Ursuline Academy

We would like to pay tribute to members of our community who made a significant contribution to the Academy in terms of passion and commitment. If you’d like to recommend someone for this kind of article, please email Grace Hammett at ghammett@ursuline.org or call her at (302) 658-7158.

Ten years ago in May, Ursuline paid special tribute to Edward Goett, father of three Ursuline alumnae, for his support of our beloved sisters and the Academy. Visitors to the Gerardine House can see his photo in our main entrance hallway, as well as a plaque that reads:

Ursuline Academy gratefully acknowledges the Laffey-McHugh Foundation’s generous donation in memory of Mr. Edward J. Goett, our friend and benefactor, May 15, 1998.

With his daughters on hand (Barbara Goett, ’62; Mary Goett Greco, ’64; and Linda Goett Collins, ’73), as well as his three sons, Edward Jr., James, and Stephen, Ursuline celebrated his commitment to the school and convent communities. Mr. Goett had passed away in July 1997 (Hazel died shortly thereafter in March 1998), and the Laffey-McHugh Foundation, always a generous friend to Ursuline, had donated $50,000 to the school in his memory.

“My father,” explains Barbara, “was on the board of the Laffey-McHugh Foundation and was instrumental in acquiring grants to support Ursuline’s various endeavors.”

As described by their son, Edward Jr., the parents had always held a strong belief in Catholic education.

“When they moved to Wilmington in 1954 from New York,” Ed Jr. explains, “our parents researched various schools for their children and chose Ursuline Academy because of its good reputation, as well as their familiarity with the Ursuline order from New Rochelle, NY. For all of the Goett children, it was the beginning of the Ursuline experience; but for the Ursuline order and the school, it was the beginning of a 43-year relationship.”

Over those years, Mr. Goett was very generous, both in his financial support and wise counsel to the school. In addition, as a civic leader in the area, he was also influential in recruiting support from private donors as well as local foundations to support the Ursuline mission.

“I remember,” says his son, Edward, “one such occasion in the 1960s where Dad played a key role in Ursuline history. At that time, Ursuline was facing financial difficulties and there was even some question of the school’s future viability. Underscoring the seriousness of the problem, I remember one of the nuns visiting our home to seek Dad’s advice and counsel in addressing their problems. At that time, the Ursuline order was semi-cloistered and did not allow the nuns to visit homes. Her visit underscored the severity of the problem they were facing. Thanks to Dad’s advice and counsel, and using his network of business contacts, he helped the school work through their financial problems and get back on its feet.”

His actions over the years showed that he was a great friend of both the religious community and the Academy.

“My parents were huge advocates of Catholic education,” adds Linda. “They donated not only monetarily but also by numerous hours of their time and prayers. They believed in the values and sense of community a small Catholic school instills in an individual. Ursuline Academy, St. Edmond’s Academy, Archmere Academy, and Salesianum all “fit the bill” for the Goett family.”