The Ursuline School Surpasses $8.5 Million Capital Campaign Goal

NEW ROCHELLE, NY - - (January 30, 2023) - - Ursuline’s Innovation Campaign, the largest capital campaign in the 125-year history of the school, has exceeded its goal raising over $8.6 million in gifts and pledges. The ambitious plan to build top-notch learning and community spaces reflects the school community’s commitment to best prepare Ursuline students for college life and beyond while equipping teachers with state-of-the-art facilities to support innovative teaching across the curriculum.

“It’s an amazing moment for The Ursuline School,” stated Cathy Fay McCarthy, Ursuline’s Director of Philanthropy. “This ambitious Capital Campaign was launched months before a global pandemic and, despite the uncertainty, our devoted donors were undeterred. Nor did our school leadership waiver in their commitment to complete this transformational project on budget and on time.”

Ursuline’s financial success and construction completion are all the more remarkable considering that the pandemic disrupted school operations, including the normal fundraising calendar. During Covid-19, unanticipated needs became urgent in order to safely teach students and best equip teachers. In addition, the global supply chain gridlock led to unforeseen adjustments in the construction schedule.

Ultimately, the success of the Innovation Campaign means that the Ursuline campus fully supports the forward-thinking approach to teaching that is the hallmark of an Ursuline education. Student Council Co-president Lucy Gomez put it simply, “These new spaces are crucial!” While addressing students and the school community, she added, “We will forever be grateful for the chance to learn and thrive here.”

The campus expansion and renovation project includes a beautifully appointed lobby, state-of-the-art security center, bookstore, expanded Admissions suite, collaborative room, high-tech media conference center, spacious student commons area, and the Innovation Hub (iHub) and makerspace classrooms.

Ursuline School President Dr. Colleen Melnyk, extended her sincere thanks to benefactors and the entire school community while keeping the focus on student success. “It is exciting to offer students a modern educational environment, as well as community gathering spaces that inspire collaboration and lasting friendships,” said Melnyk. She also acknowledged the Ursuline Sisters, the bedrock of the school, who not only contributed financially but also lent their gracious presence at Campaign events.

Recently, the Innovation Campaign expansion and renovation initiative was named an “Outstanding Project of 2022” by the design jury of the educational publication, “Learning by Design.” This is welcome news for both The Ursuline School community and project leaders from KG&D Architects. The national recognition is no surprise to Ursuline students who revel in the richness this project adds to day-to-day student life.

Amelia Dolis, Student Council Co-president, reports that she loves the new facilities and adds, “Because of our amazing Ursuline community and donors, we are able to study, hang out with friends, and create lasting memories.”

Over the course of the Innovation Campaign, the Ursuline community also donated more than $6.2 million to its Annual Fund, bringing the total fundraising for this period to over $14.8 million. When reflecting on the overall success, McCarthy, Ursuline’s Director of Philanthropy, also a proud member of the Class of ‘84 and alumnae parent, finds herself recalling the words of St. Angela Merici, patroness of The Ursuline School. “”Do something. Get moving. Be confident. Risk new things. Stick with it. Pray. Then be ready for big surprises,’” relays McCarthy. “St. Angela’s words could not be more appropriate today!”

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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.”