News Story
October 29, 2025
La Roche University and the University of Limerick Establish Global Academic Partnership
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 29, 2025 – La Roche University is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Limerick (UL) in Ireland, establishing a strategic academic partnership that will advance collaboration in research, education, cultural exchange, and international mobility.
A central component of this agreement is the 4+1 Progression Model, which enables La Roche students to seamlessly transition into relevant University of Limerick master’s programs immediately following the completion of their undergraduate studies. This initiative provides a meaningful pathway for advanced global learning, cross-cultural engagement, and professional development.
The MOU was formally signed by Dr. Christina Clark, President of La Roche University, and Professor Colin Fitzpatrick, Vice President for Global and Community Engagement at the University of Limerick. This partnership establishes a framework for a wide range of cooperative academic initiatives designed to benefit students, faculty, and staff at both institutions. Planned initiatives include joint research projects, student and faculty exchanges, study abroad opportunities, international seminars, and collaborative workshops—each aimed at expanding global perspectives and fostering interdisciplinary learning.
Through these programs, students will gain meaningful international experiences, broadened professional skills, and a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and educational systems. Faculty members will benefit from collaborative research opportunities, teaching exchanges, and professional development designed to promote innovation and knowledge sharing across institutions. Together, La Roche and UL reaffirm their shared commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, and the preparation of graduates to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.
Founded in 1972 as the National Institute for Higher Education, Limerick, and granted full university status in 1989, the University of Limerick was Ireland’s first new university since independence in 1922—marking it as a pioneer in modern Irish higher education. Today, UL is a leading independent, research-led institution known for innovation, academic excellence, and its dynamic learning environment. The university offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across the arts, humanities, social sciences, education, health sciences, science, engineering, and business.
UL also is recognized for its vibrant cultural life, housing significant art collections such as the National Self-Portrait Collection of Ireland, the Water Colour Society of Ireland Collection, and the O'Malley Sculpture Collection. The Bourn Vincent Gallery serves as the university’s principal exhibition venue, while initiatives such as the O’Malley Fellowship, offered in collaboration with the Irish American Cultural Institute, underscore UL’s dedication to promoting Irish Studies and advancing international cultural scholarship.
“We are excited to partner with the University of Limerick, an institution renowned for its commitment to research, global engagement, and cultural exchange,” said La Roche University President Christina Clark, Ph.D. “Through faculty and student exchanges, study abroad opportunities, and collaborative academic programs, we are creating transformative educational experiences that prepare our students to thrive in an interconnected and globalized world.”
Through this partnership, La Roche University and the University of Limerick strengthen their shared mission to promote international collaboration, expand access to global learning, and foster meaningful cultural and educational exchanges between the United States and Ireland.
About La Roche University: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 71 undergraduate programs of study, eight master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees, 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.
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