Ursuline Academy Theology Teacher Influences Generations of Students, Receives Work Of Heart Award

We are very proud of Ann Middendorf, an Ursuline Academy theology teacher with a 30 year career in the Catholic school system. She has a unique unofficial title this January as our newest Work of Heart recipient!

The prestigious honor was presented by Catholic Foundation senior development officer Anna LeBlanc, an Ursuline Academy graduate.

Photo L to R: Anna LeBlanc, Ann Middendorf and Ursuline Academy principal Andrea Shurley

Many amazing things were shared about Ann by colleagues in the nomination. Here are just a few.

“In Ann’s 30 years of dedication to teaching Catholic Theology at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, over 3,000 women have gone through one or more of Ann’s semester or year-long Theology courses. Ann has now taught courses on every high school level, and even instructed students who are children to Ann’s previous generation of students, literally affecting multiple generations of families from mothers and daughters, to aunts and nieces, to cousins, siblings, and more. ”

“Her dedication to female Catholic education reflects a servant’s heart, core to the Ursuline SERVIAM charism and mission, with eyes focused inspiring young women to make a difference in the world, reflective of who they are as Christians and Catholics. ”

“Ann has taken on nearly every role possible within the Faith & Theology roles in her time at Ursuline. From being an alumna of Ursuline and returning to teach at her own high school, to becoming a Theology Dept. Chair for some years, to helping run retreats, designing and leading “Senior Community Days (2 days of a summer camp experience for the rising senior class to facilitate class bonding and a faith based experience),” to going with students on pilgrimages, summer faith-based trips, and cultural exchange travel to enrich their faith experience, Ann has done it all in the most humble and hidden of ways with unwavering commitment.”