About Us: Divine Providence Academy

History

In September, 1905 Divine Providence Academy , under the name of St. Joseph 's Industrial Institute, a boarding and day school for girls, opened its doors and offered an educational opportunity quite different from those then existing. The "Household Sciences," according to the Most Reverend Regis Canevin, then Bishop of Pittsburgh, were to be included in the courses offered.

 Beginnings...

Reverend Mother Francis Borgia Schroeck (pictured left) planned the Institute accordingly, and appointed Mother Lucy Weber its first directress.

With the able assistance of Sister Immaculate Raich, Mother Lucy founded the Academy on definite educational standards. Classes opened on September 8, 1905 , with a total enrollment of 39 students. Three courses were offered: The English Course, The Business or Commercial Course, and the Household Science Course. Art and music formed a part of the curriculum from the very beginning.

The first staff included Sister Immaculate Raich, Sister Josephine Schmitt, Sister Ignatia Gast, Sister Ludgera Kemper, Sister M. Berchman Jochum and Sister M. Leonard Fugina.

Sister Immaculate, the inspiration and guide of the Institute for its first 21 years, conducted the English classes and also taught the other subjects of the Academic course. Her task, which she performed remarkably well, was to coordinate the different classes. Any student fortunate enough to "sit at her feet" will ever remember her as "a teacher unequalled."

Sister Immaculate was ably assisted by Ignatia, who taught the commercial subjects, and by Sister Ludgera and Sister Berchmanns, who supervised the art needlework and plain sewing. Sister Leonard initiated the girls into the art of cooking; Sister Josephine acted as "house mother" to the day pupils as well as to the boarders.

Sister Immaculate and her staff accomplished many wonderful things in the 21 years she was at the Academy. However, it is only fitting that we summarize briefly a few of her many achievements.

	She utilized to advantage every available space; classrooms, music rooms, Home Economics department, dormitory and private sleeping rooms, recreation hall - all were conveniently arranged and suitably equipped.
	Enrollment increased as did the classrooms which numbered three in 1905; twelve in 1926.
	Music rooms for lessons and practice increased from 5 to 15.
	The Home Economics department grew from the "small convenient kitchen of 1905" to the spacious and "fully equipped quarters of 1924."
	Laboratory space increased as the change was made from the first "office lab" to the newly-converted "greenhouse chemistry laboratory."
	The new portable buildings provided opportunity also for classes in Physical Education as well as for assemblies and other social activities.
	Religious, cultural, and social activities filled in the hours not devoted to classes and study. Daily morning and evening prayer; daily Mass, visit, and rosary; later, daily Holy Communion; weekly Office of Immaculate Conception, and the annual retreat rounded out the religious program.
	Mission projects, varied and interesting, meant substantial contributions to the mission fields at home and abroad.
	Vocations to the religious life were early in evidence. Mae Leonard, of the class of 1907 became Sister Mary Francis of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart. During the years following, 25 girls entered religious life; and in 1926 Sister Immaculate's last year at Divine Providence Academy , six graduates entered the Sisters of Divine Providence at Mt. Immaculate and one, Marcella Kenna (Sister Mercedes of Jesus) entered the Order of Carmel.
	Course were added to the curricula as enrollments increased, and in 1922 the Institute had a four year Academic course; a one-year, two-year, and three-year Commercial course; and also a two-year Home Economics course.
	The music department, firmly established from the very beginning, gave expression to its definite success in the Cecelian, Christmas, and May recitals. Music students were given the opportunity to attend a series of concerts held at Mt. Mercy , Duquesne University , and Syria Mosque.
	Speech activities in the form of class meetings, recitations, debates, skits, plays, operettas, as well as the two publications, "Providence Record" and "Providence Yearbook" awakened and held the interest of practically every student.
	In the Department of Art, classes in charcoal, oil, and china were offered under the capable direction of Sister M. Julitta Noullet . From these modest beginnings, we now have the successful and well-known St. Joseph 's School of Practical and Fine Arts. This department became fully accredited with the Department of Education at Harrisburg as St. Joseph 's High School under the direction of Sister Immaculate in 1929 at Larimer Avenue . The high school functioned under this name until 1937. Sister Dolorosa Bager, Sister Magdalene Seikel and Sister Regis Marie Herbst continued the work begun, and insured courses and activities would be parallel to those of D.P.A., then situated at Mount Immaculate.
	When the program of studies and activities had been established in 1924 Sister Immaculate applied for accreditation. After several visits of Doctor James G. Pentz, the school was accredited under its present name of Divine Providence Academy.

Directresses and Principals

1905-1920 Mother Mary Lucy Schmidt
1920-1926 Sister Immaculate Strauss
1926-1933 Sister Annunciata Sohl
1933-1934 Sister Gertrude Mary Soentgen
1934-1944 Sister Irenaea Slyke
1944-1953 Sister De la Salle Mahler
1953-1956 Sister Agneta Schmitt
1956-1957 Sister Gertrude Mary Soentgen
1957-1957 Sister Paul Marie Sohl
1957-1961 Sister Mary Robert Reis
1961-1963 Sister Victorine Verosky
1963-1966 Sister Theophane Heisel
1966-1969 Sister Marietta Ruhe
1969-1971 Sister Michele Ransil
1971-1977 Sister Maria Fest
1977-1984 Sister Madeline Vincunas

Sister Annunciata Sohl (1926-33)

Sister Annunciata served the Academy as directress from September 1926 to June 1933. The Annuals of these years bear testimony to continual progress and successful achievements in all phases of student life at the Academy.

The four-year Academic course and the two and three-year Business courses continued to be offered; also courses in Music, Art, and Home Economics were taught. Several new members joined the staff, among these Mr. Joseph Rauterkus and Miss Hilda Schuster, both of Duquesne University ; the former become director of the orchestra; the latter, instructor in eurythmics.

In 1928, a commercial post-graduate course was added to the program of studies. This afforded those graduating from the Academic course an opportunity to prepare themselves for the business world.

Mission Activities continued to be an absorbing interest to the students; in fact, the Academy unit of the Catholic Students Mission Crusade was one of the most active in the diocese. Monthly "mission" meetings, days, sales, skits, and debates all formed parts of the " Mission " program. Among the outstanding events was participation in the diocesan pageant, "God Wills It."

In 1926 , when the new Motherhouse of the Sisters had been completed at Providence Heights the Academy was transferred to Mount Immaculate . Both the student body and the Alumnae welcomed this change and enjoyed the new memories the move created.

Among these is Mother Aloysius Bansbach's intense interest in Academy and Alumnae activities, the annual retreats, the renovation of the Academy chapel, and the Silver Jubilee pageant of 1930.

The year 1930 ushered in the Silver Jubilee of the founding of the Academy. A fitting pageant of six scenes depicted the circumstances that led to the American foundation of the Sisters of Divine Providence in the New World; the establishment of the Academy as St. Joseph's Industrial Institute under the immediate direction of Mother Lucy the achievements of her years of service; and the untiring zeal of Sister Immaculate, who served as directress until 1926.

In 1932, as a fitting climax to this period, a Constitutional Committee of the Alumnae revised the 1924 Alumnae Constitutions and By-Laws. At the following annual Alumnae meeting, these were voted upon, and have since been the working basis of Divine Providence Alumnae Association.

Sister Gertrude Mary Soentgen (1933-34)

Sister Gertrude was appointed Directress of the Academy in 1933 and she held the office until 1936. Those were "depression years" and the enrollment of new students was low, however, it will always be to the credit of the faculty and the students, that the traditions of the school were honorably maintained.

The Alumnae stood by its Alma Mater and because of this loyalty there was an even closer bond between Academy and Alumnae. No matter what the occasion - bazaar, recital, class plays, I.F.C.A. meetings, conventions - there were always "old faithfuls" who could be counted on to lend either their moral or financial support.

Sister Irenaea Slyke (1934-44)

Sister Irenaea Slyke taught the English classes at the Academy, had a literary interest and a special talent in the field of drama. Sister inaugurated a Drama Club and membership was offered to all students. The first productions of the club were on a very simple scale. As class plays suitable for each succeeding group of seniors became more and more difficult to find, Sister decided to write an original play for as many students as might be in each class. Everyone was delighted by this arrangement. "Lure of Song" and "In Old Vermont" were among the first of a long line of plays to be penned by Sister Irenaea. St. Walburga's auditorium, because of its large stage and proximity to the school, was selected for the performances. The financial profit on plays, bazaars, etc... was always used to improve the school.

In September 1936, Sister Irenaea became Directress. This was a critical time for the Academy because the superiors were convinced that it was impossible to maintain two high schools in a limited area with low enrollment in both. The decision was made to join the schools and the original location on Larimer Avenue was chosen. Preparation for the move were started after Easter in the year 1937.

Since the class of '37 had asked to have graduation exercises at the Mount Parents ' Day and Commencement were planned for the same day. Graduation always has a sad tone to it, but that year it was an occasion of farewell, not just for the graduates, but for the entire student body and the faculty.

The school at Larimer Avenue had to be completely renovated. A hall divided two of the large rooms know to the "old girls" as Sister Annunciata's classroom and Sister Berchmann's sewing room. The dormitories on the second floor became a laboratory, a sewing room, and a library. The school continued to house resident students and rooms for sixteen girls were arranged. The former "big rectory" now became the assembly room where the usual tradition programs were presented.

The Alumnae once again aided the school by sponsoring two week-end bazaars. All profits went to rebuilding the school. Soon after the Alumnae offered financial aid in the form of a scholarship awarded to the winner of a competitive examination. Mary Lou Ransil (Sister Michele) from St. Norbert's, Overbrook, was the winner.

About this time (1940) the Mothers' Club was founded at the Academy. This gave the mothers an opportunity to build a stronger relationship with the school, and from its earliest beginnings the Academy had an enthusiastic group of women eager to further the interests of the school.

The effects of WWII were universally felt, and so at the academy there were courses in first aid, home nursing and military training. Many former D.P.A. graduates joined the WACS, the WAVES, or the Nursing Corps. Many of these women's records show outstanding achievements that brought credit to the Academy as well as the women themselves.

Sister De la Salle Mahler (1944-53)

Sister Irenaea's election to the provincial council of the Sisters of Divine Providence, in August 1944, necessitated the appointment of a new directress. Sister De la Salle was appointed and the aims and traditions of the school remained unchanged. The depression and the war years had naturally curtailed activities that could now, because of increased enrollment and better financial circumstances, be resumed on a larger scale.

With the organization of the Diocesan Federation of Catholic High Schools, various honor societies were introduced and DPA actively participated in all of them. Among these were the Forensic, Math, Science, History, and Business societies. Through the years, many of the graduates won college scholarships through participation in competitive examinations.

More and more businesses became interested in DPA because of the fine work done by the graduates, and more calls for help were received than could be filled. Applications for enrollment were likewise far in excess of the number that could be excepted.

In the effort to give the girls every spiritual, cultural, and educational advantage, the Third Order of Saint Francis was organized under the direction of Father Bertin Roll, O.F.M.Cap., and the first investiture was held with Sister Joan Marie Lauth as moderator.

God blessed the school with religious vocations, and in 1950 there were nine D.P.A. girls in the Novitiate at Providence Heights at the same time. Seven were novices and two were postulants.

Each season had its outstanding events: the Popularity Contest, Christmas Musical, May Crowning, and the Operetta.

Among the projects made possible through financial returns were the redecorating of the chapel, installation of new lights and gas furnaces, redecoration of the reception room, and new floors in the classrooms. A new cloak room and washroom was added on the first floor and a variety of other supplies were purchased.

After the memorable graduation exercises of 1945, which were held in the assembly room, permission was obtained to have the graduation exercises at the Stephen Foster memorial in Oakland , a tradition that continued for eight years.

In 1949 Divine Providence Alumnae Association Celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary.

Sister Agneta Schmitt

Sister Agneta, was appointed in Directress in 1953. The school offered a full program of studies, extra-curricular activities, honor societies, a debate society, a glee club, a monthly paper, and other various school clubs.

Timeline

1905

Mother M. Francis Borgia, Providence Supervisor, opens St. Joseph's Institute.

Mother M. Lucy is appointed first Directress

First class enrolls 39 students

First courses offer English, Business, Household Sciences, Art, and Music

First graduating class numbers six

Four-year curriculum is initiated

Sister Immaculate becomes Directress

St. Joseph 's Institutes changes its name to Divine Providence Academy (DPA)

DPA. gains accreditation from Harrisburg

DPA. Alumnae Association forms

Additional buildings are erected

Sister M. Annunciata takes office as Directress

Post-graduate commercial courses are approved

DPA moves to Mount Immaculate

Alumnae retreats begin

DPA celebrates Silver Anniversary

Sister M. Gertrude is appointed Directress

Drama Club performs

Sister M. Irenaea directs DPA

DPA returns to Larimer Avenue

Alumnae Scholarship Fund is initiated

Mother's Club is formed

Sister De La Salle Mahler is named Directress

First formal May Crowning

Students take part in Diocesan Honor Societies

DPA Chapter of the Third Order of Saint Francis is organized

The first of a yearly series of operettas is presented

Graduation moves to Steven Foster Auditorium in Oakland

Alumnae Association celebrates 25 years

Nine DPA girls become members of Divine Providence Novitiate

Sister M. Agneta directs DPA

Graduation takes place at Providence Heights

DPA celebrates Golden Anniversary

Sister Gertrude returns as Directress

Sister Paul Marie named Directress

Sister Mary Robert takes over in mid-year

Plans for a new building take shape

Marra Estate purchased for the site for new Academy

Sister Victorine Verosky is appointed Directress

Architects Celli and Flynn draw up plans

Transition begins

Mobile units house 9th and 10th year students at new site

Sister M. Theophane takes the title "Principal"

Ground breaking and building begin

Larimer school moves to new building

Bishop Vincent M. Leonard blesses cornerstone

Parent Teacher Guild replaces Mother's Club

New building is completed

Bishop John Wright officiates at the opening ceremony

First graduation is held at new Academy

Sister M. Marietta Ruhe takes over as principal

Student Council is formed

Genesian Drama Club is initiated

DPA joins Catholic Girls' Basketball League and the Deltas come alive

Miss DPA competition is revised

Forensic Club reforms

DPA hosts first foreign exchange student

Sister Michele Ransil is appointed Principal

DPA and Fox Chapel High School exchange cultural events

Yearly musical series begins with "The Sound of Music"

DPA worked with Fox Chapel High School to obtain male performers

Sister Maria Fest becomes principal

Marra trust fund is established to aid needy students

Administration and PTG open recruiting campaign

Curriculum is expanded

European student tours begin

Service program is begun by religion department

Alumnae Association celebrates 50th Anniversary

New Academy marks 10th year

Bishop McDowell officiates

Sisters of Divine Providence observe 100 years in the USA

Computer services introduced including computerized report cards and schedules

Sister Madeline Vincunas becomes Principal

Graduation returns to Providence Heights

Deltas join W.P.I.A.L.

European tours resume

Sister Agneta marks 80 years

DPA prepares for 75th Anniversary

Deltas become active in North Hills basketball league

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