News Story
June 04, 2015
English Professor at La Roche College Named AAUW Outstanding Woman of 2015
PITTSBURGH, June 4, 2015 – The North Hills-McKnight branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) recently named La Roche University Professor Sister Rita Yeasted, SFCC, Ph.D., the Outstanding Woman of 2015.
Each year AAUW Pennsylvania selects a branch member as an Outstanding Woman in recognition of her service to the branch and to the community. Upon recommendation of the North Hills-McKnight branch, AAUW recognized Sister Rita for her demonstrated commitment to the ideas and goals of AAUW, which strives to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.
“The women of the North Hills-McKnight branch are committed to the education of girls and equity in the workplace, two issues I have supported all my life. I have stayed with the organization because they have continued to provide speakers on issues that I care about, and their commitment to the women students at La Roche has extended over the decades,” Sister Rita said.
Sister Rita’s service of 30 years includes raising funds for the AAUW Sister Matilda Kelly Incentive Grant, an annual scholarship given to a young woman enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at La Roche.
“What was originally a $100 scholarship has grown to $2,000,” Sister Rita said. “I have worked hard over the years to raise the money that funds this scholarship, mainly through the sale of holiday greens each fall.”
A lifelong resident of Pittsburgh, Sister Rita graduated from La Roche in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts in English and earned her master’s degree and doctorate degree at Duquesne University. In 1980 she returned to La Roche as a professor and served as chair of the English Department for 34 years. She is the University’s first-ever Distinguished Professor of English.
About La Roche University: A private liberal arts college in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers more than 50 undergraduate and five graduate degree programs, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential college provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,400 men and women enjoying 30-plus 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.
###