Ursuline Announces Two Major Milestones on the Feast of St. Angela

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (January 27, 2023) - In celebration of the feast day of their foundress, St. Angela Merici, Ursuline School President, Dr. Colleen Melnyk, announced two major milestones to more than 800 attendees at a school-wide liturgy. President Melnyk reminded those in attendance of St. Angela’s call to be united in “one heart and one will,” before she announced to the captive crowd that The Ursuline School is now providing faith formation for its students on the heels of successfully completing its “Innovation Campaign,” the largest and the most ambitious fundraising endeavor in the school’s 125-year history.

Dr. Melnyk stated that today those words, “‘one heart and one will’ hold extra-special meaning for two important reasons.” She went on to describe the heartfelt joy that the school community experienced while witnessing the First Holy Communion of a sixth-grade student. “It is truly a blessing that Ursuline offers faith formation to help our students on their personal journeys of faith,” said Melnyk. Faith and Spiritual Development are a Core Value of The Ursuline School.

In announcing the completion of the Innovation Campaign, Melnyk pointed out how The Ursuline School’s beautifully appointed state-of-the-art facilities and new community spaces help to support 21st-century learning and further enhance the educational experience of every Ursuline student.

Student Council co-presidents Amelia Dolis and Lucy Gomez echoed Melnyk’s praise and thanked the benefactors, administrators, board members and trustees, many of whom attended the Feast Day liturgy. They also reflected on the construction process that began when they were in eighth grade.

“Now we have ample space to study and hang out with friends before and after school, and even be entertained by our peers who play the beautiful Steinway in the lobby,” said Dolis. Gomez added, “Thank you for investing in us and our dreams and making these spaces a reality!”

With the completion of the 8.5 million dollar project, The Ursuline School is well positioned to meet the evolving needs of students and families. Dr. Melnyk was quick to drill down on specifics, noting the sophisticated iHub and “makerspace” equipped with cutting-edge equipment which allows students across the curriculum to combine technology with hands-on learning. Another highlight is the hi-tech conference room designed to help prepare Ursuline students for college and the workplace. "For example,” Melnyk adds, “our new financial literacy lab not only provides marketable skills but literally gives our students a seat at the table, instilling leadership skills at every turn.”

About The Ursuline School

Founded in 1897, The Ursuline School is an all-girls, Roman Catholic, independent college preparatory school, for grades 6-12 located on a 13-acre modern campus in New Rochelle. Its mission is to educate, inspire and empower young women to become wise, active, globally-minded leaders by cultivating lifelong learning, spiritual growth, integrity, respect for all, and dedication to Serviam – which means “I will serve.”