Immaculata Magazine

Winter 2024 Issue
IU Leadership and Service

From TV to Fashion to Communications, Alice Demery Travis Broke Barriers

Winter 2024

From Trauma to Triumph: How Kendall Reese Pivoted From Poverty and Depression to Healing and Service

Growing up in poverty and surrounded by violence, Kendall Reese transformed his life through a combination of social support, education, mental health and employment. He vowed to help others like him, offering hope to his Philadelphia community by mentoring youth and formerly incarcerated people.

Melodic Magic: Carmen Flórez-Mansi’s Chorus Hit the High Notes

Conductor Carmen Flórez-Mansi leads ensembles in magical music-making, inviting each member to contribute their voice to a creative collaboration. She and her choruses have performed at venues from Carnegie Hall to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Check out the playlist with some of her favorite music.

A Tradition of Service and Volunteerism

Immaculata’s culture of caring inspires members of the IU community to serve in myriad ways, offering food, homework help, baby supplies, flu shots, fundraising dollars, cards, clean-up and home-building assistance, and the simple gift of their presence.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

I am honored to share with you the wonderful demonstrations of leadership and service that exemplify the spirit of Immaculata University.

As you read the stories of our extraordinary alumni and students, you will quickly learn that IU leaders emerge from diverse backgrounds, and each brings different styles and contributions to the table.

Consider, for instance, the remarkable journey of Alice Demery Travis ’65, who broke down barriers not only for herself but for other Black journalists who followed in her footsteps. Likewise, the inspiring life story of Kendall Reese ’15 M.A. continues to reverberate as he exemplifies transformative leadership by dedicating himself to changing lives in communities struggling to break out of poverty.

As we illustrate the stellar traits of our students and graduates, you will read how our students learn from day one that service is part of the IHM tradition. You will read about the impressive array of service initiatives from the fall 2023 semester, which reinforce the importance we place on service.

We live our mission statement every day, and it is very gratifying to know that even our graduates and former employees have taken their experience here at Immaculata with them and shared it with others. This is what defines Immaculata University.

Barbara Lettiere ’72

Former Cabrini Students Find a New Home Under the Dome

Amid the unexpected announcement of Cabrini University’s closure at the end of this academic year, Immaculata University swiftly extended a helping hand to displaced students. Twenty-four former Cabrini students found a new home at Immaculata.

Witticisms and Words of Wisdom: Alumni Memories of Immaculata Professors

Alumni shared memories of their professors—favorite quips and quotes, an unforgettable class activity with Nerf guns, a teacher’s no-fail trick to get a class’s attention and more.

Wilderness Wonders: IU Students Dive into Ecology with Audubon Society

Three students and a biology professor visited Maine for a field experience with the National Audubon Society, where they witnessed stunning biodiversity, studied entomology and ecology, explored forests and tidal zones and analyzed vegetation data.

Class Agents Serve as Ambassadors between Graduation Classes and the University

Meet two exemplary class agents who enjoy the win-win of staying in touch with classmates while serving Immaculata!

The College of Graduate Studies and Research Celebrates 40 Years

The College of Graduate Studies and Research (CGSR) marks its 40th anniversary, reflecting on its evolution from a modest start in 1983 to offering a diverse range of advanced degrees. The institution, responsive to the needs of working adults, introduced part-time evening and Saturday classes, expanding over the years to include programs in various fields.

Faculty Farewell

The Immaculata community bid a fond farewell to these members of the faculty and administration. M.E. Jones was named professor emerita and is now teaching high school math. Longtime chemistry professor Sister Ann Immaculata Gallagher and associate dean of the ACCEL program Agnes Timothy passed away last summer.