Home Care In Immaculata, PA

Professor Diane Grimes accused the East Whiteland Township university of age and sex discrimination, and bullying.

PHILADELPHIA, PA —An attorney representing Immaculata University on Thursday asked a federal judge to rule against an employee who filed a civil rights lawsuit claiming the university discriminated against her because of her age and sex when demoting her from her position as art director.

Diane Grimes, 63, of Medford Lakes, N.J., is seeking $75,000 in damages in the lawsuit filed by Philadelphia lawyer, Jessica Tarapchak. Grimes is on the faculty website listed as a professor of art.

Grimes said in the lawsuit she suffers from physical and mental health issues caused by the university desecrating her office and destruction of her personal belongings after she raised issues of disparate treatment.

Eileen Monaghan Ficaro, a Blue Bell attorney representing the university, countered in a response filed Thursday that the allegations in the lawsuit are denied.

The university denied that Grimes was discriminated against because of her gender, age, or any other basis.

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Ficaro asked that the judge rule in favor of the university and also demanded a jury trial in the event the lawsuit is not dismissed.

U.S. District Judge Kai N. Scott scheduled a pretrial conference on Oct. 23.

The lawsuit said Grimes was employed by the university, located in East Whiteland Township, Chester County, since 2005.

According to the lawsuit:

Grimes was chair of the art department until 2007 when it merged with English, literature, communications, and language. Grimes served as director of art programs.

In February 2020, Immaculata stripped her of her title and gave her more responsibility without more pay.

In the summer of 2022, university officials disposed of her personal belongings, research materials, artwork, and more.

An employee called her a “hoarder.” The lawsuit said other offices, particularly men's offices, have clutter and safety hazards. As an example, she said, one faculty member lights candles in his office, posing a fire hazard.

In its response filed Thursday, the university denied that one of its employees called Grimes a hoarder.

Grimes also accused the university of not updating her computer equipment. In addition, Grimes said the university did not provide her with overnight accommodations during bad weather.

In general, Grimes said, she was bullied by staff members.

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Schools

Classes Start August 28, 2023

Immaculata University is now offering a new track within its Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) program for Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Professionals in this advanced nursing specialty have in-depth knowledge and skills to provide primary care for families and individuals, from prenatal and pediatric to adult and elder care.

“A profession as a family nurse practitioner is one of the top health care jobs because of the projected job growth, work-life balance opposed to other careers within the health care field, and of course, the larger than average earning potential,” stated Edward Walton, D.HSc, APN, CRNP, FNP-C, CWS, associate professor and coordinator of the FNP track.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for nurse practitioners is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, with a median annual wage of $123,780.

The 44-credit M.S.N. in Family Nurse Practitioner is designed for bachelor’s-prepared registered nurses seeking to become a certified registered nurse practitioner. For students who already hold a master’s degree in nursing, the FNP can also be taken as a post-master’s certificate program to complete the additional classes needed to become a certified registered nurse practitioner.

The program’s four practicums provide 825 hours of supervised clinical practice at sites throughout the region and can be completed in 2 ½ years of part-time study. Courses are offered in a hybrid format, blending online learning with face-to-face instruction. Learn more about the FNP program or email Immaculata’s admissions staff for more information.

Immaculata University is a comprehensive, co-ed institution of higher learning that has emphasized academic success, student outcomes and faith-based values for more than 100 years. Offering more than 75 in-demand undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, Immaculata University provides attainable education, personal support and meaningful career pathways to tomorrow's leaders who are focused on intellectual, personal, professional and spiritual growth. Immaculata’s expansive suburban campus is located in renowned Chester County, Pennsylvania, 30 miles west of Philadelphia.

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Schools

Sisters and Students Traveled to Lima to Work with School Children

On Thanksgiving Day 1922, three Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Sisters set sail for Lima, Peru at the urging of Emilio Lissón, the Archbishop of Lima. They were the first American religious Sisters to come to Peru. Their mission: establish a private school with the assistance from the IHM congregation in the U.S.

The Sisters’ dedication, hard work and tenacity paid off when they founded Villa Maria Academy, which opened in March of 1923 in Miraflores, south of downtown Lima, Peru. Over the years, they ventured into various communities in South America and built a network of IHM schools located in areas for the working poor, the middle class and the wealthy.

Sister Annette Pelletier, IHM, Ph.D., theology professor at Immaculata University who spent 12 years in IHM schools in South America, noted that the success of these schools arose principally from the high demand for a qualified bilingual workforce.

Today, learning English is mandated by the Peruvian Ministry of Education. Therefore, every school, both public and private, must include English instruction in the curriculum of elementary and secondary schools. Sister Annette, who is proficient in Spanish and English, stated “The aim of this mandate is to enable students to have the basic communication skills to function in any workplace that requires knowledge of English.”

Over the years, Immaculata’s students have joined the IHM Sisters in Peru to teach school children English, and education majors have conducted student-teaching there. According to Sister Annette, Immaculata University began the service trips to Peru to teach English as “theology-in-practice at the service of the Church and expression of the historic link between Immaculata and our missions in Peru.”

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This summer, a group of students traveled to Peru with Sister Annette and Sister Rose Mulligan, IHM, professor of chemistry at Immaculata who has gone on the service trips multiple times. They worked with the high school students at Villa Maria Academy and with fourth and fifth graders at San Pablo School in Manchay, one of the poorest neighborhoods in Lima.

Recent Immaculata music therapy graduate, Daisy Frias ’23, was among the students who participated in the summer service trip. She admits that when she signed up, she wasn’t sure what to expect. “I knew the trip was about service, but it ended up being much more,” she said.

Frias was one of the bilingual students who used her Spanish-speaking skills to work with the younger children. She spent extra time working with the children who were having difficulty understanding the lessons on the first try.

“My highlight of the trip was the people,” Frias pointed out. “The Peruvian people embraced us with such kindness that was like none other. Wherever we went, I felt welcomed and accepted, which really allowed me to embrace the trip.”

Because she witnessed people hauling drinking water long distances, managing with limited electricity and walking instead of driving, Frias was motivated to continue serving others in her own community and is now volunteering at Patrician Society, a local food pantry in Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Breanna Kratz ’23, another Immaculata music therapy graduate, also participated in the service trip. Although her Spanish was limited, she helped elementary students practice English pronunciation and learn common conversational phrases. She also worked with high school students at Villa Maria to enhance their English skills. In the process, she learned what their college aspirations are and described to them what college life is like in the U.S.

For Kratz, just soaking up the environment and embracing “all the little things of Peruvian life” were the most inspirational experiences of the trip.

Each evening, the Immaculata students, along with Sister Annette and Sister Rose, gathered for a prayerful reflection on the events of the day and shared how the experiences with people of other cultures invited them to grow. Sister Rose understands that working with people in another country can be life changing. “Our minds, hearts, and views get stretched when we are immersed into a different culture,” she added.

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More from Malvern

The Immaculata University Department of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to announce the selection of Jordan Ambrose and Layne Kennedy as the 2019-20 Most Outstanding Male and Female Senior Athletes of the Year. In addition, Patrick Zeoli and Carly Quigley earned Most Outstanding Senior Scholar Athletes of the Year.

“Athletics is such an integral component of campus life at Immaculata and I am extremely proud of all our student-athletes. Our seniors have spent countless hours practicing and playing their chosen sport(s) and have experienced academic success as well. Congratulations to Carly, Patrick, Jordan and Layne. We are all proud of you,” states Immaculata University President Barbara Lettiere ’72.

Thorndale, Pa., resident Jordan Ambrose, a four-year member of the Immaculata men’s basketball team has been a steady contributor for the Macs throughout his career appearing in 103 games while earning the starting nod in 91 of those games. Over the course of his 103 games, Ambrose scored 1,355 points to end his career as one of just seven Mighty Macs in program history to score 1,000 points while ranking fourth in program history in scoring. Ambrose also concluded his career with a First Team All-Atlantic East honor, which was the second All-League citation of his career with his first honor coming at the conclusion of the 2018 season. Ambrose ended his career as a 41.3 % shooter from the field with 465 made field goals to rank fifth in program history. His 237 career made free throws (83.2 %) ranks the senior sixth in program history in this category as well.

Additionally, in his senior campaign, Ambrose put together one of the top three-point shooting performances in program history as he set a new single-season program record for made threes with 72 makes, which increased his career total to 188, which is the also the highest total for made three-pointers in program history. Ambrose led the team in made three-pointers in two out of his four seasons with the team as he also led the squad as a sophomore with a team-best 48 makes in his second season. Ambrose also ends his career ranked fourth in program history in rebounding with 490 rebounds for his career averaging 4.7 rebounds per game over the course of his 103 games. He also ends his career ranked fourth in team history in steals with 133 for his career, averaging 1.3 thefts per contest thanks in large part to a team-best 44 steals in the 2019-20 season to conclude his senior campaign.

Garnet Valley, Pa., resident Layne Kennedy, has been a four-year member of the Immaculata women’s lacrosse and field hockey squads providing key contributions for both teams throughout her impressive four-year career. On the lacrosse field, Kennedy was a four-year starter as she appeared and started in all 59 games of her career. Kennedy, the 2017 Conference Rookie of the Year and the first Mighty Mac to accomplish this feat, has also been a three-year All-Conference selection earning First-Team honors as a freshman before earning Second-Team honors as a sophomore and junior. Along the way, Kennedy has rewritten the Immaculata women’s lacrosse record books ending her career as the career leader in both points (257) and goals (215) while also being the only player in program history to eclipse the 200-goal plateau. In single games, Kennedy holds the record for most goals in a single-game with nine while also registering a pair of eight-goal efforts over the course of her career. The senior also holds three of the top five highest totals of any Immaculata player for points and goals scored in a season holding the record in each of these categories with 68 goals and 83 points in the 2018 season. In the 2020 season alone, Kennedy was named to the Atlantic East Weekly Honor Roll each of the first three weeks of the season, upping her career weekly award total to eight weekly honors during her time on the lacrosse field.

During the fall seasons, Kennedy has been equally as dominant on the field hockey field appearing in 74 games over the course of her career while making the start in 49 of those contests. In these 74 games, Kennedy accounted for 54 points and 25 goals, which rank fourth and third in team history, respectively. Additionally, Kennedy recorded five game-winning goals over the course of her career, which is good enough for a tie for second in program history in this category as well. A first-team all-league selection as a senior, Kennedy led the team in scoring with 20 points on 10 goals, which ranks her in a tie for ninth in program history in points in a single-season and in a tie for fifth in program history for goals in a single-season.

A four-year member and senior captain of the Immaculata women’s soccer team, Glenmoore, PA., resident Carly Quigley has been a fixture on the Mighty Macs backline throughout her career starting in 71 of 72 career games. Quigley has been named to the All-Conference squad each of her last two seasons earning First Team All-League and Defensive Player of the year honors as a junior before receiving Second Team honors at the conclusion of her senior season.

Inside the classroom, Quigley has maintained a 3.92 GPA in Elementary and Special Education earning Deans List honors in each of her first seven semesters at Immaculata. Additionally, Carly was named to the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area team at the conclusion of her junior season and has been named to the Academic All-Conference squad each of her first three seasons as a Mighty Mac.

Quigley has also been a three-year member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and has served as the President of SAAC each of the last two years while also serving as the Athletic Liaison within the Immaculata Student Government Association each of the last two years. Additionally, Carly was elected to the post of Class of 2020 secretary in her senior year and has served a Resident Assistant each of her last two years at Immaculata.

Fort Mills, SC, resident Patrick Zeoli, a four-year member of the Immaculata golf team and a two-year member of the Immaculata men’s volleyball squad has been a fixture at Immaculata throughout his four years on campus. On the golf team, Zeoli was consistently one of the top performers on the team throughout his four years recording the best stroke average on the team in his sophomore, and junior campaigns. On the volleyball court, Zeoli concludes his career ranked third in program history in kills with 49 while his 12 blocks ranks him fourth in Mighty Mac history in this category as well.

Inside the classroom, Zeoli has recorded an impressive 3.93 GPA majoring in Nutrition with a minor in Mathematics. A seven-time Deans List honoree, Zeoli also serves as the Vice President of the Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society. Zeoli also serves as Math and Chemistry tutor to assist members of the Immaculata community.

Zeoli is also an active member of SAAC, the SGA, and Campus Ministry filling vital leadership roles within those organizations throughout his time as a Mighty Mac. Patrick has also been a Resident Assistant

The first-time pass-rate for Immaculata University students taking the NCLEX nursing exam is not only higher than most in the region, but higher than the national average. Through program adjustments and careful evaluation of how they can make students successful, Immaculata has become one of the most dedicated schools in ensuring their students’ futures.

Immaculata’s NCLEX pass rate for 2021-22 (90.48 percent) is 10 percentage points higher than the national average (79.92 percent). It is six percentage points higher than the statewide average (84.37 percent), which is also five percentage points higher than the average pass rate (85.19 percent) for other southeastern Pennsylvania colleges with B.S.N. programs.

Immaculata’s NCLEX pass rates have surpassed the national average since 2017—and 100 percent of 2022 B.S.N. graduates who passed the NCLEX have nursing jobs.

But Immaculata had to work hard to make their nursing program the powerhouse that it is today.

After reviewing their program in 2016, the school implemented their NCLEX Success Project.

“Through the NCLEX Success Project, we provide students with the materials, resources and support they need to prepare for the exam,” said Celina Siwula, Division of Nursing Assistant Professor and Director of Prelicensure BSN Program.

“This allows students to continue working and preparing themselves for NCLEX after graduation. While it is a lot of work, we want them to keep moving forward which leads them to success.”

The students have been working a lot harder with these changes. Each student has an advisor to help guide them and be there every step of the way as they complete the program. The advisors talk them through studying, answering questions, and they reassure, and remind students that they are well-prepared and ready to pass the NCLEX.

Siwula knows it is a busy, rigorous program. But she also sees how the students react after they finish their exams.

“When they pass on the first try, they always say ‘it was all worth it and we’re so glad. The program made the exam seem easy!’” she said.

Additionally, nursing program alumni return each year as a panel for current seniors because they know how hard they worked to achieve their dreams. It is an opportunity for the students to see what they will become.

Immaculata’s Success Project has been recognized by other institutions, and it has helped Immaculata pass their Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accreditation, which ensures the quality and integrity of the nursing programs at Immaculata. “The biggest reward is seeing our students pass the NCLEX,” said Siwula. “We’re proud to see them achieve success as they get their first job as BSN prepared RNs.”

Learn more at Immaculata University.