La Roche University to Host Conference Exploring Faith, Human Dignity, and AI

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 28, 2026 – La Roche University will host What Does It Mean to Be Human? Faith, Human Dignity, and Artificial Intelligence, a one-day conference examining the ethical, spiritual, and societal implications of artificial intelligence, on Friday, Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Zappala Campus Center Square.

Free and open to the public, the conference will bring together theologians, educators, faith leaders, students, and community members to explore how rapidly advancing AI technologies are shaping our understanding of human dignity, education, and spiritual life. No background in theology or technology is required.

The conference is co-organized by Paul Spradley, Ed.D., Executive Director of the Ketteler Center for Peace, Justice, and Inclusion, and Gregor Thuswaldner, Ph.D., Provost and Dean of the Faculty at La Roche University.

Noreen Herzfeld, Ph.D., Professor Emerita at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary and a member of the AI Research Group for the Vatican Dicastery of Culture and Education’s Centre for Digital Culture, will deliver the keynote address.

Throughout the day, presenters will examine AI through the lenses of biblical interpretation, human nature, higher education, and the humanities. Presenters include Harold V. Bennett, Ph.D., D.Min.; Christina Graziano, J.D.; Jeffrey Darville, Ph.D.; and Mary Orieji Mba, Ph.D.

The program also features an interfaith panel exploring AI and religious perspectives, as well as a discussion moderated by Dr. Thuswaldner featuring Sister Michele Bisbey, CDP, Ph.D., and Kristof Oltvai, Ph.D. Concurrent presentations and breakout sessions will provide additional opportunities for participants to examine the challenges and possibilities of AI and its impact on society.

“Artificial intelligence raises questions that go to the heart of who we are. As a Catholic university rooted in the mission of the Sisters of Divine Providence, we are called to engage those questions with openness, faith, and a deep respect for the dignity of every person,” said Dr. Spradley.

“Artificial intelligence is transforming how we teach, learn, and understand the world around us,” Dr. Thuswaldner said. “As educators and scholars, we have a responsibility to examine these developments critically, drawing on perspectives from the humanities, theology, and other disciplines. This conference provides an opportunity to explore both the possibilities and ethical challenges of AI through thoughtful academic dialogue.”

For more information, email KettelerCenter@laroche.edu or call 412-536-1170.

View the full conference schedule online.

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.

###