Archive for Alumnae

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.

The Ursuline Alumnae Association hosted the 12th Annual Blessing of the Herbs on Aug. 15, the Feast of the Assumption, which the traditional day for blessing herbs. Mass was held at 11 am in the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. 2nd and 3rd grade students, dressed in white dresses, led the procession carrying handmade nosegays of fresh herbs and flowers.   After Mass, attendees proceeded to Ursuline’s herb garden for the blessing.

Here are some photos from the event.