Immaculata Magazine

Summer 2023 Issue

IU alum Zack Robie ’11 tried something new in his career and encourages his robotics and engineering students to experiment with innovative designs.

Inside IU’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Classes: Boost Your Creativity with These 4 Habits

Assistant professor Elaine Perignat, Ph.D., from Immaculata’s Department of Business, Fashion and Leadership Department, provides tips to help people become more creative.

Using Music to Calm, Comfort and Connect

Dan Benonis ’13, ’15 M.A. uses the unique power of music to connect with a range of clients—from people on the autism spectrum to those with substance use disorders—and guide them toward healing.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

I am very excited about this edition of Immaculata Magazine because it focuses on two key concepts that continue to be a part of the Immaculata legacy: creativity and innovation.

For today’s students who will eventually become future leaders, creative problem-solving and decision-making are critical skills to master. Our world is in desperate need of these skills, and I am pleased Immaculata is providing opportunities for our students to think “beyond the textbook” so they can better understand not only the “what” but also the “how” and “why” of their learning processes.

The magazine is full of examples of how our faculty, students and alumni are demonstrating the importance of creativity in examining everyday problems and global issues. With numerous opportunities to express themselves creatively, students broaden their classroom learning and expand their worldviews. I do enjoy seeing how Immaculata students and alumni put their learning to use.

There is always more work to do in this regard, and I am pleased that we have the opportunity in this edition of the magazine to show you the creative and innovative ways our students are learning. Please don’t forget that your support enables us to provide these opportunities for our students to be successful in their studies, careers and lives. Thank you for all you do to support our mission. I invite you all to turn the page and start reading the articles and catching up with what is happening here at Immaculata.

Barbara Lettiere ’72

Q&A with Ellie Loose, Senior Class President

The president of the Class of 2023 discusses why Immaculata is special and how her experience changed her. Loose also raves about her involvement with Cue and Curtain and how she coordinated Cotillion during COVID-19.

Curiosity, Exploration and Discovery: Student Research at Immaculata

Students presented their academic research at various events during the spring semester. They explored topics such as how nurses manage incivility through training and how fast leaves of oak and heaths grow after wildfires compared to unburned sites.

Corporate & Community Partners

Immaculata is involved in the local community and that involvement helps students secure internships and launch career opportunities. At a recent event, several faculty and administrators met with IU’s community partners to foster these relationships.

Nia Bailey: Treating and Advocating for Young Women with Breast Cancer

As a radiation therapist, Nia Imani Bailey ’14, DPA, M.A.ED., RT(T) treats young women diagnosed with breast cancer. To honor these women, she produced a documentary, “A Letter to My Sisters: A Breast Cancer Documentary for Young Women.”

Commencement 2023: Travel, Serve Others and Accept Challenges

Immaculata held its 99th annual commencement ceremonies where 487 students earned degrees. Several students were also recognized with prestigious academic medals.

Staying Connected: Immaculata University Reunion 2023

The Class of 1973 became Golden Macs and 45 classmates returned to IU for their 50th reunion. Additionally, class years ending in “3” and “8” noted special celebrations as well. Almost 170 alumni from class years 1961 through 2019 were on hand to reminisce and rekindle friendships.

The Immaculata University Alumni Awards 2023

The annual Alumni Awards is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. Read about this year’s recipients of the Scientia Floret Virtute Award, Mother Camilla Maloney Award, Alumni Medal and the Amethyst Award.

From Lab to Classroom to Alumni Board

Nancy Burke’s career path has taken her from biology labs to classrooms at all educational levels. Now, she is finally back at her alma mater as the incoming president of the Alumni Association Board of Governors.

Mom and Daughter Advance Their Careers with Immaculata Degrees

Meet IU alumnae Denise Teti ’09 and her daughter Jennifer Teti ’10. Denise earned her R.N. to B.S.N. and has been a nurse for over 50 years. Jennifer majored in human performance management and is a supervisor for QVC’s culinary department and oversees food styling for the production of live shows.

Summer 2023 Issue

The Arts at Immaculata

Full Circle: Alum Calls Upon IU Lessons to Foster Creativity in the Classroom