By Lydia Szyjka
Special Campus Events
An Evening with Jon Dorenbos
Former Philadelphia Eagles long snapper and world-class magician Jon Dorenbos visited campus, performed a magic show and shared his funny, heart-rending story of compassion, forgiveness and grit.
No-Name Pops Concert
William Carr, DMA, Steinway Artist, and Joseph Gehring, chair of the music department, joined the No-Name Pops Orchestra for a recent concert held at Immaculata. Carr and Gehring performed the Leroy Anderson Piano Concerto in C major.
Achievements
Presser Scholarship
Alexander Polidoro ’24 received the 2024 Presser Foundation Undergraduate Scholar Award. Graduating with a degree in music education, a certificate in music performance and a minor in business administration, Polidoro was a member of Immaculata’s jazz band, chorale, Immacapella group, and ensembles for piano, guitar and percussion. He was also on the men’s tennis and track and field teams. The Presser Foundation has long supported and recognized the accomplishments and contributions of a music major in his or her final year of undergraduate study. The foundation established the award to celebrate students, selected by the music faculty, who have achieved a high level of musical and academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and contributed to an inclusive community.
Academic Merit Scholarship from PICPA
Isabella Carey ’25, a double major in accounting and finance, has been awarded a $2,000 academic merit scholarship by the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs (PICPA). This scholarship is part of PICPA’s annual initiative to support students who are pursuing careers in accounting. Each year, PICPA grants numerous scholarships to both high school and college students with an interest in accounting, as well as to graduating seniors who plan to take the CPA exam, helping to alleviate some of the associated costs.
Student Research
Immaculata recognized students’ research at several events showcasing their studies, including the annual Posters Under the Dome Undergraduate Research Symposium, with over 150 students presenting their work. Three nursing students, Rita Kulemeka, Julia Darlak and Alexis Moore, explored the topic of “Spiritually Sensitive Care in the ICU: Effects on Client Morbidity” and received first place in their academic discipline.
Student Leadership Awards
Awards were presented to undergraduate students who exhibit leadership qualities that benefit the campus and community. The following students were recognized:
- Community Service Initiative of the Year: Julia Carter
- Engaged Student Leader of the Year: Gianna Ellis
- Mission and Vision Award: Mary Charnichko
- Rising Student Leader Award: De-Sean Hubert
- RACAPA of the Year: Thomas Pierce and Melody McGrogan
- Senior Leader of the Year: Nicholas Livolsi
- Legacy of 1920 Award: Peter McHugh
- Monsignor Harnett Medal: Julia Darlak
- Club/organization Advisor of the Year: Cara Davis, associate nursing faculty
Top Music Teacher
William Carr, DMA, Steinway Artist and professor of music and piano at Immaculata University has been named one of the top music teachers of the year by Steinway & Sons for the sixth consecutive year. “To be recognized by Steinway & Sons over the years as one of the best teachers in the United States is a tremendous honor that I do not take for granted,” states Carr. “Being nominated by Jacobs Music, who exemplifies the highest musical standards, makes the recognition that much more meaningful to me.”
Men’s Baseball Championship.
The Immaculata baseball team defeated Cabrini University 8-6 to capture their third consecutive Atlantic East Conference Championship. With this win, the Mighty Macs earned a berth in the NCAA tournament, where they eventually fell to North Carolina Wesleyan 4-0 in their elimination game in the NCAA Regionals. The Mighty Macs ended their season with an overall record of 27-18.
New Academic Programs
- Immaculata University is now offering a new minor in communication disorders and a new track, pre-speech pathology, in the B.S. in Allied Health.
- Starting in the fall of 2025, Immaculata will begin offering the only Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision in the area. Students who complete the 63-credit hybrid program are prepared to teach, provide clinical supervision and mentor the new generation of counselors.
The Inaugural 1920 Society Impact Award
The Independence Blue Cross (IBX) Foundation received Immaculata’s inaugural 1920 Society Impact Award. Since 2004, IBX and the IBX Foundation have supported Immaculata University’s nursing programs and provided scholarships for students at all stages of their education, including the pre-licensure B.S.N. program, the R.N. to B.S.N. program, the accelerated second-degree B.S.N. and the M.S.N. program. Lorina Marshall-Blake, president of the Foundation, accepted the award.
