Alumnae Messages


Seniors
Dear Class of 2020,
I hope that you are finding ways to take care of yourself in every way - mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I am so sorry that your senior year and your time at Ursuline is ending this way. Even though this whole situation is terrible, I am confident that it will bring you closer as a group of young alumnae. You will lean on each other and bond together in a way that no other class ever has. Your memories will always be unique and different from other classes' memories. I know it doesn't seem like it now, but I believe you will come out of this stronger. God bless each and every one of you. You are in all of our thoughts and prayers, even though we may not know each other. Welcome to the UA Alumnae Family. I hope you continue to find strength and community here in the years to come.
Ginny Walters '07Dear Class of 2020,
I am so sorry for all that you are going through right now. I hope and pray that you and yours are healthy and that mourning over the loss of many of the senior activities is the only thing you are mourning. My sister is in your grade, and I think about this great sadness more often than she knows I do. When I think of her predicament, I know that she is not experiencing this alone; all of the seniors in the country are going through the same thing. My heart goes out to all of you. I pray that you all will somehow, someway be able to say goodbye to your friends, classmates, teachers, and the entire UA community in the best way possible. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Isabel Baumgartner '17
Hi Class of 2020,
Fifteen years ago, I graduated from UA and I hope in fifteen years, my daughter will be a student there too! Keep your heads up and know that UA alumni are thinking about you. I am sorry that your last few months as an Ursuline senior were not what you expected. Just heed this advice-your Ursuline friends and community will ALWAYS be there for you. Stay in touch with your friends, faculty, and the school. Once again, thinking about and praying for all of you.
Meredith Mason Ramler '05Dear 2020 Seniors,
I am sending you so much strength right now. I am sure that this is not how you planned for your senior year to turn out but just remember that you are strong, capable and ready for what is ahead of you. Remember to celebrate yourself! I am so proud of you!
Mimi Borders '14
To the class of 2020,
First, I hope that you all are well, and finding ways to keep yourself happy and healthy during these uncertain times. I know that this whole situation may seem unfair, which for many of us, it is in unique, but also similar ways. Therefore, I want you to know that you are not alone. From your family and the Ursuline faculty and staff, to other friends/Ursuline students and your alumnae sisters, we all are here for you and wish you the most success now and into your bright futures. We, alumnae, feel for you all during this last and most special year at Ursuline; however, we encourage you to use your creative minds to find ways to keep making it special as Ursuline is striving to do the same once this is all said and done. One of my favorite quotes is: "Anyone can give up, it is the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone would expect you to fall apart, that is true strength."; And, I think this quote truly embodies the class of 2020. Finally, God works in mysterious ways, and I know that He will carry you all through this difficult time, leading you to wonderful things that you may not have even imagined. Trust in Him, trust in your support systems, and most importantly, trust in yourself that you will get through this on top. Lots of love to you all!
Becky Hagedorn '15
Dear Class of 2020,
We sure miss having you at school! I can't imagine losing out on the last few months with my Ursuline sisters. I remember crying and crying the last time we saw each other before we left for college. My best friend Emily turned to me and said, ";You know we'll see each other again, right? You know we'll still be friends?"; ...That was 12 years ago. Just 1.5 months ago I was visiting her in NYC. Every day through this pandemic she and my other best UA friends have been chatting on our GroupMe. Your last few months of senior year might be different than anticipated, but your sisterhood IS NOT OVER! I promise you that. You WILL get more late nights up talking, more trips, more hours of laughter sitting side by side. Keep the faith!We love you and can't wait to see you again soon.
Warmly,
Ms. Valentine '08 (Director of Alumnae Relations)
Students
Faculty/Staff
Fellow Faculty and Staff,
I read through your students' survey results about the quality learning experiences they've had while remote learning. I honestly almost cried! I always knew, but was once again reminded, of how phenomenal and supportive our community is. I am so proud to have been taught by Ursuline educators and that I can be a part of making this education possible for other young women. What you are doing makes a differences in women's lives for the rest of their life--I can personally testify! Thank you for continuing to let "the vision of St. Angela" guide you through your days, even in these most unprecedented of times.
With my love and utmost respect,
Ellen Funk Valentine '08
Hi, Ursuline Faculty and Staff!
I just wanted to share my gratitude and love for you all even more than I already do since graduating from Ursuline. The strength and compassion you already possess are needed even more now for the students and one another during this time. Thank you always for your dedication and support to the students of Ursuline, and many prayers to you all during these uncertain times! "The great teacher is not the person who supplies the most facts, but the one in whose presence we become different people."- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Becky Hagedorn '15