Pittsburgh –Sister Michele Bisbey, Ph.D., professor of religious studies and Ketteler Endowed Chair of Theology at La Roche College, has been named to the Irish Voice Newspaper’s 2012 Irish Education 100. The listing recognizes leading figures across the nation with Irish blood.

Sr. Michele was nominated for the honor by Thomas Schaefer, associate vice president for academic affairs at La Roche College. “In addition to being Irish, Sr. Michele is a wonderful educator. When you look at who has been honored with this award in past years, they all excel in educational contributions and many of them in terms of social and personal outreach as well. Sr. Michele is exceptional in all of these areas—her heritage is important to her, as is her work with foster parenting, her devotion to students and education, and her faith—she has it all.”

Past awardees include Rev. William P. Leahy, president, Boston College; Rev. Joseph M. McShane, president, Fordham University, and Rev. Peter M. Donohue, president, Villanova University. Local award-winning educators include Dr. Mary Hines, president, Carlow University; Sr. Margaret Carney, president, St. Bonaventure; Charles Dougherty, president, Duquesne University; and Kenneth Service, executive director, Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education.

“The award is a tribute to my parents, particularly my mother, Eileen Quinn Bisbey, who was born in Lurgan in County Armagh,” said Sr. Michele. “We were raised to value our heritage and our faith. My parents believed that the way to secure peace and justice was through education.”

Sr. Michele’s name will appear in a special edition issue of the Irish Voice Newspaper on Dec. 12, 2012, and she will also be featured in a replica digital edition on www.irisheducation100.com. An awards ceremony will be held on Dec. 13 at the home of the Irish consulate general in New York City. To learn more about the 2012 Irish Education 100, visit www.irisheducation100.com.

About La Roche College: A private, Catholic, co-educational college north of Pittsburgh founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche welcomes students of all religions, ethnic origins and talents. Undergraduates may choose from more than 50 majors, including the top 10 majors most in demand among today’s college students. La Roche combines a quality educational experience with clubs, athletics, social and community volunteer activities, spiritual well-being and more to prepare students for life in a constantly changing global society.