La Roche College Transitions to University Status

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Brady Butler
AVP for Marketing and Media Relations
Phone: 412-536-1300  
Email: brady.butler@laroche.edu

PITTSBURGH, Mar. 26, 2019 – La Roche College is proud to announce that the Pennsylvania Department of Education approved its application to become La Roche University, effective immediately.

Sister Candace Introcaso, CDP, Ph.D., president of La Roche, announced the transition today during a celebration for students, faculty and staff. Alumni and friends from across the country and world joined the president for the announcement via Facebook Live.

“Changing our designation and name to La Roche University is the fulfillment of a vision that many on campus have shared for several years. This approval to become a university is recognition of how far La Roche has come. What began as a school for religious women in 1963 with seven students in its first graduating class is now a university that offers 66 undergraduate programs of study, six master’s degrees and one doctoral degree. Our 14,000 plus alumni live in every state in the U.S. and in 65 countries around the world,” President Introcaso said. 

University status will support a growing student population and new academic programs, and it will help La Roche market its offerings to students unfamiliar with its reputation, both domestically and abroad. Additionally, the creation of the La Roche University Lifelong Learning Center will provide academic enrichment and other experiential learning opportunities that enhance the lives of local residents.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean Howard Ishiyama, Ph.D., said, “As a university La Roche will continue to stand firm in its mission and core values of inclusivity, integrity, determination, compassion, inspiration, justice and peace. La Roche will build on its rich history and what it is already known for – educating students to be lifelong learners in an increasingly diverse and global society. Our students receive quality instruction with a real-world approach, and individualized attention is one of our best benefits. None of this changes for La Roche University.”

An extended celebration will commemorate the milestone in La Roche’s history, starting with the Celebrate La Roche Gala on Friday, April 26 at The Westin Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh. The gala will showcase La Roche and honor this year’s Distinguished Alumni Circle Award recipients. Homecoming celebrations are planned April 27, and a student appreciation dinner on April 28. The annual spring carnival for students will be held the week of April 29.

The Class of 2019, graduating Saturday, May 11, will be the first to receive diplomas from La Roche University.

“The future is very bright for La Roche. We anticipate opportunities for growth while honoring our traditions and heritage as a Catholic institution,” President Introcaso said. “La Roche is indebted to its founders, the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence, and to our donors whose faith in our mission and steadfast support have brought us to this exciting crossroads in our history. Honoring their visionary leadership, we are still writing our story.”

For further information, please visit laroche.edu/university.

About La Roche University: A private liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 66 undergraduate programs of study, six master’s degrees and one doctoral degree, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,400 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.