By Elizabeth Cerami
Over two decades after their mother, Ruth Arata ’82, first walked these grounds, daughters Maureen Arata ’15 and Theresa Arata ’24, followed her footsteps to Immaculata. For the Arata family, Immaculata is more than just an alma mater—it’s a tradition and a second home, fostering a deep sense of belonging and an enduring community spirit.
Ruth, hailing from Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, would be the first in her family to go to college. She earned her bachelor’s in psychology with a certification in elementary education. For her, choosing Immaculata was an easy decision. Beyond the distinguished reputation it had for its education programs, Ruth was captivated by the University the moment she arrived on her first visit. From the family atmosphere to the feeling of faith all around, she felt so welcomed.
“I loved the fact that everyone knew each other. The faculty and staff were so approachable and were truly interested in what was going on in my life and willing to help in any way. I immediately felt like I belonged there,” she reflects.
After graduating, Ruth married her high school sweetheart, Bob, and together they have five daughters.
While her personal life has been filled with joy, Arata’s professional journey has been equally rewarding. She began her career teaching fourth grade at St. Mary Magdalen School in Media, PA—a position she secured through a meaningful connection with Sister Agnes Hughes at Immaculata. Over time, Ruth’s deep passion for education and service blossomed, guiding her to her current role at Evermore in Love, a nonprofit dedicated to marriage preparation and enrichment within the Catholic Church.
Reflecting on her time at Immaculata, Ruth credits her education with shaping her professional journey in profound ways. It was at Immaculata that she learned the importance of professionalism in every aspect of her work, from crafting thoughtful lesson plans to maintaining flexibility and adaptability in the classroom. Above all, Ruth values the lessons she learned in how to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of her students, skills that have been invaluable throughout her career.
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Maureen knew teaching was her calling and earned her degree in education from Immaculata. Today, she’s a fifth-grade teacher at St. Margaret School in Narberth, PA, where she hopes to make the same lasting impact on her students that her professors had on her. However, Immaculata wasn’t always her first choice. Her decision to attend was driven not only by family tradition but also by the practicality of pursuing a career in education.
“I’ll be honest, I remember thinking, ‘There is no way I am going to Immaculata.’ However, when it came time to pick a college, that changed,” she says.
Though initially reluctant, she agreed to visit Immaculata at her mother’s suggestion. By Accepted Students Day, everything felt like it had clicked into place for her, and she felt an undeniable sense of belonging on campus.
“I am sure part of that has to do with my mom attending and hearing stories about the college growing up, but it just felt like it was where I was supposed to be,” Maureen says.
The youngest Arata sister, Theresa, also found her sense of belonging at Immaculata, inspired by her mother and older sister. Theresa graduated in the spring of 2024 with a bachelor’s in nursing. She currently works in a cardiothoracic step-down unit at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, PA.
“A lot of my decisions in life have been impacted by my sisters who have come before me. I have always been able to see what has worked well and not worked well for them, and after hearing about my mom’s time at IU and seeing for myself how much my sister enjoyed her time there, I was interested in going,” she says.
Theresa fondly remembers her time as the University’s mascot, Mac, proudly representing the University and connecting with young children involved in the Special Olympics at an Immaculata-hosted event. Another highlight of her college experience was the two service trips she took to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she made lasting memories and friendships and deepened her commitment to service.
All three agreed that their time at Immaculata profoundly shaped who they are today, leaving them with a deep sense of pride as alumnae and the knowledge that there is always a community of friends and family there for them.
For Maureen, the impact of Immaculata during her time there was especially significant. She expressed deep gratitude to the University for playing a key role in shaping both her personal and professional development.
Ruth, similarly, emphasized the lasting influence of Immaculata. She reflected, “I hope to share with our grandchildren the same thing that was shared with our girls: the importance of faith, community and family and that not all families are blood related.”
Theresa echoed her mother’s sentiments, adding, “Being an alumna means that I always have a family to return to and a strong faith connection when in good times and bad. I am grateful to be a part of such a strong alumni community. You are always welcomed back with open arms and accepted.”
