IMMACULATA, PA — Immaculata University has opened broadcast and podcast studios and a digital media lab inside Gabriele Library, expanding hands-on production training for communications students as part of a campus renovation supported by private donations, including a $3.3 million legacy gift.
The university converted space on the library’s terrace level into facilities designed for broadcasting, audio production and digital media coursework. The project also added study and collaboration areas and refurbished the library’s entryway patio.
The Broadcast Studio provides students with a dedicated setting for video production, on-camera presentation, interviewing and multimedia storytelling. The Podcast Studio supports the recording and production of original audio programming.
Both studios were funded through contributions from Steven Cohen and the Cohen family, according to the university.
The Digital Media Lab adds computers equipped for coursework involving broadcasting, podcasting and digital media production, giving students access to production technology within the library.
“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,” Melissa Rice, assistant professor of communication, stated.
The facilities expand the university’s capacity to provide practical instruction in media production, allowing students to develop technical and presentation skills alongside classroom coursework.
The broader renovation was supported by a $3.3 million legacy gift that also helped finance improvements elsewhere on campus. Immaculata did not specify the total cost of the library project or the portion of the gift allocated to the new facilities.
Susan Arnold, vice president for institutional advancement, attributed the library improvements to the legacy donation, noting that the project created spaces students had requested.
The university formally dedicated the facilities October 1 during a ceremony attended by President Barbara Lettiere, students, faculty and representatives of the Communication, English and Media Studies department.
Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia John J. McIntyre blessed the new studios during the dedication, which also included tours of the renovated library spaces.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.