they are,” says Matt. “The students truly want to do their best. I’ve taught anatomy in other schools and watched girls take a back seat to boys.” “At Ursuline, they’re all leaders in the classroom, and they should all have that opportunity.”

Amanda Trimble Harrier worked for Ursuline Academy for five years. She is now a freelance writer and editor for LOGOS.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

the ursuline spirit

Advancing Our Global Connectedness The 2014 Ursuline Global Conference

exchanges Ursuline Dallas has established with other Ursuline schools, he setting for the historic gathering was the College of New both within and outside the U.S., and how those relationships have Rochelle, New York, June 2014. One hundred and forty educators from more than 20 countries came together to impacted the global awareness and individual growth of our students. celebrate a common heritage and mission, to network, and Conference participants were fascinated by the learning possibilities such to learn from some of the most respected St. Angela scholars and exchanges could offer to their own students and faculty. leaders in Catholic education. The conference was a huge success and exceeded all It was the first-ever global Ursuline conference, expectations. My most lasting impression was the hosted by Ursuline Educational Services (UES), instant bonding of the attendees. The delegates reaching out to all Ursuline educators immediately became a close-knit group around the world. It included not only whose members enjoyed sharing meals, Ursulines of the Roman Union but participating in group discussions, and also several independent Ursuline prayer time. groups. Among the distinguished Everyone attending the conference presenters: Sr. Diana Stano, O.S.U., experienced the camaraderie Ph.D.; Mary-Cabrini Durkin, and solidarity of our mission as Company of St. Angela; Sr. Mary followers of St. Angela Merici. Virginia Orna, O.S.U., Ph.D.; And I personally came home with Ann Garrido; and Brother Ray new friendships from around the Vercruysse, C.F.C., Ed.D. world, which I am maintaining The vision for the conference, and nurturing with the help of to further the UES mission of Facebook. global connectedness, had become a Global Connectedness is now one reality. And the charism of St. Angela of the five key Strategic Plan initiatives is on a new course to continue growing of UES, and I have the privilege of throughout the world! chairing this initiative. Keeping the newly When UES embarked on the ambitious formed connections and relationships alive project in 2011, I was asked as a Board member post-conference will be very important. Judy Wimberg, Director of Ursuline Educational Services (left) with to be part of the Conference Planning committee. The During the meetings, the delegates agreed that a new Mimi Bishop committee researched locations and contact information for all global conference should take place every three years, rotating Ursulines worldwide. We developed programming and selected keynote between host countries. The two Ursuline Schools in South Africa have speakers. agreed to hold the next conference in 2017. We also planned sightseeing opportunities in New York City, visits to A video from the global conference can be found at two local Ursuline schools, hospitality, accommodations, and more. The www.ursulinedallas.org/uesvideo. e-newsletters began going out and interest grew quickly as Ursulines To learn more about UES, please visit www.ursuline-education.com. around the world relished this opportunity to come together and share their commonality in following the counsels of St. Angela Merici. Since much global expertise was required, I recruited Cecilia Nipp ’85, Director of Global Relationships and Cultural Exchange at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, to join the committee. Cecilia’s first observation was, “You do realize you all have planned this right in the middle of the World Cup?” So arrangements were made to have plenty of TVs available allowing delegates from Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and Mimi Bishop is Director of Annual Gifts for Ursuline Academy of Dallas. Mexico to watch their beloved teams play in the Cup. Thank you, Cecilia! She has served as a member of the Ursuline Educational Services Board of At the conference, Cecilia also spoke on the educational and cultural Directors since 2011.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

by mimi bishop

Ursuline Educational Services (UES) was created in the early 1990s to network all Ursuline schools and educators in North America. Some of the schools — including Dallas, New Orleans, St. Louis, Wilmington, and Dedham — belong to Ursulines of the Roman Union, while several others in the country are operated by independent groups of Ursuline Sisters. Today, UES seeks to connect all Ursuline educators throughout the world.

Mission

Goals

In the Christ-centered spirit of St. Angela Merici, the mission of Ursuline Educational Services is to foster collaboration among educational institutions sponsored by or affiliated with Ursuline congregations in the United States and Canada. The organization promotes the preservation and development of the Ursuline charism and fosters educational excellence, innovation, and global connectedness.

UES gives voice to the future by: • Articulating core values that inform our institutions as we continue to educate women and men for Christian leadership • Promoting the spirit and tradition of St. Angela Merici • Giving attention to professional concerns and building a support system and vision • Facilitating the exchange of ideas and information • Ensuring the fiscal viability of UES

BLESSING BY SISTER PEGGY HILL, O.S.U. ’53 I am in awe of women in the workplace — the home, the classroom, the office, the hospital, the factory, the center for the arts! I applaud the women who, like the women in the gospel, stand tall with courage and a firm grasp of who they are — Imago Dei! These women do not stand alone — you and I are all joined at the hip dancing circles of hope around the globe!

A Blessing Prayer Blessed be all teachers of vision Writers, poets, artisans of peace and justice. Blessed be those persons who teach us to listen Nature-lovers, musicians, spiritual mentors. Blessed be those persons who provide our daily bread The farmers/market, the migrant workers, the cooks. Blessed be the women whose lives have empowered us to live lives of faithfulness and love Our grandmothers, mothers, mentors, colleagues, good friends. Blessed be those who heal us and restore us to life Doctors, nurses.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

ways of giving

Knowledge to Change the World With an Ursuline education that teaches value in lessons both inside and outside the classroom, Briana Robison is ready to make a difference. More than 450 supporters gathered at the Omni Dallas Hotel last fall for Lunch With A View 2014, celebrating the fifth anniversary of the speaker series supporting scholarships for Ursuline students. The program featured Olympic ski racing medalist and best-selling author Bonnie St. John and also included Ursuline senior Briana Robison, who shared these remarks.

wo weeks ago, we held our first Mass at UA, and Father Alfonse Nazzaro made this statement: “The word ‘and’ is what defines Ursuline.” My name is Briana Robison, and I am a senior who has attended Ursuline for the past four years on scholarship. Today, I want to share with you why I believe Father Alfonse was so correct in his statement. My Ursuline scholarship means more to me than just being able to afford an education. It means being able to afford and receive an excellent education. Any student could stand before you today and claim they are receiving a good education. But I’m here to provide you with some concrete examples that support my belief in the quality of education at Ursuline. Rewind to my freshman year and English class with Mrs. Monica Cochran where I learned how to write Below, from left: Amanda Guerra ’03, MC; Briana Robison ’15; Bonnie St. John; Gretchen Kane, Ursuline President; and Andrea Shurley, Principal

Briana Robison ’15 and Bonnie St. John

WAYS OF GIVING

Endowed Gifts • F uture of Ursuline depends on strength of endowments • P riority needs are for scholarships and faculty support • F oundation provides for safe, effective asset management

The Ursuline Fund • Funds essential for annual operating expenses • Bridges the gap between tuition and actual cost of an Ursuline education • Provides for competitive faculty salaries, excellence in academics, athletics, arts, and other student programs

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

Lunch With A View • All net proceeds benefit needs-based scholarships • Brings Dallas business community together to hear speakers of interest • Features remarkable individuals, thought-leaders, and role models

Mardi Gras Ball • Annual auction event with all net proceeds benefiting scholarships • Event also recognizes named gifts to new scholarship and faculty endowments

remarks by briana robison ’15

To the young ladies of Ursuline — you are the future. Embrace the leader in you! — Bonnie St. John Lunch With A View, September 26, 2014 an 8-point paragraph. This is literally a paragraph in which you use eight concise sentences to convey your ideas. Why is this relevant? Well, because here I am a senior, and I have already used that method numerous times to write college, summer program, and internship essays. Yet, for education to be considered excellent, it must go beyond the classroom. Ursuline offers an array of clubs, extracurriculars, and other activities that ensure we are not only being developed as students but as young women as well. Some of the best lessons I’ve learned at Ursuline were not in the classroom. They were in the attendance office where I learned the importance of voice projection while doing announcements, and on the track team where I learned how important teamwork was for our relays to be successful. They were at the retreats we take every year as a class where I learned the importance of a strong relationship with Christ, and even at conferences like SDLC (Student Diversity Leadership Conference) where I learned I had a passion for diversity in its many forms. Educating young women is something I applaud Ursuline for doing extremely well. This past summer I spent five weeks at Southern Methodist University taking a course and working in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. However, the most significant thing I took away from the experience was not from the class or the internship; it was their motto. It was four words that I believe answer a question I was asked to address in this speech. Those words are “world changers shaped here.” I was asked what impact I want to have on the future. It sounds cliché but that is it. I want to change this world. With everything I’ve learned from my English teachers at UA about oral and written communication, I want to change the world. I plan to double major in communication and English with a focus in creative writing and a minor in human rights. I think it is extremely important to help others discover the beauty of education in and outside the classroom. My number one choice for college is Southern Methodist University and my second choice is an all-girls school in Decatur, Georgia, called Agnes Scott College. My Ursuline scholarship has allowed me to fully comprehend why “and” is the defining word of Ursuline. Because of Ursuline, I have grown as a student and as a leader and as a friend. I have also found my voice and discovered my passions. I will forever be grateful I was able to attend Ursuline and not be faced with “or” choices. I never had to choose between my education or athletics. I was able to do both. I am now able to say I received an excellent education and took steps toward becoming the best me I can be. All because of my Ursuline scholarship, so thank you!

Ms. Guerra, weekend anchor for NBC 5 Dallas/Fort Worth, proudly displays her senior skirt (altered for Senior Farewell fun).

Learn more about Lunch With A View 2014 and the generous donors who made it possible at www.ursulinedallas.org/lwav.

DONOR RECOGNITION

The President’s Circle • I ncludes donors making gifts of $5,000 or more in a fiscal year •D onor report and website acknowledgment • President’s Circle Dinner in May

Alumnae Serviam Circle • Includes alumnae contributing $1,500 or more in a fiscal year • Donor report and website acknowledgment • Special reception in the spring

Ursuline Society • Charitable planned gifts help ensure the long-term financial stability and future growth of Ursuline Academy • Donors naming Ursuline as a beneficiary are recognized as members of the Ursuline Society

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

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

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Emily Frasco Smith ’99, daughter Ruthie, son McCartney, and husband Corey Smith

Cristina Gandia ’06 and Nick Niver

Schaeffer Hill, Jessica Groshek '05, Kara Cocek, Emily Daniell Brooks '05, Samantha Fechtel '05, Brianne Strong '05, and Amanda Hobaugh

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

MARRIAGES

2014-2015 Jenny Nady ’85 to Monty Montgomery Chantel Langlinais ’90 to Kevin Carlson Sheila Melle ’98 to Steven McWilliams Tiffany Joplin ’99 to Dru Donnell Laura Stumpf ’99 to Josh Barnett Leslie Chase ’00 to Calven McCrary Jr. Meghan Fitzsimmons ’01 to Dan Felter Leslie Huselton ’01 to Eli Ellis Elizabeth Roath ’01 to Anthony Garcia Claire Gallerano ’03 to Dan VeNard Shelly Miller ’03 to Jeff Carmichael Ellen Martin ’04 to Frank McGee Teresa Mioli ’04 to Nick Olivier Malorie Perry ’04 to Ian Chapman Sarah Smith ’04 to Austin Conway Christie Aderhold ’05 to Jayson Adams Arianne Auclair ’05 to Taylor Hill Rebecca Binford ’05 to Alex Kavich Diana Brown ’05 to Trey Summers Madison Buchanan ’05 to Will Johnson Anne Candee ’05 to Kyle Kelley Alexa Coralli ’05 to Steven Sultzbaugh Heather Coghlan ’05 to Jon Barger Emily Daniell ’05 to Austin Brooks

Katie Schermerhorn O’Brien ’04, son Henry, and husband Patrick O’Brien

Hannah Jarvis, Molli Hummel ’08, Natalie Jordan-Brown ’08, David Brown, Angie Steindorf, and Parrish Williams ’08

Husband Joe, son Joseph, daughter Maria Grace, and Anna Mattia Rodgers ’04

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

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Meredith Wilkes, ReenAnn Archambault, Sarah Pritchard Groff ’05, Michelle Ackels Roudebush ’05, Diana Brown Summers ’05, Brittany Dove Melo '03, Lindsay Dove McDonald ’05, Lana Dove ’12, Anne Candee Kelley ’05, Lauren Ridley, and Sarah Miller Edgecomb ’05

Annie Gallerano ’11, Claire Gallerano VeNard ’03, Dan VeNard, and Kate Gallerano ’05

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

Mary Lamar Washburne Nicholas ’08 and Susan Nudo ’08

MARRIAGES CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Colleen Deal ’05 to Ryan Byrne Lindsay Dove ’05 to Tom McDonald Lauren Elder ’05 to David Buboltz Courtney Johnson ’05 to Mike Berberich Jennifer Kacergis ’05 to Matt Thomas Zunny Losoya ’05 to Logan Portmann Maryam Mirbahaeddin ’05 to Josh Bertrand Molly O’Connor ’05 to Jon Rusnak Rachael Ward ’05 to Brenden Garfield Tricia Watson ’05 to Greg Gerber Gracie Gallegos ’06 to Andres Crosby Cristina Gandia ’06 to Nick Niver Kendra Brown ’07 to Cole Sawyer Ashley Hardeman ’07 to Michael Bailey Jr. Tiana Hauber ’07 to Luke Shivers Evan Lindley ’07 to Bobby Timmers Larissa McGarrity ’07 to Jason DeGan Ali Ruzo ’07 to Pio Bianchini Stephanie Swindell ’07 to Daniel Fleming Miranda Grimland ’08 to Brad Head Natalie Jordan ’08 to David Brown Mary Lamar Washburne ’08 to Adam Nicholas Audrey Weber ’08 to Clifton Woods

Counterclockwise starting at bride, Ellen Martin McGee ’04, Evelyn McGee, Margaret Spellman Taylor ’04, Frances McGee, Lynn Wyman, Elizabeth Karam Case ’04, Angela Cross, Teresa Cushman, and Allee Wesolowski Etheridge ’04

Stephanie Swindell ’07 and Daniel Fleming

Leslie Chase ’00 and Calven McCrary Jr.

Emmy Rangel Furlong ’05, dogs Walter and Baxter, daughter Isabelle, and husband Robert Furlong

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

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Sarah Smith Conway ’04 and Austin Conway

Maddie Lay, Alison Calhoun ’08, Allison Reimschussel, Chloe Unger, Brooke Dezern, Nicole Goode ’92, Ahtoosa Amini ’08, and Miranda Grimland Head ’08 (bride)

BABIES GIRLS Erin Rericha Van Dyke ’93 Sandra Magana Villarreal ’96 Meaghan Kroener Janson ’97 Lisa Panchasarp Tran ’98 Sarah Tierney Niyogi ’99 Emily Frasco Smith ’99 Ashley Lattner Young ’99 Katie Pratt Rivoir ’01 Lauren Gump Tharpe ’02 Mary Simon Bowen ’03 Dana Hage Fisher ’03

BOYS Cara Baker Granger ’03 Lilly Watson Neubauer ’03 Katy Baker ’04 Anna Mattia Rodgers ’04 Sarah Neuhoff Wolfe ’04 Emmy Rangel Furlong ’05 Anna Koesling Hall ’05 Heather Moore Hubbard ’05 Nicole Papa Ferrigni ’05

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

Jennifer Houston Scripps ’95 Ashley Morgan Ternan ’98 Nicole Lattner Fox ’00 Mara Walther Guerin ’03 Allie Morgan Dunklin ’04 Katie Schermerhorn O’Brien ’04 Courtney Johnson Berberich ’05

TWINS Keithly McNally Presley ’95

Lisa Panchasarp Tran ’98, daughter Livia, daughter Lila, and husband Jimmy Tran

Laura Rowley Losinger ’03 and John Losinger

Ashley Hardeman ’07 and Michael Bailey Jr.

Allie Morgan Dunklin ’04, son Griffin, and husband Bill Dunklin

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

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In Memoriam

ALUMNAE: Frances Potts Fedewa ’30 Jeanne Marie Aber ’33 Sister Mary Ann Pick, O.C.D. ’33 Florence Schoech Meyers ’34 Helen Miller Eaton ’35 Patricia Richardson Ryan ’35 Ruth Metcalf Pribyl ’43 Rosita Grimau deOliver ’45 Betsy Latimer Garvey ’46 Jo Marie Leverett Potwin ’46 Mary Ann Triece Vogel ’47 Mary Genelle Kubala Castor ’51 Frankie Lou Starz ’52 Rose Lobello Gillingham ’54 Myrna Lamping Tenholder ’54 Catherine Neuhoff Dickson ’55 Doris Blunck Walker ’56 Patricia Switser McInturff ’60 Kyle Donnell Branstetter ’64 Patricia Kelliher Mulroy ’64 Martha Brown Nolte Seed ’64 Ondina Massot ’67 Mary Anne Thomas ’72 Elizabeth Watts ’79 Candice Hart Parker ’82 Katey Gilligan ’86 Brigitte Moore ’89 Mary Gonzales ’93

HUSBANDS OF: Joanne Miranda Goulas ’52 Myrna Lamping Tenholder ’54 Marica Stiles Cueller ’55 Colleen Costello Armstrong ’60 (former) Mary Kay Rhoda Lane ’67 Cheryl Unis Mansour ’66

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

Lyn Cooper Abercrombie ’69 Theresa Brady Doster ’69 Mary Pat Unis Eubank ’69 Cathy Cook Phillips ’70 Gloria Jean Garner Melton ’73

MOTHERS OF: Diane Piering Hardin ’62 Barbara Eaton Narayan ’63 Mary Ann Leal Pierce ’63 Gale Fusch Luby ’64 Kathleen Ryan McCown ’64 Sally Ivey Gardner ’65 Donna Piering McKane ’66 Sharon Ryan ’66 Tricia Ryan Dubberley ’67 Mary Margaret Etheridge ’67 Janet Kohler Claussen ’69 Eileen Ryan Millwee ’70 Tibet Etheridge Pollard ’70 Debbie Dubuque Becker ’71 Theresa Scammel ’71 Margaret Ryan Steinhoff ’71 Marcela Wentzel ’71 Rosemary Clemente Ferreira ’72 Leslie Garvey Hansen ’72 Patricia Morris Johnson ’72 Cathy Potwin Jones ’72 Cynthia Walker Pierotti ’72 Mary Kohler Wright ’72 Patty Walker Mason ’74 Libby Ryan Galvin ’75 Deborah Kohler Gambrel ’75 Nancy Walker Adams ’76 Kathryn Piering Kotecki ’76 Kathryn Jernigan Adams ’77 Diana Gillingham Davenport ’77 Mary Canty McMahan ’77

Hope Mullenix Pete ’77 Mari Pfanenstiel Richmond ’78 Lucy Mullenix Rankin ’79 Catherine Scammel Reed ’79 Mary Walker Sladek ’79 Kaydene Pfanenstiel Ward ’80 Kim Fusch ’81 Julia Jernigan Gibson ’81 Joan Marshall ’81 Kelly Bell Benavidez ’82 Karen Pfanenstiel White ’82 Juliann Walker Chavez ’83 Joan Walker Brunkhorst ’85 Barbara Marshall Ellison ’85 Lynn Netherland Nabors ’85 Julie Gillingham Schreiber ’85 Terry Lynn Tenholder ’87 Cathy Netherland Frye ’88 Janet Walker Peterson ’88 Jerilynn Walker Putnam ’93 Jamie Walker ’94 Hilary Underwood ’99

FATHERS OF: Janice Butler Shay ’65 Janet Kohler Claussen ’69 Maria Elena Gutierrez Doskey ’71 Moira Butler Fulton ’72 Mary Kohler Wright ’72 Cristina Gutierrez Moore ’73 Elizabeth Butler Potaniec ’73 Susan Triece Tomasofsky ’73 Mary Ann Durick Walters ’73 Betty Gutierrez Brady ’75 Deborah Kohler Gambrel ’75 Susan Durick Titus ’75 Shannon Butler Jones ’76 Nannina Messina ’76

Anna Gutierrez ’77 Nina Otto Huff ’77 Emily Triece ’77 Erin Butler Hirschhorn ’78 Marissa Messina ’78 Mandie Crowley Navarro ’78 Ann Franke Sonricker ’78 Lauren Durick Zoltec ’78 Kerry Butler Poer ’80 Kelly Bell Benavidez ’82 Carolyn Durick Harrison ’82 Cecilia Gutierrez Kernodle ’83 Katherine Jacquart ’84 Karen Jacquart ’85 Terry Tenholder ’87 Kathie Kahn Wood ’87 Annie Kahn Vaughan ’89 Carrie Nelms Edwards ’90 Mari Hinojosa Jones ’91 Katrina Hinojosa Hudson ’94 Kimberly Hightower Garnett ’95 Megan Nelms ’98 Sarah Oates ’99 Leah Hightower Robison ’99 Noelle Barcenas ’02 Victoria Oates Borchers ’02 Callie Seltzer ’03 Teresa Mioli Olivier ’04 Sarah Seltzer ’06 Emily Kelty ’11* Lesley Ortiz ’14

SON OF: Kitty McKool Burns ’81

DAUGHTERS OF: Anne Marie Kerin Thomas ’46

Mitzi Furtula Watts ’54 Bitsy Marie Freitas Benjamin Bagert ’59

SISTERS OF: Mary Ann Neuhoff Collins ’48 Nancy Neuhoff Gallagher ’50 Carol Lamping Peterson ’57 Marguerite Lobello Archer ’66 Teresa Thomas ’74 Linda Thomas White ’81 Jean Thomas Buys ’82 Carolyn Thomas Murray ’87 Maggie Gilligan Gough ’88 Holly Moore Gilliatt ’92 Shanda Drew Jaye ’94 Sherri Gonzales Flores ’95

BROTHERS OF: Challie Dauterive Berry ’52 Mary Louise O’Malley Cadigan ’58 Cheri Pitts Amy ’65 Vicki Pitts Lattner ’69 Carol Melton Norris ’69 Mary Melton ’79

GRANDMOTHERS OF: Tonia Chebino Fishman ’88 Laura Becker Folks ’94 Caela Chebino ’95 Whitney Baldridge Nowlin ’98 Blaire Baldridge ’01 Elizabeth Pollard Savage ’02 Laura Dewey ’03 Elizabeth Doczi Brush ’04 Ellen Martin McGee ’04 Sarah Dewey ’05 Molly Mason Stevens ’05

Katie Coppock ’06 Michelle Ward ’06 Lacey Baldridge ’07 Jaclyn Anderson ’08 Kelly Coppock ’08 Christine Choucair ’10 Jane Coppock ’10 Laura Gambrel ’10 Hannah Walker ’11 Madeleine Sladek ’12 Erin Whipple ’13* Brandy Dunham ’14 Jessica Martinez ’14 Claudia Frye ’17

GRANDFATHERS OF: Elizabeth Barndt ’98 Meredith Poer Booher ’00 Lauren Gump Tharpe ’02 Natalie Brady McCall ’03 Allyson Gump ’04 Dori Neil Araiza ’05 Kate O’Neill Emrich ’05 Carolina Thomas ’05 Elena Doskey ’06 Elizabeth Kernodle ’06 Kelly O’Neill ’06 Megan Reardon ’09 Laura Gambrel ’10 Caroline Kernodle ’12 Jenny Neil ’15 Lauren Piot ’15 Jacqueline Reagor ’16 Allison Piot ’17 Madeline Wood ’17 Meredith Wood ’17 Alumnae Memorial Masses are held quarterly to remember our loved ones. Please share any losses in the Ursuline community with the Alumnae Office at alumnae@ursulinedallas.org.

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

photo gallery

Reunions

Class of 1959 Class of 1954

Class of 1969

Class of 1964

Class of 1974

Class of 1979

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

Class of 1984

Class of 1989

Class of 1994

Class of 1999

Class of 2004

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

bears mentioning Y

Pat Mendina teaches English I and AP Language & Composition. Next year, she will celebrate 30 years of service at Ursuline Academy.

Moving Away from the Podium

Pat Mendina settling into her first few years of teaching at Ursuline Academy.

hen I came to Ursuline in 1986, I wanted to fit in and be a part of something that felt familiar, that said “you belong here.” I

missed my friends and family in Milwaukee and the “cooler near the lake” topography. I couldn’t wait to teach again and have my own room with my very own desk. Only then would I know that I had “arrived”! But I soon learned that it was not that simple. To really arrive at UA meant not only having my own classroom, but also my own podium. I began to sense very quickly that acquiring a podium was going to be more than an average challenge, because each podium had a name and a room number attached to the base that stated: “This podium belongs to … and belongs in …” So, I came to the conclusion that I would have to come by it honestly and simply wait my turn. Meanwhile, I was assigned to three different classrooms and so I ran merrily from Merici

URSULINE ACADEMY OF DALLAS

to Main Hall to Brescia and back again. This schedule was a far cry from the teaching environment back home. But this goose had flown south and things were, well, different. I learned to be a very well-planned, efficient, flexible e ducator. Then the day arrived. I was assigned Room 200. All day. Every day! Although it was a bit far from my colleagues in Merici and up a flight of stairs in a haunted former ballroomturned-classroom, who cared? It was huge. We put on plays, worked in groups, set up art shows, held poetry readings, made noise. The

creative energies flowed. Still, I secretly longed for that podium. Suddenly, Terri Baker retired. With bated breath, I waited for the room assignments from my new department chair. Yes! Room 30 in Merici was mine, and it came with a podium. I had arrived. A new tone and attitude permeated my classroom. The podium waited for Dignity and Aloofness to step up behind it, and seemed to say, “Be quiet. She means business.” And the students quieted. I wore suits and perfected the “look.” Knowledge oozed. Students snoozed. And the podium lost its luster. Time passed, and I slowly realized that I was plumb worn out. After nearly 20 years, teaching became a little routine, even predictable, and no longer lit a fire from within. Then came the announcement: We were going techno! Suddenly the world changed. When my freshman student, Amy Dominguez ’00, sat with her classmates on the floor of Room 30 and taught one girl from each group how to work Microsoft Word, I moved the podium aside and sat down behind her. And I learned. What I soon realized was that my best teaching years were in front of me, not behind me. And I wouldn’t find them standing behind a podium.

February

April

May

June

4 Alumnae Easter Event

5-7

Alumnae Awards Nominations Due

Jazz Night Student Concert

Houston Alumnae Gathering

14 Ursuline Mardi Gras Gala

rsuline Alumnae U Weekend

Ursuline Professional Women’s Network Luncheon: A Seat at the Table

Graduation Class of 2015

17 Ursuline Professional Women’s Network/Jesuit Alumni Networking Happy Hour

Alumnae Memorial Mass

To learn more, contact the Alumnae Office at alumnae@ursulinedallas.org or visit www.ursulinedallas.org/getinvolved.

Spring Musical (through February 28)

URSULINE ALUMNAE

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