La Roche University Advances Global Education Strategy Through New Multilateral Partnership in Spain

PITTSBURGH, June 4, 2026 – La Roche University is pleased to announce the signing of a Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Academic Cooperation with Universidad Pablo de Olavide (UPO), located in Seville, Spain, and the Spanish Institute for Global Education (SIGE), further advancing the University’s commitment to global engagement, international collaboration, and transformative educational experiences.

The agreement was formally signed by Christina A. Clark, Ph.D., President of La Roche University; Francisco Oliva Blázquez, Ph.D., Rector of Universidad Pablo de Olavide; and María Teresa Alonso Pérez-Tinao, Founder and CEO of the Spanish Institute for Global Education. The partnership establishes a collaborative framework focused on expanding international education initiatives, academic innovation, intercultural exchange, and cooperative research opportunities among the three institutions.

Under the framework of the MOU, the partner institutions will pursue a variety of collaborative initiatives designed to benefit students, faculty, and academic communities across all organizations. Areas of cooperation include joint academic programming, student and faculty mobility opportunities, collaborative research projects, international seminars and workshops, and the exchange of academic knowledge and institutional best practices. The agreement also supports the development of expanded study abroad opportunities and globally engaged learning experiences that strengthen intercultural understanding and academic enrichment.

Founded in 1997, Universidad Pablo de Olavide is a respected public university in Seville recognized for its interdisciplinary academic model, strong research profile, and commitment to internationalization. UPO offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines including business, humanities, social sciences, law, biotechnology, and environmental studies. The university is known for fostering innovation, civic engagement, and global academic collaboration throughout Europe and beyond.

The Spanish Institute for Global Education works closely with universities and international partners to design and facilitate academically rigorous global learning experiences throughout Spain. Through customized programs, cultural immersion opportunities, internships, and international student support services, SIGE promotes meaningful cross-cultural engagement and experiential education for students from around the world.

“Global collaboration plays an essential role in preparing students for success in today’s interconnected world,” said President Clark. “This partnership with Universidad Pablo de Olavide and the Spanish Institute for Global Education reflects our shared commitment to expanding international learning opportunities, strengthening intercultural connections, and creating transformative educational experiences.”

This agreement represents another important step in La Roche University’s expanding global partnership network and broader internationalization strategy. Through collaborative scholarship, mobility initiatives, and cross-cultural engagement, the three institutions aim to create meaningful educational opportunities that prepare students and faculty to thrive in an increasingly global society.

About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 71 undergraduate programs of study, eight master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple 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.

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