The first class of Global Scholars will graduate this May from Saint Ursula Academy. The four-year Global Scholars Program at Saint Ursula Academy leads to a certification offered by the national Ursuline Education Network (UEN) that validates a student’s deliberate pursuit of a global education.
The UEN Global Scholars Certificate is awarded to graduating high school students who have demonstrated a strong interest in global citizenship by successfully completing curricular studies with a global focus and engaging in co-curricular activities and experiences that foster the development of global competencies.
Ten SUA seniors have worked toward this special certification and completed a Capstone project on the corresponding topic. They are:
Catherine Barron of Delhi Twp. Paid Leave Policy
Lauren Bower of Mt. Lookout Water Conservation and Coral Reefs
Heidi Crowther of Hyde Park Tiny Home Design
Molly Fisher of Anderson Twp. Bulldog Blend Fair Trade Coffee
Anna Garver of Mason Benefits of Composting
Norah Hubert of Anderson Twp. Global Food and How it Connects to Culture
Audra Lyons of Western Hills Oxfam Hunger Banquet
Grace O’Toole of Anderson Twp. Autism Awareness
Cackie Schwanekamp of Hyde Park Parkinson’s support with Tony’s Totes
Lily Wissemeier of White Oak Inclusivity for All
To be recognized as Global Scholars, students need to complete:
- Coursework in world languages
- Coursework in humanities with strong global implications
- Extracurricular activities and experiences with global themes
- Capstone Project that summarizes experiences
- Students must earn a B or higher in each qualified course
SUA’s Global Scholars coordinator is Rachel Kemper ’91, SUA Senior Director of Service, Equity and Global Education. She worked with these students as they signed on to be the first class of Global Scholars at Saint Ursula Academy.
“I am so proud of this inaugural cohort of Global scholars at SUA. Their hard work and dedication show in their final capstone projects and websites. They each took on issues they were passionate about, researched, took action, and communicated effectively about their topic and their project. We are looking forward to seeing their future impact as Global Citizens.”
She adds that the program creates a broader perspective for the participants, giving them another differentiation when applying to colleges and universities. The Global Scholars Program is designed to:
- Encourage students to recognize the value of and emphasize global aspects of their education and, working with their guidance counselor or person designated by the school, to pursue these opportunities
- Serve as a significant selection criterion in the admissions process to colleges and universities
- Serve as an important hiring consideration by prospective employers
The Global Scholars Certificate prepares globally competent students to be competitive in international careers. This distinction will reward those students who are willing to stretch beyond traditional requirements in order to set themselves apart in the international arena.
“In today’s global marketplace, it is in the long-term economic and social interests of schools to educate a globally competent citizenry by emphasizing the global character of disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies in the school curriculum and by encouraging and facilitating international connections in the school, local community, and beyond,” said Peggy Platz ’84, Saint Ursula graduate and current Executive Director of the Ursuline Educational Services (UEN).
There are many benefits for students who complete this certification. UEN interviewed several colleges/ universities about whether or not the Global Scholar distinction would strengthen a student’s application to their school. Unanimously, the schools surveyed agreed that such a program would be seen as a positive attribute to an application.
“This program fits beautifully with a Global Studies program that we are launching this year. In speaking with admissions, we would be happy to consider the Global Scholars from your school for preferred admission provided that they satisfy all other minimum requirements…” – University of Delaware
“We believe that the Global Scholars Program offered to your students would be extremely beneficial for them in being accepted into the Honors Program and also for scholarships.” – University of Cincinnati