Longtime educator and alumna honored for a lifetime of Serviam and service to generations of Ursuline women
NEW ORLEANS – Ursuline Academy of New Orleans has named Sandra “Sandy” Corbin Meyer ’57 the recipient of its 2026 Distinguished Alumna Award, recognizing a life defined by faith, service and a deep commitment to the Ursuline community.
Selected by the Awards Committee of the Ursuline Alumnae Association, Meyer was chosen as an outstanding graduate who exemplifies the core values and ideals of an Ursuline education. Her connection to the Academy spans decades, first as a student and later as an educator who helped shape generations of young women.
Meyer joined Ursuline in 1979 as a religion teacher and spent more than 20 years at the Academy. During her tenure, she served as head of the Religion Department, led Campus Ministry and oversaw the Academy’s service program. Her influence extended beyond teaching the Catholic faith, encouraging students to put that faith into action through compassion and service to others.
“Serviam is not just a word that Mrs. Meyer learned at Ursuline when she was in high school in the 1950s; it is part of her being, and she has lived it and embraced it every single day since then,” said Donna Chance Hall ‘ 83, a former student. “She taught generations of students not only the tenets of the Catholic faith but also how to live that faith with humility, joy and compassion.”
Meyer’s commitment to service continued long after she retired from the classroom. She led a weekly prayer group for many years and provided personal support to its members as they grew older, including visiting them and helping with transportation to doctors and other needs. She also volunteered at the Cenacle Retreat Center, assisting in the sacristy and gift shop and providing individual spiritual guidance to women attending retreats.
“Sandy’s selfless commitment to Ursuline, and in particular to educating young women, lasted for decades,” said Beth Thibodeaux ’82, a former student who later worked alongside Meyer in Ursuline’s Religion Department. “Her belief in the dignity of all people was paramount in her teaching and in her work in the community with various social justice and charity organizations.”
The recognition comes during a historic year for Ursuline Academy as the school commemorates 300 years of Ursuline education in New Orleans. Founded in 1727, Ursuline’s mission has endured across three centuries, with generations of students called to live the spirit of Serviam, meaning “I will serve.” The Academy’s previous Distinguished Alumnae have been recognized for carrying those values into their professions, families and communities.
For Sister Carolyn Brockland, OSU, former principal of Ursuline Academy, Meyer’s life is a particularly meaningful example of that mission.
“In my opinion, Sandy exemplifies the qualities expected of an ‘Ursuline Girl’ to an outstanding degree,” Brockland said. “Her commitment to serving others has remained a constant throughout her life, from her years at Ursuline to her continued involvement in her faith community.”
The Distinguished Alumnae Award was established in 1986 and honors alumnae whose lives demonstrate outstanding leadership, service and devotion to faith and family.
Meyer will be honored during Ursuline Academy’s Homecoming Mass Sunday, Nov. 15 at 9:30 a.m. at the National Votive Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. The recognition will be part of Homecoming Weekend, which will also celebrate Ursuline’s Tricentennial and its Gemstone reunion classes.
About Ursuline Academy of New Orleans:
Founded in 1727, Ursuline Academy of New Orleans is the oldest Catholic school and the oldest continuously operating school for girls in the United States. Rooted in the tradition of St. Angela Merici, the Academy is committed to the spiritual, intellectual and moral development of young women in the spirit of Serviam: “I will serve.” Today, Ursuline continues to prepare confident, compassionate young women for college, careers and lives of purpose.