Our History
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The Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph (FSSJ) began as a community in 1897 under the guidance of Mother Colette Hilbert whose efforts and dedication attracted other young women to join in the service of love. To care for the educational needs of these young women, the sisters established an academy at their Motherhouse at Corpus Christi parish in Buffalo. The statue of St. Francis that presently graces the lobby of Immaculata is from that first site.
On November 11, 1928, the community moved to its newly built Motherhouse on South Park Avenue in Hamburg. One of the wings was designated as the school to be known as Immaculata Academy. From its inception it was affiliated with the Catholic University of America and the New York State Board of Regents as a four-year high school. High standards of excellence were required of students in studies and cultural pursuits, laying the basis for the fine reputation of the academy.
For 15 years, the school continued to accept young women who aspired to enter the Franciscan Sisterhood. But the reputation of the school appealed to many Catholic parents in the village of Hamburg and surrounding towns, and requests were being made for the FSSJs to accept students who were interested in the excellent education but not necessarily religious life. The sisters admitted the first group of day students in September 1943. This was a great milestone in the history of Immaculata Academy and in the life of the FSSJs as they reached out to respond to the needs of their time and community. History was made in June 1945, as the first lay students graduated alongside those aspiring to religious life. A family spirit prevailed among the small groups of aspirants and day students whose increasing numbers gradually filled all available convent space.
Enrollment steadily increased necessitating plans for erection of a larger school. Groundbreaking ceremonies took place for the present building on November 2, 1952. Two years later, on September 12, 1954, the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph A. Burke, Bishop of Buffalo, officiated at the dedication of the new Immaculata Academy.
Up to this time, teachers at Immaculata were all Franciscan Sisters, most of whom had graduated from the academy. Then in 1968, the first lay faculty member, Rita Kent Hagelin, class of 1947, joined the staff of sisters. She was followed by Teresa Leitten Taneff, class of 1956, and Bernadine Stiller, the forerunners of many other dedicated lay teachers.
By 1985, Immaculata had graduated over 2,400 young women, about 600 of whom joined the FSSJs. In 1985, Immaculata Academy made application for incorporation to the State Education Department. A provisional charter was granted effective September 20, 1985 to September 20, 1988. In those years, IA continued to pursue the high standards of excellence required of the students. The Academy applied for and received an Absolute Charter on July 29, 1988 at which time new bylaws were approved that expanded the former board of trustees (consisting of the general administration of the FSSJs) to include lay leadership that would bring Immaculata into the 21st century. Dr. Carmen Notaro, Fr. Joe Rogliano and Eugene Wojtanik were among the first members of the expanded board of trustees.
Today, the board consists of alumnae, parents of alumnae, Franciscan sisters, former teachers, principals, friends and supporters of single-sex quality Catholic education, taking an active role in the life of the school. Faculty and staff of the Academy look to the board of trustees to articulate a vision, set priorities and plan a course for Immaculata in the future. The board has already set in motion a pro-active response to the challenges of the future. It continues to monitor the finances of Immaculata Academy, using prudence and planning in making sound, realistic choices.
The board has spearheaded long-range strategic planning for the Academy since 1992. Results of this planning include an expanded music program, renovation of the gymnasium, computer technology, energy-efficient windows and lighting, and the hiring of directors of admissions, public relations and institutional advancement. In 2005, a major renovation of the three science labs began, with the final toast to the completion taking place in March 2006.
For over 15 years, enrollment at Immaculata Academy has steadily increased. Since 2001, nearly 100% of all graduating classes have gone on to college, and each year, the number of scholarships continues to grow. The class of 2009 earned an average of over $66,000 per student in college scholarships!
The standards of excellence that were the foundation of the school in 1928 continue today, and the faculty and staff at Immaculata Academy are constructing a bright future with enthusiasm, optimism and hope. The staff and students are continuing the dream of young Colette Hilbert, who placed the Academy under the patronage of Mary, our Mother, and sought to open young ladies’ minds and hearts to the will of God in their lives.
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