In a heartwarming article for the Immaculata University’s student newspaper “The Immaculatan,” Sister Anne Marie Burton of the Immaculate Hearts of Mary reflects on over 70 years of student outreach programs at Immaculata University and talks in detail about the institutions efforts to help New Orleans in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina.

The university started its outreach projects in the 1940’s, when Sister Donatus took a group of students to Camden to help with one of Mother Katherine Drexel’s projects. The hard work the students provided created the foundation for the future involvement of Immaculata students’ in outreach projects.

From their very first days at the University, new students become a part of the outreach program by spending a day helping prepare Philadelphia’s Catholic schools for the opening of the school year.

Thanks to the important work of the office of Mission and Ministry, all students are given numerous opportunities throughout the school year to give back and help others. This includes the chance to participate in after school programs, teach in Peru, work with children in El Salvador and Ecuador, or meet with the Sisters in Camilla Hall, among many others.

One of the ongoing outreach programs of the University is to provide much needed services to people who suffered through Hurricane Katrina.

After the devastating destruction caused by Katrina in 2005, a collection of essential aid for the people of New Orleans was organized by Sister Susan Cronin, where school supplies, clothing, and toiletries were amassed from generous donations made by Immaculata students and staff together with many other schools staffed by IHM sisters.

Two vans filled with supplies were then driven to an already established distribution center at Saint Paschal’s parish.

This represented the start of a continuing relationship with New Orleans where Immaculata students traveled to the city to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The tradition continued this January, as 12 students from Immaculata once again travelled to New Orleans thanks to the help of the National World War II Museum and Jet Blue airlines who donated their tickets.

During the trip, the students also got the opportunity to learn more about the Redemptorist priests who founded The Sister, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary who work at Immaculata.

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