Dear SUA Community,

This past week we had the opportunity to witness the selection of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.  It was lunchtime on campus when the Pope was going to be announced, so we turned on the TVs in Keller and waited with the world.  Seeing our school community cheer for the first American Pope is a moment that I think many of us will remember for a lifetime.  It was a powerful reminder that we are part of a global community of approximately 1.4 billion Catholics.  Our faith spans centuries since the leadership of Saint Peter, and it is alive and growing in our world today.  The legacy of the papacy is a chance to see how the Holy Spirit continues to guide the Church with strong leaders.  We hope you will join our school community in prayer for Pope Leo XIV as he begins this important role; we pray that his example inspires us to be leaders who act in kindness, courage, and service.

As we wrap up the school year, we have some employees who will be ending their time at Saint Ursula Academy.  As much as we will miss these members of our community, we are also so thankful for our time with them.  We know that their impact will last beyond their days here.  Please join Lelia and I in wishing them all of the best.

RETIRING

Dr. Samantha Jones (25 years at SUA) - An alumnae of the Class of 1990, Dr. Jones returned to SUA to teach English for 25 years.  She taught the Advanced Placement Literature course and served as the English Department Chair.  She inspired students with her great love of literature, helping them to appreciate the Classics as well as literature representing diverse authors, peoples, and cultures.  Alumnae returning to campus often credit Dr. Jones for their strong preparation to read and write critically in college.

Kim Gunning (8 years at SUA) - We are grateful to Kim for spending the last 8 years of her long and illustrious career as an athletic director, teacher, and coach at SUA.  During her time here, Kim has enriched the athletic department and programs by serving in multiple athletic roles, including Athletic Director, and most recently, Assistant Athletic Director.  Kim has made outstanding contributions to both Kentucky and Cincinnati sports and is a true pioneer of women’s athletics.

Kim Icsman (21 years at SUA) - Kim’s long career of 46 years in education has the distinction that all but one were in Ursuline schools.  We are lucky that his last 21 years have been at SUA teaching all levels of French, from absolute beginners to Advanced Placement.  During that time, he has served as the World Language Department Chair.  Kim will be most remembered for his infectious enthusiasm for his students and their language development.

Diana Minelli (8 years at SUA) - Diana joined the SUA Math Department in 2017 and will be retiring from SUA after a teaching career of 20 years in several schools in the area.  Diana’s students share that she is very skilled at making complex mathematical concepts and problems understandable by her calm, clear explanations.  

Lisa Woodall (7 years at SUA) - After student teaching at SUA while earning her theology degree, Lisa joined the religion department 7 years ago.  She taught various religion courses and electives, but many seniors especially appreciated how her Christian Lifestyles course inspired their personal faith development.  Last year Lisa took on the challenge of creating and teaching a successful Business Ethics course to complement the CCP Introduction to Entrepreneurship course.  

BEYOND SUA

Emily Rotunda-Garcia - Emily joined the SUA Religion Department at the beginning of this school year.  She and her husband welcomed their first child Teddy in March.  She looks forward to continuing her time at home with Teddy and a potential move closer to family.

Annie Juergensen - Annie has been a beloved member of the Counseling Department since 2019.  As much as she loves all-things counseling and our students, she has important work to do at home during this season of her life as mom to three young children.  She will also be working alongside her husband with their new business venture.

Pamela Mallory - Pam has been a warm, kind presence on campus for the last two years in her role as Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging.  A new Vice President of Equity and Inclusion will assume responsibilities currently associated with Pam's position, continuing SUA’s commitment to this crucial work.  We are incredibly grateful for the impact that Pam made during her time at SUA.

Parents and guardians of the Class of 2025, we look forward to Graduation on Sunday, May 18, at 2 pm.  Here is the reminder with the details about all of the senior activities that may be helpful as you prepare for this celebration.  Seniors can pick up their tickets to Graduation on Thursday, May 15, from Mrs. Bacon’s office.

I will send a reminder on Sunday, May 18th, but Monday, May 19th is the “Senior Parade,” when the new senior class, the Class of 2026, arrives in the front circle driveway on campus in their senior t-shirt to celebrate becoming the new student leaders of the school.  As a result, the front circle will not be available for drop off starting at 7:30 am.  Please plan to use another one of the lots as a drop off on that day.  

Go Bulldogs!

Kathy