Ursuline College: Our Catholic Heritage

Success began a very long time ago for Ursuline College, in the mind and heart of a young Italian girl named Angela Merici. In 1474, this "pioneer" was born to a faithful farming family who encouraged her deep devotion to God and others.

Angela became a servant of the many poor and suffering who lived in the 16th century. Her reputation for kindness spread, and she gathered other young women to help her in her work, which she called "Angela's Company of St. Ursula," named for the saint who inspired her as a model of morality and goodness.

The Ursulines, as they became known, grew and moved to other countries, and eventually to the United States, devoted to promoting family spirit and the welfare of society. They focused especially on the Catholic education of young women, opening schools and orphanages. Cleveland welcomed the Ursuline nuns to Ohio in 1850, and they've remained here, spreading the Gospel and serving the community in many ways, ever since.

One of our Ursuline Treasures
Ursuline College today welcomes persons of all faiths, yet has remained tied to our Catholic origins in identity and environment. You might say we have the very personification of that heritage in a treasured member of our campus community, Sister Anna Margaret Gilbride. For more than 30 years, she has shared her own vision and talent with UC as a theology professor, Dean of Students, Vice President of Student Affairs, and now as Assistant to the President of the College.

Sixteen Ursuline sisters work at the College, but Sister Anna Margaret's "signature" habit and veil -- she's the only one on campus who still wears them -- highlight her special presence as friend, mentor, authority, and inspiration. Students know that she's the one to ask about Ursuline's story, and she, like all of our faculty and staff, willingly lends heart and hands to promote dignity, compassion, and goodwill -- principles of Catholic social teaching.

Our foundress, Angela, and our sisters today are women of strength -- women of vision. Their pioneering spirit is what we hope to impart to every Ursuline student.