Archive for Alumnae

URSULINE BIDS FAREWELL TO LEGENDARY, SYLVIA AMELIA PROBST

Sylvia A. 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 is 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, but the illness was no match for this woman of God’s unyielding faith.   Until the end of her life, Miss Probst remained a teacher, illustrating by numerous examples how practicing the core Ursuline values of Courtesy, Loyalty and Courage paved her way to heaven.  Miss Probst’s triumphant victory over illness and death is her farewell lesson to her beloved former students.  Convinced that her struggles on earth were no match for the promises of heaven, Miss Probst faced all obstacles with dignity and grace, and always placing herself under the protection of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.

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. Eagerly embracing the Ursuline experience, it was providential that she would come into contact with the Ursuline Sisters, developing a close relationship with two in particular, Sr. Ruth Marie Call, OSU and Sr. Doloroes Swanson, OSU.  Captivated by their deep religious commitment, Miss Probst sought  religious instruction, received what she always considered the be “the grace of conversion” and became a convert to the Catholic faith.    When Ursuline College closed its doors in 1954, Miss Probst transferred to Loyola University, and  graduated in 1956 with a B.S. in English Education. In that same year, Miss Probst responded to a job opening at Ursuline Academy and without hesitation, Sr. Mary Margaret Prenger, OSU, hired the young Miss Probst to teach senior English.   With the intervention of Divine Providence, Miss Probst would begin a lifelong career of dedicated service to Ursuline education which spanned over 50 years.  Sandra Corbin Meyer, class of ‘56, who was a student in Miss Probst’s very first English class, vividly recalls her first impression of the new young teacher, stating, “Miss 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 us.”  The magical rapport that began in 1956 between Miss Probst and her students would continue for generations. Miss Probst’s love of English and the desire to impart that love of learning to her students remains one of her greatest legacies.

Miss Probst’s reputation and rapport with students became a somewhat known as a senior privilege, but the Ursuline leadership also recognized the unique gifts of this educator.  When the need arose for a Principal of the Academy, all eyes turned to Miss Probst and with her great devotion to the Ursuline Sisters, she reluctantly agreed to assume the role.

Becoming the first lay Principal of Ursuline Academy was newsworthy in itself, but the real contribution Miss Probst offered was her unparalleled vision of the meaning of an Ursuline Education.  Inspiring faculty and students alike, Miss Probst identified and encouraged each member of the Ursuline family to excel in their God given gifts and live lives of integrity and service.

After years of inspiring students while serving in Administrative Roles, Miss Probst eventually returned to her great love, the classroom.  In later years, Miss Probst accepted a new task as the High School Librarian and thoroughly enjoyed working with individual students as they struggled through research assignments.

Following years of service as librarian, Miss Probst’s embarked on her final venture at Ursuline, serving as the Archivist.  It seems quite fitting that Miss Probst’s final task at Ursuline involved reviewing historical documents and reviewing the Ursuline history she so deeply treasured.

One of Miss Probst’s final wishes was to extend her deepest gratitude to all those who supported her with heartfelt love and prayers during her illness.  In all humility, Miss Probst was genuinely uplifted by the outpouring of support and pleased that her former students remembered the lesson of “the power of the pen.”

In summary, Miss Probst experienced final victory over sickness and death and undoubtedly, the love experienced at Ursuline raised her up to glory.  May we, in turn, continue to learn from our beloved Miss Probst, a good and faithful servant, indeed!

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated for Miss Sylvia Probst on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 11:30 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, located on Ursuline’s Campus.  Fr. Ed Lauden will be officiating and all are invited to attend and pay tribute to our beloved Miss Probst.

In accordance with Miss Probst’s wishes, donations in her memory may be made to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor to be used for the Capital Campaign for renovations to the Shrine.  Checks may be sent to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in memory of Sylvia Probst, 2635 State St., New Orleans, Louisiana 70118.  Thank you for your generosity in preserving our Shrine.

Christmas cheer was in the air on December 4 as the Alumnae Association hosted Santa’s Workshop. Alumnae children, grandchildren and current Ursuline students gathered on the Willow Street Campus for holiday fun including train rides, arts and crafts, pictures with Santa, and live holiday music. Author and alumna Ricci Broussard Hebert ’90 was also on site to read her children’s book “Fleur Delivery.”

The Ursuline Alumnae Association held the fifteenth annual Blessing of the Herbs on August 14. Brother Louis Couvillon, SC presided over Mass in the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. Ursuline Academy second and third grade students presented handmade nosegays of fresh herbs to Our Lady of Prompt Succor. An Herb Blessing followed in the Early Childhood Garden.

Special thank you to Sr. Carla Dolce ’50 and the Ursuline Sisters, Gretchen Zibilich Kane, Brother Louis Couvillon, SC, Thais Carriere, Donna Peyroux Taylor ’76, Wendy Farrelly ’76, Coleen Perilloux Landry HM, John Gabriel, Kim Harper, Carol Allison, Amy Milam, Kim Otto, Creole Creamery, Honey Baked Ham, Pepperoni’s Café, Robért Fresh Market, Zuppardo’s, all Alumnae and Administration who contributed to the celebration, all Ursuline students, especially the 2nd and 3rd Graders, as well as their parents, who helped to make this celebration so special.

ABOUT THE HERB BLESSING

The Blessing of the Herbs is held near the Feast of the Assumption, the traditional day for blessing herbs.  For Ursuline Academy, however, there is another special reason to celebrate this day: to honor Saint Francis Xavier Hebert, OSU, who is credited as the first woman pharmacist in the United States, as well as, the first woman director of a hospital.

Sister Saint Francis Xavier Hebert was among the early arrivals to the young city of New Orleans in 1727. She is known for planting an herb garden in the courtyard of the Old Ursuline Convent and for using those herbs for medicinal purposes during her ministry of healing. The city of New Orleans greatly benefited from her combinations of herbs, spices, remedies and medicines, which were used by the hospital and the local community through the Civil War. In blessing the herbs, Ursuline honors her and her contributions to the city of New Orleans.

The Ursuline Alumnae Association of New Orleans held its annual Past Presidents’ Luncheon at Antoine’s Restaurant on July 29.

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, Maureen McKay Poche and (back row, from left) 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, 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 Alumnae Director Christy Jackson. Monique Morial currently serves as President for the 2011-2012 Alumnae Board.

The 111-year-old Ursuline Alumnae Association of New Orleans will celebrate its 15th annual Blessing of the Herbs on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011. Mass will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.

The Blessing of the Herbs is held near the Feast of the Assumption, the traditional day for blessing herbs.  For Ursuline Academy, however, there is another special reason to celebrate this day: to honor Saint Francis Xavier Hebert, OSU, who is credited as the first woman pharmacist in the United States, as well as, the first woman director of a hospital.

Sister Saint Francis Xavier Hebert was among the early arrivals to the young city of New Orleans in 1727. She is known for planting an herb garden in the courtyard of the Old Ursuline Convent and for using those herbs for medicinal purposes during her ministry of healing. The city of New Orleans greatly benefited from her combinations of herbs, spices, remedies and medicines, which were used by the hospital and the local community through the Civil War. The Ursuline museum on the Academy’s campus holds some of her original tools with which she used to work. In blessing the herbs, Ursuline honors her and her contributions to the city of New Orleans.

For more information, contact the Alumnae Office at 54.861.9114 or alumnae@ursulineneworleans.org.

The Washington D.C. alumnae gathering was held on Thursday, April 30 at the home of Senator Mary Landrieu ‘73. We were thrilled to see many of our fabulous alumnae and friends. Check out some of the photos from this event.

The Alumnae Association’s annual ‘Super Terrific Happy Hour’ was held Thursday, April 23 from 6 – 8 p.m. in the Academy’s Courtyard. Alumnae had the opportunity to catch up with old friends and even make some new ones. Old yearbooks were on hand for a trip down memory lane. We appreciate everyone coming out for some great food, music and fun, and we hope to see you back on campus for future events.

‘Super Terrific Happy Hour’ will be on Thursday, April 23 from 6 – 8 p.m. in Ursuline’s Courtyard. Come join us for fabulous food, music and fun, compliments of the Alumnae Association. All attendees have a chance at winning Mac, Skip, Sioux, Lep or UA goodies. The silver Mignon Faget Lily pin (symbolizing Ursuline founder, St. Angela) sold exclusively by Ursuline, will also be available for a chance to win.

Click here to view a copy of the invitation.

Alumnae reunited on Sunday, Nov. 9 for Homecoming. Mass in the Shrine, celebrated by Archbishop Philip M. Hannan began the special day. The catching up continued after Mass with a jazz brunch in the courtyard with music by Abiea. 2008 Distinguished Alumna Martha ‘Betty’ Donaldson Jaraba ‘67 was honored, as well as the jubilee classes of college and academy of 1948 and academy classes of 1938, 1958 and 1983. Also honored were the anniversary classes of college and academy of 1943 and 1953 and academy classes of 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1988, 1993, 1998 and 2003.  Judging by all the smiles and laughter, it was good to be home.