Sr. Phyllis Kemper graduated from Ursuline Academy on Oak Street in 1967, and joined the Ursulines of Brown County as a postulant upon graduation.  After taking final vows, she returned to Ursuline Academy to teach home economics at the Blue Ash campus. Later, she was named Director of internal Management for the order, and in addition to her management duties, she was responsible for the care and welfare of the elderly sisters. It was at this time that Sr. Phyllis felt called to become a nurse. 

 

She couldn’t immediately follow her calling; however, she was first responsible for the herculean task of closing and razing of the huge Civil War-era Ursuline Motherhouse in Brown County and the construction of a new residence for the sisters there. When that was accomplished, she went to nursing school and continues her life of service today as a parish nurse in Over-the-Rhine and in North Fairmont, providing education, basic medical care, and unique concern for the patients she sees. In 2004, Sr. Phyllis was recognized by the University of Cincinnati’s College of Nursing with the Florence Nightingale Award for her extraordinary dedication, innovation and delivery of direct patient care.

 

She was nominated for the Ursuline award by her classmates, one of whom wrote, “Phyllis lives her social consciousness daily as she carries out her calling.  She walks very humbly with God in a very caring, respectful and helpful way.  She would never seek this award for herself, but . . . there is not a more deserving person.”

 

 

Beth Chapman Chance

 

Beth Chapman Chance graduated from Ursuline Academy in Blue Ash in 1998, and is one of the youngest alumnae ever to receive this award.  Beth earned her degree in education and began her teaching career in an inner-city school, where she assumed she would have the best chance to help those in need.  When she left that job for a teaching position in the Lakota school district, she was concerned that she might not have the same kind of opportunity to care for those less fortunate than herself.  That’s when Beth met Brooke Aker.

 

Brooke was a special needs student at Hopewell school, and Beth discovered that Brooke’s family faced incredible challenges in terms of the design of their home with two children using wheelchairs and another child living with Crohn’s disease.  Beth and a group of fellow teachers formed a non-profit group – Akers’ Angels – to raise funds for the family.  Beth also sent the Akers’ story in to “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and organized a community effort resulting in more than 25,000 letters sent to ABC television on the Akers’ behalf.  In 2008, the Akers family moved into their brand new home.

 

One of those nominating Beth for this award wrote, “I am so proud of Beth for living out her faith, and for caring about other more than herself.  She has a heart for helping those in need.”

 

The “Women of the Years” program at Ursuline Academy began in 1986 as part of the school’s 90th anniversary celebration in order to recognize and honor outstanding alumnae.   Since then, 50 women have been honored as “Women of the Years” in recognizing their service to their families, church and community.