At Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, students have countless opportunities — inside and outside the classroom — to develop their self-confidence as well as their intellect. Ursuline’s “Values, Voice, Vision” tagline suggests this. But Carlie, Shanell and Emily tell the story even better. They each took advantage of very different opportunities at Ursuline to discern their values, find their voice, and develop a vision for their own future.
Carlie Beal: Global Conservationist
Carlie Beal is a junior biology major, minoring in mathematics and psychology. Throughout her years at Ursuline, she has taken every opportunity to explore her passions and dedicate herself to the community. She tutors her peers in mathematics and welcomes the newest Arrows as a member of Orientation Team. She has excelled in the classroom and pursued internships at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Greater Cleveland Aquarium.
Carlie explains, “With professors that know your name and interests, you are able to explore your career aspirations in a variety of ways. Ursuline truly prepares students for the real world, continuing to challenge and mentor them.”
Her most transformative experience yet was an unforgettable summer in Thailand conducting hands-on research. She completed reforestation work with Chiang Mai University, studied marine biology, and worked on coral restoration projects. She also lived at an elephant nature park where she learned about conservation efforts for elephants. Carlie’s study-abroad experience convinced her to pursue graduate studies and a career in marine biology with a focus on conservation.
“The small class sizes at Ursuline make learning so wonderful. I could not imagine going anywhere else. Ursuline is an amazing school and I credit my love of science and all my success to Ursuline College.”
Shanell Harris: Social Work Student of the Year
Shanell Harris, who received the Social Work Student of the Year Award at the 2018 Cuyahoga County Conference on Social Welfare, almost didn’t come to Ursuline. “I was going to Florida; that was my plan,” Shanell said. Encouragement from her mother and from a friend already enrolled at Ursuline led her to reconsider.
“I prayed about it, I thought about it and I came for a visit.” She was hooked and hasn’t looked back.
Shanell’s nomination by a faculty member described her as “a vibrant, energetic, joyful young woman who is a magnetic leader among her peers… with a passion for advocacy and with an awareness of the core values of the profession.”
Her résumé was packed — and she had a full-time job all lined up — even before she graduated. She had volunteered in the Ronald McDonald Family Room for families of children hospitalized at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, worked part-time as a mental health case worker in the Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Unit at Rainbow, received Rainbow’s “Volunteer for All Seasons” award, and had a field placement at local social service agency while she was still a student. Harris made such a good impression at the agency that she went to work there full time after graduating and passing her licensing exam.
“I do not think I would have gotten the experience I had here at Ursuline College anywhere else,” Shannel says. “I believe Ursuline pushed me to that professional level that I didn’t know I could achieve.”
Emily Adkinson: Renaissance Woman
Emily Adkinson immersed herself in all things Ursuline. She represented the Arrows as captain for the NCAA Division II volleyball team, was involved in Drama Club, the Programming Board, and Student Nurses of Ursuline College. Off campus, she volunteered for a summer camp for children with cancer and for Robby’s Voice Annual 5k, which provides addiction education and outreach.
Even with a full social calendar, Emily remained a dedicated student in the Breen School of Nursing’s honors program. She completed clinical rotations at the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, while also conducting independent research as a part of the Annual Student Research Symposium. She even presented her research at a Midwest Nursing Research Society conference while still a student.
Emily secured a job before she graduated in 2017 and is now a registered nurse at University Hospitals. She credits Ursuline’s enthusiastic and supportive faculty and staff for helping her succeed. “You decide what you want your college experience to look like and people just support you.”
Ursuline’s small sizes and supportive environment make experiences like Carlie’s, Shanell’s and Emily’s possible. The College seeks to educate the whole person in preparing leaders for our local and global communities.
To learn more about Ursuline College, visit ursuline.edu/admission.