New Online Academic Programs
Immaculata is offering two new online degree programs, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Strategic Leadership. Both programs are 30 credits and competitively priced at $500 per credit, totaling $15,000. Courses are offered through synchronous online delivery in seven-week sessions, which may be completed in five semesters. Students in either the online MBA or the online master’s in strategic leadership can delve into specific areas related to business and earn stand-alone certificates or build stackable credentials to advance their careers. Additionally, Immaculata’s undergraduate students can enroll in a 4+1 program where they take two classes (six credits) during their senior year, then take the remaining eight classes (24 credits) as a graduate student over the following 14 months.
Grants and scholarships
Pi Gamma Mu Scholarships
Allison Stein, a Psy.D. student, and Stephanie Kohler, who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, received scholarships from Pi Gamma Mu, the international social sciences honor society, for which Immaculata hosts the Pennsylvania Alpha Rho chapter. The students were selected for the scholarship based upon their scholarly aptitude and accomplishments.
“Allison and Stephanie are great examples of the kind of dedicated and thoughtful students that call Immaculata home, and it’s wonderful to see their efforts recognized,” stated Joshua Weikert, Ph.D., faculty advisor for the chapter and associate professor and chair of the department of civic engagement.
Additionally, Immaculata’s chapter of Pi Gamma Mu was named a Chapter of Distinction. Stein serves as the student chapter president.
W.W. Smith Charitable Trust
Immaculata University received a grant of $87,000 for the 2022–2023 academic year from the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust. This year, 22 worthy full-time undergraduate students were awarded scholarships provided by the trust.
Grant Addresses Nursing Shortage
The Chester County Economic Development Foundation (CCEDF), through Health Care Connect, has given Immaculata University $32,000 toward scholarships for students enrolled in the University’s accelerated second-degree nursing program designed for people who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field and would like to transition into health care. Eight students received a $4,000 scholarship as a way to address the nursing shortage.
Campus Activities
Dedication of the Parsons Science Pavilion
The Parsons Science Pavilion was dedicated at the beginning of the fall semester. The new building offers top-notch laboratories and equipment to allow students to explore scientific concepts, conduct experiments and gain research experience with faculty mentorship. Students have access to modern learning spaces dedicated to general biology, anatomy and physiology, and environmental biology and ecology.
Immaculata Launches First@IU Mentoring
College is challenging and can sometimes be more difficult for first-generation students, those whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. In response to these needs, Immaculata launched First@IU, a unique program dedicated to helping students succeed as they progress on their academic journeys.
First@IU helps students connect with other first-generation students, build a strong and collaborative network and meet mentors made up of faculty and staff from various backgrounds who were first-generation students themselves. In addition, students can learn about resources to help pay for college, build skills for academic success, feel more encouraged and empowered, and plan for their careers.
Fall Cue & Curtain Production
The Cue and Curtain theatre program performed “The Entire Pilgrims’ Journey (in 40 minutes or less),” a hilarious retelling of the pilgrims’ journey on the Mayflower. Kelly Gebhardt, D.M.A., an adjunct professor of music at Immaculata, directed the fall play.
Women’s Basketball Championship Banner
The Mighty Macs, who were the NCAA’s Division III Atlantic East Conference women’s basketball champions, unveiled their championship banner to start the 2022–2023 season.
Student Achievement
St. Catherine Medal
Breanna Kratz ’23 received the prestigious Saint Catherine of Alexandria Medal for 2022–2023. The medal was presented during the Mass of the Holy Spirit and is given based on leadership and service to the institution. Kappa Gamma Pi, a national honor society for graduates of Catholic colleges, sponsors this medal, which is named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who represents wisdom, fortitude and Christian service.
As a music therapy major with a minor in psychology, Kratz is taking graduate-level music therapy courses during her senior year. She is the president of the Immaculata University Honor Society, captain of the women’s swimming team, mentor for first-year students and personal relations representative for the music therapy club. Every Sunday, Kratz sings for the 11 a.m. campus Mass, and she also offered her talents for a parish retreat.
