Serviam, more than a motto

At The Ursuline School, Serviam, “I will serve” is far more than a motto. It is love in action. Rooted in St. Angela Merici’s call to lead with compassion, humility, and courage, Serviam shapes the way students learn and build community every day.

Ms. Jennifer Schassler sees this commitment firsthand. In her role as Ursuline’s service coordinator, Schassler helps students bring the school’s Serviam motto to life. Working with students across all grade levels, she says she is inspired daily by their sincerity and generosity.

“Our students amaze me. They show an inexhaustible willingness to serve, such genuine care for others.”
- Ms. Jennifer Schassler, service coordinator

A Polar Plunge with purpose

On Saturday, Nov. 8, that dedication was on full display at the Polar Plunge at Rye Playland Beach. More than 150 Ursuline high school students braved the chilly water and raised nearly $30,000 for Special Olympics New York, one of the largest school contributions in the region.

Students from Iona Prep, Salesian High School, and other Westchester schools joined them along a bright shoreline on a cloudless morning. Schassler said the energy perfectly captured the joy and unity that often define service at Ursuline.

“The atmosphere was electric,” she said. “Seeing so many students come together for the same cause,  and to do it with so much enthusiasm,  it reminded me why this work matters.”

She also commended senior leaders Meredith Gordon and Marin Kulsar for guiding Ursuline’s participation with maturity and heart. Their leadership, she said, set a strong foundation for future efforts, with early interest emerging as younger students reflect on this year’s experience and consider how they might contribute going forward.

Caring for local families

The school’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive will take place on Monday, Nov. 24, with students contributing frozen turkeys, frozen hams, and nonperishable food items. Donations will support families served by St. Peter’s Food Pantry in Yonkers under the direction of Father Darwin Torres.

Sharing the spirit of Serviam this Christmas

In December, Ursuline families will once again participate in the annual Christmas Toy Drive, coordinated by the Mothers’ Auxiliary. Families can donate toys valued at $25 or less through the Amazon Christmas Gift List, and students will gather to wrap and prepare each gift for delivery—spreading joy throughout the community.

This year, Ursuline is also deepening its relationship with Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center, the nation’s largest post-acute care center for children with complex medical needs. Alongside the Toy Drive, students are engaging in creative and compassionate service to brighten the holidays for children and families at the Center.

During Koality Time, ninth-graders crafted beautifully decorated holiday cards as part of Dylan’s Holiday Project, a tradition honoring the joyful and giving spirit of Dylan, whose legacy continues to inspire kindness. “The cards came out wonderfully,” Schassler said. “They will be delivered in the coming days to help decorate each child’s room.”

Ursuline students will continue their partnership throughout the month. On Thursday, December 4, a group will visit the Center to help decorate the halls for the holidays, bringing warmth and festive cheer to the community. Later in the season, on Thursday, December 18, members of the Angel Club will return to sort and wrap gifts, ensuring that each child receives a thoughtful surprise prepared with care.

These December experiences deepen students’ understanding of compassionate service and reflect the heart of Serviam during a season defined by generosity and love. As we continue through this season of giving, Ursuline is already looking ahead to the ways our community will extend this spirit into the new year.

“As we move into the holiday season, I’m encouraged by the way our students continue to show up for others.” 
- Ms. Jennifer Schassler, service coordinator

Looking ahead to International Serviam Day

Schassler has begun the early work for International Serviam Day, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24. This annual event invites the entire school community to join coordinated service projects across the region. This year, Ursuline will serve alongside the Academy of Mount St. Ursula as both communities live out the Ursuline mission through meaningful acts of service.

“Serviam is lived here every day,” says Schassler. “As we move into the holiday season, I’m encouraged by the way our students continue to show up for others.” 

At Ursuline, service is an essential part of formation. Each act of kindness, generosity, or advocacy reflects our mission and answers St. Angela’s enduring call to “serve with love.” In living that call, Ursuline students show that Serviam truly is “love in action.”