Four Students Earn Full Tuition with La Roche’s Highest Honor

From left to right: Simplice Manamfise, Patrick Chewning, Samuel Muchugia, and Gabriella Fazio. 

Founders Scholarship recognizes students who live La Roche mission

When the Sisters of Divine Providence established La Roche University in 1963, they had a bold vision to transform lives through education rooted in peace, justice, and compassion. Six decades later, four talented students serve as ambassadors of this vision, bringing these founding ideals to life each day on campus, in the classroom, and throughout the community.

Meet the recipients of the 2025 Founders Scholarship. These students earned the University’s most prestigious academic honor, which comes with full tuition and a clear message: La Roche believes in them.

Today’s Founders Scholars are leaders, advocates, and changemakers who carry forward the Sisters’ legacy through their own journeys of purpose and determination. Their stories show what’s possible when excellence meets investment, and why La Roche continues to expand opportunities for students ready to make a difference.

2025 Founders Scholars
Patrick Chewning
Accounting, Junior

After experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic and witnessing its impact on the global economy, Patrick Chewning knew he wanted to study accounting after graduating from New Brighton High School. Following this calling, he toured La Roche and was drawn to its small, personable energy. Since then, he has expanded his financial knowledge through La Roche coursework and internships with New Brighton School District Administration Office and Holsinger, P.C.

Patrick’s leadership roles on campus include Vice President of Finance for the Student Government Association; Treasurer of the National Society of Leadership and Success; Student Orientation Director; and former Vice President of the La Roche Activities Forum. Assisting his peers, Patrick is an accounting tutor and a Freshman Admissions tour guide. A cross-country runner, he also is a representative for the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

Despite his active schedule, Patrick finds time to serve the wider community, previously as a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pittsburgh.

“I plan to contribute positively to my communities—both here at La Roche and at home,” he said, adding that he will pursue a master’s degree and CPA licensure after graduating.

Gabriella Fazio
Exercise & Sports Science, Senior

From coaching youth sports to leading senior fitness classes, Gabriella Fazio supports the intergenerational communities of La Roche and the North Hills of Pittsburgh.

A graduate of City Charter High School, Gabriella chose to attend La Roche for its tight-knit and diverse community. Her passion for sports, alongside strong leadership skills, led to a children’s coaching position with Pittsburgh Soccer Shots, and her role as an intern and fitness instructor for La Roche’s Introcaso Center for Lifelong Learning. This spring, she will complete an internship with Shaler High School’s Athletic Training Department.

A dual-sport athlete, Gabriella was the women’s soccer team captain for two years and competes on the women’s lacrosse team. She serves her fellow students as a resident assistant, peer mentor, and peer tutor. 

“I have always tried implementing understanding and empathy when working with others,” she said. “I have tried to help create a community where everyone feels like they are safe and belong.” 

Next semester, Gabriella will complete a departmental honors research project exploring how functional fitness training improves daily living activities for older generations.

Simplice Manamfise
Biology, Sophomore

A sophomore from Bujumbura, Burundi, Simplice Manamfise sees her education as an opportunity to improve health care in her home country. Hoping to help others lead healthier and more dignified lives, she aspires to be the first female biomedical engineer in Burundi.

“I see La Roche’s values of peace and social justice reflected in my desire to make a positive difference in the world,” she said. “I hope to carry La Roche’s mission forward through my work.”

At La Roche, Simplice is involved with the campus Cooking Club as well as GLOBE, a student group representing and celebrating cultures from around the world.

Through the Founders Scholarship, Simplice said she feels supported financially, but also as an individual. “The scholarship has motivated me to work harder and stay focused on my goals, knowing that others believe in my potential,” she said.

Samuel Muchugia
Cybersecurity & Forensics, Junior

As a teenager, Samuel Muchugia developed an early understanding of cybersecurity while repairing phones in his uncle’s workshop in Ongata Rongai, Kenya. As Samuel grows, so do his ambitions; he hopes to use his education to improve lives.

“Studying cybersecurity allows me to combine integrity, problem-solving, and my desire to help others by keeping people, data, information, and the world safe,” he said. “My long-term goal is to create training programs and job opportunities in technology for underprivileged youth, helping to carry forward La Roche’s mission of service, justice, and global impact.”

Samuel embraces different cultures in a learning environment that strengthens his confidence and independence. “I can navigate the fast-changing world of technology with ease and determination,” he said.

Samuel holds a ComTIA IT Fundamentals certification and completed hands-on cybersecurity labs through TryHackMe. He plans to explore ethical hacking projects and a summer internship.

On campus, Samuel participates in service work supporting Days for Girls, a nonprofit promoting women’s health and empowerment, and FarmerGirl Eb, an initiative encouraging sustainable food production.

Empower Students. Advance the Mission.

Your generosity helps students bring the La Roche mission to life in their workplaces and communities. To learn more, visit laroche.edu/give or contact Vice President for University Advancement George Barron at 412-536-1096 or george.barron@laroche.edu.