Our Lady of Victory - Immaculata University
Our Lady of Victory - Immaculata University
Our Lady of Victory - Immaculata University
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IMMACULATA<br />
MAGAZINE FALL 2007<br />
<strong>Our</strong> <strong>Lady</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Victory</strong><br />
Movie Mania Hits Home<br />
Welcome<br />
MAC!
CAMPUSNEWS<br />
CAMPUSNEWS<br />
President’s Term Extended<br />
On Monday, April 23, 2007, the board <strong>of</strong> trustees voted to appoint<br />
Sister R. Patricia Fadden, IHM, to a second five-year term as<br />
president <strong>of</strong> <strong>Immaculata</strong> <strong>University</strong>. Sister began her tenure as<br />
president in July 2002.<br />
During Sister’s first presidential term, many dramatic changes took<br />
place at <strong>Immaculata</strong>, including implementation <strong>of</strong> university status,<br />
formation <strong>of</strong> the Women’s College Viability Task Force, welcoming the<br />
first traditional-age coeducational class in 2005, and the creation <strong>of</strong> a<br />
ten-year Campus Master Plan that included the building <strong>of</strong> Draper<br />
Walsh Stadium.<br />
Highlights <strong>of</strong> academic accomplishments during her<br />
tenure include establishment <strong>of</strong> a Master <strong>of</strong><br />
Science in Nursing degree; a Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Science<br />
in Marketing Management; and three new<br />
Associate <strong>of</strong> Science degrees in biology,<br />
mathematics/computer science, and<br />
information technology. In 2006,<br />
<strong>Immaculata</strong> ushered in its first<br />
undergraduate accelerated online<br />
program in organization dynamics.<br />
Available in 2007 are three additional<br />
online <strong>of</strong>ferings in financial<br />
management, health care management,<br />
and human performance management.<br />
Graduation<br />
Over 619 students graduated at commencement ceremonies<br />
held at the Valley Forge Convention Center on May 20.<br />
Dr. John Haas, president <strong>of</strong> the National Catholic Bioethics Center<br />
and president <strong>of</strong> the International Institute for Culture in Philadelphia,<br />
received the honorary doctorate degree as Doctor <strong>of</strong> Laws.<br />
Sister Mary Scullion, Director <strong>of</strong> Project H.O.M.E. in Philadelphia,<br />
received the <strong>Immaculata</strong> Medal and served as the commencement<br />
speaker.Awarded for the first time in 1976, the <strong>Immaculata</strong> Medal<br />
has been bestowed over the years on men and women who have<br />
publicly exercised creative leadership or given evidence <strong>of</strong> sound<br />
scholarship in the arts, letters, sciences, or pr<strong>of</strong>essions, or served the<br />
university in an extraordinary manner.These are individuals whose<br />
lives are consistent with the highest values and aspirations <strong>of</strong><br />
Catholic education.<br />
In her address to the graduates, Sister Mary Scullion said,“Your<br />
degree will buy you power and influence.” She urged them “to<br />
promote the common good and the dignity and worth <strong>of</strong> each<br />
person.” n<br />
Author <strong>of</strong> 1776 to speak at IU<br />
Pulitzer Prize winning author David McCullough will visit<br />
<strong>Immaculata</strong> on Friday, October 26, at 7 p.m. in Alumnae Hall for a<br />
book signing and lecture about his book 1776. <strong>Immaculata</strong> will<br />
host the event sponsored by the Chester County Library System,<br />
The Chester County Book Company, <strong>Immaculata</strong> <strong>University</strong>, and<br />
the Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund. Books will be available for<br />
purchase before and after the lecture. Reservations are required for<br />
admittance. For further information about the event, contact Diane<br />
Gring at 610-280-2615. n<br />
IU Online Now Includes<br />
Four ACCEL Majors<br />
<strong>Immaculata</strong>’s College <strong>of</strong> LifeLong Learning (CLL) now <strong>of</strong>fers four<br />
accelerated degree completion programs completely online.<br />
Students may enroll from all over the world in Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Arts<br />
degrees in financial, health care, and human performance<br />
management, and in the BA in organization dynamics.As Elke<br />
Franke, Dean <strong>of</strong> CLL, explains,“Each <strong>of</strong> the programs is carefully<br />
structured, but students have the freedom to take some courses out<br />
<strong>of</strong> sequence.They also may enroll in elective courses concurrently<br />
with their major. After an extensive online orientation, even<br />
students with little online experience are ready to engage in this<br />
very interactive learning experience, anytime and from anyplace.” n<br />
e2campus<br />
In the aftermath <strong>of</strong> occurrences at Virginia Tech in April 2007,<br />
<strong>Immaculata</strong> has established a new campus notification system,<br />
e2campus.<br />
e2campus is a system that is capable <strong>of</strong> sending notifications instantly<br />
and simultaneously to all in our <strong>Immaculata</strong> <strong>University</strong> community<br />
who choose to participate. Notifications can be sent out to two<br />
wireless devices (cellular telephone, Blackberry, wireless PDA, pager)<br />
and/or 2 email addresses.<br />
This system will be the fastest way to receive notifications on<br />
weather related emergencies in which the university is closing or<br />
for critical notifications regarding safety and well being.<br />
Registration for the new system is voluntary. n<br />
A Fond Farewell<br />
After 42 years <strong>of</strong> teaching at<br />
<strong>Immaculata</strong>, Sister Virginia<br />
Assumpta McNabb, associate<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> accounting and<br />
former chair <strong>of</strong> the business<br />
department, has retired.<br />
Move-in Day<br />
The campus came alive this August when over 300 freshmen began<br />
their experience at <strong>Immaculata</strong>. For the third year since the university<br />
became coed in 2005, over 300 freshmen have entered each year.<br />
A Chronicle <strong>of</strong> Faith<br />
In celebration <strong>of</strong> the 200 year legacy <strong>of</strong> the Archdiocese <strong>of</strong><br />
Philadelphia, 1808-2008, <strong>Immaculata</strong> will host a scholarly conference<br />
on April 4, 2008. Keynote speaker for the event will be Christopher<br />
Kauffman, PhD, pr<strong>of</strong>essor at Catholic <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> America and<br />
editor <strong>of</strong> the “U.S. Catholic Historian.” <strong>Immaculata</strong> welcomes the<br />
submission <strong>of</strong> conference papers with topics related to the Church<br />
in Philadelphia. Conference registration and information may be<br />
found at www.immaculata.edu/chronicle<strong>of</strong>faith. n<br />
<strong>Immaculata</strong> –Thomas Jefferson<br />
<strong>University</strong> Partnership<br />
<strong>Immaculata</strong> <strong>University</strong> recently signed an articulation agreement with<br />
Jefferson College <strong>of</strong> Health Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals <strong>of</strong> Thomas Jefferson<br />
<strong>University</strong>.This agreement allows students from <strong>Immaculata</strong> to<br />
receive a quality education at <strong>Immaculata</strong> in addition to a strong<br />
clinically focused health education at Jefferson.The programs selected<br />
for the articulation agreement include Physical Therapy, Occupational<br />
Therapy, Bioscience Technologies, and Radiologic Sciences.<br />
Students in this program will follow a specific three-year curricular<br />
track at <strong>Immaculata</strong> that will include the prerequisite coursework<br />
needed to transfer into the programs at Thomas Jefferson <strong>University</strong>.<br />
Credits earned during the first year at Jefferson will be counted<br />
toward the completion <strong>of</strong> <strong>Immaculata</strong>’s B.S. degree in Exercise<br />
Science or Allied Health. Students who have completed the<br />
articulated <strong>Immaculata</strong> curriculum, must have a GPA <strong>of</strong> at least 3.0,<br />
and have earned at least a C in all prerequisite coursework which will<br />
transfer into the appropriate program at Thomas Jefferson <strong>University</strong>.<br />
“This exciting partnership demonstrates the leadership <strong>of</strong> two<br />
educational institutions in responding to the need for well prepared<br />
health care pr<strong>of</strong>essionals and further affords students the opportunity<br />
to participate in well planned, strong, and structured academic<br />
programs,” commented Sister Carroll M. Isselmann, IHM, vice<br />
president <strong>of</strong> Academic Affairs. n<br />
Theresa Shank Grentz Returns to <strong>Immaculata</strong><br />
Theresa Shank Grentz ‘74, a member <strong>of</strong><br />
all three national championship<br />
basketball teams at <strong>Immaculata</strong> has<br />
returned to work at her alma mater in<br />
the position <strong>of</strong> assistant to the vice<br />
president for student affairs. After 12<br />
seasons as head coach <strong>of</strong> women’s<br />
basketball at the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Illinois,<br />
she decided to step down. She began<br />
her coaching career at St. Joseph’s<br />
<strong>University</strong> and then went on to become head coach at Rutgers<br />
<strong>University</strong>, where she won a national championship. In 1992, she<br />
coached the U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team—a total <strong>of</strong> 33<br />
years in coaching. Theresa was inducted into the Women’s Basketball<br />
Hall <strong>of</strong> Fame in 2001.<br />
Sister Patricia Fadden commented on Theresa’s return, “We are<br />
thrilled that she has returned to <strong>Immaculata</strong>, bringing her wealth <strong>of</strong><br />
knowledge and experience.”<br />
Dr. William Watson Receives Lindback Award<br />
Presented at commencement ceremonies<br />
on May 20, the 2006-2007 Lindback<br />
Distinguished Teaching Award was<br />
received by William E. Watson, PhD,<br />
associate pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> history. Each year<br />
the award is granted to a faculty member<br />
who has demonstrated excellence in<br />
teaching.<br />
Dr. Watson obtained a BA in history from<br />
Eastern College and an MA and PhD from<br />
the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Pennsylvania and wrote<br />
his dissertation on The Hammer and the Crescent: Contacts<br />
between Andalusi Muslims, Franks, and their Successors in<br />
Three Waves <strong>of</strong> Muslim Expansion into Francia. A member <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>Immaculata</strong> faculty since 1988, Dr. Watson developed and taught a<br />
minor in Middle Eastern Studies.<br />
He has published numerous articles and books, including The<br />
Collapse <strong>of</strong> Communism in the Soviet Union; Tricolor and<br />
Crescent: France and the Islamic World; and most recently The<br />
Ghosts <strong>of</strong> Duffy’s Cut: The Irish Who Died Building America’s<br />
Most Dangerous Stretch <strong>of</strong> Railroad, which was written with J.<br />
Francis Watson, John Ahtes, and Earl Schandelmeier.<br />
A frequent consultant and commentator for television, radio and print,<br />
Dr. Watson has worked with BBC-Ulster, RTE Ireland, Spin-103, CBS-<br />
KYW 3, ABC-WPVI 6, FOX 29, and CN-8. He is a regular contributor to<br />
History: Reviews <strong>of</strong> New Books and Salem Press history<br />
encyclopedias.<br />
1 I IMMACULATA MAGAZINE FALL 2007<br />
IMMACULATA MAGAZINE FALL 2007 I 2
CAMPUSNEWS<br />
Head Field Hockey Coach Named<br />
The campus is beautiful at<br />
Stacy Mengel has been<br />
this time <strong>of</strong> year. Why<br />
not come out and support<br />
your favorite IU team?<br />
Fall Sports<br />
Men and women’s cross country, women’s tennis and<br />
volleyball are currently in competition. Cheer on the men’s<br />
and women’s soccer teams and women’s field hockey teams<br />
and watch them play at the <strong>Immaculata</strong> stadium that boasts<br />
the best field in the conference.<br />
Check the team schedules by visiting<br />
www.immaculata.edu and click on Athletics.<br />
3 I IMMACULATA MAGAZINE FALL 2007<br />
appointed as the head field<br />
hockey coach. She replaces<br />
Erin McDonnell, who<br />
coached the previous five<br />
seasons.<br />
A 1998 graduate <strong>of</strong> Lock<br />
Haven <strong>University</strong>, Stacy was<br />
a member <strong>of</strong> the Eagles’ field<br />
hockey team for four<br />
seasons, and was the head<br />
coach at Eisenhower Middle<br />
School during the 2000<br />
season.<br />
She joins <strong>Immaculata</strong> after<br />
serving as head field hockey<br />
coach at Bishop Shanahan<br />
High School for two years.<br />
Previously, she was the<br />
assistant field hockey coach<br />
at Bishop Shanahan.<br />
Currently, she continues as<br />
the head coach <strong>of</strong> the U-16<br />
Vipers Field Hockey Club<br />
team.<br />
“I am very excited to coach<br />
field hockey at <strong>Immaculata</strong>,”<br />
Mengel explained, “I look<br />
forward to working with a<br />
talented group <strong>of</strong> studentathletes<br />
and a very<br />
supportive administration.”<br />
The Mighty Macs finished<br />
the 2006 season with a mark<br />
<strong>of</strong> 4-14 overall and a record<br />
<strong>of</strong> 3-8 in the Pennsylvania<br />
Athletic Conference (PAC).<br />
sportsnews<br />
Comes<br />
Comes<br />
Here For many years a black Scottie dog with a tartan plaid<br />
tam and a kilt excited fans at campus basketball games.<br />
Because his costume had deteriorated, this Scottie dog has not<br />
been seen for over 10 years.<br />
A new era began in September when a reincarnated Scottie<br />
dog appeared at IU.<br />
Mac, as the new mascot is known, is 6 feet tall and has<br />
gray fur. He can dribble a basketball, kick a soccer<br />
ball and cheer with the cheerleaders. He makes<br />
appearances at fundraising events, alumni<br />
reunions and sporting events. To match whatever<br />
sports team that is playing, Mac will wear a<br />
custom-made jersey and accessories.<br />
Created by the Raymond Entertainment Group in<br />
the “style” <strong>of</strong> the Phillie Phanatic, Mac made his<br />
first public appearance at <strong>Immaculata</strong>. Dave<br />
Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic, is the<br />
“Emperor <strong>of</strong> Fun and Games” at the company<br />
which has provided characters for over 250 sports<br />
teams and companies across the nation, including<br />
Millersville <strong>University</strong>, Delaware Tech and<br />
Kutztown <strong>University</strong>.<br />
After tryouts, a “boot camp” was run by Raymond<br />
Entertainment to help with training for those who will<br />
act as mascots. Raymond Entertainment believes that<br />
“a character has a story to tell – a story that loyal fans<br />
understand through non-verbal communication.”<br />
Mac will invigorate and engender fan support and<br />
hopefully will become another symbol <strong>of</strong> <strong>Immaculata</strong> that<br />
will be recognized not only on campus but also at local<br />
community events and across the region.<br />
Here comes Mac!<br />
IMMACULATA MAGAZINE FALL 2007 I 4
UR LADY OF VICTORY<br />
Movie Mania Hits Home – <strong>Immaculata</strong>’s story depicted on the Big Screen<br />
Mighty Macs actresses are<br />
pictured with (left)<br />
producer Whitney Springer,<br />
executive producer Pat<br />
Croce (center) and director<br />
Tim Chambers (right).<br />
“In 1972, not only was the <strong>Immaculata</strong> College basketball team surprised to win the first national<br />
championship, it was simply happy to be playing in the tournament,” read the headline <strong>of</strong> the<br />
West Chester Daily Local News article in 1992 on the 20th anniversary <strong>of</strong> the win. According to<br />
the former players, this was very true. In reality this is a story that continues to grow. Every<br />
spring during March Madness, the Public Relations Office fields numerous requests from the<br />
media about the championship, the coach, and the players. The story is one that was just<br />
waiting to be written. Then, in 2004, along came Tim Chambers who took a true story, wrote a creative<br />
script, and turned it into a movie…<strong>Immaculata</strong>’s movie, called “<strong>Our</strong> <strong>Lady</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Victory</strong>.”<br />
After serving as producer on the celebrated movie “Miracle”<br />
about the 1980s U.S. Hockey Team who won a gold medal at<br />
the Olympics,Tim Chambers started a dialogue with Cathy<br />
Rush for over a year before he convinced her that he was the<br />
man for the job.Within months after securing her life rights,<br />
Tim and WIP Radio personality,Anthony Gargano, created a<br />
storyline that was based on <strong>Immaculata</strong>’s true story.Then,<br />
through the eyes <strong>of</strong> Cathy Rush,Tim Chambers sat down<br />
and wrote an inspiring script based on the 1972<br />
championship season.Tim comments on his efforts,“I am<br />
extremely thankful to the <strong>Immaculata</strong> community for<br />
trusting me to tell this remarkable story. It could not have<br />
happened without complete cooperation from the<br />
<strong>University</strong>’s leadership and administration, the Sisters <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Immaculate Heart <strong>of</strong> Mary, Cathy and Ed Rush, and the<br />
former players. It was a total team effort! In the end, the film<br />
will capture the immortal spirit <strong>of</strong> their story and a new<br />
generation will be inspired by their faith and commitment.”<br />
After pitching the script to Hollywood and New York<br />
production companies, interest was there, but they wanted<br />
changes to the script.Tim was determined to maintain the<br />
integrity <strong>of</strong> his script. He made the decision to produce an<br />
independent film, with a small budget, but one where he<br />
would directly oversee the production.Then in walked Pat<br />
Croce, former Philadelphia 76ers president, who was a longtime<br />
friend <strong>of</strong> Tim’s from his Cardinal O’Hara High School<br />
days. In summer 2006, the two entrepreneurs formed Quaker<br />
Media Production Company and announced that Tim would<br />
be the director <strong>of</strong> the movie. Pat Croce, with his dynamic<br />
personality, has secured the funds from a variety <strong>of</strong> sources,<br />
while personally giving <strong>of</strong> his own money to make sure that<br />
this project moved forward.<br />
The 1972 <strong>Immaculata</strong> Championship Team<br />
Original Mighty Macs players<br />
are pictured as nuns with<br />
mother superior actress Ellen<br />
Burstyn (front center).<br />
Immaculate Heart <strong>of</strong> Mary Sisters cheer for<br />
the team.<br />
5 I IMMACULATA MAGAZINE FALL 2007<br />
IMMACULATA MAGAZINE FALL 2007 I 6
Location manager for<br />
“... the film will capture the immortal spirit <strong>of</strong> their story and a new generation<br />
the movie, Julian Ruhe,<br />
7 I IMMACULATA MAGAZINE FALL 2007 stands in front <strong>of</strong> the IU<br />
Underground where<br />
will be inspired by their faith and commitment.”<br />
the production staff<br />
had their <strong>of</strong>fices during<br />
the filming.<br />
Cathy Rush said <strong>of</strong> Chambers directing<br />
the film,“From the very beginning,Tim<br />
understood the story. He wanted to portray it in a way<br />
that all <strong>of</strong> the “players”—<strong>Immaculata</strong>, the team and me—<br />
“cheering section,” and played such a large part in the win.<br />
Seven <strong>of</strong> the nine appeared as IHM Sisters during scenes at St.<br />
Coleman’s (see photo); Marianne Crawford donned the habit<br />
in one <strong>of</strong> the scenes at Jimmy Johns. Many students and local<br />
were treated with great respect.Throughout the development<br />
alumni joined in the fun; several became extras in the film.<br />
Cathy Rush with WIP<br />
<strong>of</strong> the story,Tim took great care to make the movie<br />
Radio personality<br />
inspirational, fun, and true to the spirit <strong>of</strong> the team. I am proud<br />
Dr. Frank Breen, who resides in Michigan now, was an avid fan<br />
Anthony Gargano<br />
to have been associated with Tim and his entire crew.”<br />
Within the last year, after script approvals were received from<br />
Cathy and others,Tim held several auditions in New York, Los<br />
Angeles, and Philadelphia for basketball players who could also<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Mighty Macs <strong>of</strong> the 70s. Dr. Breen sent original footage<br />
that he had taken <strong>of</strong> the games hoping that they could be used<br />
for reference by the production crew. He also traveled from<br />
Michigan to be an extra at the championship game at West<br />
Chester.<br />
act. From those auditions, a few star players/actresses emerged. Ed Rush (far left) and Cathy Rush (far right) are seen with the actress<br />
Throughout 2006 and 2007, top actresses were sought to play Carla Gugino and actor David Boreanaz who play their characters in<br />
Movie Mania on Campus<br />
the movie.<br />
the lead role <strong>of</strong> Cathy Rush and another important part, the<br />
Before the movie ever started, the students, faculty and staff<br />
Film crewmember<br />
fictitious role <strong>of</strong> mother superior, Mother St. John.Tim<br />
waiting for “Action.”<br />
became a part <strong>of</strong> the planning for the movie. Marley Shelton,<br />
selected Carla Gugino, who previously starred in “Night at the In March <strong>of</strong> 2007,Tim and his crew moved into the IU<br />
who plays the assistant coach in the film, met with a number <strong>of</strong><br />
Museum,”“Spy Kids,”“Sin City” and the HBO TV show Underground, beneath the Great Hall and set up a production<br />
IHM Sisters to gain insight into playing the role <strong>of</strong> a nun.<br />
“Entourage” to play the role <strong>of</strong> Cathy Rush.And he secured <strong>of</strong>fice. From the onset the university community knew that<br />
Sister Virginia Assumpta, Sister Agnes Hughes, Sister Lorraine<br />
Oscar winning actress Ellen Burstyn to play mother superior. they were in the midst <strong>of</strong> something special. For several weeks,<br />
Bruno, and Sister Rose Mulligan met with Marley and helped<br />
David Boreanaz <strong>of</strong> the TV shows “Bones” and “Buffy the the crew grew from 3 to15, then at the onset <strong>of</strong> the film, over<br />
answer her many probing questions. Former president <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Vampire Slayer” portrays Cathy’s husband, Ed Rush.Among 100 members were a part <strong>of</strong> the pr<strong>of</strong>essional crew.<br />
college, Sister Marian William Hoben, also met with Marley to<br />
the supporting actresses are several from the area. Lauren Karl,<br />
share her recollections <strong>of</strong> the Mighty Macs “glory years.”<br />
who secured a prominent student role, is a graduate <strong>of</strong> Agnes Movie Mania <strong>of</strong>f Campus<br />
Actresses have their<br />
Irwin School where she appeared in theater productions. She<br />
makeup applied.<br />
The filming began on May 23 in West Chester in a small<br />
Sister Denise Mollica, assistant pr<strong>of</strong>essor in family and consumer<br />
is pursuing an acting career. Lancaster Catholic Basketball star<br />
Katie Hayek makes her motion picture debut as one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
main Mighty Macs team members. Meghan Sabia, who played<br />
basketball for the AAU’s Fencor team, also plays one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Mighty Macs. Meghan who attended Mount St. Joseph’s<br />
Academy is now a student at St. Joseph’s <strong>University</strong>.<br />
apartment that served as Cathy and Ed’s residence in the<br />
movie. For the sake <strong>of</strong> authenticity, the movie was filmed<br />
locally at places like the church and gym at St. Coleman’s in<br />
Ardmore, Malvern Prep, the Hill School, Jimmy John’s vintage<br />
restaurant on Route 202 and on <strong>Immaculata</strong>’s campus. Several<br />
thousand extras gathered at the Hollinger Field House at<br />
science, assisted with costuming. She and lead costumer for the<br />
movie,Teresa Binder-Wesby, spoke several times on issues <strong>of</strong><br />
habits, bonnets, and the famous tunic uniforms. Questions arose<br />
about what fabrics were used for the habits and the tunics and<br />
what was the belt made from that pulled in those uniforms.<br />
Sister Marie Hubert, pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> English, served as a consultant<br />
West Chester <strong>University</strong> to participate in the<br />
on matters <strong>of</strong> the length in years <strong>of</strong> the novitiate and what it<br />
championship game scenes.At a bank in West<br />
Director Tim Chambers<br />
meant to be a postulant. Sister Marie Albert, associate pr<strong>of</strong>essor<br />
(left) with Carla Gugino<br />
Chester, Cathy Rush, playing a cameo role as<br />
emerita <strong>of</strong> fashion marketing, was another member <strong>of</strong> faculty<br />
Volkswagen<br />
and Pat Croce<br />
a teller, faced herself portrayed by actress<br />
minibus driven<br />
who consulted on habits and bonnets. Sister Marita David<br />
by Coach Rush<br />
Carla Gugino.<br />
Kirsch was also very helpful with archived information from<br />
transports the<br />
<strong>Immaculata</strong>’s library.The actresses/players met with several <strong>of</strong><br />
team to games.<br />
Many <strong>of</strong> the former Mighty Mac<br />
our Mighty Macs from the 1972 teams to get background<br />
players from the 1972 team have<br />
information on playing their roles in the movie.<br />
cameo roles as nuns in the film.This<br />
was appropriate since the IHMs <strong>of</strong><br />
the time, served as the special<br />
At the onset <strong>of</strong> filming an outside shot on campus, the location<br />
manager shared relevant information. Through the eye <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Wardrobe takes over<br />
the Green Room.
Former Mighty Macs player Marianne<br />
Crawford Stanley (center) is seen<br />
outside Jimmy John’s restaurant with<br />
Tim Chambers and Ellen Burstyn.<br />
camera dandelions were<br />
visible. It was May and the<br />
movie is set in the fall<br />
months.The dandelions<br />
had to be removed.<br />
Coincidentally, the next day the lawn was scheduled to be cut.<br />
Although it could have been divine intervention, the<br />
dandelions were no more.<br />
This situation was only one <strong>of</strong> hundreds to be posed to the IU<br />
Community. <strong>Immaculata</strong>’s campus was transformed into a<br />
movie set with trailers and equipment, flood lights and wires<br />
everywhere.Wardrobe took over the Green Room; makeup<br />
overran Villa Maria 1st floor hallway. Scenes were shot in Villa<br />
Maria Hall, Faculty Center, DeChantal Hall, hallways (the<br />
beautiful blue hallway near chapel), and Good Counsel Hall.<br />
Each day the crew, cameras, and lights moved from location to<br />
location around the campus. Rooms were repainted in colors<br />
that would reflect light more favorably on skin tones. Paintings<br />
and statues were moved. Set designers searched the buildings<br />
for props that would convey a certain look.The Great Hall was<br />
used for feeding the movie crew and served as a “holding area”<br />
for extras.<br />
The actresses who played the Mighty Macs were housed on<br />
3rd floor Villa during the six weeks <strong>of</strong> shooting.Tim Chambers<br />
wanted them to bond like the real Mighty Macs did in 1972.<br />
In the early morning on any day, the actresses could be seen in<br />
the dining room wearing <strong>Immaculata</strong> T-shirts, shorts, and<br />
sweatshirts.<br />
Although there were many unforgettable scenes during the<br />
filming <strong>of</strong> this special movie, one that must be remembered<br />
and was true to history, was the pep rally scene filmed in Villa<br />
Maria Rotunda late in the evening on June 27. Students,<br />
alumni, friends, and the Sister/faculty were dressed in IHM<br />
habits <strong>of</strong> 35 years ago, as they all celebrated <strong>Immaculata</strong>’s first<br />
invitation to a national tournament.While filming was<br />
occurring Cathy Rush, Mel Greenberg, a longtime sportswriter<br />
for the Philadelphia Inquirer who was there during the “Glory<br />
Days” and Mary Frank McCormick ’50, an ardent follower <strong>of</strong><br />
the 70s teams, who was athletic director and coach at<br />
<strong>Immaculata</strong> in the 1950s, stood on the 2nd floor balcony,<br />
proudly remembering this moment in time.Tim Chambers,<br />
Philadelphia Inquirer sports writer Mel Greenberg with Cathy<br />
Rush and Mary Frank McCormick ’50 at the filming <strong>of</strong> the pep<br />
rally scene<br />
during a break in the filming, directed the crowd to Carla<br />
(Cathy in the film) and then pointed to the real Cathy.<br />
According to those who shared that evening, it was a special<br />
moment in time.<br />
On June 20, cameras began to roll on <strong>Immaculata</strong>’s campus.<br />
Ellen Burstyn lived on campus during her four weeks <strong>of</strong><br />
filming. Zoe, Ellen Burstyn’s dog, sat upright on her own chair<br />
waiting for her master to finish each scene. She was well loved<br />
and was given preferential treatment by the IU Community.<br />
Ellen was invited and attended dinner in Gillet Hall with the<br />
Sisters one evening. She was happy to join them (with Zoe) for<br />
a regular meal <strong>of</strong> beef stew and spinach salad.<br />
People were displaced, extra work was needed, work normally<br />
accomplished during summer break, was put on hold until the<br />
crew left.The excitement that the filming generated on campus<br />
throughout these two weeks was amazing. Sister Patricia<br />
Fadden, Sister Marian William and Cathy Rush filmed<br />
interviews that will be used for expanded footage on DVDs.<br />
The <strong>Immaculata</strong> community is still talking about the<br />
Hollywood movie that invaded the campus this spring.<br />
The media coverage surrounding the filming <strong>of</strong> the movie<br />
permeated newspapers articles and TV outlets across the region<br />
and across the United States. <strong>Immaculata</strong> has reached a<br />
wonderful point…Its name is on the national map once again.<br />
And again in March <strong>of</strong> 2008, when the movie is set to be<br />
released, <strong>Immaculata</strong> will see its name in lights.<br />
Behind the Scenes<br />
O<br />
“Rolling…rolling…” were the words heard<br />
up and down the set <strong>of</strong> the movie. Cameras, wires,<br />
and lights flooded the area. Makeup artists<br />
beautified faces and wardrobe dressed the extras.<br />
Current students and alums donned 70s clothing to<br />
take their places alongside the “real actresses.”<br />
Former Mighty Macs players dressed as nuns and<br />
current IHMs wore 1970s habits to cheer on the<br />
team just as many <strong>of</strong> them did in the days that led<br />
to the 1972 championship.<br />
<strong>Immaculata</strong> alums wait outside West Chester<br />
<strong>University</strong> to appear in a basketball game scene.<br />
UR LADY OF VICTORY<br />
Elyse Altiere ‘10<br />
Elyse Altiere ’10 poses<br />
in 1970s costume.<br />
It is all about detail and 100% perfection. There is no such<br />
thing as an “OK” scene; it must be perfect. That perfect scene<br />
(which may only be a minute long), could take hours even up to a<br />
day to film. Makeup artists and hairdressers are constantly fixing<br />
the actors and even us (the extras) who may not be seen at all. It<br />
was always music to my ears when I would hear, “checking the<br />
gates” and then hearing, “the gates are good,” which meant we<br />
could finally move on to the next scene.<br />
If one was a member <strong>of</strong> SAG (Screen Actors Guild) they received<br />
better pay than non-union participants and would get extra<br />
money if a smoke machine was used in filming or if it was raining<br />
and the camera had to be covered.<br />
As an extra in several scenes, I wore different outfits <strong>of</strong> 1970s clothes. For a church<br />
scene at St. Coleman’s and all <strong>of</strong> the basketball games, I wore bell bottom jeans<br />
(above my belly button), a striped shirt that tied in the front and ankle boots. For the<br />
pep rally, campus scenes and classroom scenes, I wore a navy blue skirt just above<br />
my knees, a red sweater and blouse, with knee socks and pumps.<br />
After being a part <strong>of</strong> the movie, I have a new perspective and appreciation for how<br />
hard actors and actresses have to work. It is not all glamorous!<br />
Extras are getting ready<br />
to shoot pep rally scene<br />
in the Rotunda<br />
9 I IMMACULATA MAGAZINE FALL 2007<br />
IMMACULATA MAGAZINE FALL 2007 I 10
Behind the Scenes<br />
O<br />
“Real” IHM Sisters who were extras in the<br />
movie are pictured with Cathy Rush.<br />
UR LADY OF VICTORY<br />
Vicki Guiteras Giunta-Abbott ’68<br />
is pictured as a nun on the set <strong>of</strong><br />
“<strong>Our</strong> <strong>Lady</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Victory</strong>.”<br />
that if something was needed, I knew where<br />
Nancy Potts ‘74<br />
Jennifer Norris ‘09<br />
to go. As the days passed, the crew did<br />
become a family through helping and looking<br />
When I heard that a movie about the “Mighty Macs” <strong>of</strong> the early 70s was<br />
A once-in-a lifetime chance—to work on a out for each other. The crew was able to get<br />
being made, I was overjoyed.<br />
movie set, not just any movie, but a movie me into one <strong>of</strong> the scenes! I am one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Vicki Guiteras<br />
about a sport that I love and about a school players on the <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Pennsylvania<br />
I called the Heery Casting Agency and told them I’d like to be an extra for<br />
that I consider family. This summer, I was team. On the last night <strong>of</strong> shooting, well it<br />
“<strong>Our</strong> <strong>Lady</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Victory</strong>.” Do you think you could play a nun? I’d love to; I<br />
given the opportunity to work as a<br />
was close to 4 a.m., out in the woods behind<br />
Giunta-Abbott ’68<br />
always wanted to be a nun. I wondered whether they would have very<br />
Production Intern on the set <strong>of</strong> “<strong>Our</strong> <strong>Lady</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Immaculata</strong>, I was given the best job—I got<br />
real looking habits? When I arrived to be fitted, I am given an IHM habit,<br />
Lorraine Hawk ’07<br />
<strong>Victory</strong>.” The movie portrays the glorious to call out the last “Action” and “Cut” for<br />
I wanted to be a nun. It had a lot to do in my habit. I sent the photo to my 7th bonnet and crucifix.<br />
1972 basketball season at <strong>Immaculata</strong>. The the film!<br />
with Loretta Young looking ethereally grade nun, Sister Bernadette <strong>of</strong><br />
Sister Denise Mollica, IHM, assistant pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> family<br />
girls that year along with their young<br />
beautiful in her habit in the film “Come Lourdes, IHM; and she said I looked All day long I was excited to share with the other extras many interesting<br />
and consumer science at <strong>Immaculata</strong>, was helping the<br />
enthusiastic coach went on to win the first While filming on campus, I was given the<br />
to the Stable.” However, the first time like “a real nun.” I did! But so did<br />
facts and experiences from those “glory days” when I followed the<br />
wardrobe department with the habits from the 1970s. She<br />
ever women’s collegiate basketball<br />
job to tell Phyllis Somerville, who plays<br />
I was in a play and dressed in a<br />
everyone else. Women I’ve known for Mighty Macs to many different states in the U.S. My new friends were<br />
heard they were looking for interns. Since I had sewn<br />
championship. The Mighty Macs then went Sister Sister, when to climb on top <strong>of</strong> the<br />
costume everything changed. It was an 30 years from doing productions<br />
quite inquisitive and wanted to hear my tales. I told them how it really<br />
costumes for Cue and Curtain’s production <strong>of</strong> “Alice in<br />
on to accomplish this feat two more times in heater and yell out from the 2 nd floor<br />
actress I wanted to be. Among<br />
around town: Jews, Protestants and was and how it really felt. I shared my 28-hour bus trip to Manhattan,<br />
Wonderland,” Sister knew I was interested in costuming.<br />
the following years. Not many schools can window <strong>of</strong> Villa to Carla Gugino, who plays<br />
Hamlet’s mother, Mary Tyrone, Miss maybe even an atheist or two. They all Kansas. Having been delayed by weather, the bus driver said, “It looks<br />
She recommended me and I interned for about two weeks<br />
say that they have won three national<br />
Coach Cathy Rush. Working with the “stars,”<br />
Hannigan, and other assorted saints looked as much like a nun as I did.<br />
like we might not make it in time for the first game. Regulations require<br />
before I was hired as a Production Assistant.<br />
championships especially a small previously also known as the extras <strong>of</strong> the movie, was<br />
and sinners, I played Sister Sophia in (Hmph!) But it’s more than the habit! me to stop every four hours for a break; but if you all agree to it, I don’t<br />
all girl Catholic school.<br />
also a lot <strong>of</strong> fun. I worked much more closely<br />
“The Sound <strong>of</strong> Music” and that was I remember how the Sisters always<br />
mind driving straight through.” Yeah, cheers and shouts <strong>of</strong> joy rose from<br />
Working on “<strong>Our</strong> <strong>Lady</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Victory</strong>” was an eye opening<br />
with the extras than I did with the main<br />
the ultimate habit, very similar to<br />
pulled the back <strong>of</strong> their scapular to the his passengers and we pulled in on time for tip-<strong>of</strong>f.<br />
experience. When you hear how many millions <strong>of</strong> dollars it<br />
The production’s main <strong>of</strong>fice was in the IU actresses. I would sign the extras in, get<br />
Loretta’s. A few years later I was<br />
side before they sat, folded the front<br />
costs to make a movie, it’s hard to visualize where the<br />
Underground. One day I went in and handed them into wardrobe, then hair and makeup,<br />
Sister Beatrice, a modern Sister <strong>of</strong> up so it didn’t touch the floor, and how I must tell you about what I call the “power <strong>of</strong> the habit.” The very<br />
money goes. This film showed me how much time and<br />
in my résumé. I had an interview with the and then rush them <strong>of</strong>f to set. When we<br />
Mercy in “Wide Awake.” Even though they had to tug at their veil sometimes second that the habit went on, I felt like a real nun; and every other<br />
effort it takes to create a movie. There was a huge crew <strong>of</strong><br />
production associate. From the very first were shooting in West Chester at the<br />
M. Night Shyamalan was educated by to keep it from getting caught. I tried woman there looked like a real nun. I was stunned at how these women<br />
people working 12-hour days trying to perfect every detail.<br />
meeting, he warned me about the long<br />
Armory, my job was to take the ladies<br />
Mercy nuns, he wanted a pouf <strong>of</strong> my to pass on these esoteric techniques to (nuns) walked around exhibiting all <strong>of</strong> the hand gestures, body<br />
So much had to be made from scratch to recreate the look<br />
hours! He also informed me that this would portraying nuns down to wardrobe, a few<br />
hair showing in the front: definitely the other actresses, but no one but me movements, touch <strong>of</strong> the bonnet, lift <strong>of</strong> the scapular, that every IHM nun<br />
<strong>of</strong> 1972. In the end, each day <strong>of</strong> filming would only<br />
be a great opportunity, that I would learn a blocks away, wait for them to get dressed,<br />
nun-like. But on “<strong>Our</strong> <strong>Lady</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Victory</strong>” I was interested in the minutiae <strong>of</strong><br />
had shown when I was in school. How do they know how to do these<br />
produce about three minutes <strong>of</strong> the final movie. It was<br />
lot, and that I would become a part <strong>of</strong> a then walk with them down to set. At 9<br />
got to be an IHM nun! Not the pre- building an IHM character. (Sister<br />
movements? Is this habit transformational? After many hours <strong>of</strong> waiting,<br />
tough work, but walking onto the set seeing the end<br />
family. This was true! My first step onto the o’clock in the morning there is a lot <strong>of</strong> traffic<br />
Vatican II habit with the guimpe and Victoria <strong>Immaculata</strong>?) Perhaps no one we hear, “Send in the nuns” and we enter the gym at West Chester<br />
results made the effort worthwhile.<br />
set was a cautious one—looking for the in West Chester, but on this particular day<br />
the upside down U bonnet. That would else was interested because we were <strong>University</strong>. Just as the countdown to “Action!” begins, a nun shouts<br />
couple <strong>of</strong> crew members that I had met from traffic was a lot slower. When you have 15<br />
have been too cool! But at least I had sitting, 100 strong, in the bleachers <strong>of</strong> “Cross Check.” This means that every nun must check their crucifixes to<br />
I really enjoyed working as a member <strong>of</strong> the crew. There<br />
a previous meeting, listening to all the<br />
to 30 nuns walking down the street behind<br />
a bandeau and the hair-covering<br />
the West Chester Armory, West<br />
be sure that Jesus is facing outward. That had to be one <strong>of</strong> my favorite<br />
was always something to do, a problem to solve or a<br />
chatter on the walkie-talkie they had given you, talking on their cell phones, listening to<br />
bonnet. I did have to bring my own Chester <strong>University</strong> and The Hill School; points <strong>of</strong> playing a nun.<br />
chance to be creative. I’m planning on pursuing being a<br />
me, and trying to stay out <strong>of</strong> the way <strong>of</strong> their music, or even smoking, you can stop<br />
rosary though and had no pocket to put the camera was focused on the<br />
Production Assistant on some <strong>of</strong> the other movies being<br />
everyone else, the lights, cameras, and<br />
traffic!<br />
it in. Imagine a nun with no pockets! players; the nuns were in the<br />
The thought occurred to me. Will they have “buckets”? I immediately ran<br />
filmed locally and possibly become a costume tailor in the<br />
wires that were moving around the set. The<br />
background, WAY in the background. I to the basement and pulled out my bucket from the 70s signed by the<br />
next few years.<br />
Associate was right about working long I met so many people working on this<br />
The first day <strong>of</strong> shooting I was a “half was still folding my scapular and<br />
hours; the first day I worked 15 hours out on production. I met someone who is a proud<br />
nun.” (An <strong>Immaculata</strong> alumna and I tugging on my veil even though no one<br />
Lorraine will continue her movie career by working as an<br />
the streets in West Chester! Only a couple 1942 graduate <strong>of</strong> <strong>Immaculata</strong>. Another lady<br />
couldn’t even snag a whole habit!) I could possibly notice what an<br />
assistant on a new film by M. Night Shyamalan.<br />
<strong>of</strong> the days were shorter than 12 hours, brought her own pictures <strong>of</strong> the 1972 win<br />
wore the top half <strong>of</strong> the habit and the absolutely perfect nun I was. But it<br />
most were about 17 hours.<br />
and told stories <strong>of</strong> the trip out west. I was<br />
dress was a blouse-length tunic. It was fun! Oh, well, my “Stanislavsky<br />
also able to listen to the stories <strong>of</strong> real IHM<br />
wasn’t scandalous because I wore dark methods” helped to keep me occupied<br />
During that time, I was in charge <strong>of</strong><br />
nuns that stopped by from Camilla and Gillet<br />
pants and sat down in St. Coleman during the 12, 13, 14 hour shoots under<br />
directing the crew and actors to the set Halls.<br />
Church all day so only I knew the<br />
the intense hot lights, dehydrating<br />
and lock-up the set. When it was time to<br />
ignominy. (The gloriously beautiful and slowly until 3:00 in the morning. I<br />
shoot, I would keep the crew and<br />
Even though I was outside in rain or shine,<br />
rather large St. Coleman’s substituted know I was good!<br />
Sister Marie Hubert Kealy<br />
onlookers quiet and out <strong>of</strong> frame. I saw the sun set and rise more times than I<br />
for the <strong>Immaculata</strong> chapel because its<br />
and Sister Marie Albert<br />
was also in charge <strong>of</strong> changing would like to count, and saw the<br />
interior had not been modernized.) Vicki Guiteras Giunta-Abbott ’68 is an<br />
Kunberger in old IHM habits<br />
batteries for the crew, getting newspaperman deliver the morning paper at<br />
actress and producer <strong>of</strong> a children’s<br />
they wore in the movie<br />
the extras through wardrobe Jimmy John’s, I would choose this job over<br />
After that day I got the whole magilla theater group “Stages <strong>of</strong> Imagination.” For an instant I went back in time and was able to relive those “very<br />
and makeup, and much more. any other summer internship. This was truly<br />
habit. And I bought great nun shoes at A video she produced won two<br />
precious moments” in my life. I am once again eternally grateful to God<br />
There were close to 100 an experience. I was able to help recreate<br />
Value City, too, so the picture was national Telly awards for children’s<br />
for two blessings: first, allowing me to live this time in the ‘70s as an<br />
crew members. I had to <strong>Immaculata</strong>’s great athletic history.<br />
complete. That was the best part <strong>of</strong> programming.<br />
<strong>Immaculata</strong> student, friend and loyal fan; and second, allowing me to<br />
learn what each one did so<br />
the “<strong>Our</strong> <strong>Lady</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Victory</strong>” experience. I<br />
relive it and share it again in 2007.<br />
asked someone to take a picture <strong>of</strong> me<br />
11 I IMMACULATA MAGAZINE FALL 2007<br />
Mighty Macs. In the championship game at James Madison <strong>University</strong>,<br />
Rene Muth Portland’s father gave us aluminum buckets from his hardware<br />
store in Upper Darby and drumsticks with which to bang those buckets.<br />
As I sat in the gym at West Chester <strong>University</strong> in June <strong>of</strong> 2007, here<br />
came a person handing out buckets and drumsticks. I felt my heart jump.<br />
This immediately took me back to James Madison and the Delta State<br />
game. The score was very close and Delta’s players became frazzled as<br />
they were accustomed to blowing their opponents away by huge margins.<br />
We banged our buckets even louder and Delta began to make even more<br />
mistakes. Delta’s coach lodged a formal protest against the use <strong>of</strong> the<br />
buckets, claiming that they were a violation <strong>of</strong> AIAW regulations. After<br />
many prayers, the decision came. The buckets can stay.<br />
IMMACULATA MAGAZINE FALL 2007 I 12
<strong>Immaculata</strong> Abroad<br />
“Traveling through the world produces a marvelous clarity in the judgment <strong>of</strong> men.<br />
We are all <strong>of</strong> us confined and enclosed within ourselves, and see no farther than the end<br />
<strong>of</strong> our nose.This great world is a mirror where we must see ourselves in order to know<br />
ourselves.There are so many different tempers, so many different points <strong>of</strong> view,<br />
judgments, opinions, laws and customs to teach us to judge wisely on our own, and to<br />
teach our judgment to recognize its imperfection and natural weakness.”<br />
– Michel de Montaigne, French philosopher and writer 1533-1592<br />
During the spring and summer<br />
months <strong>Immaculata</strong> faculty and<br />
students traveled across the<br />
Atlantic and to the South American<br />
continent. Some traveled for<br />
academic enrichment and others as<br />
volunteers. All were touched by<br />
their experiences and perhaps as<br />
Montaigne suggests that travel<br />
produced a clarity in judgment.<br />
Pictured in Mindo, Ecuador are back<br />
row: Kristen Henrich ’07, faculty<br />
member Joe Healey, and Tom Henrich<br />
and front row: Emilie Cobb ’08,<br />
Sister Mary Henrich IHM, theology<br />
department faculty member and<br />
Colleen Lindsey ’08<br />
Ecuador<br />
Mindo, Ecuador is a small pueblo town<br />
located in the Andes Mountains about an<br />
hour and forty-five minute drive from the<br />
capital city <strong>of</strong> Quito. Sister Mary Henrich,<br />
IHM <strong>of</strong> the theology department and Joe<br />
Healey, associate pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> philosophy,<br />
moderated a trip taking three <strong>Immaculata</strong><br />
students to an orphanage in Mindo,<br />
-Ecuador. Colleen Lindsey, ’08 returning<br />
for her second year accompanied by<br />
Emilie Cobb, 08, Kristen Henrich, ’07 and<br />
Tom Henrich, Kristen’s father, joined a<br />
group <strong>of</strong> sixteen students from other<br />
colleges and <strong>Our</strong> <strong>Lady</strong> <strong>of</strong> Lourdes<br />
Academy in Miami to run a summer<br />
camp for orphans in Mindo.<br />
Sister Susan Kuk, IHM and Lourdes<br />
Academy in Miami have been supporting<br />
Mindo and running the camp for ten<br />
years. Sister Mary Henrich, IHM has been<br />
going on the mission for seven years.The<br />
group left for Ecuador on June 29, 2007<br />
and returned safely to the Philadelphia<br />
airport on July 11. All were involved in<br />
crafts, sports, activities, Bingo, doing<br />
lanyards, making bead jewelry, and reading<br />
Spanish story books with the children.<br />
They also took the children on a field trip<br />
to Pedernale, a beach town five hours<br />
away.The bus ride allowed the group to<br />
see the poverty <strong>of</strong> Ecuador as well as the<br />
gorgeous mountain scenery; it became<br />
clear why Ecuador is called the “Jewel <strong>of</strong><br />
the Andes.” The children also visited a<br />
butterfly garden and a farm owned by the<br />
school/orphanage located further up the<br />
mountain. Another day, the college and<br />
high school students walked with the 40<br />
orphans to the river to swim and enjoyed<br />
a grand picnic with hot dogs, potato<br />
chips, apples, corn, plantains, Oreo cookies<br />
and soda. On Sunday afternoon, Joe and<br />
Tom treated the children to an afternoon<br />
at the pool located in their hotel and to a<br />
fantastic barbecue with hamburgers,<br />
chicken, corn, chips and soda.The<br />
children made themselves at home in the<br />
sauna and jacuzzi also.<br />
The mission group collects new clothing,<br />
socks, underwear, shirts and pants all<br />
throughout the year as well as shampoo,<br />
deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste<br />
for the children. Each <strong>of</strong> the students<br />
involved in the mission paid $700 to cover<br />
the cost <strong>of</strong> the plane tickets and for the<br />
food during the time at the orphanage.<br />
When leaving, everyone remarked that it<br />
had been a life changing experience, the<br />
trip provided an opportunity for all to<br />
interact with very happy children who<br />
have very little in the area <strong>of</strong> material<br />
possessions.The <strong>Immaculata</strong> group is most<br />
grateful to all who supported their mission<br />
in any way.<br />
Of his experiences in Ecuador, Joe Healey<br />
comments,“it was two <strong>of</strong> the most<br />
fulfilling weeks <strong>of</strong> my life.”<br />
Ireland and<br />
England<br />
Diane Grimes, assistant pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> art, led<br />
thirty students on a ten-day tour to<br />
Ireland. Focusing on Celtic art, the trip<br />
enabled the students to earn three credits<br />
through the “Art Study Abroad” program.<br />
Starting in Dublin at Trinity College and<br />
ending on a boat traveling to the Aran<br />
Islands, this was the first IU tour during a<br />
spring break <strong>of</strong>fered for credit.<br />
A ten-day tour to Greece is scheduled for<br />
spring break 2008 and includes a four-day<br />
cruise to the islands <strong>of</strong>f Greece.<br />
Sister Elaine Glanz, pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> English and<br />
chair <strong>of</strong> the English department, attended a<br />
conference “Chaucer and Time,” sponsored<br />
by the Institute <strong>of</strong> English Studies at the<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> London.As part <strong>of</strong> the trip to<br />
England, Sister Elaine also traveled to York,<br />
where she toured the York Minster, and to<br />
Bath, site <strong>of</strong> Bath Abbey and ancient<br />
Roman Baths.<br />
Peru<br />
For the past seven years, <strong>Immaculata</strong><br />
students have had the opportunity to share<br />
in a summer IHM Mission Experience in<br />
Peru, where IHMs have served for over<br />
eighty years. As participants in the IHM<br />
Mission Experience this year, Ellie Bova<br />
’10, Jess Caraballo ’09, and Tracey Uph<strong>of</strong>f<br />
’07 flew to Peru on May 21, 2007, and<br />
returned on June 21.They were<br />
accompanied by Colleen Hyland,<br />
currently a student at Catholic <strong>University</strong>.<br />
While in Peru, the students had the<br />
opportunity to work with IHMs in their<br />
mission in Callao, and to travel to other<br />
Visiting an all girls school,Villa Maria, La Planicie,<br />
in Peru are (l. to r.) Jess Caraballo ‘09, Colleen<br />
Hyland (Catholic <strong>University</strong> ’09), Ellie Bova ‘10,<br />
and Tracey Uph<strong>of</strong>f ‘07.<br />
IHM missions in the country.The<br />
experience allowed the students to live<br />
with and to observe the missionary<br />
activity <strong>of</strong> IHM sisters, to learn about the<br />
interaction among the IHM Peruvian<br />
missions, and to experience a third world<br />
country—an experience which will<br />
change their world view completely.<br />
As part <strong>of</strong> the mission experience, the<br />
students assisted with English lessons at<br />
various grade levels in San Antonio school<br />
in Callao, visited with older girls in a free<br />
secretarial institute established and<br />
maintained by the IHM community, and<br />
engaged in cultural events, such as<br />
processions, folklore presentations, and<br />
parent meetings.They also visited Fe y<br />
Alegria schools administered by the IHM<br />
Sisters. Fe y Alegria is a community-based<br />
education movement, which was initiated<br />
by the Jesuit community and presently<br />
educates over 65,000 students in the<br />
poorest areas <strong>of</strong> Peru.<br />
In reflecting on her mission experience,<br />
Ellie Bova stated,“Peru was an amazing<br />
experience, both globally and spiritually. I<br />
connected with so many interesting<br />
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IMMACULATA MAGAZINE FALL 2007 I 14
people and got to experience Peruvian<br />
food, customs and culture.” As an<br />
afterthought, she added,“And who<br />
wouldn’t love living in a convent for a<br />
month!” Her thoughts were mirrored by<br />
Jess Caraballo who stated,“My eyes were<br />
opened so much by the culture, the<br />
people, and the experience. It was so<br />
different from anything I’ve ever been<br />
through. I just hope I left my girls with<br />
something they can take with them the<br />
rest <strong>of</strong> their lives.” Undoubtedly, the<br />
experience will remain forever with these<br />
adventurous IU missionaries.<br />
Spain<br />
In May, thirteen <strong>Immaculata</strong> students<br />
visited Spain with faculty member Alvaro<br />
Tarrago <strong>of</strong> the foreign languages and<br />
literatures department.The twelve<br />
undergraduates, and one graduate student,<br />
were challenged to use their linguistics<br />
skills and cultural sensitivity while<br />
expanding their knowledge <strong>of</strong> Spanish<br />
history, geography, and literature.<br />
“<strong>Our</strong> visit to Spain was one <strong>of</strong> the<br />
greatest things that ever happened to me,”<br />
says Lorena Torres ’08.“The things to see<br />
are endless, but our time was limited so<br />
we did our best.Thanks to Pr<strong>of</strong>essor<br />
Tarrago, who played the role <strong>of</strong> a tour<br />
guide, we got to see many beautiful places<br />
and things.”<br />
While on the nine-day trip to Spain the<br />
group visited Madrid, Segovia, El Escorial,<br />
and Toledo. Among others, in Madrid they<br />
visited El Prado, Reina S<strong>of</strong>ia and Thyssen-<br />
Bornemysza museums.The Royal Palace,<br />
the Cathedral, and the Parque del Buen<br />
Retiro. In Toledo they visited the old<br />
synagogue, the Cathedral, and the Alcazar<br />
with its many El Greco paintings. Many<br />
more sites were visited at El Escorial and<br />
Segovia. Even though eating became a<br />
wonderful and challenging gastronomic<br />
In Spain pictured are undergraduate students Joanna Balmer ’10,Tammy Derkrikorian ’10, Rachel Horger<br />
’08, Ryan Huber ’10, Brittany Jennings ’09, Rachel Kennedy ’09, Julie Kershaw ’08, Gabriela Lemus ’08,<br />
Rosa Quintana ’08, Marbetty Rivera ’10, Lorena Torres ’08,Teena Weisler ’08, and graduate student Sean<br />
Campbell ’09.<br />
experience, the group celebrated the end<br />
<strong>of</strong> the trip at the Casa de la Villa, a<br />
favorite <strong>of</strong> King Juan Carlos.<br />
Of the experience Rachael Kennedy ’09<br />
says,“Being immersed in the culture <strong>of</strong><br />
Spain allowed us to use our Spanish and<br />
appreciate being a part <strong>of</strong> another<br />
lifestyle.”<br />
The students received academic credit as<br />
part <strong>of</strong> the SPAN 302 Intensive Study<br />
Abroad Spanish class.The course was<br />
designed for Spanish majors and minors,<br />
international business Spanish majors and<br />
any other students who met the required<br />
linguistic skills.<br />
Joanna Balmer ’10 looks forward to<br />
returning to Spain. She comments,“It is<br />
so different to walk everywhere, rather<br />
then be lazy and drive whenever you get<br />
the chance.You learn to look at things<br />
through a new perspective, or look at<br />
things at all. We as Americans forget to<br />
“stop and smell the roses” or even to look<br />
at the buildings, trees, parks, and fountains<br />
that might be around the next corner.The<br />
constant smell <strong>of</strong> pan in the air along with<br />
the tangy-sweet smell <strong>of</strong> cafe that seemed<br />
ever present on the streets <strong>of</strong> Madrid calls<br />
me back in middle <strong>of</strong> the night when I<br />
should be asleep.“<br />
One <strong>of</strong> the major objectives <strong>of</strong> the trip<br />
was to broaden the students’<br />
understanding <strong>of</strong> Spain’s many cultures<br />
and perspectives about life.Tarrago<br />
commented,“The students’ improved their<br />
linguistic skills and gained a better<br />
appreciation and understanding <strong>of</strong> Spain’s<br />
history, plastic arts, literature and food.”<br />
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