For students at Immaculata University, getting involved in campus life goes beyond joining a club; it’s about creating change, building community and discovering purpose. Two recently student-founded organizations, IU for the Kids (IU FTK) and Students Against Sexual Assault (SASA), are examples of how students are turning their passions into action.
Immaculata offers a wide range of clubs and organizations that support student interests across academics, advocacy, social activities, culture, media, the arts, professional development, leadership, spirituality and service. Whether students are seeking a creative outlet, leadership experience, or a way to give back, the University fosters a culture of engagement and impact through these groups.
IU for the Kids was launched in spring 2023 by nursing major Nicole McGhee’26, who was inspired by personal loss and a deep commitment to childhood cancer awareness. After losing two close friends to the disease, McGhee realized there was no student organization on campus focused on childhood cancer awareness and partnered with co-president Janisha Balagowni ’27 to bring the idea to life. IU FTK currently has 25 members and hosts events such as benefit games, bake sales, social media campaigns and a stress-relieving “break-a-plate” fundraiser during finals week.
The club’s sole beneficiary is the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, which provides financial support to families with children battling cancer. IU FTK partners with Immaculata Athletics through the foundation’s “B+ Heroes Program,” in which local children with cancer are “adopted” by student organizations and teams. Each child is celebrated with special events, and club members regularly attend games, shows and other moments in their heroes’ lives. “The best part of the club has been being able to connect with local families who are battling cancer and form these amazing bonds with them,” McGhee said. “Our students have really embraced our B+ Heroes.”
As co-president, McGhee said she has learned the value of clear communication, especially when coordinating with coaches and vendors. The club’s goal for the upcoming year is to expand its presence on campus and partner with more athletic teams.
Dani Griffin ’27 accepts the award for Community Service Initiative of the Year on behalf of Students Against Sexual Assault campus club/organization.
Similarly, Students Against Sexual Assault (SASA) was formed when club president and nursing major, Danielle Griffin ’27, noticed there wasn’t an active student group focused on sexual assault prevention. Along with her roommate, Danielle worked over the summer to launch the club for the fall semester, which now plays a key role in campus advocacy. “The best part was being able to help people and spread awareness about a good cause,” Griffin said. “I’ve gotten really involved and could visibly see the impact I made within the school.” SASA has led successful campaigns, including participation in Denim Day, and leverages campus TVs and posters to promote events.
Serving as a club leader has helped Griffin strengthen her planning and delegation skills. She also credits the club with connecting her to the national It’s On Us campaign, where she now serves as the leader on its National Leadership Council. It’s On Us is a public awareness campaign focused on preventing sexual assault, particularly on college campuses.
Looking ahead, SASA plans to host a “Week of Advocacy” each semester and expand its “Take Back the Night” event, an annual event to raise awareness about sexual and interpersonal violence and to support survivors, while working to engage more student-athletes.
Whether raising funds for children fighting cancer or advocating for survivors of sexual violence, students at Immaculata are creating spaces where service and leadership intersect. IU has 30+ active clubs and organizations, with about five new clubs or organizations created every academic year. New groups starting next semester are PowHER (a club for women in sports/business), National Student Leadership Society, Equestrian Team, First at IU (an organization for first-generation students). These clubs reflect the heart of the student body — small in number, but mighty in impact.