Immaculata University will soon begin construction on the newest addition to its campus: the IHM Student Center.

A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Friday, March 23 at 2 PM with Father Kevin McCabe, Immaculata’s new campus chaplain, providing the blessing. To honor the university’s historic past, the shovel first used for the 1908 groundbreaking of Villa Maria Hall will ceremoniously break the ground 110 years later.

“After years of planning, our students will finally have a beautiful new place to call their own,” said President Barbara Lettiere. “I am grateful to all of the contributors and for everyone who has supported our goal to provide the best possible experience for our students.”

[uam_ad id=”58459″]

Advertisement

“Student life with its lively discussions, close friendships, and the energy created by being together has always been an integral part of the Immaculata experience,” said Sister Marie Lorraine McGrew, general superior for the Immaculate Heart of Mary congregation. “Our community of Sisters is pleased to join with the university in breaking ground for this new IHM Student Center. May this relaxing facility provide space and incentive for IU students to gather for many years to come.”

The three-story, 11,000-square-foot building will provide students a modern new hub for relaxation, recreation, and socialization. The 20-foot-high lounge area will feature a dramatic, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace housed within a post-modern, soft-industrial motif.

Amenities include:

• snack bar featuring an open grill and a self-service counter for beverages and milkshakes
• fully equipped fitness center overlooking the fireplace and lounge, featuring 34 exercise stations that utilize the most modern fitness equipment enhanced by personal technology options
• game room highlighted by two gaming stations
• 16-foot shuffleboard
• ping-pong table
• pool table

Students will have the opportunity to host movie nights, theatrical performances, and other activities in a multi-purpose room that will be equipped with new generation technology.

[uam_ad id=”71799″]