After 19 years of dedicated service to Ursuline Academy of Dallas, Chief Development Officer Mimi Bason is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, leadership, and deep love for the Ursuline mission.

Throughout her years at Ursuline, Ms. Bason has been a tremendous gift to the school community, sharing her expertise, passion, and servant heart in ways that have strengthened Ursuline for generations to come. Through her leadership, the Development Office grew giving, deepened donor relationships, strengthened the school’s endowment, and built a team that flourished under her steady and supportive guidance.

What makes Ms. Bason’s story especially meaningful is how deeply and personally connected she has always been to Ursuline.

Her journey with Ursuline began in 2000, when her daughter, Valerie Bishop Pearson ’04, was preparing to begin school. Before Valerie’s first day, Ms. Bason joined the Ursuline community through her work in the bookstore, quickly becoming a familiar and beloved presence on campus. She later served for a decade as Director of Annual Giving, helping lay the philanthropic foundation that continues to support the Academy today. After serving other nonprofit organizations for several years, she returned to Ursuline in 2023, once again answering the call to serve a community she loves deeply.

Ms. Bason’s connection to Ursuline extends far beyond her professional roles. She attended an Ursuline elementary school, was a member of the Ursuline Education Network Board, and a participant in pilgrimages and global Ursuline gatherings. She has always had a deeply personal commitment to the Ursuline mission.

Colleagues describe Ms. Bason as kind, humble, steady, and deeply committed. She has a remarkable ability to make people feel valued and cared for, whether reconnecting families to the school, strengthening longtime partnerships, mentoring colleagues, or simply offering encouragement and support to those around her.

Her calm presence and positive spirit became hallmarks of her leadership, helping foster relationships built on trust, authenticity, and genuine care. These are relationships that will continue to benefit Ursuline long after her retirement.

Ms. Bason’s legacy lives not only in the success of the Development Office but also in the countless relationships she built, the people she mentored, and the example she set through her grace-filled leadership and servant heart.

As she begins this next chapter, the Ursuline community is excited for the adventures and travels ahead for Ms. Bason and her husband, Lon, while also deeply grateful for all she has given to this school.

Thank you, Ms. Bason, for your leadership, kindness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to Ursuline. Your impact on this community will be felt for years to come.