Ursuline education Foundation

“And if, according to times and circumstances, the need arises to make new rules or do something differently, do it prudently and with good advice.” –St Angela Merici

March 2026

Dear Ursuline Community,

As we reflect on our Ursuline heritage and look to the future, we are reminded of the vision that has sustained our schools for generations. Just as St. Angela Merici imagined new possibilities for women in her time, the Ursuline Sisters continue to ensure her mission thrives while remaining faithful to our Catholic and Ursuline identity.

Recognizing the realities of an aging population of Sisters and fewer women entering religious life, the Ursuline Sisters of the Eastern Province, which currently sponsors Ursuline Wilmington, began planning years ago to ensure that their schools remain strong for generations to come. Through their foresight and partnership with the Ursuline Sisters of the Central Province, an opportunity emerged to unite Ursuline schools across the United States under the newly formed Ursuline Education Foundation (UEF). In 2022, the Vatican granted the UEF permission to sponsor Catholic schools, allowing Ursuline schools to continue their mission as independent Catholic institutions faithful to St. Angela Merici's vision.

After much prayer and discernment, the Ursuline Sisters of the Eastern Province have agreed to transfer sponsorship of Ursuline Wilmington to the UEF, and our Board of Trustees supports moving forward with this process. A school’s sponsor ensures that it remains faithful to Catholic teaching and the Ursuline charism.

You may be wondering what this means for students and families. The answer is simple: our mission, daily life, faith formation, and academic program will remain the same. Our commitment to academic excellence, service, spiritual growth, global education, and leadership—the hallmarks of an Ursuline education—will continue unchanged. The UEF will partner with us to support and strengthen our mission, ensuring that the exceptional education our students receive remains deeply rooted in Catholic values.

As part of the process, the UEF representatives will visit campus on April 20–21 to meet with members of our community, including students, alumnae, faculty, administration, and families. 

As we reach this important milestone, we give thanks for the Ursuline Sisters whose vision made Ursuline Wilmington possible—from the six Sisters who arrived in 1893 to the generations who have nurtured our community since. Inspired by their legacy and by St. Angela Merici, we move forward with confidence that the mission of Ursuline education will continue to flourish for generations to come.

‍We look forward to sharing additional updates throughout this process. Check back on this web page for more updates.

Insieme,

Sister Maureen Welch, O.S.U., Ursuline Provincialate

Megan Manlove McGlinchey '90, Board of Trustees Chair

Dr. Trisha Medeiros, President

FAQs

Will the UEF transfer affect the mission, daily school life, or classes at Ursuline?

No. Our commitment to academic excellence, service, spiritual growth, global education, and leadership—the hallmarks of an Ursuline education—will continue unchanged.

Will the Ursuline Sisters still be involved with Ursuline?
Yes! The Ursuline Sisters will continue to be an integral part of the Ursuline community. They remain actively involved with our students, serve on the Board of Trustees, and contribute in many other meaningful ways—just as they do today.

Will any of the money I donate to Ursuline go to the UEF?
No. All gifts made to Ursuline will remain at the school. Your generosity continues to directly support Ursuline’s mission, providing essential funding for tuition assistance, competitive faculty compensation and professional development, long-term facilities maintenance, and other operational needs not covered by tuition. This commitment will not change.