May 06, 2017
La Roche College Honors 52nd Graduating Class
PITTSBURGH, May 6, 2017 – La Roche University honored its 2017 graduates at the 52nd commencement on Saturday, May 6.
“I wish you a lifetime of human encounters that will wow any application you may ever download to any device,” President Sister Candace Introcaso, CDP, Ph.D., told the graduates. “And I hope that you will remember to thank the many people, either in person or with an old fashioned handwritten note, who have made this day possible.”
The University conferred 379 degrees, including doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees. This year the first class of Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice students graduated from La Roche.
Frank Coonelly, president of the Pittsburgh Pirates, delivered the 52nd commencement address. La Roche presented Mr. Coonelly with an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration in recognition of his career as a businessman, and his commitment to education, pursuit of his faith, community service and devotion to his family.
“Stay grounded. Stay humble. Continue to show gratitude when you are given blessings by others. Know how to dream and dream as big as you can,” Mr. Coonelly said. “We all have a unique and powerful opportunity to help others. Do not underestimate your ability to honor your schools’ mission for the rest of your life.”
During the ceremony, the La Roche University Woman of Providence Award was presented to Sister Maura Anne Dunn, CDP, whose life of service, as part of the mission of the Congregation of Divine Providence, is a compelling example of God’s Providence made visible.
The University also presented the President’s Awards for Leadership and Scholarship. These awards are offered to undergraduate students who exemplify the values and characteristics of the University’s mission statement, who have exemplary academic records, and who are effective leaders on campus, in the workplace or in the community.
2017 Traditional Recipient
Sydney Harsh of Pittsburgh, Pa.
Bachelor of Science
Biology
Minor: English Studies: Journalism and Professional Writing
2017 Nontraditional Recipient
Michael Dye of Allison Park, Pa.
Bachelor of Arts
Political Science
Minors: International Affairs, Management Information Systems and Criminal Justice
About La Roche University: A private liberal arts college in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers more than 50 undergraduate and six 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 1,500 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.
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