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.

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.

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