La Roche University Expands Global Partnership Network Through Collaboration with Ânima Educação in Brazil

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 1, 2026 – La Roche University is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Academic Cooperation with Ânima Educação, one of Brazil’s largest private higher education organizations. The agreement expands opportunities for academic collaboration and strengthens La Roche University’s growing global partnership network in Latin America.

The agreement was formally signed by Christina A. Clark, Ph.D., President of La Roche University, and Ricardo Cancado, Executive Director of Ânima Educação. The partnership establishes a collaborative framework grounded in shared commitments to academic excellence, innovation, global engagement, and student success.

Under the framework of the MOU, La Roche University and Ânima Educação will explore a broad range of collaborative initiatives designed to benefit students, faculty, and staff. Areas of cooperation include student and faculty exchanges, the exchange of academic information and institutional best practices, joint research programs, conferences and workshops, undergraduate and graduate dual-degree opportunities, short-term language and field-based programs, student practicum and workforce development initiatives, and other mutually agreed academic activities.

Founded with a mission to transform lives through education, Ânima Educação serves more than 360,000 students through a network of more than 18 higher education institutions across 13 Brazilian states. Its diverse academic network includes institutions offering programs in health sciences, business, engineering, technology, design, education, law, hospitality, and other disciplines. Among its institutions are Universidade Anhembi Morumbi, Universidade São Judas Tadeu, UNIFACS, UniCuritiba, and UniRitter.

The partnership provides La Roche University with opportunities to engage with a diverse network of universities and colleges serving students across multiple regions of Brazil. Through collaboration with Ânima Educação and its network of institutions, La Roche will be able to explore expanded opportunities for student exchange, faculty collaboration, research, experiential learning, and intercultural engagement.

“We are happy to partner with Ânima Educação and expand opportunities for our students and faculty to engage with institutions and communities throughout Brazil,” said President Clark. “This partnership creates new possibilities for academic collaboration, student and faculty exchange, and cross-cultural learning while strengthening La Roche University’s global presence in Latin America.”

Through this partnership, La Roche University and Ânima Educação will work to develop meaningful academic initiatives that connect students and faculty across institutions and cultures. The collaboration represents another important step in La Roche University’s internationalization strategy and commitment to preparing graduates with the global perspectives, intercultural understanding, and skills needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.

About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs 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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