FACULTY NOTES
Faculty Notes
St . Ursula Villa Bids Farewell to Retirees
“ I absolutely loved those kids and their pure , beautiful minds ”
MS . SUSAN HALL
Four members of the Villa faculty and staff , representing a combined total of 77 years of service to our school , embark upon new chapters of their lives : Dr . Pamela Dillion , Ms . Susan Hall , Ms . Brenda McCann , and Ms . Angie Meisman .
Dr . Pamela Dillion joined St . Ursula Villa in 2004 as Learning Specialist . Over the ensuing years she became Director of Student Services and led the school ’ s redesigned intervention program . Dr . Dillion believes that “ being at the Villa has absolutely been the high point of my career . It is very gratifying to see students receive support , learn to advocate for themselves , and achieve success – really changing the trajectory of their academic experience .” Dr . Dillion has enjoyed “ working in such a collaborative atmosphere . The highly-competent staff genuinely care about the kids – everyone is willing to support each other and work together for the good of the students . I will miss the purpose I have felt at the Villa – every day I felt I was needed and made a difference , which is what I am all about . My career at St . Ursula Villa has been challenging , rewarding , and truly gave me my life ’ s purpose .” She also loved working where her son Barry attended school .
Dr . Dillion says that “ retirement is looking pretty busy !” She will continue performing educational evaluations through her private practice , provide ADHD coaching to families , will serve as an assistant Education department professor at Indiana Wesleyan University , and recently formed a company that facilitates activities in retirement communities . She is eager for her new chapter , but will miss St . Ursula Villa : “ it is very special place filled with wonderful , caring people and I thank God for this remarkable experience .”
Ms . Susan Hall is leaving St . Ursula Villa after 30 years of service . After 18 years in the banking industry , she helmed the Villa ’ s 1 st grade for 14 years including eight years with Sister Mary Lawrence that Ms . Hall describes as “ truly a blessing …. I loved 1 st grade . You really get to know the students and they also get to know you . I wanted children to love school , to love learning , and to have fun in my classroom — I believe you can have fun and learn too .”
Ms . Hall then served as Villa librarian , where she oversaw the library ’ s move to its current location near the Main School entrance , reorganized the space , and developed a new library science system . She also “ felt it was important for me to read and be familiar with books in the Villa library to best recommend them to students – as a result , I haven ’ t read an adult book in 16 years !”
She will miss the children ’ s stories and how they shared everything about their lives : “ I remember when the children were learning to tell time , a little boy asked , ‘ Is that AM , PM , or FM ?’ but it is almost impossible to pick out a favorite memory ! I absolutely loved those kids and their pure , beautiful minds .”
In her next chapter , Ms . Hall plans to sew , quilt , travel , and join her neighborhood book club . She describes her career at St . Ursula Villa as “ such a perfect fit for me – family , fun , education , and a million great experiences with a loving sense of caring and community that has felt like home to me for all these years .”
Ms . Brenda McCann has been St . Ursula Villa ’ s Bookkeeper / Accounting Assistant for 12 years . Initially , her office was in the Manor House which she “ loved because the building was so interesting and beautiful : all the carved woodwork and fireplaces ; and the stained glass was my favorite ! I really enjoyed hearing the children in the Montessori classroom below . At the beginning of the school year , there would be a few tears , but eventually I would hear lots of singing and laughter .”
In her retirement , Ms . McCann intends to “ take a sign language class and hopefully become involved and volunteer at St Rita School for the Deaf since I am hearing impaired . I love to cook , do stained glass projects , travel , and spend time with my two crazy dogs .” She concludes , “ I have met some wonderful , caring people here at St . Ursula Villa . I will miss them and hope I am able to keep them in my life !”
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