One hundred seventy-five years ago, a small group of Ursuline Sisters courageously answered God’s call to leave France and travel to Cleveland to serve a growing community. Trusting fully in God and in one another, they opened a school for 300 young women from grades 1 through 12 just one month after their arrival. Their faith and unity became the foundation of a legacy that has since formed generations of women rooted in faith, service, compassion, and courage.
This year’s Mission & Heritage Week was a joyful celebration of that enduring legacy. It offered the Beaumont community a moment to give thanks for all who have carried the mission forward and to renew our shared commitment to live it together. Our 2025–2026 school theme, Insieme (Together), perfectly captures the spirit of this 175th anniversary year. As St. Angela Merici reminds us, “Live in harmony, united in one heart and one will. Cling together with bonds of charity, esteeming one another, helping one another, supporting one another in Christ Jesus.”
Those words came to life throughout the week as students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and families gathered to pray, serve, and celebrate side by side. The week began with opportunities to build new relationships and officially welcome the Class of 2029 into our sisterhood. Moments of prayer and reflection reminded us of the courage and vision of our founders, while a schoolwide Liturgy centered us on Christ — the heart of Beaumont’s mission, just as He was for St. Angela.
Service stood at the core of the celebration. Students, teachers, and parents went out into the Cleveland community to serve at local organizations, putting their faith into action. When they returned to campus, students reflected on how they might continue responding creatively to the needs of others, echoing St. Angela’s call to “act, persevere, believe, strive, hope, cry to God with all your heart.” Beyond prayer and service, the week was filled with connection and joy. Alumnae, families, and friends gathered for a Beaumont Night at the Guardians game, strengthening bonds across generations. On campus, students laughed and shared a meal at the community luncheon, learned about Beaumont’s history through trivia and a scavenger hunt, and expressed gratitude for women of courage who inspire through their strength and faith just as the Ursuline Sisters once did.
The celebration culminated with a 175th Birthday Party for Beaumont, complete with singing, dancing, games, and cupcakes. In the words of St. Angela, “Visit your sisters often and get to know the community well, especially on days when there is reason to celebrate.” And indeed, 175 years of Ursuline education is a reason to celebrate Insieme!
Mission & Heritage Week was more than a celebration; it was a living expression of Insieme. It reminded us that Beaumont’s strength lies in our togetherness: in knowing, supporting, and loving one another as St. Angela envisioned and as those brave Ursuline Sisters hoped for when they came to Cleveland 175 years ago.
Mary Sayre '06 is Beaumont’s Director of Mission Integration.
