Ursuline Academy Principal Honored by Stonehill College

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Ursuline principal Sr. Mercedes Videira, O.S.U. and Ursuline alumna Sarah Varadian at the 49th annual President's Dinner

EASTON, MA (06/02/2009)(readMedia)-- Retiring Ursuline Academy Principal Sister Mercedes Videira, O.S.U. was recently honored by Stonehill College at its 49th annual President's Dinner on Thursday, May 28.

In celebrating and honoring educational service and leadership, the President's Award for Excellence was presented to Sr. Mercedes as well as Easton schools' superintendent Dr. William Simmons, and Trinity Catholic Academy in Brockton.

One of Stonehill's highest honors, the President's Award for Excellence is presented to individuals and organizations that have made unique and outstanding contributions to public life, business, and the arts and sciences.

In presenting the award, Stonehill President Rev. Mark T. Cregan, C.S.C. '78 noted the honorees distinguished years of service. "Our honorees are creative, professional leaders: They know how to improve resources and facilities, develop curricula, set and achieve goals, inspire teachers and students alike, and engage the support of their communities," said Cregan.

A fixture at Ursuline Academy in Dedham since 1973, Sr. Mercedes announced her retirement as the school's principal earlier this year. "Through her leadership, she has nurtured the Ursuline mission with consummate care, compassion, and skill...We know first-hand about the quality of Ursuline students because when they come to Stonehill, they are well-prepared, hard-working students who always succeed," noted Fr. Cregan.

In her acceptance remarks, Sr. Mercedes observed the shared missions of Stonehill and Ursuline. "We in Catholic education find ourselves with the mission of educating the whole person. This can only be done fully and effectively in a continuous stream of partnership...We are proud and humbled to be partners with Stonehill, who call us to the Light, and imbues us with Hope in the service of all," said St. Mercedes.

In addition, Ursuline alumna and rising senior at Stonehill Sarah Varadian'10 gave the student address at this year's dinner.

"I have been blessed with such invaluable experiences at Ursuline and Stonehill, as well as with the support and generosity of others that I have been inspired to pursue my dream of becoming a professional fundraiser," said Varadian, who noted her passion for fundraising began after the events of September 11, 2001 transpired.

"It was then that I learned how Afghan girls were being denied an education," she recalled. "The fact that I have been blessed with the opportunity for education is something I never take for granted. Education allows individuals the ability to expand their minds, care for their families, and become contribution members of their communities."

Varadian, an American Studies major and psychology minor, has since created her own nonprofit initiatives to help women in third world countries obtain an education. She has also been active in motivating other young Americans to help the less fortunate.

"I stand here not only inspired by my high school's motto of "Serviam" but also by that of my college, "Lux et Spes" because I believe that by contributing and devoting your time and efforts, each of us is capable of spreading "light and hope" throughout the world," added Varadian.

The 49th annual event, chaired by long-time friend of the College Attorney Philip Nessralla, was held at the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex and raised $100,700 for academic initiatives at the College.

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Stonehill is a selective Catholic college located near Boston on a beautiful 375-acre campus in Easton, Massachusetts. With a student: faculty ratio of 13:1, the College engages over students in 70+ rigorous academic programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and pre-professional fields. The Stonehill community helps students to develop the knowledge, skills, and character to meet their professional goals and to live lives of purpose and integrity.