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October 1, 2021The VASJ Alumni Office is honored to announce the revitalization of the Villa Angela Academy Heritage Center!
Leading the initiative is a committee of dedicated Villa Angela alumnae who have been instrumental in the planning and reimagining of the center, including: Marilyn (Tucci) Belevice ’68, Betsy (Lehane) Compiseno ’72, Mary “Tweety” Dwyer-Kueller ’72, Ann (Metcalf) George ’73, Sister Cynthia Glavac ’72, Maryann (Coyne) Rosenberg ’73, Mary Beth (Kander) Simon ’73 and Lisa Urankar ’84. Sister Glavac brings extensive historical knowledge of the Ursulines and Villa Angela Academy as the director of archives for the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland. Her recent addition to the committee will provide valuable insight into the rich legacy of both institutions.
Originally opened in 2012, the facility once referred to as a “room” will now be known as a “center.” The name change serves to better reflect the true meaning and purpose of the facility as a remembrance hall that promotes the history and traditions of the beloved Villa Angela Academy. The center also recognizes the deep impact of the Ursulines, including the many Sisters who served as educators and mentors to the young women who attended Villa Angela Academy.
The center will find its new home on the first floor of VASJ, making the space a true focal point for those who visit our school. Recently, the new location underwent the first round of improvements with fresh paint and new carpet.
The Villa Angela Academy Heritage Center will feature much of the same memorabilia as once displayed in its former space on the second floor. Items such as yearbooks, photographs, uniforms, play and musical programs, and other pieces will be on display for our alumnae to view and experience. To better tell the story of Villa Angela’s history, displays will be set up by the decade, with special exhibits to honor VASJ Hall of Fame inductees, scholarship founders, the Ursulines and the Castle.
Once reopened, Villa Angela alumnae are invited to visit the center, host class gatherings and attend special events for our VA community. The facility will also serve as a meeting space for future VASJ Advisory Board meetings and other events held by school departments.
To grow the center’s collection, the committee welcomes mementos of the past. If you have Villa Angela Academy memorabilia that you would like to give to be displayed in the Villa Angela Academy Heritage Center, please contact Director of Alumni Relations Cheryl Stashinko ’03 at [email protected] or 216-481-8414 ext. 254.
