The Ursu.Lines: 2011-2012

89 9

BY JOHN GABRIEL HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

attempting to convince a potential employee to join a new school But I also saw the intrigued look on her face after I mentioned our ideas about service At the conclusion of the interview she told me she would give me an answer within a week

When Kim called us the next week to accept our offer we couldnrsquot have been more pleased We knew we had the right person to lead us forward in our plans to develop a service learning program that would be uniquely Ursuline in nature And soon after Kimrsquos arrival in New Orleans she began to look at the challenges both logistical and philosophical that we faced in devising such a program

One of the big challenges we faced was how to design a program that would truly address the Ursulinersquos chapter call to ldquogo beyond onersquos bordersrdquo as St Angela says Many service programs allow students to work to provide service where the students feel comfortable For example a student who enjoys working with animals can in such programs volunteer to work in a zoo for four or five years While much good can come from such programs we felt that for our program to be a true ldquoservice learning programrdquo we would need to force our students to ldquogo beyond their (comfort) bordersrdquo and work with people they might not have chosen with whom to work Such a program would require Ursuline to develop working relationships with service providers in the metropolitan area

Kimrsquos response to this challenge was ingenious She identified five areas for service opportunities that existed in the greater New Orleans area work with the elderly work with youth and literacy work with adults who had special needs work with the hungry and work with the homeless Each grade level would work with one of these specific service learning areas over the course of the entire academic year Kim found service providers in these needs areas who have been willing to partner with Ursuline in these projects Our eighth graders who work with the elderly spend time at Covenant Home in Uptown New Orleans while our ninth graders work with youngsters at St John the Baptist Head Start Program in Central City Our tenth graders work with adults with special needs at PACE on Napoleon Avenue whereas our eleventh graders work at Second Harvest Food Bank in Elmwood Finally our seniors work with the homeless at the St Joseph Rebuild Center in downtown New Orleans

An effective service learning program surely serves as a call to action to the school community but it must also serve as a call to prayer and reflection To address this need Kim worked with the High Schoolrsquos Theology Department to effectively integrate service learning into the Departmentrsquos curriculum Our students use the concept of the Pastoral Circle where experience leads to social analysis leads to theological reflection leads to discernment leads to action as the model for our program Our theology teachers have their students write about their experiences in the service

learning program so that they might reflect upon what their faith tells them about injustice and therefore what they are called to do about injustice in the world around them The written reflection each student submits to her teacher is a major academic assessment during each grading period of the school year

Just as important as ldquogoing beyond onersquos bordersrdquo through the Service Learning Program is the concept of building relationships with the people our students serve As we designed the program we felt it was critical that students build relationships with those they serve so that we might ldquosee the face of Christ in othersrdquo The sense of empathy so important in effective service learning programs must be developed through relationships mdash which means that our girls must have the opportunity to know those they serve over multiple meetings and work

Ursulinersquos Service Learning Program has been designed so that each studentrsquos Theology class visits its respective service provider once each academic marking period or four times a year The repeated visits to each agency allow students to build relationships with the people they serve We also require that each student contribute an additional ten service hours in a related field as part of their yearly service requirement As a result many Ursuline students work their additional hours at the same agency they visit with their class further deepening their relationships with the people they met during their class visits

And relationship-building is really at the core of Ursulinersquos Service Learning Program I accompanied our senior class to the Rebuild Center for their first trip back in August of 2010 and watched them board the busses loaded down with board games and decks of cards mdash under the strict orders of their Campus Minister Kim told the girls that she wanted them to talk and interact with the homeless people they were about to meet She didnrsquot want our students to stand behind a counter and serve them a meal she asked them to treat the homeless as people Sure enough within minutes our girls were playing games with the clients and in the process talking with them and learning about them

It was a great first day But we didnrsquot have to wait long before we saw the service seeds that had been planted during those first trips come alive before our eyes Less than three months after the first service learning trip to the Rebuild Center the High School Administration had scheduled a faculty workshop on a Friday in early November As we were about to start the workshop Kim approached me outside the library and told me that twenty of our seniors had come to school that morning mdash on a student holiday no less mdash and asked if they could journey down to the Rebuild Center to visit the ldquofriendsrdquo they had made over the last couple of months Needless to say Kim and I were both stunned by the girlsrsquo appearance on campus and their request to visit the Rebuild Center I excused Kim from the workshop and

1011

asked her to accompany the girls to the Center telling her that nothing she would do at the workshop would match the impact she would have going downtown with the girls

Those of us at Ursuline arenrsquot the only ones who recognize the impact our program is making in the greater New Orleans community The Brown Foundation has been an enthusiastic supporter of Ursulinersquos Service Learning Program and has given us tremendous financial help by underwriting the transportation costs of the Program during its first two years of existence Considering the fact that our girls are visiting service agencies for nearly eighty days each school year the costs we face simply to provide for student transportation are immense The Brown Foundationrsquos grant of $1381800 to Ursuline for student transportation last year was one of the largest amounts given to any school in the greater New Orleans area

Both the Archdiocese of New Orleansrsquo Office of Religious Education and our national accrediting agency AdvancED have singled out our Service Learning Program as innovative And our future plans for the Service Learning Program go far beyond what we have done so far What we are doing in the New Orleans area needs to be expanded so that our students recognize their ties to all in the world This next step in the program will truly help our girls ldquogo beyond their bordersrdquo

Kim Otto who has done so much for the Service Learning Program during her three years at the Academy announced earlier this spring that she will be moving to Kansas City

this summer She married Joel Causey the High Schoolrsquos English Department chairperson in the Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor this June While we will miss Kim (and for that matter Joel who is a superb English teacher) we are very excited about our new leadership for the program Replacing Kim as Campus Minister will be Catherine Mifsud who joins us after spending the last three years at Jesuit High School in New Orleans as their Campus Minister She will be working closely with Jessica Baker (Skip of 2004) who serves as the High Schoolrsquos Director of Ursuline Identity (and our Biology teacher) as we work to expand the parameters of the current Service Learning Program

At the end of May Catherine Jessica Karen Mortillaro (Skip of 1989 and the High Schoolrsquos Dean of Students) and I met with Sister Regina Marie Fronmuller OSU Brother Louis Couvillon SC a member of the Academyrsquos Board of Trustees and members of the High Schoolrsquos Theology Department to discuss the possibility of expanding our Service Learning Program to include a world service learning component Our plan is to send a number of girls from each junior class to a different Ursuline-related service project somewhere else in the world each year Ultimately these girls who travel to these different areas will be expected to help design a special service project here in the New Orleans area for their senior year mdash a project which utilizes the experiences our girls bring back from their journey to another part of the world

In July Sister Regina Marie took a group of juniors from State Street to London to do service work with immigrant

1011 11

children in suburban London The students accompanying Sister Regina Marie partnered with students from Ursuline High School in Wimbledon To continue to build the sense of sisterhood between Ursuline schools across the globe UHS in Wimbledon will send some of its students to New Orleans in August We are already planning a role for our Wimbledon sisters during our Community Day celebration in August We will also be working to participate in the Ursuline Sistersrsquo Project Africa program And in October students from another Ursuline sister school the Instituto Nossa Sehora da Piedade in Ilheus Brazil will be visiting us here on State Street We will be asking members of the Ursuline community to help us provide lodging for these Brazilian students during their stay in New Orleans

Our plan for next winterspring (that is during the 2012-2013 academic year) is to send a group of our students to an Ursuline mission in Guyana during the Mardi Gras vacation mdash a service learning opportunity that will help the junior class plan a special service project for their senior year Ultimately we want to send our girls to different Ursuline-related schools andor service sites across the world And we will work to develop plans to provide financial support for this initiative so that all Ursuline students not just the more financially fortunate can be involved in this project

We also want to explore the possibilities for including both our parents and our alumnae in our Service Learning Program New Parentsrsquo Club President Terri Thibodeaux Stuckey (a Sioux of 1981) has spoken about enlisting the aid of both alumnae and parents in school-wide service projects This program coupled with our other initiatives in service

learning has the potential to put the Academy in the forefront of service learning not just in New Orleans but across the country

The Service Learning Program at Ursuline has come a very long way since that February afternoon more than three years ago We have made major strides in forming a service learning program that is more responsive to our call to Serviam both on a local and an international level Our students are learning about service in new ways mdash and their horizons concerning service will continue to expand as our program continues to grow And please know that we will always respond to St Angelarsquos challenge to ldquogo beyond our bordersrdquo

2011-12 8TH-12TH GRADE TOTAL HOURS 2433995 hours

BREAKDOWN BY GRADE8th Grade Total 366675 (Elderly 149050)

9th Grade Total 424860 (Children Education Literacy 347985)

10th Grade Total 388150 (Special Needs 176200)

11th Grade Total 448035 (Hunger amp Poverty 160050)

12th Grade Total 806275 (Homelessness 212725)

1213

Ursuline Academy faculty and staff swapped pencils and books for hammers and paint brushes at the Faculty Service Day on February 3 The 91 faculty members worked on seven houses as part of the St Bernard Project (SBP) a nonprofit organization dedicated to rebuilding homes and lives of Hurricane Katrina survivors Sister Regina Marie Fronmuller an enthusiastic and committed volunteer of SBP connected the Academy to the project

Faculty Service Day

1213 13

Ursuline Academy students continued the tradition of honoring St Angela on her feast day by serving others in the community On January 27 elementary and high school students volunteered at nearly thirty nonprofit organizations including nursing homes animal shelters parks food banks and homeless shelters The day culminated with Mass in the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor

Student Service Day

1415

By Christy Jackson rsquo00 One word unites Ursulines around the globe Serviam ldquoI will serverdquo The Ursuline Sisters who are represented in 37 countries have been and continue to be a model of St Angelarsquos ideals throughout the world One of the most recent ventures that deeply impacted two very different communities was the collaboration of Ursuline New Orleans Sister Regina Marie Fronmuller and Ursuline London Sister Kathleen Colmer It all began when Sr Kathleen came to the States during her sabbatical for an international exchange that exists among the Sisters ldquoI tell anyone who steps foot in this house get your grubs on wersquore going to the 9th Wardrdquo Sr Regina said

Sr Regina has been extremely active with St Bernard Project a nonprofit organization dedicated to rebuilding

homes damaged in Hurricane Katrina It was through work with St Bernard Project that Sr Regina inspired Sr Kathleen They joined forces and decided to share their experiences with their students In 2010 Ursuline Links was formed The volunteer program run by the Ursuline Sisters gives students and adults opportunities to be of service ldquoWe link it to Angelarsquos spiritrdquo Sr Regina said ldquoAngela empowered women and children That is what we are doing todayrdquo

The first Ursuline Links project was in New Orleans in 2010 where Ursuline students from New Orleans and London repaired houses destroyed by Hurricane Katrina When Ursuline London students were asked how they have put Serviam into action in New Orleans and what it means to them one student answered ldquoYou honestly have to experience it for yourself No words can truly describe

Service program unites American and British Ursuline students

1415 15

the experience and emotions felt during this time It is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget Carrying out service in New Orleans has been really rewarding It makes me feel really good about myself and it feels as if Irsquom carrying out Godrsquos willrdquo

A year later the program continued in New Orleans and expanded to include California and Idaho In 2012 Sr Regina and nine juniors from Ursuline Academy in New Orleans went to England to work with children of refugee families Students stayed with Ursuline Sisters and experienced a real sense of community

In more recent times students arenrsquot always in the presence of Ursuline Sisters throughout the school day Ursuline Links allows students to work alongside and learn from the Sisters ldquoStudents donrsquot often meet religious Ursuline Links gives them insight on who we are and what we are aboutrdquo London Sr Kathleen Colmer said ldquoIt brings life a two-way blessing It is the spirit of St Angela going beyondrdquo

It also allows them the opportunity to link prayer with reflection after a day of service St Angela encourages us to ldquotalk over spiritual matters rejoice together and together encourage one anotherrdquo

ldquoOur high school service program has made major strides in connecting Ursuline with the Greater New Orleans communityrdquo Ursuline Academy High School Principal John Gabriel said ldquoWe are pleased and excited that Sr Regina Marie has given us the opportunity for a global approach of service that we hope to expand in the futurerdquo

It has also been rewarding for alumnae as it has provided them an opportunity to meet Ursulines from all over the world Ursuline New Orleans alumnae have welcomed Ursuline London students with open arms They have taken them in to their homes prepared famous New Orleans dishes for them and shared the rich New Orleans culture ldquoLanguage customs lifestyle and traditions may be different but beliefs and values are one We share the same spiritrdquo Sr Regina Marie said

Sr Regina stated that the most important take-away from this experience is ldquoa deeper love for the Ursuline education Serviam going beyond our borders and linking service with the needs of the Church todayrdquo

Sr Kathleen feels that ldquothe bonds St Angela creates for us are universal Once you are an Ursuline student thatrsquos it for liferdquo

St Angela quoted ldquoIf you all stand united in heart you will be strong in adversitiesrdquo The union between Ursuline schools isnrsquot merely the Serviam shield or the teachings of St Angela it is overall desire to serve and to build community The Ursuline Sisters bring St Angelarsquos spirit alive by continuing to empower men women and children of all ages today in our global world After all St Angela encourages us to ldquolive and behave in such a way that our daughters may see in us a modelrdquo

Sister Regina Marie and a student work on rebuilding a home damaged in Hurricane Katrina

Ursuline students from London volunteer in New Orleans

1617

By Maureen Mock Verderame rsquo66

It is tempting to say that the death of Sylvia Probst on April 18 2012 created a void at Ursuline Academy and evoked sadness in the hearts of students faculty Ursuline Sisters alumnae parents and friends who now miss her However Miss Probst left behind a legacy and a spirit that are tangible and will always be part of the unique character of the school to which she dedicated her life

The tiny lowercase and connected letters ldquosprdquo with which Miss Probst signed every note she wrote mdash and there were many mdash contradict the larger-than-life presence she was on State Street Those two little letters are however a real testament to the humility of the woman who despite her quiet reticence influenced generations of Ursuline girls

In her many capacities at Ursuline mdash student teacher moderator mentor principal alumna librarian volunteer and archivist mdash Sylvia lived and modeled the Ursuline ideals of Courtesy Loyalty and Courage Her devotion to Our Lady of Prompt Succor and her commitment to fulfilling St Angela Mericirsquos vision of Serviam guided her life and influenced all those whose lives she touched

We are fortunate to have in Miss Probstrsquos own words an explanation of what Serviam means and how it should be fostered in Ursuline students Many thanks to Sarah Druen Wagner rsquo76 for sharing this very special correspondence

ldquoThis is what I believe about Serviam Although it is expressed as a matter of will mdash I will serve mdash it is expressed that way to emphasize that one is willing to undergo inconvenience sacrifice time and give effort it should be a matter of heart also One commits to serve others from love of God and love of His people (The Holy Father spoke of these loves in his first encyclical)

Serviam in Miss Probstrsquos Own Words

ldquoI think more emphasis has to be placed on inspiring students to want to serve Inspire them to go beyond the minimum if they can If their circumstances permit them to do only the minimum due to home responsibilities or lack of transportation for example thatrsquos fine but minimum or beyond should come from the heart and be seen as a way to give praise and honor to God and make concrete love for Him and a way to thank Him for his blessings Mother Teresa showed us the model when she saw Jesus in each person she served

ldquoInstead of requirements I would put emphasis on expectations Ursuline students have a heritage of Serviam which they should embrace with a sense of loyalty The Ursulines who came in 1727 had numerous trials obstacles difficulties which they endured for love of God They came to serve in the military hospital and to educate girls but they responded to any call to serve mdash take in orphans provide retreats for ladies etc I wish students could be inspired to serve mdash personally and as an Ursuline student mdash and not have penalties attributed to their lack of response to the expectation that they want to serverdquo

We will neither receive another thoughtful note from Miss Probst signed with her distinctive ldquosprdquo nor again see the glint in her sparkling eyes but we will always be aware of her presence at Ursuline and in our hearts Her spirit lives in every act of service performed by her cherished Ursuline Sisters colleagues alumnae and students It is our responsibility to meet her challenge to live Serviam in our own lives and to pass on its value to future generations Rest in peace sp yours were a job well done and a life well lived

1617 17

ldquoThis is what I believe about Serviam

Although it is expressed as a matter of

will mdash I will serve mdash it is expressed that

way to emphasize that one is willing to

undergo inconvenience sacrifice time

and give effort it should be a matter of

heart alsordquo - Sylvia Probst

Serviam in Miss Probstrsquos Own Words

FOREVER IN OUR MEMORIES SYLVIA PROBST (1934-2012)

1819

Sylvia Amelia Probst beloved English teacher and first Lay Principal of Ursuline Academy High School went home to the Lord on Wednesday April 18 2012 at Canon Hospice Hospital Miss Probst was predeceased by her parents Walter Probst and Eva Stier Probst and survived by her aunt and uncle Mabel and Don Reimer several cousins and the Ursuline Sisters

Miss Probst waged a valiant battle against cancer while triumphantly practicing Ursulinersquos core values of Courtesy Loyalty and Courage With unyielding faith and placing herself under the protection of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Miss Probst has offered one last lesson to her students to use in the face of adversity

Miss Probst was born in New Orleans on August 24 1934 graduated from Metairie High School and earned a full academic scholarship to Ursuline College in 1953 Influenced by the example of the Ursuline Sisters and under the guidance of Sr Dolores Swanson OSU and Sr Ruth Marie Call OSU Miss Probst converted to Catholicism When Ursuline College closed its doors in 1954 Miss Probst transferred to Loyola University graduating in 1956 with a BS in English Education In that same year Miss Probst returned to Ursuline as a member of the faculty hired by Sr Mary Margaret Prenger OSU to teach English This would mark the beginning of Miss Probstrsquos lifelong career of dedicated service to Ursuline education which spanned over 50 years Sandra Corbin Meyer class of rsquo57 who was a student in Miss Probstrsquos very first English class vividly recalls her first impression of the new young teacher stating ldquoMiss Probst made an enormous and lasting impression on our entire class because she treated each of us with such dignity and respect We all wanted to do well in her class because she genuinely believed in usrdquo

The magical rapport that began in 1956 between Miss Probst and her students would continue for generations Miss Probstrsquos love of English and the desire to impart that love of learning to her students remains one of her greatest legacies Miss Probstrsquos reputation and unique rapport with her students did not go unnoticed and in 1973 the Sisters requested Miss Probstrsquos service as the High School Principal Known for inspiring faculty and students alike Miss Probst will be remembered as the conscience of Ursuline and a leader who possessed an unparalleled vision and passion for Ursuline education In later years Miss Probst served in various roles including Assistant Principal Librarian Archivist and yet her best memories were the years she shared with students as their English teacher

In 1931 Mother St Jean Martin Prioress General of the Order of St Ursula gave Ursuline students everywhere the ldquoServiamrdquo shield with these words

ldquoAbove the great cross of Jesus a field of stars The lsquoLittle Bearrsquo ndash Ursula ndash like the morning star lights the way that leads to unreserved Love Serviam I will serve Word of honour and Christian self sacrificehellip You will live it in serving Godhellip You will live it in serving the Churchhellip You will live it in serving your country your family

In joyful dedication to those closest to youhellip Serve in obedience and love ndashLet this be your project for now and for the futurerdquo

Sylvia A Probst WHERE DID THE SERVIAM SHIELD

ORIGINATE

1819 19

Sylvia A ProbstUrsuline Academy Elementary School Principal Kim Harper was chosen as the University of New Orleans (UNO) College of Education and Human Developmentrsquos 2012 Distinguished Alumna Ms Harper was honored at the Collegersquos 39th Honors Convocation on May 9 The two criteria ldquoused to select the recipient of this award were the contributions made by the recipient to the field of education in our region and the continuing role the recipient has played in working with our college to improve the educational opportunities in our cityrdquo Dean April Bedford said ldquo[Kim Harper] is a shining example of both of these criteriardquo

The Dean elaborated further citing Ms Harperrsquos successes at Ursuline Academy collaborations with UNO and her ldquooutstanding leadership and guiding philosophy to lsquobuild community wherever you gorsquordquo as reasons she was chosen for the award

insight and the Academy became a model for early childhood education in New Orleans

The upper-level course is now offered every spring and beginning in 2013 it will be taught exclusively by Ms Harper The university students enjoy the experience so much they often submit resumes in hopes of joining the team Dr Kieff is still actively involved with the early childhood center and continues to provide input on its curriculum

Ms Harper credits Dr Kieff and the early childhood faculty for the overall effectiveness of the program ldquoIt would not have been possible without the whole teamrdquo she said ldquoThe ReggioProject Approach that Ursuline has adapted is based on collaboration so itrsquos fitting that its formation and expansion would be collaborative as wellrdquo

Ms Harper earned her BA in English Education and MEd in Educational Leadership from UNO She has devoted 22 years to the education of children the last ten of which have been at Ursuline Academy She has made many notable contributions including revitalizing the elementary school orchestra program collaborating on the conception of a middle school study skills program and character development program as well as overseeing the performing arts program which delights audiences each spring with a musical While Ms Harperrsquos accomplishments are vast her most impressive endeavor is her part in the formation of the Soeur Teresita Rivet OSU Early Childhood Learning Center

KIM HARPER HONORED AS UNO DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA

UNOURSULINE ACADEMY CONNECTION

Today the Soeur Teresita Rivet OSU Early Childhood Learning Center is a thriving place buzzing with creativity and excitement The colorful interactive facility is the perfect home for the Reggio Emilia and Project Approach education philosophies constructed around an individual childrsquos interests and curiosities

Three years before its opening in 2009 Kim Harper and early childhood faculty members discussed expanding the Academyrsquos traditional structure to incorporate successful practices derived from the latest research and studies They contacted Dr Judith Kieff a professor of Early Childhood and Childrenrsquos Literature in UNOrsquos Department of Curriculum and Instruction and a partnership was born

Dr Kieff provided ongoing curriculum advisement and in the spring of 2011 another shared idea became a reality UNO would incorporate an onsite university class in the early childhood center ldquoWe became a teaching school a site for students near the end of their studies to experience best practices firsthandrdquo Ms Harper said

One day a week UNO junior and senior education majors would work in the early childhood classrooms observing both the teachers and the children and creating and implementing lessons under the supervision of Ursuline teachers A second day would be devoted to meeting with Ms Harper and Dr Kieff to discuss what they experienced in the center The course ldquoEDC1 3530 Curriculum Developmentrdquo was successful students gained valuable

2021

By Julie Mabus and Gertie Beauford rsquo54

Irish immigrant Oliver Pollock (1737-1823) was a great New Orleanian a great American patriot and the largest private contributor to the American Revolution impoverishing himself in the effort In addition to his helping finance Americarsquos independence he is also credited with the creation of the most recognizable icon of our culture the dollar sign

From an early age Pollock became an experienced and successful global trader In 1768 Pollock came to New Orleans from Havana and helped stem a financial debacle brewing out of local resistance to the 1763 French cession of its Louisiana province to Spain For the next eight years Pollock plied his trade up and down the Mississippi River having constantly to defend himself against aggravating and costly ldquocommercial warfarerdquo with British traders It was no surprise therefore that Pollock became an ardent American supporter when Virginia Captain George Gibson and his men disguised as local traders smuggled into New Orleans a copy of the American Declaration of Independence Pollock immediately had the document published and donated 9000 pounds of gunpowder to Gibson his initial contribution to the American Revolution

A year later in 1777 Father Cyrilo de Barcelona first Spanish rector of St Louis Parish (now Cathedral) carved and gifted Pollock two wooden carvings of walnut one of a cross and the other of a small statue resembling our current day dollar sign The back of the dollar sign statue bears the inscription ldquoA symbol for the New DollarmdashOliver Pollock New Orleans 1779rdquo thus reinforcing Pollockrsquos association with its creation Further reinforcement of the story rests in the customs of the day During the period much business was transacted among Americans and Spanish speaking traders in the Louisiana colony Logically the Spanish peso was in heavy circulation in the area and many business documents and related correspondence were denominated in pesos The currency was referred to as the Spanish American peso or Spanish Dollar with ldquopsrdquo evolving as the common Spanish American scribal abbreviation Manuscripts of the period show that the ldquosrdquo gradually came to be written over the ldquoprdquo developing a close equivalent to the ldquo$rdquo mark Subsequently in 1785 the Continental Congress adopted the dollar as the American money unit its weight being similar to the Spanish dollar The first United States dollars were coined in 1794 and the dollar mark $ first appeared in printed form in 1797

Now how is this wonderful little known story about this somewhat obscure and truly brave American patriot associated with Ursuline Academy of New Orleans More than 35 years ago in 1975 the wooden cross and dollar sign the remaining two Pollock relics were placed on loan to the Ursuline Museum Ursuline alumna of 1954 Gertie Beauford became acquainted with the owner of the relics Mrs Alma Daughtery Colvin of Memphis Tennessee a direct descendant of Oliver Pollock Ms Beauford suggested that Mrs Colvin lend the relics to the Ursuline Museum on State Street rather than to a larger museum and in August of 1975 local historian John Chase acting in behalf of Mrs Colvin presented the relics to Sister M Joseph Richardson Superior of the New Orleans Ursulines Nearly four decades later the relics are still on display at the Ursuline Museum along with a book by James Alton James giving proof of Pollockrsquos invention of the dollar sign

URSULINE MUSEUM DISPLAYS FIRST DOLLAR SIGN

2021 21

By Brooke Boudreaux rsquo00

Wendy Farrelly Mac of 1976 has been called many things mother grandmother aunt sister friend But now after participating in one of the most difficult triathlons known to man she can officially be called Ironman

After Hurricane Katrina Farrelly found herself with a little extra time on her hands Her children were now adults and after having lost her house in the storm she moved in with her sister Shortly thereafter she began swimming at the fitness center nearby This led to meeting other fitness-minded people and even joining a multi-sports club

She began doing a few races here and there and before she knew it one of her friends was pushing her to do the Ironman Triathlon with her The Ironman Triathlon the most well-known endurance event in the world consists of three parts swimming biking and running Participants are often pushed to their limits with the competition lasting as long as 17 grueling hours Initially she was hesitant but after gaining the interest of a few more friends they decided to do it together

Strenuous training began in June with 100-mile bike rides on the weekends and countless hours spent swimming and running on the weekdays Through it all Farrelly recognized that none of it would have been possible if not for the love support and understanding of her family friends and training group

Farrelly was no stranger to triathlons In her youth she participated in the first Cajunman Triathlons but she knew

Ironman would be a whole new world On a beautiful day in November 2011 participants of the Florida Ironman were given 17 hours from early morning to midnight to complete 24 miles of swimming in the Gulf of Mexico a 112-mile bike ride and a 262-mile run

By the time she was halfway through her run she was exhausted everyone was They kept pushing each other as much as they could taking breaks when they needed but never quitting She refused to give up and when she reached mile 25 of the run she began crying knowing that the worst was behind her She could see the finish line

Farrelly finished the triathlon around 10 pm It took her a little while to come off the high of it all The magnitude of her accomplishment didnrsquot really set in until later She had done it She was an Ironman

When asked if she had any advice for those looking to take on an Ironman challenge of their own Farrelly quickly replied that ldquostrong family support a good training program and a good training group are essential It can be torture and it feels good to have someone there to be tortured right alongside yourdquo

One might think that after reaching Ironman status Farrelly would be ready to take it easy This is not the case Whatrsquos next The Escape from Alcatraz triathalon in San Francisco

Even at the age of 54 this Ursuline girl just wonrsquot quit

WENDY FARRELLY rsquo76 IRONMAN

2223

By Patricia Fitzmorris Danflous rsquo65

Cristy Asturias rsquo08 had no intention of attending Ursuline Academy In fact she didnrsquot realize the school existed

ldquoI lived in Metairierdquo she smiles ldquoI certainly didnrsquot know much about uptown New Orleans and my parents were new

to the high school selection processrdquo

But with a little guidance from Our Lady of Divine Providence staff her elementary school she interviewed at Ursuline fell in love with its historic presence and is now an accomplished graduate and enthusiastic alumna

Shersquos also an emerging leader in the uptown business community

Demonstrating the business acumen of an experienced career woman and the sophistication of a genteel southern lady it is Asturiasrsquo youth that marks her distinctive path to success A 2012 graduate of Loyola University as an International Business major she is not only the owner of her own branch of Sterling Silvia but also bringing the family-owned fine sterling silver business new recognition and growth through her original jewelry designs Expanding the businessrsquo French Quarter anchor to a prime location on Magazine and Upperline Streets Asturias is carrying out Sterling Silviarsquos mission ldquoto create and design meaningful jewelry with a hint of inspiration from the finest city in America New Orleansrdquo

Visit the companyrsquos website developed and updated by Asturias to view a collection of pieces ranging from a whimsical voodoo doll with a fleur de lis heart to cuff bracelets highlighted with a New Orleans landscape from a crescent moon pendant showcasing a Crescent City scene to a handsome ldquowho datrdquo brooch Ursuline and the New Orleans community will treasure an Our Lady of Prompt Succor bead to add to a bracelet with a Serviam bead coming soon

Current Ursuline high school students have the opportunity to receive a Cristy Asturias original piece with the Principalrsquos Award ldquogiven in recognition of students who are motivated who demonstrate responsibility hard work perseverance who make as much academic progress as they are capable of making and who strive to reach their potential as best they canrdquo Featuring the Serviam logo highlighted with the colors of respective classes the award is presented at the end of each school year

ldquoThe development of the Principalrsquos Award was a break for me in the sense of adding credibility to my work and showing my rangerdquo Asturias says with a special pride in her Ursuline connection ldquoI knew that I wanted to be involved and give back to the school that gave so much to merdquo

Informally mentioning that she would like to help her alma mater when dropping off an order from the French Quarter store former President Gretchen Kane took her up on the offer and said ldquoLetrsquos see what you can dordquo

S i o ux A l u m n a S h i n e s i n St e r l i n g

2223 23

ldquoI originally designed something more traditional and conservative but Ms Gretchen wanted colorrdquo Asturias recalls ldquoI changed the design according to her input and she loved the resultrdquo

A native of Guatemala who holds dual citizenship Asturiasrsquo early years involved living half the year in Guatemala and the other half in the United States while her parents maintained an importexport business ldquoI learned English in pre-Kindergarten and it was mandatory according to my parents that I was bi-lingualrdquo she says

As the business changed with the economic times Asturiasrsquo mother Silvia invested $1200 in jewelry purchased in New York and set up a flea market booth in the French Quarter adding her own designs over the years Nine years after her first table showing the Asturias family opened a store at 41 French Market Place A second French Quarter location opened before and closed after Hurricane Katrina Inventory from the second shop helped stock the Magazine store in its first months

Although Asturias learned design techniques from her mother it wasnrsquot until high school and her focus on art ndash her mother turned some of her artwork into jewelry with much success ndash that she seriously considered entering the family business Her focus on internal business studies fueled her knowledge and interest including summer studies in China and a two-month internship in Thailand at a manufacturing site ldquoMy parents did not want me to feel obligated to carry on the business unless it was something I really wanted to dordquo she comments ldquoWe had a family business meeting to discuss my future and decided that I would open my own shop after college graduationrdquo

The right time right place mdash and right price mdash moved up the opening date ldquoWe were on a family bike ride and saw an old building on Magazine Streetrdquo Asturias says as her eyes

ldquo I knew that I wanted to be involved and give back to the school that gave so much to merdquo -Cristy Asturias

light up with the memory ldquoA man started yelling at us from across the street asking if we were interested in it We were thinking of leasing a storefront but my parents made the decision to purchase the building Itrsquos now my homerdquo

ldquoLittle by little people are finding out about the business and my designsrdquo she continues crediting social media primarily Facebook streetcar advertising and the business website with her continuing success It is Asturiasrsquo perseverance talent and knowledge however that is making the difference She worked ten hours a day for months to develop a website used to immediately present new designs And she devotes up to 20 hours of painstaking Adobe Illustrator work to create an original design before sending it off to Thailand for a prototype piece

Her approach to business also includes the personal touch In face-to-face meetings with Lucky Dog and Cafeacute du Monde executives for example she presents her ideas asks for permission to use respective company symbols and usually walks away with sales from the company as well as the general public ldquoI studied copyright laws and business lawrdquo she explains ldquoI want to do business the right way You might see other companies selling jewelry featuring a high school mascot or logo but I go directly to the schools to make sure I have their permission I have a moral and legal obligation to do the right thingrdquo

Her familyrsquos strong-rooted faith and a Catholic-centered life set the foundation for Asturiasrsquo moral convictions Ursuline she says enhanced those beliefs ldquoUrsuline taught me about putting other people before myself about the sense of community and giving back unselfishly If I ever have girls they are going to Ursulinerdquo

Active in Ursuline life from the beginning of her freshman year Asturias was a member of the soccer and cross country teams and participated in Rally as a cheerleader each year Featured in several business publications she has appeared on ABCrsquos Good Morning New Orleans about a jewelry design benefiting a Haitian family after an earthquake She serves as Vice President of Professional Programming for Alpha Kappa Psi the worldrsquos largest business fraternity In her spare time you will find Asturias riding a motorcycle with her father or working toward her pilotrsquos license Visit wwwsterlingsilviacom for additional information on her original designs

2425

Home Again

JUDY MOLLERESioux of 1966 ndash Assistant Principal Elementary SchoolldquoAs an Ursuline alumna being able to work at Ursuline means I can teach young girls the ideals that the Ursuline Sisters fostered in me It means being able to visit with Our Lady of Prompt Succor daily It means building new memories and friendships amid constant reminders of past joysrdquo

They are members of Ursuline Academyrsquos 2011-12 faculty and staff They are also alumnae

The group mdash comprised of seven Macs four Skips and two Sioux mdash loved UA so much they

simply could not stay away

DODY DOLESE NOLANMac of 1967 ndash Fine Arts Department ChairpersonldquoMy mother came to the college in the 40rsquos I came in the 60rsquos one daughter in the 70rsquos and another daughter in the 80rsquos I have taught here for 35 years ndash Irsquove never left Irsquom homerdquo

(Back row from left) Nikki Pastorek Fuller rsquo81 Patty Mathes rsquo65 Dody Dolese Nolan rsquo67 Judy Mollere rsquo66 Jeannie Church Pratt rsquo76 Karen Hubble Mortillaro rsquo89 Mary Anteacutee rsquo97 and (front row from left) Jessica Baker rsquo04 Angie Fulton Castay rsquo74 Elizabeth C Harney rsquo76 Jolene Ferro Songy rsquo85 Mairin LeBlanc Cutrer rsquo03 Christy Jackson rsquo00

2425 25

ANGIE FULTON CASTAYSkip of 1974 ndash Toddler 3 Assistant TeacherldquoI came back to teach at Ursuline because I wanted to give to other young girls the wonderful loving educational experience that I received hererdquo

JEANNIE CHURCH PRATT Mac of 1976 ndash Pre-Kindergarten AssistantldquoIt is spiritually rewarding to be a part of the Ursuline faculty Never did I dream when I was attending school at Ursuline I would be back as a faculty member I am blessed with the opportunity on a daily basis to teach girls the values taught to me by the Ursuline Sisters and lay teachers It feels as though Irsquove come full circle and that feels greatrdquo

ELIZABETH C HARNEYMac of 1976 ndash Science Teacher High SchoolldquoFive years ago I remember feeling like I was finally lsquohomersquo as I walked into Room 112 for the first time as a teacher How incredibly special to be teaching in the same room where Sr Ruth Marie provided me with a fantastic Chemistry background I have had the honor of teaching the daughters of several of my classmates as well as the granddaughters of my middle school math teacher Mrs Klundt It is an awesome responsibility and privilege to be a part of the Ursuline tradition I am so proud to be an alumna and a parent of an alumna of this historic institutionrdquo

NIKKI PASTOREK FULLERSioux of 1981 ndash 3rd Grade TeacherldquoI feel like Irsquove come full circle I dreamed of being a teacher at Ursuline over my high school years there I always felt accepted and strived within a small community Luckily both of my daughters were able to experience this and now Irsquom able to fulfill that for other peoplersquos daughters I love being able to say that I went to Ursuline as well as my sister and my daughters and now I am so lucky to teach thererdquo

JOLENE FERRO SONGYMac of 1985 ndash Pre-Kindergarten TeacherldquoI enjoy being back at Ursuline and being a part of the community because Ursuline was such a great place to go to school It is a small family environment and it is very comfortable being around everyone who knows you As a child I loved going to Ursuline because of the warm and comfortable feeling I always had I now as a pre-k teacher try my best to make my classes feel comfortable and happy about coming to school every day It is nice to hear the parents say how much their daughter enjoys coming to school When I hear these words it makes me feel like Irsquom continuing the tradition of making the youngest of our students happy and comfortable while learning at such a great schoolrdquo

KAREN HUBBLE MORTILLAROSkip of 1989 ndash Dean of Students High SchoolldquoHaving the opportunity to give back to Ursuline as a teacher and Dean of Students means to me that I can give to students today what I received from so many teachers and administrators in my years at Ursuline They taught me how to truly live Courtesy Loyalty Courage and Serviam I hope I give that gift to our students every dayrdquo

MARY ANTEacuteEMac of 1997 ndash Admissions DirectorldquoI thoroughly enjoyed my high school experience on State Street and never imagined that my life and career would bring me back to Ursuline The five years that I have spent as Director of Admissions have proved to be so incredibly rewarding I am proud that I am able to tell prospective families that I am a graduate The privilege of bringing new students into this fine institution still humbles merdquo

CHRISTY JACKSONMac of 2000 ndash Director of AlumnaeldquoI spent 11 years of my life as a student at Ursuline I am honored to think that I will be spending many more years on campus as Alumnae Director Ursuline has helped mold me in to the woman that I am today I am fortunate to be able to give back to an institution that has given so much to me I will always be an Ursuline girlrdquo

MAIRIN LEBLANC CUTRERMac of 2003 ndash History Department ChairpersonldquoMy older sister Colleen started kindergarten in 1989 My youngest sister graduated in 2008 I started teaching at Ursuline the following fall so there has been at least one of the four LeBlanc girls at Ursuline for 23 years I could not imagine teaching anywhere else because Ursuline has become a second homerdquo

JESSICA BAKERSkip of 2004 ndash High School Science TeacherldquoUrsuline helped to form me into the woman I am today This is the place where I first learned both the value of striving for academic excellence and the importance of living a life committed to the service of others I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of creating the same growth opportunity for the current Ursuline students that I feel privileged to have received myselfrdquo

ldquo I remember feeling like I was finally lsquohomersquo as I walked into Room 112 for the first time as a teacherrdquo - Elizabeth Harney

2627

The Distinguished Alumna Award is handed out annually to a graduate of Ursuline Academy or the former Ursuline College of New Orleans who demonstrates the core values and ideals of an Ursuline

education in all aspects of her life Since 1986 43 people have received this honor making it one of Ursulinersquos most prestigious awards

Carmela Matassa Van Hook rsquo65 graduated from both Ursuline Academy and Loyola University with honors She and her husband Cloyd are the proud parents of three wonderful children Kristin Emery and Colin They also have two grandsons As a parent of two Ursuline students Carmela was a member of the Parentsrsquo Club Board served as Fair Coordinator in 1987-1988 chaired various booths for Ursuline Day and served as a Room Mother for several years Carmela was a Serviam Drive Decade Chair the President of the Alumnae Board in 1989-1990 and a charter member of the School Board in 1988-1993 While on the board she served as Chair of the Development Committee which established the Development Office and sought out the first Development Director Carmela also served on several Alumnae Board committees and as Alumnae Director

Carmelarsquos nurturing community spirit led her to be a Confraternity of Christian Doctrine teacher and Eucharistic Minister in her Parish She ministers at Sunday Masses as well as in the homes of the sick She also serves as Sacristan and launders church linens on a regular basis Her former pastor Reverend Nghiem Van Nguyen described her as someone who ldquoalways wants to get involved and helps out for any need in our Parishrdquo

Her volunteer work consists of being a docent at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art where she led museum tours for inner city school children a Louisiana Master Gardener volunteering at the Botanical Gardens and a Catholic

CharitiesACCESS pregnancy counselor for young women Carmela works as a Medical Technologist at Ochsner and always finds time to visit Ursuline alumnae admitted to the hospital Over the years she has reached out to many alumnae as well as the Ursuline Sisters

Both of Carmelarsquos daughters Kristin and Emery were among those who nominated her for this prestigious award ldquoShe has a beautiful faith which has been instrumental in shaping our faith as adultsrdquo her daughters explained ldquoShe has most clearly demonstrated her respect for the uniqueness of the individual commitment to development of the whole person and development of a nurturing community spirit in the way she raised her three childrenrdquo

Sylvia Probst a 1986 Distinguished Alumna and former high school principal and faculty member also nominated Carmela Ms Probst described her as ldquoa wonderful example of Serviam in actionrdquo

Christy Jackson rsquo00 Director of Alumnae described Carmela as a ldquojoy to be around She is truly inspiring Her love and passion for Ursuline emanates throughout her She has a way of making you smile It is evident that she does not do anything solely for recognition She lives and breathes Serviam and all that it stands forrdquo

While reflecting on her own Ursuline experiences Carmela stated ldquoI cherish the years I spent as a student at Ursuline Through my Ursuline education our motto Serviam became an intrinsic part of me The Ursuline Sisters nurtured me and taught me to live my life according to the teachings of St Angela lsquoBe joyous and always full of charity and faith and hope in Godrsquo I am truly blessed that my two daughters were also able to attend Ursuline and embrace the spirit of Serviamrdquo

2011 Distinguished AlumnaCarmela Matassa Van Hook rsquo65

Know an alumna who exemplifies the Ursuline values and ideals in all aspects of her life Contact the Office of Alumnae 5048619114 or alumnaeursulineneworleansorg