By Greg Vlassopoulos ’24
2024 Immaculata Class President Kaleigh Dugan ’24 has proven her commitment to the IHM mission and embodies exceptional leadership abilities. Her tenure was marked by a dedication to fostering a sense of community and service among her classmates, aligning with the University’s core values. Majoring in English with a concentration in secondary education, Kaleigh was inducted into the Sigma Tau Delta honor society, which is an international collegiate honor society for students of English. Dugan also served as the president of the Delta Kappa Nu sorority, a member of the Student Government Association and an orientation leader at Immaculata University.
What were some reasons you chose to attend IU?
I chose to tour Immaculata just because on paper it had everything that I was looking for: the class sizes, my major, it wasn’t too far away from home. But after I came on my tour with my parents, there was something about Immaculata that just felt right. It’s hard to define in words. There was just some sort of spark where I knew that this was where I wanted to kickstart my future, and my parents felt the spark too.
What do you remember about move-in day or your first day on campus?
My first move-in day was such an exciting memory for me. I had an 8 a.m. time slot, so my family had to wake up super early that morning to pack the car and head to campus. I was so happy that I didn’t mind at all. My dad helped me set up the dorm, and my mom took so many pictures of us. And then after I was settled, I grabbed lunch with a girl in my grade who is now one of my very best friends.
Reflecting on your first year at Immaculata University to now, how has the campus transformed both physically and culturally?
It feels like Immaculata is changing and growing each day. Since my freshman year, the school has grown by adding new buildings, dorms and students, but we have also changed culturally. Each member of the Immaculata community has so much to offer, and I love that I have witnessed my peers starting new clubs and acting as advocates for our University. It has been so wonderful to be a part of something larger.
Reflecting on your leadership journey, how have you personally grown?
My leadership journey at IU has been incredibly transformative. It was not easy to step out of my comfort zone as a freshman to join student government, and I’m so grateful that I did. My role as class president has helped me strengthen my self-confidence, communication skills and my ability to work with others in a way that has allowed me to bond with so many of my peers.
What advice would you give to underclassmen on how to contribute to the University’s transformation or progress?
My advice would be to stray from your comfort zone and to get involved with something that speaks to you. Whether you’re joining a club or a sport, your contribution will help you make friends and lasting memories on campus.
What is the best advice you’ve received from a professor or faculty member?
I know this sounds a little silly, but the best advice would be the accumulation of tough love from Sister Elaine Glanz. I have taken countless classes with her since I was a freshman, and although she can be a little sassy and tough, I feel so supported by her in the department. She also made us laugh with her countless silly comments and jokes, like referring to Taylor Swift as the new Edgar Allen Poe.
What do you aspire to be, or what are your goals after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to find a job teaching high school English. I have been so inspired by the teachers in my life, and I would love to support other children in the ways that I was while also teaching a subject that I am passionate about. My semester of student teaching was such a phenomenal experience. I think it’s common to question your major at times, but this experience really helped me solidify and uncover my passion for teaching while forming connections with my very first students.
How did you meet your circle of friends?
I am fortunate to have made so many friends here at IU. Most of my friendships stem from my involvement with campus organizations, attending events and meeting friends in my classes. I would say that the best way to connect with classmates is just to put yourself out there and say hello to the people you’re seeing on campus every day.
Can you share a specific project or initiative that you led that has significantly contributed to the University’s growth?
As class president, it has been an honor to help plant some of the University’s most cherished traditions. In February, my class council hosted the annual 100 Nights Dinner and Celebration to mark the seniors’ final 100 nights as IU students. We decided to take a risk and switch up the traditional, more formal theme to a casual Wild West theme, with Chipotle catering and a mechanical bull, which made our event a huge success and caused our peers to have loads of fun. It is so rewarding to put your mark on campus events and traditions.
What’s your favorite memory of IU?
My favorite IU memories are the ones that sort of happened by accident. For example, my sophomore year, there was a really bad storm, so my roommate and I ordered a pizza and invited some friends over to play board games. We stayed up all night, and two years later, we still talk about how fun that night was.
Where do you see Immaculata University in the next five years? What role do you envision student leaders like yourself playing in reaching that vision?
In the next five years, I hope to see Immaculata continuing to thrive with a brand-new group of students. Student leaders past, present and future play such an important role in the University’s culture, so I really hope to see people stepping up and making their mark on campus. Our beautiful community is what makes IU shine, and I hope that future students continue to help us grow and progress.
What is one message you’d like to share with the senior class?
I would like to encourage my fellow seniors to embrace the journey with an open heart and an open mind. Life has so many beautiful things to offer us, but sometimes we have to get out of our comfort zones and search for it. The future is bright.
