April 02, 2019
Celebrate La Roche Gala Scheduled for April 26
PITTSBURGH, April 2, 2019 – La Roche University will celebrate student success, alumni achievements and its recent transition to university status at the Celebrate La Roche Gala on April 26 at the Westin Convention Center.
The gala will begin with a cocktail reception in the Allegheny Grand Ballroom at 6 p.m., with dinner and the program following at 7 p.m. The event also will feature entertainment by Gary Racan and the Studio-e Band. Cocktail attire is required.
Sister Candace Introcaso, CDP, Ph.D., president of La Roche, said, “As we step out into the world as La Roche University, we want to take time to reflect on our rich history of producing career-ready graduates who promote change, discovery and empathy through their actions. Our alumni display the values that have defined La Roche since our founding by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963: openness to diversity, peace and social justice. The Celebrate La Roche Gala is a way of honoring that legacy and looking forward to the future.”
During the event the University will induct 13 new members into its Distinguished Alumni Circle. Established during La Roche’s 50th anniversary celebration, the Distinguished Alumni Circle honors graduates whose outstanding professional achievements and community service projects exemplify the fundamental values of the University’s mission. After receiving nominations from alumni, parents, friends and other members of the University community in the fall of 2018, a committee comprised of a diverse cross-section of La Roche constituents selected the following alumni as recipients:
Jeremy (Shane) Bison ’12
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Main Street Anesthesia
Francis Feld ’97, DNP
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
UPMC Passavant
Sister Donna Marie Gribschaw ’74, CDP
Provincial Councillor
Sisters of Divine Providence
Brandon Hassett ’07, Ph.D.
Research Faculty/Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of Tromso
The Arctic University of Norway
Francine Irakoze ’08
Program Officer
Save the Children Canada
Robert Kopler ’86
Deputy Sheriff - retired
Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office
Scott Moffat ’01
Patrol Officer
Allegheny County Police Department
Jean-Pierre Nsanzabera ’04
Senior Systems Engineer
UPMC Information Services Division
Dana Olwan ’01, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Women’s & Gender Studies
Syracuse University
Andrea Peck ’00, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor
Education Department
La Roche University
Suzanne Platt ’90
Clinical Consultant
BD Becton, Dickinson and Company
Jennifer Popich ’09
Flight Nurse
REACH Air Medical Services
Donna Reuss ’80
(Retired)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Organizations and individuals interested in supporting or attending the Celebrate La Roche Gala should visit laroche.edu/celebrate to register or contact Janet Dennis, associate vice president and director of development, at janet.dennis@laroche.edu or 412-536-1092.
About La Roche University: A private liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 66 undergraduate programs of study, six master’s degrees and one doctoral degree, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,400 men and women 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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