Ursuline Academy held its 18th annual gala, An Evening for Ursuline, at the Four Points Sheraton in Norwood on November 21, 2025. Ursuline students in formal school uniforms waving green pom-poms cheerfully greeted guests and set the tone for a night defined by tradition, accomplishment, and excitement. As attendees filtered into the lobby for the cocktail hour, they were treated to plentiful conversation, live music by student pianist Catherine Cole, ’28, and enticing silent auction items.
As Ursuline student reporters, we were eager to attend the event and gain an inside look at the evening. Among the first guests we spoke with were Friar Brian Smail and Friar Anthony LoGalbo of St. Anthony Shrine, honorees of the evening’s Spirit of Saint Angela Community Award. This award recognizes “members of the community who demonstrate a strong integration of the Ursuline mission with the courage, kindness, and humility of Saint Angela.” The Shrine certainly exemplifies these qualities, running one of the only all-female homeless shelters in Boston. Friar Smail and Friar LoGalbo shared their appreciation for the award and highlighted the Lazarus Ministry, a program through which students from Catholic schools in the Boston area, including Ursuline, serve as pallbearers at funerals for individuals without family. They noted, “We are grateful for Ursuline’s participation [as pallbearers] and honored for the recognition here today.”
As the night progressed, guests moved into the dining room for dinner, speeches, a choral performance, and a live auction. During this portion of the event, we spoke with Sister Ellen Dauwer S.C., ’73, an Ursuline alumna and this year’s individual recipient of the Spirit of Saint. Angela Alumnae Award. Sister Ellen attended Ursuline with her sisters and her best friend, and later, her two nieces continued the tradition. Her lifelong friend Susan Repetti ’73, who nominated her, said she was proud to recognize Ellen and her work as a religious scholar and educator, calling her “the embodiment of what Ursuline stands for.” Our conversation with both women reflected a sentiment familiar to many Ursuline students and alumnae—that while the school continues to evolve, some traditions endure. We laughed about how the school cafeteria still carries its affectionate nickname, “The Tea Room,” but also noted the most prominent tradition is one at the heart of Ursuline: friendship. Susan said, “The spirit of friendship reigns at Ursuline, and it always has.” That Ursuline spirit is reflected in Sr. Ellen and Susan’s decades-long bond and in the service-centered life Sr. Ellen continues to lead.
Next, Ursuline’s choral group, led by Mrs. Susan Glancy, took center stage. The group’s rendition of Thank You For the Music showcased not only the students’ talent but also the value of gratitude fostered by the school. To close out the evening’s program, Mary Beth McMahon ’82, President and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts and Ursuline Trustee, hosted a live auction filled with energy and enthusiastic bidding. The auction featured items such as a Bretton Woods ski-house rental, a Celtics box at TD Garden, and highly coveted “Jingle Ball” tickets.
The evening proved a heartfelt celebration of community, honoring mission-aligned leaders while bringing together parents, alumnae, faculty, staff, student volunteers and performers, and friends of Ursuline. Throughout the night, whether in laughter among students, conversations between parents, or past connections renewed, the spirit of friendship truly reigned at the Ursuline Gala.
Together, we raised more than $251,000, a remarkable show of community support that will directly benefit Ursuline students, elevate their educational experience, and help ensure our school continues to thrive for years to come. With over 200 guests in attendance and the generous backing of 38 mission-driven sponsors, the evening was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together in support of our school.
