Lori Arend ’04

Ms. Arend is the director of counseling and health services at La Roche University and the clinical director for Camp Erin through the Good Samaratin Hospice.

How did La Roche prepare you for your current position?

La Roche gave me my foundation. I was taught by some really engaging professors who were just as excited about my progress as I was. La Roche helped me find my passions and taught me to keep searching and exploring the world for new adventures.

A few years ago I felt the need to experience something new, so I began working at Camp Erin, a grief camp for children ages six to 17. I can remember being so afraid of the topic of grief, so I took two classes to help me understand it better – once as an undergraduate and once at the University of Pittsburgh in graduate school. Now I am much more comfortable, and I look forward to interviewing all the families that apply to camp.

These children come to Camp Erin feeling all sorts of emotions and have all types of questions and concerns. To watch them from the intake interview to the last day of camp is an amazing experience. I am always so grateful I took those two classes on grief, and I am always thankful for having the support I had.

It’s an amazing feeling to have the opportunity to give back what was freely given to me. Camp Erin is a safe and supportive place for attendees to get encouragement and strength, which is very similar to what I experienced at La Roche.

How did a degree from La Roche help you advance your career?

Every milestone I conquered was due to the fact I believed in myself, and I got that from working really hard and being supported at La Roche.

La Roche also prepared me so well for graduate school. I emailed Professor Dr. Barbara Herrington while I was in graduate school to apologize for all the whining and complaining I did during her research methods class at La Roche.

I was able to tell her how much I remembered from her class and how helpful it was in my research class at Pitt. I get to tell all students now that they will survive the class and be really prepared for graduate school.

What impact did La Roche have on you as a person?

I found my true potential here at La Roche. People cared about me and went over and above to help me succeed.

Were you involved in any clubs, sports or organizations at La Roche?

I was in the Psychology Club and Sociology Club. I also attended the acoustic night performances that I now get to sponsor and attend today.

Are you involved in any volunteer service projects now?

I volunteer at their weekly bingo for the Elks Club. I picked this place because my father was a lifetime member, and my son and fiancé also are members. This particular Elks was in need of support, so I thought this would be something my Dad would really appreciate if he were still here.

What are you most proud of when you look back on your La Roche experience?

I am most proud of earning my degree and winning the Presidential Leadership Award. I was an older returning student who came to college only having read Golden Books to my kids for the past 15 years. To leave La Roche with a degree and an award was a pretty awesome accomplishment!

What advice do you have for our students?

I tell students this all the time: You have what it takes! You just need to trust and believe in yourself.

If you are a new student, stick it out, keep going and continue to reach out for anything you may need. Don't be afraid to talk to people on campus. The people who work here are dedicated and committed; they know what students need to do to be successful, so please reach out and don't give up!

What is your favorite memory of being a La Roche student?

I will never forget the time I was having a meltdown on a couch in the Wright Library. I told a librarian I was ready to quit. The next thing I know all the librarians were there offering support and encouragement.

Please describe an experience with a faculty or staff member who made a strong, positive impact on you.

Everyone here obviously had a positive impact on me because I came back. I completed an internship here in the counseling office during graduate school, and now I work in the counseling office. For me the commitment is way more than being a lifelong alumna.