A Newsletter for the Alumni, Parents & Friends of Immaculata University

September 15, 2024

Historic Enrollment and Diversity Growth

Welcoming its largest class of new traditional undergraduate students in more than a decade, Immaculata University has enrolled 275 first-time freshmen and 69 transfer students for this academic year. Freshman enrollment has increased 37% over the past two years, while transfer enrollment has increased 47% in the same timeframe.

With enrollment totals still being finalized until late October for both graduate and adult professional learner programs, applications to Immaculata’s College of Graduate Studies and Research are already up by 10% compared to this time last fall. As of Sept. 5, the combined enrollment total of undergraduate and graduate students is at 2,302 students, a 2% increase compared to early September 2023.

“Great things are happening at Immaculata,” stated Immaculata President Barbara Lettiere. “Our growth in enrollments across all student populations illustrates our broad appeal. Not only do these numbers prove that prospective college students and their parents see the true value of Immaculata, they show that transferring college students looking for a better fit are finding a true home here.”

As part of its ongoing effort to boost enrollment, Immaculata is also endeavoring to make the University a welcoming and inclusive place for all who choose to come here. This too, is reflected in the incoming class of freshmen, as 2028 is the most diverse in the history of Immaculata with 38% of the students coming from historically underrepresented populations. View full article here.

Let Us Know if You Plan to Attend:

The 2024 Awards Reception

Alumni and friends planning to celebrate this year's Awards recipients during the 2024 Immaculata University Awards Reception and Silent Auction on Friday, October 4, 2024, can assist planning efforts by submitting their online registration as soon as possible. Held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., this event honors those members of the IU community who have made an impact on their profession, community and Immaculata University through volunteer, philanthropic and service activities.

For 2024 the honorees are: The Mother M. Camilla Maloney Award: Patricia A. Bomba ’72, M.D., M.A.C.P., F.R.C.P., The Alumni Medal: Patricia Crea LaRocco ’71, M.D., The Amethyst Award: Patricia A. Cerchio ’79, Commander, U.S. Navy, Retired, The Scientia Floret Virtute Award: Dia Veneziano Kitchengs ’18, '24 M.A.

Those who desire to acknowledge our honorees with a program book ad must submit their order no later than September 20, 2024. The evening features a cocktail reception and silent auction with proceeds going to benefit Immaculata University students. Ticket and sponsorship information is available online here.

Lead Sponsor:

VIGILANT / Salvatore and Margaret Faia

Hospitality Sponsor:

Target Building Construction

Awards Sponsors:

Communications Test Design, Inc.

H&W Mechanical Services

The Concord Advisory Group

Signature Event Sponsors further IU student success by ensuring they have access to higher education with sponsorships ranging from $5,000-$12,500. Each sponsorship level has benefits at both the Awards Reception and Golf Invitational, providing an opportunity to relax while sharing philanthropic spirit.

For those who want to help but are unable to be a Signature Event Sponsor, both the Awards Reception and Golf Invitational offer affordable opportunities such as program ads ($150-500) and hole or flag sponsors ($450-500), raffle tickets ($10-$50), along with numerous other options. View the full list of sponsorship options online here.

Orders Now Open for 2024 Lanterns of Love

This holiday season we again offer you the opportunity to honor, remember or acknowledge a loved one, classmate, alum, or an entire class with a ‘Lantern of Love.’ The lanterns will illuminate Immaculata’s campus each evening, from December through early January, enhancing the beauty of the Christmas season. In addition to the individual lantern tags, a large donor board will also be on display listing the donors and honorees.

Each lantern is offered for $100 and will be adorned with a weatherproof tag listing the donor and honoree. Lantern orders must be received by October 31, 2024. Submit your order today to ensure you will be part of this year’s Lanterns of Love display! For full details and to place your order visit immaculata.edu/lanterns.

Immaculata Needs You:

Class Agents Needed

Immaculata University has a strong network of volunteer partners in fundraising: our Class Agents. Along with Class Representatives, Class Agents inspire fellow classmates to support and stay connected with Immaculata. Agents work with the Office of Institutional Advancement to promote University activities, share campus news, and encourage classmates to participate in financial support of Immaculata. Class Agents are advocates for special event giving such as Reunion, the Day of Giving and other hallmark occasions. We thank our Class Agents, who are key leaders in connecting classmates to make a meaningful impact on the University.

BE AN AGENT! To sign up to be a Class Agent or for more information, please contact Kathy Freney Smith ’90 Assistant Director of The Immaculata Fund & Grants: kfreneysmith@immaculata.edu or 484-323-3991

Camilla Hall Bingo

The Immaculata University Alumni Association, in conjunction with IU Campus Ministry, is offering a special volunteer opportunity for Immaculata alumni - Bingo with the IHM Sisters at Camilla Hall. As a volunteer you will help host the bingo game and assist Sisters who may need help playing the game.

This event will be held Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 1:15PM to 3:00PM. Volunteers are asked to meet in the Camilla Hall lobby at 1:15PM. Please direct any questions to alumnidept@immaculata.edu. If you are able to assist on September 28th, please register online here.

Class Reps Needed for Reunion 2025

Reunion 2025 will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025. This is a special reunion year for classes ending in "5" and "0".

Class Representatives and those interested in helping share the word about this year's reunion are encouraged to contact us: AlumniDept@Immaculata.edu.

For all alumni events, please direct questions to

Betty Ginty at eginty@immaculata.edu or 484-323-3944

First Installment of the Archives Tour Launches This Week

Episode 1 of the Archives Tour will be released to all those who receive our Highlights From the Hill newsletter this Thursday, September 19, 2024. We hope you will enjoy this very special journey through Immaculata's history with Sr. Anne Marie Burton, IHM, Ed.D. Immaculata University’s Archivist Emeriti.

You are invited to join Sr. Anne Marie as she shares her reflections on artifacts of significance and weaves them into the story of Immaculata University’s history via the Archives Tour video series. The second installment of the Archives Tour will be released to alumni and friends via email on October 3, 2024.

A final video sharing several items of significance to Sr. Anne Marie will be shared during a live virtual event on October 17, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. EST. Those interested in the final video must register for the live event to receive an email with the event link closer to the event date. Register online here.

Join Immaculata On the Road

in Bethesda, MD

Alumni in the North Bethesda, MD area, we are coming to your neighborhood! Join Immaculata On the Road for a 12 p.m. lunch on September 20, 2024, at Seasons 52 in North Bethesda, MD. This complimentary On the Road event will provide an opportunity to learn more about current happenings on campus at IU while dining with fellow alums. Register online here

Alumni Reception NEXT Thursday:

Sciences, Technology & Mathematics

Science, Mathematics and Computer Science alumni are invited to join us for a special gathering from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Enjoy light refreshments, network & socialize with peers, tour new facilities and learn about current happenings in the Sciences at IU! This event will be held on campus in the Faculty Center Lounge. Please contact the Office of Alumni Relations with any questions: AlumniDept@Immaculata.edu or 484-323-3944. Register online here

Back Campus BBQ for 20BELOW Alumni

IU Graduates of the last 20 years (2004-2024) are invited to join us on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 3-5 p.m. for a fun filled BBQ on Back Campus! There will be activities for all ages, including a Bubbletopia performance for our younger guests at this family-friendly event.

Kindly register online by September 20, 2024, for this complimentary event. Please contact the Office of Alumni Relations with any questions: AlumniDept@Immaculata.edu or 484-323-3944. Register online here

Reserve Your Spot Today for

Immaculata On the Road

Alumni & friends are invited to join Susan Arnold, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at one of our upcoming On the Road events. These events are complimentary, held during lunch or dinner, and provide an opportunity to learn more about current happenings on campus at IU.

Please select the event name below to register.

September 18 - Tamaqua Station Restaurant, Tamaqua, PA - 12 p.m.

September 20 - Seasons 52, North Bethesda, MD - 12 p.m.

September 26 - The Capital Grille, Stamford, CT - 6 p.m.

October 17 - The Capital Grille - Tyson's Corner, McLean, VA - 6 p.m.

Click here to view the full 2024 On the Road schedule. If you have questions, please contact Betty Ginty at eginty@immaculata.edu or 484-323-3944.

PLEASE NOTE: On the Road events frequently have a waiting list. If you register for an event and are subsequently unable to attend, please call and let us know so that your seat can be offered to another alum who is interested in attending.

While the event is free for the alum and one guest, the University must pay for all reserved seats, so your call also allows us to cancel that reservation when a wait list is not pending. Thank you!

Experience Iconic Movie Magic

With The No Name Pops

Join us for the afternoon of some of the greatest movie scores of all time. The No Name Pops proudly presents "Blockbusters in the Burbs" on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 3 p.m., on campus in Alumnae Hall Theater.

We are thrilled to welcome back conductor Evan Roider for The No Name Pops second concert at Immaculata. You will hear cinema's most cherished scores. Relive the magic of Star Wars, the passion of The Godfather Love Theme, the romance of La La Land, and many more.

General admission tickets are $50, student tickets are $10 at the door. For more info, visit www.nonamepops.org.

Alumni Prayer Requests

Please know that you are always in the thoughts and prayers of our IHM Sisters. If you have a special intention which you would like to include in their daily Chapel prayer list, you may submit your prayer requests here. Requests may be submitted anonymously by both alumni and friends of Immaculata.



Upcoming Admissions Events

Explore the numerous educational opportunities available at Immaculata - for yourself, your family and friends. Select the event name below to learn more about these upcoming Admissions Events.

September 19 - Ed.D. Pk-12 Virtual Info Session: Spring Grove Cohort - 4-4:30 p.m.

September 21 - Undergraduate Open House - 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

September 24 - Ed.D. PK-12 Virtual Info. Session: Catholic Educators Cohort - 4-5 p.m.

Mighty Mac Athletics

Levase Sets IU Record

The Immaculata field hockey team secured the win in their first road contest of the 2024 season against King's College on September 7th. Goalkeeper Julia Levase earned her 18th win of her Immaculata career to set a new Immaculata field hockey program record for career wins by a goalkeeper. View full story.

Athletic News:

For full coverage on all Mighty Mac news visit: GoMightyMacs.com.

Quick Links:

Alumni Events

Alumni Info. Update Form

Institutional Advancement

Immaculata University 

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Immaculata Trivia

Did you Know....  

IU's Gabriele Library is home to the University Archives?

Mighty Mac Trivia: 

When will the first Archives Tour video be released?

Send us an email with your answer! Replies will be entered into a monthly drawing for a prize. 

And the Answer Is...

In the last edition of "Highlights from the Hill" we asked the following trivia question:

How many installations of the Archives Tour will there be?

The Answer:

Three

Thank you to all who participated.

Summer 2024 Magazine:

Now Available Online

The Summer 2024 issue of Immaculata Magazine, which is a digital magazine, is available online here. The Class Notes section is available here. Please take some time to read about the exciting things going on at Immaculata.