La Roche University Announces 2026 Distinguished Alumni Circle Honorees

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 12, 2026 – La Roche University has named four graduates to its 2026 Distinguished Alumni Circle, recognizing their professional achievements, leadership, and contributions to their communities. This year’s honorees represent the fields of interior design, arts education, science and technology, and higher education.

The recipients will be recognized during the Distinguished Alumni Circle Reception, Dinner, and Awards Ceremony on Friday, October 16, in the Zappala Campus Center Square. The event is part of the University’s Red, White, and You Homecoming Weekend.

“While their careers span very different fields, each of these four alumni has used their talents, education, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” said La Roche University President Christina A. Clark. “Their accomplishments reflect the core values at the heart of a La Roche education and are something we are proud to celebrate.”

The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Circle honorees are:

William (Will) J. Michael ’97, NCIDQ
Account Executive, MDC Interior Solutions

A graduate of La Roche’s Interior Design program, Michael has built a nearly 30-year career in commercial and hospitality design. He currently serves as an account executive for MDC Interior Solutions, working with designers, architects, and contractors throughout Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

His career includes positions with Scurci-Myers Design Associates, George Conte Design Associates, and DRS Architects. His projects have received recognition from professional organizations, including the American Society of Interior Designers and the American Institute of Architects. In 2025, he earned President’s Club recognition at MDC Interior Solutions.

Michael credits La Roche with helping him develop the independence, confidence, and creative vision that have guided his career.

Greer Reed ’16, Ed. D. 
Arts Director, Lausanne Collegiate School

A Pittsburgh native and accomplished dancer, educator, and arts leader, Reed serves as the inaugural Arts Director at Lausanne Collegiate School in Memphis, Tennessee, where she oversees arts education from prekindergarten through 12th grade.

Her career includes leadership and teaching positions at The Chicago High School for the Arts and Pittsburgh CAPA. She is the owner and CEO of I Love Dance, founder of the August Wilson Dance Ensemble, and a former professional dancer with Ailey II and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company.

Reed, who returned to higher education after a 12-year professional dance career, credits La Roche with strengthening her commitment to arts education as a means of developing confidence, discipline, empathy, and resilience.

Anwar Sadek ’10, Ph.D.
CEO and Co-Founder, Corrolytics

Originally from Bangladesh, Sadek earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from La Roche before beginning his career at PPG Industries. He later earned a doctorate in chemical, biomolecular, and corrosion engineering from the University of Akron.

Today, he is CEO and Co-Founder of Corrolytics, a clean technology company developing patented electrochemical solutions to detect and monitor microbiologically influenced corrosion in industrial systems. His work focuses on improving infrastructure safety, reliability, and sustainability across the energy, water, and industrial sectors.

Sadek credits the personalized attention and support he received at La Roche with helping establish the foundation for his professional success.

April Sikorski ’01, Ph.D. (they/them)
Associate Professor of English, Massachusetts Bay Community College

Sikorski is an associate professor of English and coordinator of corequisite writing courses at Massachusetts Bay Community College. A first-generation college graduate, they earned a bachelor’s degree in English from La Roche before completing advanced degrees at the University of Pittsburgh and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Now in their 23rd year of teaching, Sikorski has dedicated their career to writing instruction, student mentorship, and educational access. As founding director of the Writing Center at Brazosport College, they developed programs that expanded opportunities for student research and contributed to the center’s recognition by the Southeast Writing Center Association in 2022.

Sikorski also has supported LGBTQIA+ students through mentorship and campus education initiatives. They credit La Roche faculty mentors and their early experience in the University’s Writing Center with shaping their career as an educator.

About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, 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 multiple 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.

###