AMSU - History

History

In honor of MSU's 150th anniversary, Sr. Therese McMahon, OSU wrote a book detailing the history of our school. For more details on how to obtain a copy, please contact the Office of Development/Alumnae Relations: alumnae@amsu.org.

Timeline:

1855	Ursulines originally from Oedenburg, Austria, via St. Louis, arrive in New York and begin teaching. Within a year the Sisters open a day school, boarding school and parish school in the East Morrisania section of the Bronx.
1868	The state of New York charters the school.
1880s	The development of mass transit in the Bronx makes East Morrisania an unsuitable location for a school.
1892	Ursuline Academy, as it was originally named, moves to its present location in Bedford Park.
1890s	The Alumnae Association is formed.
1899	Regents examinations are adopted by the school.
1908	The name of the school is changed to "Academy of Mount St. Ursula," emphasizing its location at the top of a hill.
1922	A new wing, with an auditorium and gymnasium, is added to the school. The boarding option ends.
1950	Publication of Take Note, the Alumnae newsletter, begins.
1955	The final addition to the school is made, including science labs and a cafeteria.
1960	MSU starts its Ring Day tradition of roller skating from Poe Park onto the Grand Concourse.
1965	A modern chapel is built, replacing the temporary chapel that had been used for 70 years.
1987	U.S. Department of Education names MSU a Blue Ribbon school.
1992	Bainbridge Avenue is renamed "Mount St. Ursula Place" as part of the 135th anniversary celebration.
1995	The Varsity Basketball team is named New York State champs in Division D.
1997	The Alumnae Council is resurrected. The Softball team places first in the Bronx. The Science laboratories are renovated.
1998	Students from St. Ursula's in Japan visit MSU. The Varsity and Junior Varsity Basketball and Softball teams are ranked first in the Bronx.
2000	MSU celebrates its 145th anniversary. MSU participates in the 200th Anniversary Celebration of Catholic Schools in New York State as the oldest all girls' Catholic high school. The Varsity Basketball team takes the New York State Catholic School League Championship title in Class D. The Junior Varsity team are the Bronx/Westchester Champions.
2005	The Varsity Softball team wins the Class B Bronx Division Championship.
2006	MSU celebrates its 150th anniversary in St. Patrick's Cathedral followed by a reception in the Waldorf Astoria. The school hires its first President.
2007	MSU Art Academy students sweep the Catholic Youth Organization's Archdiocesan Art Contest and the Annual La Salle Art competition. The Young Alumnae Committee is formed.