Student Testimonials
Josh Evans
SAIU (Freshman Class VP, Sophomore Class President), Tau Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Programming Board, Search Retreat, After School Pals,
New Student Orientation 2009 Chair, First Year Experience (FYE) Student Mentor
Being a student at Immaculata University has helped me to grow in so many ways. I never had any set plans of where I wanted to go to college, but something led me to IU and I would not change it for the world. I don’t consider the people I have met here as friends, but I consider them a family. That is a quality at Immaculata that you can’t find everywhere. Being involved in many different activities, gives you new families to go to every time you need something. Being an IU student means you always have someone there to help.
Getting involved is one of the best decisions a person can make here at IU. You learn so much from so many diverse people and it can only better the college experience. You meet classmates and faculty alike and form new bonds, new relationships that not everyone takes the initiative to gain.Video Interview
Shantiana Duchatellier
Emerging Leaders Program, Programming Board, Resident Assistant, MFLA, Heritage Week, Multicultural Week, International Education Week, Best Buddies.
My IU experience has meant so much to me because it has helped me grow as a person. I feel that I can be in the real world right now and that I can handle anything. Immaculata University has challenged me and believed in me. I feel welcomed and appreciated. Staff and faculty honor and recognize my work, which means a lot to me. As an RA and an ELP member I learned how to become more independent, flexible, outgoing, how to deal with different situations and how to make smart decisions.
My words of advice to get involved at Immaculata University are: ask questions, if there is something you are interested in and it is not offered, create it! Read your emails. Socialize and meet as many people as possible. Stay more on campus. Challenge yourself, and finally, enjoy what you do.
Paul McAndrew
Programming Board, Modern Foreign Language Association, Phi Alpha Theta, Campus Ministry, Search I and II Retreats, Freshmen Retreat, Education Council, Teacher Education Sub-Committee, Mascot Team (Mac Pack), Student Admissions Representative, IU Honor Society
My IU Experience has really changed me as a person, both mentally and socially. When I first came to Immaculata from my high school, I was a shy and quiet individual, save for when I was with my closest friends. Also, I really did not step out of my comfort zone often and step up to leadership positions as much as I could have. When I arrived, I immediately clung to one of my acquaintances from high school, and though we are excellent friends today, by no means is she the only one I talk to and hang out with. The catalyst that really took me out of my shell at Immaculata was Novaremus, a retreat for freshmen that I attended at the beginning of my first spring semester. There, I spent some time with and became friends with every single one of the retreats through a weekend of prayer, reflection, and fun. In addition, the leaders who gave the talks, who were upper classmen, gave me some inner momentum to change who I was. Over that weekend, I slowly became a more social person as I began to extend my group of friends. That spark helped me to become more social, learn how to become a leader (I led that same retreat the next year), and made me find the person I am today. Through this and all my experiences at Immaculata, I have learned who I truly am and I have not regretted making my decision to come here ever since.
I think that it is crucial to be involved within the university. I suggest that a new freshman try anything that slightly appeals to their interest. I got involved in stage crew my first semester, and while I did not continue the activity, I put myself out there into the unknown. While many freshmen don’t know the students around them when they arrive, getting involved at Immaculata helps break down the barrier of awkwardness and gets you to know your fellow students. The same thing happened to everyone I know who got involved in at least one activity, so it’s bound to be true for any student who does the same.Video Interview
Betsy Trego
Programming Board, Mac Mentor Chair 2008-2009, Dance Company, Education Council, Psychology Club, Active Minds, New Student Orientation(Student Leader)
My experience at Immaculata has been positive. Getting involved in many different activities made me more sociable with my peers and helped me grow as a person. When I was hired as the chair of Mac Mentors in 2008, I was presented with a challenging task. This opportunity taught me how to work with students, staff, and faculty. I learned how to deal with certain situations including working with students that are not participating and placing student leaders in the positions that would best benefit them and the new students. This really helped me grow as a student leader. Another positive experience I have had is involvement with New Student Orientation. It was the student leaders in my own orientation that made me feel welcome and good about being at IU that made me want to be one of those team leaders and make new students feel welcome to their new home. I have been a part of New Student Orientation every year and love helping the new students. My educational experience has been positive as well. The teachers are great and love working with you. If I ever have a problem or need help I know I can contact them. They are willing to work with you if they know you care. People come and go, classes change from year to year but one thing remains constant: Immaculata will always be your home away from home.
Get involved as soon as possible! The sooner you do it the more opportunities you will have and the more friends you can make! Graduation comes quick! Make sure you try new things; you will meet many different people. As a Student Leader at IU, I find the more I’m involved in,the better I am at managing my time!
Nicholas Volpe
Sigma Zeta, Association of Computing Machinery (Computer Club), Cue and Curtain Stage Crew, IU YouTube Channel, Student Assistant to the Vice President of Student Affairs, Tutor
My experience at Immaculata has been great. I have become more independent, hard-working, and have even held some student leadership roles including secretary of Sigma Zeta, a national science and mathematics honor society and secretary of the IU chapter of the Association of Computing Machinery. IU has the most supportive environment I've ever been in. There are so many professors, staff, faculty, and students able and willing to help whenever you're in need. Most importantly, I have developed many friendships that I am confident will last a lifetime and at the same time I am pursuing my dream with a degree in Information Technology.
My advice for getting involved at Immaculata University is set goals for what you want to accomplish and what you want to get involved in. If something your interested in doesn't exist, there's a way to make it happen. Make sure you keep track of your goals and add to them often. I set a goal of getting involved in more activities outside of those related to my major and as a result discovered that I enjoy working in Cue and Curtain in Theatre.
Michael J. Hermansen
IU YouTube Channel, Commuter Council Chair, Tau Kappa Sigma Executive Board, New Student Orientation, Residence Council Secretary/Treasurer, Student Assistant to the Vice President of Student Affairs, Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE), Empty Bowl, Programming Board, Intramural Volleyball, Athletics Work Study, Mac Mentor Team Leader, Campus Ministry, Business Department Tutor
My experience at Immaculata has been exceptional; from all the friends I have made to the academic programs I have been through, I would not want to be anywhere else. I never really got involved in things in high school, but upon entering IU I found that by getting involved I could make great connections with other students, faculty and administration which will absolutely benefit my future. Without the experience I have gained at IU and the people I have met and became close with I could not be the person I am today. I am glad I came to Immaculata and would not trade it for anything in the world.
There are many reasons to love Immaculata, any incoming students should pursue their interest immediately so that they can build the connections and gain the experience to change their life. In addition to all the campus activity and organizations that it is so easy to get involved with, the university has put so much support into the services and resources for students on campus and for their future. It is always important to take advantage of campus resources such as the library, computers, tutoring, Math Center and Writing Center, but also be sure to check out the programs available from the different academic departments, career services, athletics, campus ministry, and all other areas.
Amanda Holdorf
Immaculata Undergraduate Honor Society, Sigma Zeta – Mathematics and Science Honor Society, Theta Alpha Kappa: Treasurer – Theology Honor Society, Campus Ministry, Peru Mission Teaching Experience, Macs for Life
Catholic Leadership Institute Hero’s Journey, Math Center Tutor, Tennis, Emerging Leaders Program, Math Club
Habitat for Humanity, Mac Mentor, Knitting Club, Into the Streets
They say that college is supposed to be the best four years of your life. Well, I can honestly say that in my time here at Immaculata, that really has proven true. As a real homebody, I never thought I could get used to or enjoy being away at school. But Immaculata quickly became my home away from home. I immediately fell into an amazing group of friends who have become like family. Then through classes, life in the residence halls, and various activities, I have come to meet so many more people whom I cannot imagine life without. One particular experience that I will never forget is my trip to Peru for a month. I was able to visit and teach in the schools run by the IHM Sisters while learning about the culture and enjoying the company of friendly and kind people. That was one of the most eye-opening and fulfilling adventures I have ever had. It is nearly impossible to put into words what it meant to me. Besides my trip to Peru, another defining factor for me has been my position as an officer of Macs for Life, the pro-life group on campus. We are able to stand up for what we believe and promote the sanctity of life through events such as prayer services, volunteering at pregnancy centers, donating baby items, and attending the March for Life. These are just a few of the activities that I look forward to after a busy day of class. Let’s just say that bored is not a word in my vocabulary, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. These are years full of experiences and memories, new-found friendships and hard-earned knowledge that I would not trade for the world.
Being involved on campus is crucial to the college experience. There is so much more to school than academics alone. This is a time of discovering who you are and who you want to become. What better way is there than to try out a new hobby or meet a group of people who are going through the same situations as you? By actively participating in clubs and events, you will find friends with common interests and gain a sense of belonging to something great. By the end of college you will, without a doubt, have memories to last a lifetime.
Jeffrey J. DiGiacomo
Golf Team, Resident Assistant,
Mac Mentor, Intramurals,
Brother of the TKS Fraternity, Housing Project Assistant (summer job),
New Student Orientation
My Immaculata experience has been a time of growing, change, becoming a stronger person and figuring out what I want to do in the future. When you are at Immaculata, you know everyone as if they were part of your family. I have had tons of great experiences at IU, but by far my favorite is going to sporting events with all my friends making as much noise as possible to cheer our athletes on and that includes volleyball and tennis; my friends and I do not miss out on any sport so expect us there at all times.
Being a resident assistant on campus, I got a great sense of leadership and teamwork roles that affected me tremendously as a person and prepared me for my future career. You earn a great understanding of different cultures, lifestyles, and where people come from. My IU experience has made me truly who I am today and I would not change it for the world. It has been a time and place for challenging myself through extremes that I thought I would never pass by. My IU experience is a thrill that will keep on rolling to the day I graduate.
Sitting in your room is not an option at school. Get out of your room, check out back campus and come with an open mind. Be a part of the Immaculata University family, and get involved, do not hold anything back. Voice your ideas, opinions and things you would like to see. If I could tell you one thing that has made me who I am today, it was without a doubt becoming a leader here at Immaculata. It’s a rush and responsibility that will make you grow as a person. Start a club or try something new that you usually wouldn’t do. There is always something going on around campus: sporting events, Greek life, programming board, dances, and plenty more.
Alex Hughes-Taylor
Resident Assistant, Cue and Curtain, ,Student Association of Immaculata University, Paintball Club, Greek Life, the Immaculatan,
Lacrosse, Mac Mentors, NSO student leader, Tutoring, Duffy’s Cut Project, Campus Ministry, Peru Service Trip, Intramural sports.
My experience here at Immaculata University has been a great one and I would not trade for anything. Immaculata allowed me to grow as a leader by offering me so many opportunities to get involved and take charge. This past year I was honored to be voted in as the President of the Student Association of Immaculata University, our form of student government. This position allowed me to hold one the highest offices a student can hold on campus. With this new responsibility to the student body I developed, with the assistance of my fellow SAIU officers, a new constitution for our organization. The new SAIU is focused on being a student government that advocates issues on behalf of student body. This leadership opportunity along with my position as a Resident Assistant have taught me great deal about leadership and how to work with others to get goals accomplished. I will miss Immaculata, but I am certain that it has prepared me for anything I might face in the future.
My advice is simple, get involved. The students here at Immaculata University are very friendly and are always looking for more people to be involved. If you have never been a person to get involved try to find at least one club or organization that best fits you. It will enhance your experience tenfold.
Timothy M. Flanigan
Lacrosse Team, Sergeant in Arms of Tau Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Intramural Volleyball and Basketball, Work Study for Athletics, Campus Ministry
My experience at Immaculata University has been nothing short of amazing. At Immaculata, I have received a well rounded education. With my major, in Criminology; I have acquired the knowledge that will benefit me and my future in a law enforcement career. Through my involvement as an executive board member in the Tau Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the Men’s Lacrosse team, I have gained great leadership and teamwork skills. I have created long lasting friendships, memories that will never be forgotten and I will forever cherish my time here at Immaculata University.
My advice to an incoming student would be to become involved in all campus activities. Allowing yourself to open up and explore your interests will greatly affect your Immaculata experience. The faculty and students are extremely welcoming and are always looking to make new friends. Focusing on your academic achievements is also a factor in the balance of a college student’s life. The faculty is extremely knowledgeable and will stop at nothing to help a student succeed. I also encourage you to take advantage of the campus resources such as the library, tutoring, and the math and writing centers. These are excellent resources that help reinforce what you learned in classes and can really help you get through classes you might struggle in.
Bridget Welz
Women's Basketball, Exercise Science Club, Intramural volleyball and softball, Work Study, Campus Ministry Projects
My experience here at Immaculata University has been an awesome experience. Immaculata University's value-based academic excellence and personal attention is what every student should yearn for in a college. As a member of the Immaculata Women’s Basketball team and being a student-athlete I have grown into a well rounded individual. I am able to excel on the court as well as in the classroom. The coaches and athletic department here at Immaculata do an exceptional job making sure you are on the right track to success. Your teammates become your family; these girls are the first to celebrate a victory and the first to pick you up when you are having a bad day. As well as others here at Immaculata do the same. The passion and dedication of those at IU has given me a great experience that I wish everyone could experience through their time at college. At Immaculata you not only receive a great education but you become a part of a great family.
The transition from high school to college can be a scary change but I learned that by getting involved is the best way to settle in and to become a part of the IU family. It is important to be yourself. Here at Immaculate there is something for everyone, so don't be afraid to explore possibilities. Believe!