Nonprofit Led by La Roche Alumnus Named Finalist in International .ORG Impact Awards

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 17, 2026 – Friends of Tonga Inc., co-founded by La Roche University alumnus Michael Hassett ’11, Ph.D., has been named a finalist in the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards presented by Public Interest Registry. The awards recognize mission-driven individuals and organizations from around the world for their positive contributions to society.

Selected from 4,242 submissions across 145 countries, Friends of Tonga is one of just 35 finalists worldwide and one of five finalists in the Environmental Stewardship category. Founded in 2018 by Dr. Hassett and returned Peace Corps volunteers, the Maryland-based, entirely volunteer-run nonprofit partners with communities throughout the Kingdom of Tonga to support locally identified priorities in education, literacy, environmental stewardship, climate resilience and disaster recovery.

“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible communities, organizations, donors, volunteers and partners we have had the privilege of working alongside in Tonga and around the world,” said Dr. Hassett, co-founder and co-president of Friends of Tonga. “When people see Friends of Tonga’s name attached to this recognition, I hope they also see the communities and partners who made it possible.”

The Environmental Stewardship recognition highlights the organization’s work in partnership with Tongan communities and organizations. These initiatives include expanding water security through rainwater cistern projects in remote communities, partnering with Schools for Children of the World to support the construction of a cyclone-resistant kindergarten in Tu’anuku and supporting the No Pelesitiki Campaign’s efforts to reduce plastic pollution across Tonga.

“Dr. Hassett’s work with Friends of Tonga reflects what La Roche University hopes to instill in every student: a willingness to serve, to seek common ground, and to work toward a more just and peaceful world,” said Christina Clark, Ph.D., president of La Roche. “We are proud to see that commitment sustained over years of dedicated partnership with communities in Tonga, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.”

Dr. Hassett and other representatives of Friends of Tonga will travel to Washington, D.C., for the .ORG Impact Awards celebration on Oct. 6. All finalists receive a $2,500 donation, with category winners earning $10,000 and the .ORG of the Year winner receiving $50,000.

A former Peace Corps volunteer, Dr. Hassett graduated from La Roche with bachelor’s degrees in history and political science. In 2020, he received the University’s Distinguished Alumni Circle Award.

For more information about Friends of Tonga, visit friendsoftonga.org.

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.

About Friends of Tonga: Friends of Tonga is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers who served in Tonga. The organization partners with communities across Tonga to support locally led initiatives in education, disaster resilience, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development. Friends of Tonga believes lasting change begins when communities identify their own priorities and partners work together to support their vision.

About Public Interest Registry: Public Interest Registry (PIR) is a nonprofit that operates the .ORG top-level domain, one of the world’s largest generic top-level domains with more than 12 million domain names registered worldwide. .ORG is open to everyone, providing a global platform for organizations, associations, clubs, businesses and individuals to bring their ideas to life. PIR has been a champion for a free and open Internet for two decades with a clear mission to be an exemplary domain name registry, provide a trusted digital identity and help educate those who dedicate themselves to improving our world. PIR was founded by the Internet Society (internetsociety.org) in 2002 and is based in Reston, Virginia, USA. Visit www.pir.org for more information.

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