Alexandra Carr Baker ’72

About

Ursuline Academy is an independent, Catholic, college preparatory school for young women in grades 7-12. Founded in 1946, Ursuline Academy in Dedham operates under the sponsorship of the international network of Ursuline Sisters, the oldest religious teaching order devoted to the education of young women.

Admissions

Our Admissions team welcomes families for tours throughout the year, and we sponsor events designed for students to explore our campus, sit in on classes, and to get to know our community. Ours is a holistic approach to knowing each student as we review qualifications for admissions. Learn why families choose Ursuline, and how our graduates become young women of character, faith and scholarship!

ACADEMICS

Ursuline Academy offers a rigorous program of study designed to challenge and inspire students, and our faculty encourage their love of learning, reading, and scholarly exploration in the pursuit of truth. Our graduates are fully prepared to study, analyze, and communicate persuasively to meet the challenges of university work.

LIVING THE MISSION

The values of an Ursuline education– a Catholic education– were established centuries ago when Saint Angela Merici dedicated her life to forming a company of young women engaged in bettering their communities. At Ursuline, we challenge our students to live lives of integrity that reflect the principles of Catholic social teaching, and to be Christ to one another in today’s world. We welcome students of all faiths, and support every student on her spiritual journey.

Alexandra Carr Baker ’72 has never missed an opportunity to return to Ursuline for a reunion, or to serve in a special capacity such as a member of the Capital Campaign Committee that planned the construction of the Reynolds Center. However, she recently decided to deepen her commitment even further by increasing her financial support for technology initiatives, especially those that help students compete for STEM-related careers.

Ms. Carr Baker credits Ursuline Academy with “picking me up, turning me around, and setting me back down right.” When her academic career did not reach its potential in public high school, transferring to Ursuline gave her the gift of a fresh start, and the love and acceptance of the Ursuline sisters and students brought out the best in her. She remembers the mentorship of Sr. Martha Gleason and Sr. Rita Bourassa as strong forces in her life.

After Ursuline, Carr Baker studied communications at Simmons College and received a masters degree from Boston University while working as a technical writer at The Faxon Company in Westwood. Having worked as one of only a few women in a technical field, she is keenly aware that there are still gains to be made for young women in the fields of computer science and engineering. “I want to shout it from the rooftops that there is still a gender pay gap!

“My goal is to help make Ursuline girls competitive with the future and to maximize their chances for pay equity when compared to their male peers. With many of the highest-paying jobs in STEM, that’s where I choose to give.”

Women still make less than men for equivalent work, and that disparity follows them all the way into their retirement, since retirement income is based on what you earned while working. I have a chance to change that – we want our young women to be prepared for the future, and it takes money!”

She also is a supporter of need-based scholarships through her gifts to the Fund for Ursuline. “I want to make the opportunity that I had available to more girls, especially those who might not be able to afford it otherwise. Serviam teaches us that if we have the opportunity to give back, we should give back. I’m glad I have that privilege.”

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