President's Welcome

Dear Eagles,

We are born learners and throughout our lives, opportunities to absorb new knowledge never cease. As Michelangelo journaled at the ripe age of 87, “I am still learning.” But we can't rely solely on passive learning. We are responsible for exercising our God-given abilities to observe, think critically, challenge, and collaborate. In other words, we are called to actively engage in our learning no matter who we are, where we are, or how old we are.

At Oakland Catholic, we encourage young women to harness this innate desire to continually discover more about our world, and ourselves, at a crucial period in their personal, social-emotional, and intellectual development. Our faculty and staff intentionally step back from the day-to-day to appreciate their role in facilitating a love of learning that lasts a lifetime, not just these four years. Just as importantly, if not more so, our community believes this journey cannot be impactful without a strong undergirding of empathy and compassion. I have had the privilege of witnessing the effects of this empowering, value-based approach to education firsthand for decades. Our alumnae alone speak volumes by leading with wisdom and serving with compassion, meaningfully contributing to the conception and construction of a better world.

As we enter this new semester, we anticipate more invigorating challenges. While we brace for trying moments, we also open ourselves up to being transformed by obstacles that may reveal undiscovered passions and skills, and untapped reserves of compassion. Like a youthful St. Joan of Arc, we confidently look at the unknown and calmly state, “I am not afraid. I was born to do this.” To those of us returning to campus, those of us recalling their days on campus, those of us supporting the work of OC, and all who strive to live the OC mission of developing and becoming competent, confident, ethical, global leaders— here’s to many more years of learning together!

Your OC president and lifelong learner,