Join archivist Renee Chevalier as she delves into the rich history and cherished traditions of Ursuline in our segment, From The Archives.

As the year draws to a close and we anticipate celebrating the Class of 2025 with the beautiful tradition of Ursuline graduation, it is a good time to reflect on the other significant milestones in the journey of an Ursuline student. Researching Freshman Convocation, Sophomore Serviam Ceremony, and Junior Ring Ceremony brought to light interesting evolutions of each of these events. While each alumna may regard the tradition as she experienced it as the “true” way, Ursuline leadership has always helped shape these traditions by taking into consideration the dictates of the times and the needs of current students and their families. So, while these traditions have been modified over the years, all Ursuline alumnae are bound by the threads that these traditions represent and bind each one to Ursuline Academy of Dallas. 

Freshman Convocation

• Originally called Freshman Induction, this was a formal ceremony in which the Freshmen were welcomed into the Ursuline Community. 

• The Seniors wore white robes and carried lit candles, which were used to light candles carried by the Freshmen. Freshmen wore their complete uniform including white gloves, heels, and hats. 

• At one point, the ceremony was during the school day at an all-school mass but was moved to an evening mass in the early 2000s so parents could attend. 

• The Freshman Convocation pin is now a key part of the ceremony signifying membership in the Ursuline Community and proudly worn on the blazer lapel.  

 

Sophomore Serviam

• While commitment to community service has always been a hallmark of an Ursuline education, the Serviam ceremony is a more recent evolution as a tradition.

• The first time the Serviam ceremony is mentioned in the Acres yearbook is 1979. At that time, the ceremony took place in October at an all-school mass, and Seniors bestowed Serviam pins on their little sisters. The pin has alternately been a medal on a yellow ribbon. 

• The Sophomore Serviam mass eventually shifted to an evening ceremony in the spring to allow for parent attendance.

• The Beth Rayfield Serviam award given to a Sophomore exhibiting exceptional commitment to service was initiated in the early 2000s. 

 

Junior Ring Ceremony

• Originally, class rings were given to Seniors during the fall semester. 

• The ceremony included Senior walking through a papier mâché class ring to accept her ring presented by one of the Sisters. 

• 1970-1971 was the first year Juniors were awarded their class rings. 

• In recent years, a member of the Junior class is awarded the Allyson Bohannon Goldman '07 award at the Ring Ceremony.