Immaculata University Celebrates 50 Years of the Immaculata Invitational

For 50 years, the Immaculata Invitational has brought together golfers, alumni, friends, sponsors and University supporters for a day of friendly competition—and, more importantly, for a cause that has remained constant since the event began: supporting Immaculata students.

What started as an idea to strengthen corporate relationships and increase support for the University has become Immaculata’s longest-running fundraising event. Over five decades, the Immaculata Invitational has raised more than $2.5 million for the Immaculata Fund, helping provide scholarships and financial assistance that support students throughout their Immaculata experience.

The tradition began in 1976 when Tom Bruder, a friend and supporter of the University, approached Sister Marian William Hoben, IHM, dean of college development, about a possible golf tournament. Bruder would later become the inspiration for the golfer silhouette used in the tournament’s official logo. Together, they developed the Immaculata Invitational as a way to encourage greater corporate engagement and philanthropic support for the University.

The first Immaculata Invitational was held at the Radley Run Country Club. The event quickly became an annual tradition, introducing new corporate friends and donors to the University. By the fourth annual tournament, the event had already established itself as a fixture in the University’s fundraising efforts.

Five decades later, the Invitational’s legacy is measured not only by the golfers it has brought together, but by the students whose Immaculata experience has been strengthened by its proceeds.

Year after year, the event has helped strengthen the Immaculata Fund and provide resources that directly contribute to student success. In fact, the financial impact of the Invitational has grown along with the tradition. The 20th annual tournament brought in $40,912. By the 40th anniversary in 2015, proceeds had reached $73,000, with the funds supporting student scholarships. The following year, the tournament generated another $60,000. Over five decades, those contributions have surpassed $2.5 million.

“I look forward to attending the Immaculata Invitational every fall,” says Immaculata University President Barbara Lettiere ’72. “Who knew that a small golf outing five decades ago would end up being our longest-running fundraising venture—and that it would have such a financial impact on our students. The best part of all this is that this longstanding event benefits our students.”

A Tradition That Has Traveled

The Invitational has been hosted at some of the Philadelphia region’s most renowned golf clubs.

After the first two years at Radley Run Country Club, the tournament moved to Aronimink Country Club to accommodate its growing number of golfers. In 1984, the Invitational found a new home at Merion Golf Club, where it remained for more than two decades.

Over the years, the tournament has also been held at Inniscrone Golf Club, Philadelphia Country Club, RiverCrest Golf Club and Preserve, Stonewall, White Manor Country Club and Whitford Country Club.

Since 2019, Applebrook Golf Club, near the University in Malvern, Pa., has served as the home of the Invitational.

“We are most grateful to Applebrook and our member sponsor for their partnership and collaboration. Our sponsors and vendors are essential to the success of the event,” says Susan Arnold, vice president for Institutional Advancement at Immaculata.

While the courses, participants and even golf attire have changed dramatically since 1976, the purpose of the day has remained remarkably consistent.