Reflect on Your Evolution from Cub to Bear
On Saturday, October 20th, twenty-three Mount St. Ursula alumnae from the classes of 1989 to 2007 returned to a place they once called their second home for a daylong retreat that focused on a woman's journey from adolescence to adulthood.
This retreat came about when a committee of young alumnae was formed to organize events and programs geared toward increasing young alumnae involvement at Mount St. Ursula. A second goal is to provide the opportunity for young alumnae to reach out to their alma mater for resources and experiences to further enrich their own lives and careers. "As students and adolescents, your school is your haven and refuge; a place where you can turn for guidance and resources," noted Cecilia Granda '99 retreat committee member. "As adults, we lose that safety net. This is why the committee felt strongly that the first event should be a retreat. We wanted to offer alumnae time to reflect on where they are in their lives today and how they could use God's many gifts to help their family and community."
To guide in this reflection, a workshop was put together highlighting key women in history who have impacted the world through their own spiritual journeys. St. Angela Merici, the foundress of the Ursuline order, and Mother Theresa of Calcutta were just a few of the women discussed. Alumnae had an opportunity to share more personal issues during the 'Phases of Life' panel. This panel was comprised of various alumnae representing the many phases of a woman's life: single student, single and career focused, single mother with career, and married with children and career. Sarita Hatcher '01 stated, "It was a very reflective experience. It was great seeing other alumnae and being back at MSU. I am looking forward to a weekend retreat in the future."
Based on the positive feedback, the committee will look into setting up a weekend retreat. If you are interested in becoming a committee member or participating please contact alumnae@amsu.org.
Retreat Committee
Ms. Jeanne DiBenedetto
Sr. Alice Marie Giordano, OSU '52
Ms. Cecilia Granda '99
Sr. Jeannie Humphries, OSU '89
Mrs. Joanne Kelly
Ms. Sandy Manessis '00
Ms. Jennifer Pineiro '01
Mrs. Anna Ramos
Sr. Patricia Schifini, OSU '78
Ms. Jade Toledo '01