An independent Catholic school for young women in grades 7-12

President's Commissioning

The Ursuline Academy community joyfully gathered to celebrate and bless the presidency of Kathleen Nolan Levesque ‘77 at a Commissioning Mass on Friday, December 7.  The Mass was not only the formal beginning of Levesque’s tenure, but was an affirmation of the spirit and mission of Ursuline Academy, which revolves around respect, compassion, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to service. 

In attendance were state and local politicians, heads of brother and sister Catholic schools, Levesque’s classmates from 1977 and other alumnae, and representatives from charitable and service organizations with whom Ursuline partners.  The crowd of approximately 650 filled the Reynolds Family Athletic & Convocation Center nearly to capacity.

In Levesque’s remarks, she spoke of life as a call to become one’s true self, saying “To our students, the young women who inspire me each day, I ask: who is your true self?  Who is it that God is calling you to be?  You are each uniquely individual, imbued with infinite potential to bring change to our world. I will do all I can to ensure that Ursuline helps you to become your true self.”  In returning to lead Ursuline Academy in its next phase of growth, Levesque is living out the Ursuline ideal of Serviam in a very tangible way.  "The outstanding young women that comprise the student body at this prestigious institution and their esteemed faculty members work seamlessly together, creating a positive and enriching atmosphere," said Senator Walter Timilty.  "It is my firm belief that with the inception of Kathleen Levesque's presidency, an already great institution will continue to flourish."

A 1977 graduate of Ursuline Academy, Levesque holds a B.A. from College of the Holy Cross.  After a career as an executive in the financial services and non-profit sectors, she joined Ursuline's Board of Trustees and that of the Moses Brown School in Providence, RI.  She served as president of Ursuline from 2004-2007 and interim principal from 2015-2016.