ST CLAIR CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Ursuline College Students Awarded $20K in Bursaries Thanks to Ursuline Sisters Endowment

Students at Ursuline College were awarded $20,000 in scholarships and bursaries at June 28's graduation ceremonies, thanks to a $1 million legacy gift donated to the school by the Ursuline Sisters in 2015.  This is the first year the scholarships have been awarded.

"On behalf of our school and our students, I want to again acknowledge the Ursuline Sisters for this generous donation, which will support Ursuline College graduates into the future," says Ray Power, Principal of UCC.

The interest from the $1 million endowment is divided in the following ways:

• Two Ursuline Sister Scholarships - of up to $3,000 each.  The scholarships are awarded to two students who have high academic excellence and who have demonstrated leadership skills through concern for others and involvement in social justice issues.
• Two Angela Merici Bursaries - of up to $3,000 each for students headed to university.  These bursaries are awarded to two students who have achieved academically, demonstrated a concern for others, are involved in social justice issues and have shown a need for financial assistance.
• Two Xavier Bursaries - of up to $3,000 each for students headed to college.  These bursaries are awarded to two students who have achieved academically, demonstrated a concern for others, are involved in social justice issues and have shown a need for financial assistance.
• Two Ursuline Sisters Awards for Apprenticeship Programs - up to $1,000 each.  These awards are granted to two students who have successfully completed academic requirements and are enrolled in an apprenticeship program.

The remaining funds from the interest on the endowment are provided to a committee of UCC educators made up of the principal and advisors.  These funds will be used for school and student needs, such as uniforms, food or dental work and/or departmental needs, such as musical instruments, new technologies or equipment.  The funds are for expenses above and beyond the St. Clair Catholic District School Board's normal capacity.

A plaque, which honours the more than 150 years of dedicated ministry of the Ursulines was unveiled at the school's graduation ceremony last evening.  It commemorates the founding of the school by the Ursulines of Chatham and honours their " visionary, faith-filled leadership of Catholic education in Chatham-Kent."  It also acknowledges their " steadfast commitment to respond to the needs of the community with unwavering generosity and love."