On Sunday, January 8, hundreds of Ursuline friends and family gathered to celebrate the Epiphany as well as the 197th Eucharistic Celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. Mass was said by Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond. A reception followed in the Academy cafeteria.

Serviam Annual Fund

The Serviam Annual Fund drive was restructured this year from what was once a six-week drive to a year-long campaign-style structure. While we are only through the first phase of the 2011-2012 drive, which consists of lead gifts, we have raised almost $350,000, which is already above where we were at this time last year! Thank you to all who have contributed.

The Serviam Family Mass will be Sunday, March 4 and will kick-off the Phone-A-Thon. The Phone-A-Thon will be during the entire month of March in St. Ursula Hall for those of you interested in making calls at school. Please be a member of the calling team! Have fun and make a difference in your legacies’ lives. Please call or email Janet Goforth, Director of Development, and let her know that you want to be a part of the Phone-A-Thon this year. She can be reached at 504.212.5112 or jgoforth@ursulineneworleans.org.

Also, if you haven’t made your pledge, please consider making one now. Pledge online by clicking here or calling the Development Office at 504.212.5112.

Elementary School Tours

Spread the word! Ursuline Academy will offer Elementary School Tours for the Toddler 2 program through 7th grade on Wednesday, January 25 at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. To learn more, click here.

Private tours can be scheduled by calling the Office of Admissions, 504.866.5292.

2012 Reunions

If you graduated in a year ending in 2 or 7, then it is your time to celebrate with a reunion. Please contact the Alumnae Office at 504.861.9114 or alumnae@ursulineneworleans.org for more information about our reunion program. If you are currently planning a reunion or class gathering, let us know.

Keep Us Informed!

We would love for you to keep in touch. Please send any updated contact information to alumnae@ursulineneworleans.org. We are always collecting information to be published in The Ursu.Lines. Please let us know about births, deaths, marriages and any newsworthy information. We’d also love to hear about your awards, achievements, careers, etc.

A great time was had by all ages at this year’s Santa’s Workshop.  Kids enjoyed live Christmas music, holiday arts and crafts, pictures with Santa, a book reading by Ricci Broussard Hebert ‘90, train rides and delicious treats while the adults enjoyed Christmas shopping from our vendors!  Thank you to everyone who made this event a success!  What a great way to kick off the holiday season.

Click here to view the photos.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor Feast Day

Please join us on Sunday, January 8, 2012 for the 197th Eucharistic Celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. Mass will be held at 3 p.m. in the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.  A reception will follow in the cafeteria afterwards.  If you are interested in volunteering to help with the reception, please contact Christy Jackson, Alumnae Director, at 504-861-9114 or  alumnae@ursulineneworleans.org.

Click here to view the invitation.

Bring the kids or grandkids for Christmas cheer on Sunday, December 4th at 10 a.m. at
Santa’s Workshop!  We would love to see you!

Join us for fun activities including:
– A book signing & reading by author of “Fleur Delivery,” Ricci Broussard Hebert ‘90  
and illustrator, Sean Gautreaux
– Photos with Santa by Pat Garin Photographer
– Live Holiday Music
– Train Rides
– Arts & Crafts Activities
– Gifts available for purchase

If you would like to participate further by donating food items or even volunteering as one of Santa’s little helpers, please contact Christy Jackson in the Alumnae Office at 504-861-9114 or at alumnae@ursulineneworleans.org

Click here to view the invitation!

Alumnae Judges Needed for Science Fair

Volunteer judges are needed for the Ursuline Academy Science Fair.  The Science Fair will be held in St. Ursula Hall on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Judges may arrive at their convenience.  Judges will rate projects in one or two science fair categories according to guidelines supplied by the Science Department.Judges should have a background or practical experience in medicine & health, psychology, laboratory sciences, field sciences, computer science or engineering.  If interested, please contact the Science Department Chairperson, Erin Plauche’, at eplauche@ursulineneworleans.org.

La Fete 284 and Homecoming

Dear Alumnae,

The theme of this year’s La Fete 284 was “Wishes Come True On State Street.”  A great time was had by all! Kermit Ruffins entertained everyone during the Patron Party. Patrons enjoyed delicious food by Rebekah Seidel Paton ’93 of Foxtrot Catering and specialty drinks by Marvin Allen of the Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar. Crescent City Soul entertained guests during the Gala, which featured over 35 restaurants and lots of great auction items!

The wonderful weekend was wrapped up with the 2011 Homecoming Mass and Champagne Jazz Brunch.  The 2011 Distinguished Alumna, Carmela Matassa Van Hook ’65, was honored during Mass. Several classes were celebrating reunions. In fact, the very first Sioux class, Sioux of 1951, celebrated their 60^th this year!  Alumnae came from near and far to reunite with friends, catch up on old times and just be back at 2635 State Street!

Christy Jackson
Director of Alumnae

DONATE AN AUCTION ITEM

If you would like to donate an auction item, please contact Marie Schmitt, Development Assistant, at 504.212.6809 or mschmitt@ursulineneworleans.org by Wednesday, November 9.

RESERVE LA FÊTE TICKETS
La Fête 284 is Friday, November 11. The Patron Party, featuring entertainment by Kermit Ruffins and specialty cocktails by Marvin Allen of the Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar, begins at 6:30 p.m.

The Gala will follow at 8 p.m. in the Academy’s courtyard. Bid on trips, jewelry, sports memorabilia and much more at live and silent auctions. Dine on delicious cuisine from over 35 New Orleans restaurants and dance the night away to music from Crescent City Soul!

Gala/Patron Party tickets can be purchased through the Development Office by contacting Janet Goforth, Director of Development, at 504.212.5112 or jgoforth@ursulineneworleans.org. Reserve a table for 10 for $1,500; individual tickets to the patron party and gala are $150 and individual gala tickets are $100.

Click here to see the La Fête 284 invitation.

RESERVE HOMECOMING TICKETS

Homecoming is Sunday, November 13 and begins with a 9:30 a.m. Mass in the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor followed by a Jazz Brunch in the courtyard. Brunch tickets can still be purchased for $25 by contacting Christy Jackson, Director of Alumnae, at 504.861.9114 or alumnae@ursulineneworleans.org.

Click here to see the 2011 Homecoming invitation.

LEARN MORE
Click here to learn more about La Fête 284 and Homecoming. 

It is our honor and privilege to announce Carmela Matassa Van Hook ‘65 as our 2011 Distinguished Alumna.  Carmela, along with all classes celebrating a reunion this year, will be honored at Homecoming on Sunday, November 13 beginning with 9:30 a.m. Mass in the Shrine followed by a Jazz Brunch in the courtyard. Please join us!

Open House

Our annual Open House is Sunday, October 16th from 1 – 3 p.m.  If you, your friends or relatives have school-age girls, please bring them by to see all the exciting things Ursuline has to offer. Click here to see the Open House Invitation.

64th Annual Rally Night

Join the Senior Macs, Junior Skips, Sophomore Sioux, Freshmen Scotties and 8th Grade Leprechauns for the 64th Annual Rally Night. It will be held in the Marjorie Barbier Ourso Athletic Center on Friday, October 21, 2011 at 5:00 PM.  Tickets are $5.  Bookstore items will be available to purchase during Rally.

La Fete 284

Join us on 11/11/11 as we make “Wishes Come True on State Street.”  Kermit Ruffins will be performing at the Patron Party and Crescent City Soul will be the entertainment at the gala.  Come out and have a good time! Click here to see the La Fete 284 invite.  We are also currently collecting auction items.  If you would like to contribute, please contact the Alumnae Office.

Adoration, Mass & Rosary

Eucharistic Adoration takes place the first Thursday of every month from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Shrine. Please note that it will not take place in April 2012. Click here to see the schedule.

There is also a daily Mass. The schedule is as follows:  Monday through Friday at 5 p.m., Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Rosary is every Tuesday at 8 a.m. If you have any questions, please contact Maureen McKay Poche ‘75 at 504.866.5646 or at lsu3212@aol.com.

Alumna Spotlight: October

The October Alumna Spotlight is Dr. Janet Laizer ‘76. Janet is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at The University of Mississippi Medical Center and now works on the Emergency and Consult Team at the Veteran’s Hospital.  Click here to read more about her accomplishments and how Ursuline has made her who she is today!

2012 Reunions

If your graduation year ends in a 2 or a 7, you will be celebrating a reunion next year!  Anyone interested in planning a class reunion, should contact Christy Jackson, Alumnae Director, at 504-861-9114 or alumnae@ursulineneworleans.org.

Let us know!

We would love for you to keep us up-to-date!  If any of your contact information has changed, please contact the Alumnae Office.  We would also love to hear about births, marriages, achievements, etc!  Contact the Alumnae Office at alumnae@ursulineneworleans.org.

School has begun and the Ursuline Alumnae Association has already had two successful events. Thank you to all of our volunteers! I appreciate all of your phone calls, emails and letters. Words cannot describe how wonderful it has been to have so much support. I am proud to be a part of such a strong group of women and excited about the upcoming year. There are so many wonderful things in store! Below you will find a few highlights of what’s been happening.

Past Presidents’ Luncheon

The Ursuline Alumnae Association of New Orleans held its annual Past Presidents’ Luncheon at Antoine’s Restaurant on July 29, 2011. The past presidents are, front row from left, Maria Moret Braud, Cindy Ware Walker, Gertie Beauford, Elise Cornay O’Neil, Helen Wolfe Wirth, Suzanne Toca Browne, Joan Gisevius Johnson and Maureen McKay Poche. Back Row: Liz Glaser Broekman, Kathy Gillin Favret, Beverly Klundt Baudouin, Gretchen Van Vrancken, Linda O’Dwyer Smith, Patricia Giraldo Ortalano, Shelley Landrieu, Verna Satterlee Landrieu, Suzanne Artigues Cangelosi, Carmela Matassa Van Hook and Patti Stern Habans. The association is in its 111th year and has more than 4,500 members. Gretchen Van Vrancken, 2010-2011 past president, was given a service medal by Christy Jackson, Alumnae Director. Monique Morial currently serves as president for the 2011-2012 alumnae board.

Blessing of the Herbs

The 15th Annual Blessing of the Herbs was a wonderful event. Brother Louis Couvillon, a member of the Ursuline Board of Trustees, was the presider. Thank you to everyone that helped make this event a success. A big thank you to the alumnae who donated the delicious food!

La Fete 284

There are Ursuline alumnae in nearly all fifty states! This year, we are asking alumnae from all over the United States to support La Fete 284 and represent your current city all at the same time. Please consider donating items native to your current town. Items will be featured in the La Fete auction. (Examples: New York – New York Yankees gear, Pennsylvania – Amish gift basket, Napa Valley, California – wine basket)

This year’s theme is “Wishes Come True on State Street.” This theme will feature specific projects accomplished with help of proceeds from prior La Fete galas — projects that have “come true” because of your constant support! Please consider contributing to such a wonderful event.

Ursuline Links

One word unites Ursulines across the globe … Serviam. Recently, Ursuline students from four schools in England spent two weeks in New Orleans, living the Serviam motto. The England schools represented were Ursuline College, Westgate on Sea in Kent, Ursuline High School in Ilford, Ursuline High School in Wimbledon and Ursuline High School in Brentwood. Students spent time building houses in areas still damaged by Hurricane Katrina. In their free time, they took in New Orleans culture and also learned about Ursuline Academy New Orleans. Sr. Regina Marie Fronmuller, OSU joined with Sr. Kathleen Colmer, OSU and the Ursuline Links group to aid the St. Bernard Project.

Ursuline Links UK is a volunteer program run by the Ursuline Sisters. It aims to give students (17+) and adults opportunities to be of service in the UK and abroad. Ursuline Sisters from the UK and USA work together to lead these initiatives. The first project began in 2010 in New Orleans and helped repair homes devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Since then, Ursuline Links have traveled to several parts of the United States completing various service projects.

Thank you to Ursuline New Orleans alumnae who showed UK Ursulines a little southern hospitality during their stay here!

My Dear Ursuline Family,

What an honor and privilege it is to be writing to you as the new Director of Alumnae for Ursuline, my Alma Mater. I entered Ursuline’s doors as an awkward and shy seven-year-old girl. Throughout the next 11 years as a student, I made lots of friends, studied lots of books, learned new languages, attended many wonderful events and made lots of memories. These memories will always have a special place in my heart. The most valuable part of my Ursuline education was the values instilled in me. Through the rich history of the school and the teachings of the Ursuline Sisters, I was able to take away something that I will always hold dear. In thinking of my own mother and grandmother, I envision Ursuline as a mother-figure. The halls of Ursuline made me feel safe, the faculty was very nurturing and my fellow students were always supportive.

Prior to returning to Ursuline, I worked as a Life Enrichment Director for a local Assisted Living for nearly six years. In my years as Life Enrichment Director, I came across several people who had some sort of tie to Ursuline. Some were parents and grandparents of alumnae, others were staff members and a few were alumnae. I’ve always enjoyed talking about the wonderful experiences I had at Ursuline. Those who have experienced it firsthand understand the significance of belonging to such a prestigious place. It is and will always be a huge part of my life. I will always be an Ursuline girl!

As I walk around the campus, I can’t help but reminisce about experiences I have had here. I can’t help but feel at home. I am proud of our rich heritage and unique traditions. There is no other place like it! I look forward to time spent with all of you and I encourage you to come home and be a part of this great place. I am thankful for the opportunity to represent both such a historic school and its wonderful alumnae. I promise to carry out St. Angela’s wishes of “living in harmony, united together in one heart and one will.”

Please note that the first event of the school year is the Blessing of the Herbs on August 14th. If you are interested in contributing food for the alumnae sponsored table, please bring all contributions to the cafeteria the day of the reception. Please feel free to contact me in the Alumnae Office if I can help you in any way. I can be reached at 504-861-9114 or at alumnae@ursulineneworleans.org.

Sincerely,

Christy Jackson ‘00
Alumnae Director

Also, I’m proud to announce that for the second year in a row, THE SIOUX WON SPIRIT for the night.  The mighty Sioux had the most alumnae in attendance and a group photo (see below) was taken of all Sioux present.  Yay!  Macs, Skips and Leps, maybe next year…

Photos by Pat Garin Photographer, LLC

Liz Scott Monaghan ‘60 a.k.a. “Modine Gunch” signing her latest humor book, 
Never Clean Your House During Hurricane Season!

Current UA students who did a great job working the check-in tables and handing out door prizes!

TOPICS IN THIS E-NEWSLETTER:

1. Alumnae Spotlight

2. Super Terrific Happy Hour 2011!

ALUMNAE SPOTLIGHT

Check out our April Spotlight on Renette Dejoie Hall, Sioux of 1972, by CLICKING HERE!

SUPER TERRIFIC HAPPY HOUR 2011!

If you reside locally, by now you should have received your invitation for our annual Spring Alumnae Gathering aka “Super Terrific Happy Hour!” If you do not live in the New Orleans area and happen to find yourself back here on Thursday, April 28, (the day before Jazz Fest begins) PLEASE JOIN US from 6 – 8 p.m. in Ursuline’s Courtyard. We had over 300 alums attend last year and it was a beautiful reunion!

This is a free event compliments of the Ursuline Alumnae Association, so come join us for fabulous food, music and fun! Plus, meet “Modine Gunch” in person! We are so pleased to have our own Liz Scott Monaghan ‘60 with us for a signing of her latest humor book, Never Clean Your House During Hurricane Season. Also, a group photo will be taken of either the Skips, Sioux or Macs with the most alums in attendance, and will be acknowledged on the website and in the next Ursu.Lines magazine. (Sioux won last year!)

Please RSVP by April 20 to 504.861.9114 or alumnae@ursulineneworleans.org. Hope to see you there!!

*All attendees must be at least 21 years of age.

REMEMBER: This year, the MASCOT with the highest percentage of Serviam Annual Fund (SAF) participation reached by April 15 will be declared the winners of the SAF 2010-11 drive and will be specially honored at Happy Hour on April 28!

Therefore, if you haven’t made your gift for SAF 2010-11 yet, please CLICK HERE to easily do it online. Thank you for your help!

FYI – CURRENT MASCOT PERCENTAGES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• Serviam Stars (1949 and prior) = 23%
• Sioux = 14%
• Merry Macs (includes the Rebelles ‘52) = 12%
• Skipperettes (includes the Leps ‘50, ‘53 ‘56) = 12%

CLICK HERE to view photos of last year’s event, so you can see what it was all about!

Thank you,

Cara D’Antoni ‘90

Alumnae Director

To read more about what’s happening with Ursuline and its current students, please CLICK HERE.

Find your classmates, or other alums, using our on-line Alumnae Directory by CLICKING HERE!

TOPICS IN THIS E-NEWSLETTER:

1. REMINDER! Spaghetti Supper this Sunday!

2. PHOTOS! Atlanta & San Antonio

REMINDER! SPAGHETTI SUPPER & “SEUSSICAL”

This coming Sunday, April 3 from Noon – 4 p.m., is Ursuline’s annual Spaghetti Supper! A special student performance of “Seussical” the musical at 4:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center will follow.

Bring your children, family and friends for an afternoon of fun activites and live entertainment. Hope to see you there!

CLICK HERE to:

• view the invitation and reply cards for supper reservations and “Seussical” reservations
• purchase RAFFLE TICKETS for the chance to win $5,000 CASH! ($2/chance; winners need not be present).

ALUMNAE GATHERINGS

You may recall from my previous e-mails that we’ve been out on the road! Academy President, Gretchen Zibilich Kane, Director of Development, Mary Lee Berner Harris ‘66 and I recently traveled to Atlanta, GA and San Antonio, TX for alumnae chapter gatherings to help the Academy raise the remaining $150,000 needed to complete the $5,000,000 Keeping theLegacy Alive Campaign, for the establishment of an endowment and the transformation of the Sisters’ Laundry into the Soeur Teresita Rivet, OSU Early Childhood Learning Center.

It was wonderful to reconnect with our Ursuline of New Orleans alumnae in those areas.  Check out photos below from both events. If you would like to contribute, please CLICK HERE.

ATLANTA – Hosted by Beanie Swoop Prados ‘88

SAN ANTONIO / AUSTIN – Hosted by Cathy Cassagne Benedict ‘59 & Judy Cassagne Fowles ‘65

Thank you,

Cara D’Antoni ‘90
Alumnae Director

To read more about what’s happening with Ursuline and its current students, please  CLICK HERE.

Find your classmates, or other alums, using our on-line Alumnae Directory by CLICKING HERE!