By Lydia Szyjka ’09 M.A.
Campus News
Thank You to Our Donors: Villa Maria East Dedication
On Aug. 14, students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors celebrated the dedication of the newly renovated second floor of Villa Maria East, which was converted back into dorm rooms. Guests toured the new rooms that featured luxury flooring, rolling shades, energy-efficient LED lighting, brand-new furniture, new washing machines and dryers, and a new hall lounge with a TV, microwave and water bottle filling station.
Gifts from Immaculata’s donors, including many who previously lived on the second floor of Villa Maria, made the renovations possible.
Mighty Insights Speaking Series
Sreashi Das, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Arts, Languages and Letters Department, has launched the Mighty Insights Speaker Series with support from communication faculty and students. The initiative aims to spark curiosity, inspire learning and foster meaningful conversations across the Immaculata University community. Featuring experts, alumni, students, faculty and staff from diverse fields, the series provides a platform for thought-provoking discussions and collaborative learning.
At the inaugural event held Oct. 14, 2024, 75 students gathered to hear distinguished alumni share how their Immaculata experiences shaped their careers and lives. Speakers included:
- Mike Ventola ’10, professional sports broadcaster
- Denzell Wallace ’21, director of communications and marketing at the World Trade Center of Philadelphia
- Nicole McGhee ’26, current nursing student and president of IU for the Kids
Das plans to increase the frequency of the series, with additional guest speakers already scheduled for future events.
Charter Day of Giving
The Institutional Advancement team expresses their heartfelt thanks to all who participated in this fall’s fundraising programs, Charter Day of Giving and Lanterns of Love. Your generosity exceeded expectations.
Charter Day of Giving: $213,247 raised from 401 donors (goal: $125,000 from 350 donors)
Lanterns of Love: $31,200 raised from 312 donors (goal: $30,000 from 300 donors)
Alumnae Hall Enhancements
Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, the theater in Alumnae Hall is being refurbished. Scheduled for completion by early April, the project includes installing new stage lighting, refreshing the paint, expanding the stage with a pit filler and adding Immaculata branding graphics on each side of the stage. These enhancements will greatly benefit the entire campus community, as the theater is a central venue for a wide range of events including plays, concerts, special campus guests, admissions open houses and commencement ceremonies.
New Academic Programs
Master of Music Education
Immaculata University is offering a Master of Music Education degree, designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their teaching skills and expertise in contemporary music education, with personalized instruction and a capstone project to showcase students’ achievements.
Bachelor of Science in Business and Fashion
Immaculata University’s new Bachelor of Science in Business and Fashion degree, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), combines fashion courses with a strong business foundation, preparing students to navigate the connections between design, merchandising and marketing.
The Minor in Music
The Minor in Music at Immaculata offers students the opportunity to pursue their passion for music while completing their major degree program. Many of the required courses also fulfill the Liberal Arts core requirements, making it a seamless addition to their academic journey.
Achievements
AICUP awardees
Two students earned scholarships from the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP).
De-Sean Hubert ’26, accounting major, was awarded the $2,000 Commonwealth “Good Citizen” Scholarship for outstanding community service and creative volunteerism.
Gabrielle O’Brien ’26, nursing major, was awarded the $4,500 McLean Scholarship for Nursing and Physician Assistant Majors, aiding her pursuit of a career in pediatric nursing.
St. Catherine Medal
Madison Borkowski ’25 received the distinguished 2024-25 Saint Catherine of Alexandria Medal, honoring students who exemplify wisdom, fortitude and Christian service.
She is a member of the Immaculata Honors Program and consistently earns dean’s list status. As an education major with dual certification in pre-K and special education, she also minors in prelaw and plans to attend law school after graduation.
Read more about Madison Borkowski.
IBX Healthcare Scholars Recipients
Three Immaculata nursing students from underrepresented backgrounds have been recognized as Independence Blue Cross (IBX) Foundation Healthcare Scholars for their academic excellence. Recipients include:
- Naila Valdez, North Philadelphia, PA
- Anshu Patel, Pottstown, PA
- Yaskara Albarado Claros, West Chester, PA
Awards are based on various factors, including underrepresented student status, GPA, class rigor, standardized test scores and class rank. The scholarships were renewed for the students’ sophomore year, recognizing their outstanding performance and potential in nursing.
Campus Welcomes and Farewells
Welcome
Craig L. Fuller, Ph.D., MLS (ASCP)
Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions
Dr. Fuller joins Immaculata with over 13 years of academic leadership experience, most recently serving as dean of the School of Natural, Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences at Centenary University. Previously, he was an assistant professor at Parker University and taught clinical laboratory science at Eastern Michigan University. Fuller holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology from the University of Pittsburgh, a diploma in Medical Laboratory Science from Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center, and both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in biology from Baylor University.
Welcome
Kristi L. Ringen, Ed.D., MBA
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Dr. Ringen brings over 15 years of experience in higher education leadership, most recently serving as dean of the School of Business and Technology at Holy Family University. Ringen has a strong background in developing innovative academic programs, including fully online and hybrid options.
She holds an Ed.D. from Delaware Valley University, an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University.
Farewell
William Carr, D.M.A.
Steinway Artist and Professor Emeritus of Music and Piano
After 31 years of service, Dr. William Carr retired as a celebrated professor, former music department chair and distinguished pianist. Under his leadership, Immaculata earned its All-Steinway School designation. A recipient of the Lindback Teaching Award and six-time awardee of the “Top Music Teacher” by the Steinway Corporation of America, Dr. Carr leaves a legacy of excellence in music education and performance.
