News Story

PITTSBURGH, March 12, 2025 – Merrick Hoben, a distinguished expert in conflict resolution and community engagement, will deliver the keynote address at La Roche University’s 59th commencement on May 10.

 

“Mr. Hoben’s distinguished leadership in the realm of corporate-community engagement, and his unwavering dedication to conflict resolution, will serve as an inspiration to our graduates and all who attend the ceremony,” said La Roche University President Dr. Christina Clark. “His ability to guide diverse groups toward mutual understanding and collaboration aligns closely with our core values. At La Roche, we are committed to fostering dialogue, as it is essential to our Catholic identity and our mission of promoting justice and peace in a dynamic and interconnected world. Mr. Hoben’s work exemplifies the importance of thinking critically and engaging in constructive dialogue across differences—two principles that are central to a La Roche education.” 

 

Mr. Hoben, a senior mediator and director of the Consensus Building Institute’s (CBI) regional office in Washington, D.C., will receive an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for his outstanding contributions to the art and practice of conflict resolution. With more than 25 years of experience, he has developed a reputation for fostering collaboration, dignity and practical problem-solving in complex situations.

 

As Principal of CBI’s Corporate-Community Engagement Practice Area, Mr. Hoben facilitates negotiations among government, business and civil society stakeholders, and he leads training courses on negotiation, mediation and consensus-building for public, nonprofit and private sector organizations. His broad experience across diverse political, technical and cultural environments has guided his adaptive approach, making him a leader in his field.

 

“It is an honor to join the La Roche University community to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s graduates,” Mr. Hoben said. “At a time when the world needs thoughtful leaders who can bridge divides and foster understanding, I hope to inspire graduates to embrace the power of dialogue, collaboration and principled engagement as they step into their futures.”

 

The ceremony on May 10 will begin at 10 a.m. in the Kerr Fitness & Sports Center at La Roche’s campus in McCandless Township. The event will be livestreamed for students, family, faculty, alumni and friends who cannot attend in person.  Visit laroche.edu/commencement to learn more.