VASJ celebrates legacy of Mother Mary Beaumont with Ohio Historical Marker

What began as a rainy morning in Cleveland on Oct. 2 turned into a beautiful afternoon of history, celebration and gratitude as Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School dedicated an Ohio Historical Marker honoring the life and legacy of Mother Mary of the Annunciation Beaumont, OSU.

The event, on the front lawn of  VASJ in Cleveland’s Collinwood neighborhood, brought together members of the VASJ community, the Ursuline Sisters, Villa Angela alumnae, Heritage Center supporters and special guests to recognize the many contributions of Mother Mary Beaumont to Catholic education in Cleveland.

Just as the 1 p.m. ceremony was about to begin – as if on cue – the rain stopped and the sun came out.

“(Mother) Mary Beaumont changed our city and our Church forever,” said Sister Cheryl Mentkowski, OSU, who presented a reflection on Mother Beaumont’s life and legacy. “She was a synonym for goodness, courage and fidelity.”

Born in 1818, Mother Mary Beaumont arrived in Cleveland in 1850 after being invited by Bishop Amadeus Rappe, the first bishop of the 3-year-old diocese. He asked her to establish a religious community dedicated to education. She and the Ursuline Sisters began the city’s first Catholic school, Ursuline Academy, and went on to open additional schools throughout Northeast Ohio.

Her vision helped lay the foundation for Catholic education in Cleveland, and her legacy remains deeply connected to Villa Angela-St. Joseph. Ursuline Academy eventually became Villa Angela Academy (1878-1990) in 1941, and Villa Angela (an all girls school) later joined with St. Joseph High School (1950-1989, an all boys school located nearby) in 1990 to form the coed high school now known as VASJ.

“(Mother) Mary Beaumont gave birth to the Catholic education system in Cleveland,” Sister Mentkowski said.

The Ohio Historical Marker, identified as Marker 168-18, is the 168th historical marker in Cuyahoga County. It honors Mother Beaumont as both an educator and visionary leader. The marker recognizes her work establishing schools, expanding educational opportunities and inspiring generations of students.

An unexpected special guest, Michael Brennan of the Ohio History Center, also joined the celebration. Brennan presented several commendations recognizing VASJ and the Villa Angela Heritage Center, as well as a proclamation from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel.

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of the marker, a blessing by Sister Laura Bregar, OSU, president of the Ursuline Sisters, and the reading of the marker text by Sister Cynthia Glavac, OSU, Ursuline Sisters’ archivist and a Villa Angela alumna.

Attendees gathered for a reception in the Villa Angela Heritage Center in VASJ after the ceremony. The Heritage Center, established in 2012 in the former school library, features memorabilia and photos from Villa Angela.

Click here to learn more about the Heritage Center.