Rooted in mission, moving forward together

In December 2025, the Ursuline School community reflected on Dr. David Gelpi's pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Angela Merici, a journey that brought renewed attention to the living nature of Ursuline spirituality and the responsibility it carries. That reflection continues to shape an important conversation unfolding this year, one that directly involves how to sustain the school's mission with care and intention for generations to come.

At the heart of that conversation is the Ursuline Education Foundation (UEF). The Ursuline School is becoming part of the UEF, which will sponsor the school and help safeguard its Ursuline identity for generations to come. Established after years of prayerful discernment by the Ursuline Sisters, the UEF reflects foresight and confidence in Ursuline's future.

On January 14, 2026, faculty and staff gathered in the Auriana Theater for a conversation that drew on the experience and perspective of Dr. Colleen Melnyk, president; Sr. Maureen Welch, OSU; and Sr. Jane Finnery, OSU. The discussion unpacked the UEF's role and emphasized its importance in ensuring continuity within a thriving Ursuline community.

Dr. Melnyk framed the UEF as part of a strong and connected network of Ursuline schools, noting that Ursuline education continues to thrive because its mission remains clear and deeply lived. "The foundation represents a positive step forward, grounded in confidence in the people who carry the mission each day," said Melnyk. 

"The foundation (Ursuline Education Foundation) represents a positive step forward, grounded in confidence in the people who carry the mission each day."
- Dr. Colleen Melnyk, president 

Sr. Maureen described the UEF as a structure designed to support Catholic education in the Ursuline tradition now and into the future. "The Sisters are not stepping away from their schools, but stepping forward with trust in lay leaders, educators, families, and trustees who already embody the Ursuline Core Values," underscoring the Sisters' confidence in a community prepared to carry the mission forward together.

Throughout the conversation, Sr. Maureen returned to the relational nature of an Ursuline education and the Ursuline charism, describing them as critically important for students and their development as whole persons. She noted that the work of the UEF mirrors that same goal by nurturing the gifts present within lay educators, helping them grow in the same way they seek to awaken and develop potential in others.

Sr. Jane reflected on the global dimension of Ursuline education and the strength that comes from shared identity. With more than 150 Ursuline schools in over 25 countries, she noted that the UEF successfully strengthens bonds among schools shaped by a common spirit. 

"The Ursuline charism is a gift meant to be shared," she said, emphasizing that each member of the school community has a role in carrying it forward. St. Angela, a woman responsive to change, was deeply engaged with the needs of her time. "She was committed to meeting people where they were," said Sr. Jane.

Together, the panel emphasized the UEF's role in overseeing the school's mission, not its daily operations. This moment offers clarity and reassurance. What defines Ursuline remains unchanged. The transfer of sponsorship strengthens the foundation that supports the school's Catholic identity, its commitment to Serviam, and its focus on educating young women to lead with faith, compassion, and purpose.

In the months ahead, the conversation around the UEF will invite the school community into a deeper understanding of stewardship. Responsibility once carried solely by the Sisters is now shared more broadly, grounded in trust.

As St. Angela Merici urged her followers centuries ago, "Never cease to cultivate this vine which has been entrusted to you." The vine remains strong, supported by a community prepared to carry the Ursuline mission forward with intention, confidence, and care for generations to come.