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La Roche College's ongoing efforts to promote peace through education received special recognition in the summer of 2003. On September 9, 2003, the University of Pristina bestowed an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters upon Monsignor William Kerr, La Roche president.

"I am deeply gratified by this honorary degree," said Kerr. "The reach of the Pacem In Terris Institute continues to grow wider. This recognition pays tribute to the mission and success of La Roche College and the Pacem In Terris program."

Zejnel Kelmendi, president of the University of Pristina, officiated at the special ceremony. The event honored Kerr's commitment to provide educational opportunities to students from conflict regions of the world. Those in attendance included Rev. Mark Sopi, bishop of Kosovo, members of the faculty at the university and other government and educational leaders.

During his visit to Kosovo, Kerr also visited with Ibrahim Rugova, president of Kosovo, and families and relatives of La Roche students from Kosovo. Currently, La Roche is educating more than 20 young people from that nation. The College has established an educational partnership with Kosovo that will pursue study abroad opportunities for La Roche's students.

"We believe such an arrangement will broaden the horizons of our American students," said Ken Service, vice president for institutional relations who traveled with Kerr to Kosovo. "It will give them exposure to parts of the world that are not typical tourist destinations."

At La Roche, students from 28 nations are currently enrolled in the Pacem In Terris Institute.

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