Ketteler Center for Peace, Justice, and Inclusion

At La Roche University, the Ketteler Center for Peace, Justice, and Inclusion actively fosters a community grounded in the Catholic values of peace, justice, and service.

Inspired by the legacy of Bishop Wilhelm Emmanuel von Ketteler (1811-1877), founder of our sponsors, the Sisters of Divine Providence, the Center is dedicated to upholding the dignity of every person, defending human rights, and working toward a vision of a more just and equitable society.

Rooted in the Christian gospels and Catholic Social Teaching, the Center aims to promote solidarity, empower communities, and create pathways for social change—both on campus and in the wider community. This work is a direct extension of the foundational values of La Roche’s founding congregation, the Sisters of Divine Providence, whose legacy of social justice continues to guide the University’s mission.

Catholic Social Teaching and Community Engagement

For more than 60 years, La Roche has been a beacon of justice and compassion, shaped by its Catholic identity and the enduring values of the Sisters of Divine Providence. At the heart of the University’s mission is the belief that education is a powerful tool for social good. In collaboration with the Sisters of Divine Providence, the Ketteler Center brings this idea to life through various initiatives that engage students, faculty, staff, and the broader community in confronting critical issues of social justice, peace, and inclusion.

These efforts align with Catholic Social Teaching and include (but are not limited to):

• Community-based learning and service projects: Students work alongside local organizations to address pressing social issues like food insecurity, homelessness, and educational inequality. These projects put the principles of solidarity and justice into practice.
• Sustainability and ethical initiatives: Guided by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si, La Roche prioritizes environmental stewardship through waste reduction programs and partnerships with local organizations, advancing efforts for a just and sustainable world.
• Interfaith dialogues and intercultural competence: Through initiatives such as Common Ground Conversations, the Ketteler Center fosters respectful dialogue among individuals of diverse faiths and backgrounds, encouraging deeper engagement with global and social justice issues.

The Legacy of Bishop Ketteler

The Ketteler Center draws its inspiration from Bishop Wilhelm Emmanuel von Ketteler, the 19th-century “social justice bishop” whose advocacy for workers' rights, the poor, and the oppressed laid the foundation for Pope Leo XIII’s landmark encyclical Rerum Novarum.

In this 1891 document, Pope Leo XIII addressed the poor conditions of the working class during the Industrial Revolution, calling for fair wages, the right to form unions and the protection of private property. He also introduced the idea of a “third way” between capitalism and socialism, underscoring the state's role in securing social justice for employers and employees.

Ketteler’s tireless advocacy for human dignity and social responsibility continues to inform the work of the Ketteler Center. His emphasis on uplifting marginalized communities and workers' rights remains central to the programs and initiatives we offer, ensuring that the dignity of all people is at the heart of our mission.

A Campus for All

The Ketteler Center serves as a focal point for La Roche and the broader community to engage with issues of peace, justice, and inclusion.

Through collaboration with departments such as Mission Integration, Providence Campus Ministry, and the Introcaso Center for Lifelong Learning, as well as faculty across disciplines, the Center creates opportunities for service, learning, and reflection that are deeply rooted in the values of the Sisters of Divine Providence and Catholic Social Teaching.

Key initiatives include:

• Common Ground Conversations: Modeled after the Catholic Common Ground Initiative, these small-group discussions provide an opportunity to engage respectfully with diverse viewpoints, raise questions, and seek wisdom on critical issues in both the Church and the world.
• Curricular Integration: Faculty members across disciplines collaborate with the Center to incorporate service learning and social justice into course content, enabling students to address real-world challenges in meaningful ways. This integration fosters a deeper understanding of academic concepts while grounding students in Catholic Social Teaching.
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast: This annual event honors the legacy of Dr. King and promotes unity. It includes service projects and offers attendees the chance to contribute to causes that promote justice and equality.
• GLOBE Fest: This annual cultural celebration brings together the diverse communities at La Roche, featuring traditional dances, food, raffles, and live music. GLOBE Fest highlights the richness of global cultures and fosters an environment of inclusion and mutual respect.
• Global Problems, Global Solutions: La Roche leads and co-sponsors this annual conference focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The event brings together local colleges, universities, and nonprofits to discuss progress and initiatives aimed at tackling global challenges like poverty, environmental sustainability, and peace.
• North Hills International Day of Peace Celebration: This annual event promotes peace and cultural diversity through entertainment, personal stories, informational tables, food samplings, and an annual Flag Ceremony. It provides the La Roche community an opportunity to celebrate unity and engage with global and local peace-building efforts.
• Providence Food Pantry: An on-campus food pantry provides essential food items, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, and other donated resources to students in need. Donations are accepted from faculty, staff, and the campus community to support this initiative, ensuring that students have access to the resources they need to thrive both academically and personally.
• Service Learning: Providence Campus Ministry offers a range of service opportunities, allowing students to develop leadership skills while addressing the needs of marginalized communities. Service projects include food drives, neighborhood cleanups, and health fairs, all rooted in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
• Spring Break Service Trips: Each year students travel to various regions to engage in service projects, putting their education into action and expanding their understanding of global issues.
• The La Roche Experience (LRX): A required sequence of courses for all traditional students, LRX shows how education can be a force for social change. Through LRX, students explore the history of La Roche, its Catholic heritage, and the founding mission of the Sisters of Divine Providence. By reflecting on the principles of peace, justice, and the common good, students develop a strong sense of their role within the global community and are prepared to step into the world as leaders for a just and sustainable future.

Committed to Peace and Justice

The Ketteler Center is driven by the belief that peace and justice are inseparable. This commitment underpins all our programs, which encourage students to engage actively in building a more just and peaceful world.

Through initiatives such as Global Justice Internships, International Development Practicum, and other experiential learning opportunities, students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to address both local and global social injustices.

These opportunities ensure that La Roche graduates leave with not only academic knowledge but also the practical skills needed to lead in addressing social change and promoting justice worldwide.

La Roche alumni, inspired by the values of their alma mater, have gone on to intern or work with organizations such as the United Nations and Peace Corps, contributing to global peace-building efforts and advancing human rights issues.