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November 07, 2024

La Roche University, UPMC Passavant to Present Festival of Lights Dec. 6

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 7, 2024 – La Roche University invites the campus and local community to Festival of Lights, a free, holiday celebration presented by UPMC Passavant. This family-friendly event will take place Friday, Dec. 6 from 3-9 p.m. on the La Roche campus in the North Hills of Pittsburgh.

Festival of Lights will feature an exciting lineup of holiday activities and entertainment for all ages. Event highlights include:

  • Craft Show: 3-9 p.m. | Zappala Campus Center 
    Browse unique, handmade gifts and festive creations from local artisans and vendors.
  • Food Trucks: 4-8 p.m. | Outside Bold Hall 
    Choose from a variety of local food trucks including PittsBurgers, Ash & Kris Kitchen, Napoltini Ice Cream and Desserts, and LRU Street Hawk.
  • Children’s Activities: 5-8 p.m. | Kerr Fitness & Sports Center 
    Kids can enjoy arts and crafts, games, a moon bounce, glitter tattoos, a balloon artist, and S’mores with Anna and Elsa.
  • Visit from Santa: 5:30-8 p.m. | Kerr Fitness & Sports Center 
    Santa will be available to pose for photos and hear children’s holiday wishes.
  • Cans for Cocoa: 5:30-8 p.m. | Kerr Fitness & Sports Center 
    Bring a canned good or donate $1 to receive a cup of hot cocoa. All donations benefit Providence Food Pantry and North Hills Community Outreach.
  • Carriage Rides: 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Pick up at Wright Library 
    Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through a beautifully decorated campus.
  • Alumni Reception: 6:30-8 p.m. | Cantellops Dining Hall 
    La Roche alumni are invited to reconnect with former classmates and faculty at a special reception with light refreshments. Preregistration is required.
  • Fireworks Display: 8:10 p.m. | La Roche Campus 
    The evening will conclude with a fireworks show in celebration of the season.
Festival of Lights is made possible by generous support from the following sponsors: UPMC Passavant, the Sisters of Divine Providence, UPMC Health Plan, Henderson Brothers, Fairfield by Marriott, Passavant Hospital Foundation, McCandless Crossing, First National Bank, Zerorez and HercRentals.

“Festival of Lights is a beloved campus tradition, and we’re excited to share it each year with students, alumni, families and neighbors,” said Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students Colleen Ruefle. “This event is a wonderful way to celebrate the season together, with something for everyone to enjoy.”

For more information and to RSVP for the alumni reception, please visit laroche.edu/lights.
About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 68 undergraduate programs of study, seven master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, 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 30-plus 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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