By Lydia Szyjka
Kathleen James ’74 envisions Immaculata’s future as one that evolves with the times while staying true to its values and fostering a strong community spirit. Committed to making these aspirations a reality, James has remained deeply engaged with her alma mater despite having lived thousands of miles away in San Francisco for over a decade.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, James embarked on a successful financial career, starting as a bank examiner at the FDIC. Throughout her professional journey, she maintained her connection to Immaculata, serving on the Alumni Association Board of Governors for seven years, including a term as president, and actively participating in pledge campaigns. She is a proud member of both the Maxis and Heritage giving societies, reflecting her dedication to supporting the University. She has also shared her expertise as a mentor to Immaculata’s business students.
Currently, James serves on the Immaculata University Board of Trustees and chairs its audit committee, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to Immaculata’s financial health. She remains involved in campus life by attending reunions, alumni awards events and the University’s centennial celebration.
For James, supporting Immaculata is a way of expressing gratitude for the transformative impact the University has had on her life. Fond memories of late-night dorm room chats and the exhilaration of the Mighty Macs women’s basketball team winning the first three consecutive national titles still resonate deeply with her. When “The Mighty Macs” film was released, she organized a screening of the film at the California Independent Film Festival and hosted an alumni gathering in the San Francisco Bay Area to watch the movie.
Reflecting on her time at Immaculata, James recalls the profound influence of her professors. Her most cherished memory is of Sister Marian William Hoben, IHM, professor of English. At a time in her life when James needed encouragement and a shot of confidence, Sister Marian said something that became a turning point in her life.
“I was very shy when I came to IU and lacked confidence,” James shared. As a freshman, she took an English composition class with Sister Marian, where she had to write a comparative essay. “I struggled with a topic. After we handed them in, she [Sister Marian] read a few out loud and then said she wanted to read the best one: It was mine,” James stated with pride. Sister Marian’s additional complimentary comments on her paper elevated a new sense of esteem in her and fueled her to think, “Hey, maybe I have something to offer.”
James still has that original essay. Years later, she ran into Sister Marian at an alumni event and told her how much of an impact she had had on her life when she needed it most. To encourage James not to rest on her past laurels, and in true IHM style, Sister Marian challenged James to write a follow-up essay, which she intends to do. This proved to James that “IU nurtures, continues to nurture, challenges us and continues to do so to prompt us to be the best we can be and live up to our full potential during and after our IU lives.”
For these reasons, and a multitude of others, James will continue to support Immaculata so she can be part of the growth and progress shaping the next generation of Mighty Macs.
