Kheir Mugwaneza ’04
Kheir Mugwaneza ’04 works for Northern Area Multiservice Center as the Director of Community Assistance and Refugee Resettlement.
How did La Roche prepare you for your current position?
The combination of business administration and computer information systems courses is very helpful. As a program director, part of my job is to work with human resources when we are hiring new staff or volunteers. In addition to that, budgeting and clients' financial assistance are part of my job as well.
Why would you recommend La Roche to a prospective student?
La Roche has unique programs that challenge students and prepare them for their career paths. The staff and faculty go above and beyond to make sure students have a great learning experience.
What impact did La Roche have on you as a person?
As a Pacem In Terris student, I learned the value of community service through the campus ministry programs. Volunteering with various organizations opened my eyes to the real world outside of campus. I realized that there were a lot people who need help. The education and skills acquired at La Roche have helped me to start my career right here in Pittsburgh. I cannot imagine to be where I am today without the experience and education from La Roche.
How did college activities enhance your experience at La Roche?
I was involved as a volunteer with the Campus Ministry. I participated in volunteering activities with several organizations in Pittsburgh. I was a potential volunteer when Catholic Charities was looking for Swahili speaking interpreters. The assignment did not happen. A few months after graduation, I received a phone call from Campus Ministry informing me that Catholic Charities was looking for a Swahili speaker to hire. That is how I got my first job working with refugees as a case manager.
What are you most proud of when you look back on your La Roche experience?
The diversity of the students. How often does one have an opportunity to live, study, play and pray with such a diverse group of students? One could have a roommate from a different country, participate in all kinds of multicultural events and activities.
The Pacem In Terris program gave me a once in lifetime opportunity. I could never imagine having this great educational opportunity if it was not for Pacem In Terris.
What was it like to be an international student in Pittsburgh and at La Roche?
It was a very rewarding and great learning experience. Looking back, I don’t think I realized how lucky we were to have other international students who came before us. They helped us to adjust to the new culture. The La Roche community also played a major role in helping us to adjust – from the faculty to the staff and students.
What is your favorite memory of being a La Roche student?
Being in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program was a lot of fun – just the whole process of learning a new language and adapting to a new culture at the same time.
What advice do you have for our students?
Follow your dreams. There may be challenges, but challenges prepare you for your next step in your career and life. Always give your best without necessarily expecting anything in return; sooner or later it will pay off. Volunteer or intern with organizations in your field.
Please describe an experience with a faculty or staff member who made a strong, positive impact on you.
My major was in business administration and computer information systems. But, I remember one course that really made a strong impact. The course was “Religion and Social Justice” with Sister Michele Bisbey. Little did I know that I would be working with a population coming to the U.S. in search of social justice.