Ursuline Academy

Project ‘70

As a small committee from the Class of 1970 began planning for its 40th reunion this year, an idea was born that could have a significant impact on the life of a young woman as well as on Ursuline Academy itself. Cathie Field Lloyd ’70, president of the Student Council when she was here and now President of Ursuline Academy, discussed with her classmates the need to develop a stronger culture of giving at Ursuline.

Grass Roots Start
After some days of discussion, it was decided that a small group within the larger 40th Reunion Committee (Eileen Grandell DeGregoriis, Joanne Szabo Corrao, Andrea Connolly Rogers, Fran Serba Cross, Mary Bader Donley and Cathie Field Lloyd) would initiate an effort to raise more than fifteen thousand dollars – the cost of one full tuition. Kick started by a very generous contribution from a single classmate, and accompanied by significant gifts from the other committee members, Project ‘70 was launched.

Longer Term Vision
Further, as the recipient of this award would need similar funding in subsequent years, it was determined that the Class of 1970 would repeat this effort each year as an Annual Fund goal for the class. For this inaugural year, the effort is being dedicated to Karen Reilly Nardi ’70, a beloved classmate who has passed away. More details about Karen Reilly Nardi can be found by clicking this link.

Project Well Received
True to form for Ursuline graduates, classmates are responding very well to the call and others are still being contacted. The group is optimistic that it will meet the goal. Other classes have heard about the project and are expressing interest in starting something along the same lines.

As Ursuline Academy faces the increasing demands of financial aid along with expenses related to an aging facility, the leaders of Project ’70 are hopeful that they may have found a way forward to increasing fundraising by alumnae through the efforts of individual classes.

Honoring a Classmate
This year there is one classmate, Karen Reilly Nardi ‘70, who will be with us only in spirit. The Class of 1970 is dedicating this year’s Project ‘70 to Karen. Please click here to read more.