Simplice Manamfise

Meet Simplice Manamfise, a sophomore majoring in biology. Simplice is a recipient of the 2025 Founders Scholarship, La Roche’s most prestigious full-tuition award.

Hometown:

Bujumbura/Burundi

Campus Involvement:

• Cooking Club
• GLOBE

Hobbies/Interests/Job outside of La Roche:

• Jogging
• Cooking
• Learning new languages
• Comedy

What inspired you to choose La Roche, and what has your experience been like so far?

The La Roche mission. La Roche is a welcoming campus. It has been easy for me as an international student to be included in the community.

What drew you to your field of study?

The need to help the medical fiels back home.

What have you learned about yourself or the world during your time at La Roche?

I have learned that growth often happens outside of my comfort zone. Being part of a diverse community has helped me understand different perspectives.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to work in the biomedical field to help improve health care, especially back home. I hope to carry La Roche’s mission forward by promoting peace, compassion, and justice through my work, using my education to help others live healthier and more dignified lives.