Immaculata University Opens New Broadcast, Podcast and Digital Media Spaces for Student Skill Building and Career Preparation

Immaculata University students studying communication, broadcasting, podcasting and digital media now have new spaces to develop and apply their media-production skills through hands-on experience.

The University has transformed space on the terrace level of Gabriele Library to create a new Broadcast Studio, Podcast Studio and Digital Media Lab, along with additional areas for studying and collaboration.

Students recording in The Podcast Studio.

The Broadcast Studio gives students a dedicated environment to develop skills in on-camera presentation, video production, interviewing, storytelling and multimedia communication. The Podcast Studio provides space for students to develop, record and produce original audio content and conversations. The new studios were funded through the generous support of Steven Cohen and the Cohen Family.

“Together, the studios expand opportunities for students to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it in a professional setting—allowing them to begin building practical experience well before graduation,” said Melissa Rice, Ph.D., assistant professor of Communication.

The new Digital Media Lab includes computers equipped to support coursework in areas such as podcasting, broadcasting and digital media production.

The renovation also created additional quiet study areas and updated spaces for student learning and collaboration. The entryway patio of Gabriele Library was also refurbished.

View of The Broadcast Studio from the control room.

These improvements were made possible through philanthropic support from a $3.3 million legacy gift to Immaculata University, which helped make the transformation of Gabriele Library possible, along with other areas throughout the campus.

“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the donor whose $3.3 million legacy gift has enabled Immaculata to transform Gabriele Library and create spaces our students have asked for,” said Susan Arnold, vice president for Institutional Advancement. “These capital improvements will have an impact on our students now and for generations to come.”

To celebrate the opening of the new studios, Digital Media Lab and renovated library spaces, Immaculata held a plaque dedication ceremony on Oct. 1, on the terrace level of Gabriele Library.

Immaculata University President Barbara Lettiere, M.A., M.B.A., members of the Communication, English and Media Studies department, students, faculty and members of the University community gathered for the dedication and opportunity to tour the new spaces.

The ceremony included a special blessing of the new studios by the Most Reverend John J. McIntyre, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, recognizing the significance of the facilities within Immaculata’s Catholic educational mission.