In Memoriam: Marian William Hoben, 1923-2020

Sister Marian William Hoben, former president of what is now Immaculata University in Pennsylvania, died from natural causes on October 20. She was 97 years old.

A native of Coaldale, Pennsylvania, Sister Hoben entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on September 8, 1942. She received a bachelor’s degree in English from Immaculata College. She held a master’s degree from Villanova University in Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Sister Hoben joined the faculty at Immaculata in 1960. She served as chair of the English department from 1971-1974. She then took on the job as dean of college development for five years. From 1978-1982, Sister Hoban was the academic dean. In 1982, she assumed the presidency of Immaculata College, serving two, five-year terms.

During her tenure, Sister Hoben initiated two successful capital campaigns, established five master’s and two doctoral programs, and implemented a curriculum revision.