Campus News
Campus Improvements
Several renovation projects are underway across Immaculata University to enhance both student life and campus facilities. In April, the University began renovating the Terrace Level of the Gabriel Library to create additional quiet study areas and new digital media and podcast instructional labs, with the project scheduled for completion before the start of the fall semester.
Housing capacity is also expanding through the conversion of former dining and office spaces into student residences. Renovations in Gillet Hall will create housing for 18 students, while updates to Villa Maria Hall will add accommodations for 18 more students through the conversion of second-floor offices and lounge space. Two lounges in Lourdes Hall are also being converted into dorm rooms, creating housing for four students.
In addition, plans are underway to relocate Mary’s Grotto behind the Lettiere Center, providing a safer and more accessible setting for prayer and reflection.
Campus Events
An Evening With Temple Grandin
In this inspiring talk, Temple Grandin shared her lived experience with autism to explore sensory perception, visual thinking and the power of neurodiversity, while encouraging greater understanding, inclusion and support for the autism community.
IU Hosts Phil and Judy Martelli ’75
Phil and Judy Martelli ’75 returned to campus to speak with the men’s and women’s basketball teams about leadership and teamwork.
Disaster Simulation Event
The event brought together academic disciplines, first responders and local, county and state agencies to provide students with a hands-on learning experience through a disaster scenario, equipping them with essential skills to support a community during a crisis.
Fashion Show
The 2026 IU Fashion Show celebrated creativity and innovation. The annual event highlighted the talent of Immaculata’s fashion merchandising students while showcasing the work of local designers, boutiques and industry professionals.
Achievements
Student Leadership Awards
Awards were presented to undergraduate students in recognition of their leadership and positive contributions to both the campus and the broader community.
- Legacy of 1920 Award – Kylie McGowan
- SGA Executive President Award – Samantha Rivera
- Engaged Student Leader Award – Patrick Walton
- Club/Organization of the Year Award – CogWell
- Club/Organization Advisor of the Year Award – Melissa Rice, assistant communication faculty
- RACAPADA Staff Member of the Year – Emily Eroh
- Rising Student Leader Award – Sophia Carey & Makenzie Draper
- Community Service Initiative of the Year – IU for the Kids
- Mission and Vision Award – Janisha Balagowni
- Senior Leadership Award – Aurora Piccione
- Monsignor Harnett Medal – Nicole McGhee
Broadcast Pioneers Scholarship
Alex Hayden ’28 has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia, becoming the first Immaculata University student to receive this honor. The award recognizes his dedication, curiosity, and growing skills in writing and media, demonstrated through his sports journalism work, leadership as editor of “Pilgrimages,” Immaculata’s literary magazine, and commitment to gaining experience in broadcasting and media production.
Presser Scholar Award
Emily Reid ’26 is the recipient of the Presser Foundation’s 2025-26 Undergraduate Scholar Award.
Alice Lawson Scholarships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) West Chester-Chester County Affiliate awarded the 2026/27 Alice Lawson Scholarships to two Immaculata students, Millie Medina ’27 in the nursing program, and Kenia Y. Perez Guiterrez ’28 in the education program.
Posters Under the Dome Winners
As part of Posters Under the Dome, students from various academic departments partnered with faculty mentors to conduct research, analyze data and present their findings to the University community.
- Applied Technology & Mathematics: Ananya Sriram — “Evaluating Prediction Errors in Non-Invasive Models for CAD”
- Arts, Languages, and Letters: Sarah Simpkins — “Trauma and Resilience in Holocaust Memoirs: Connecting to Modern-Day Discrimination”
- Civic Engagement: Joud Al Madanat — “Palestinian Youth Under Israeli Occupation”
- Education: Natalene Clemson, Emily Eroh, Grace Kennedy, Meghan Nowaczyk — “Supporting Special Education Students’ Writing”
- Health, Nutrition, Exercise Science: Sarah Jackson and Abby Jones — “Effectiveness of a Wellness Seminar on Improving Mental Health Outcomes in Collegiate Student-Athletes”
- Music: Sam Miller — “A Review of Medical Music Therapy In The Military”
- Natural Sciences: Abigail Butkovich — “Synthesis and Evaluation of More Selective, Non-Hydroxamic Acid HDAC Inhibitors”
- Nursing: Emma Mercadante — “In elementary school children, how does non-pharmacological pain management compared to pharmacological pain management affect the achievement of effective pain control?”
- Psychology and Counseling: Andrew Zimmer — “Parasocial Dynamics in Live Streaming”
Women’s Basketball Sweeps AEC Postseason Awards
Several members of Immaculata University’s women’s basketball team earned Atlantic East Conference postseason honors, including a sweep of the conference’s major awards.
- Carly Coleman was named Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, while also earning First Team All-Conference and Tournament MVP honors after a standout sophomore season.
- Abby Grillo received Rookie of the Year honors and was selected to the Second Team All-Conference.
- Riley Cassidy earned the Elite Scholar Award for having the highest cumulative GPA among student-athletes at the championship finals site.
- Olivia Ettorre was also named to the Second Team All-Conference after a strong season for the Mighty Macs.
Josh Weikert on the Tournament of Champions
Following his six-game winning streak on Jeopardy! last year, Immaculata University political science professor Josh Weikert returned to the Alex Trebek Stage to compete in the 2026 Tournament of Champions. In his quarterfinal game, Weikert finished third.
“The atmosphere was incredible,” Weikert said.
For Weikert, returning to Jeopardy! was about more than competition. He was most excited to reunite with fellow champions and once again test his knowledge on one of television’s most iconic stages. With more than 200,000 people taking the qualifying test each year, he considers himself fortunate to have competed twice.
