Mount Notre Dame High School celebrates 150 years of educational success, impact

Mission is to empower young women, guided by Catholic values, to live, lead and serve in global society.

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By Lindsey Hilty, Staff Writer 10:07 AM Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Mount Notre Dame High School is celebrating 150 years of success, and President Sr. Rita Sturwold said that success is due to its mission-driven approach to education.

“MND is successful because we provide an extraordinary, well-rounded education without being exclusive,” she stated in an e-mail interview. “We strive to empower every girl. ... I personally feel privileged and humbled to be here at MND as we celebrate this milestone. We stand on the shoulders of courageous, visionary Sisters of Notre Dame, who built this school with few resources and opened this school just one year before the Civil War broke out. God has truly blessed MND for us to have such a long history and such a strong tradition.

It is a privilege to carry on the teaching ministry of the Church and of St. Julie and the Sisters of Notre Dame.”

Today, the school’s mission is to empower young women, guided by Catholic values, to recognize and develop their unique capabilities to live, lead and serve in an ever-changing global society, she stated.

Success is evidenced by dedicated graduates, loyal parents, board members and volunteers, she stated. More than 70 percent of alumni live in Greater Cincinnati and have an impact on their families, communities, and professions.

“MND is a success because of our spirited young women. MND is a success because we follow St. Julie’s admonition, ‘Teach them what they need to know for life.’ MND has continued to look at what young women need to know for life and meet that need.”

An example, she said is that next year each freshman will receive a Tablet Personal Computer.

The school is celebrating its anniversary all year. Events already held include a women’s conference and a 150th anniversary Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral with Coadjutor Archbishop Dennis Schnurr, students, staff, board members and representatives of every class since 1942.

“It was a beautiful and inspiring celebration,” she stated.

Students are learning more of the heritage of their school each Wednesday during announcements when Sr. Elizabeth Anne Schaad shares a historical tidbit.

Other celebrations planned include graduating the class of 2010 and holding reunions for other milestones, including the class of 1960, which celebrated 100 years for MND and will celebrate their 50th reunion.

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