The Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence is an international community of women religious co-founded in Germany by Wilhelm Emmanuel von Ketteler, a social reformer and Bishop of Mainz, and Stephanie Amelia von Starkenfels de le Roche, a French noblewoman, known in the community as Mother Marie.
Sisters of Divine Providence
The Sisters of Divine Providence, formerly St. Peter Province,
Pittsburgh, founded La Roche College in 1963. The Sisters have sponsored
and supported the University since its inception. the University's name
honors Marie de la Roche.
Mahler Hall, a residence building, is named for Sr. De la Salle Mahler,
the University's third President. The majestic Providence Heights, a
structure, which dominates the North Hills landscape, was designed and
built in 1927 in the style of a Bavarian castle. Providence Heights
Alpha School, a private elementary school accommodating grades one
through eight, is located in the building along with the offices of the
Marie de la Roche Provincial leadership team and other provincial
administrators.
Through contributed services, rent, and outright gifts, the Congregation
has provided over $20 million to the University over the years. The 60
acres of land which make up the Congregation's campus include:
Providence Heights, Ketteler Hall; Kearns Spirituality and Conference
Center; several private residences; a barn; storage buildings and a
number of garages. The cemetery and a woodland sanctuary are located on
the eastern portion of the CDP campus.
The spirit of the University emanates from the spirit of the Congregation
and the University's mission is an extension of the Congregation's mission.
Through the years, more than 100 Sisters of Divine Providence have
served the University as trustees, faculty, officers, administrators, and
staff. Currently, approximately six sisters minister at La Roche in
full- or part-time capacities. In addition, seven sisters serve on the
board of trustees.
For more information about the Sisters of Divine Providence, please visit the Sisters of Divine Providence web site at cdpsisters.org.