La Roche University Names Kate Labriola-Gorentz as Senior Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement

PITTSBURGH, April 28, 2026 – La Roche University is pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Labriola-Gorentz as Senior Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement.

Ms. Labriola-Gorentz brings extensive experience in higher education advancement, alumni relations, career development, and employer engagement. She has joined La Roche from Chatham University, where she most recently served as Director of Alumni Engagement. In that role, she led alumni programming, volunteer engagement initiatives, and signature campus events, including the launch of the institution’s first Homecoming Week.

Her professional background also includes leadership roles in career development, internship and employer relations, and alumni engagement at both Chatham University and Saint Francis University. Across these roles, she has developed a strong record of building meaningful relationships, strengthening institutional engagement, and advancing initiatives that connect alumni and students to university mission and priorities.

In her role at La Roche, Ms. Labriola-Gorentz will lead efforts to expand alumni engagement and annual giving initiatives, working closely with University Advancement colleagues, campus partners, alumni, and friends of the University to strengthen lifelong connections to La Roche.

“We are happy to welcome Kate to La Roche University,” said George Barron, Vice President for University Advancement. “Her experience in alumni engagement, event leadership, and relationship-building, combined with her energy and commitment to mission-driven work, will be a strong addition to our advancement efforts and to the broader La Roche community.”

Ms. Labriola-Gorentz holds a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing and Communications from West Virginia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Susquehanna University. She has demonstrated success in designing and implementing engagement strategies that foster connection, strengthen institutional identity, and inspire participation.

“I am delighted to join La Roche University and to support its mission of educating students to become lifelong learners and engaged global citizens,” said Ms. Labriola-Gorentz. “The University’s core values deeply resonate with me, and I look forward to working alongside colleagues, alumni, and friends to strengthen relationships that support student success and advance the University’s mission.”

About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 71 undergraduate programs of study, eight master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees, 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.

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