Inauguration

Join us in celebrating the inauguration of Dr. Christina A. Clark as the eighth president of La Roche University—a momentous occasion that honors our past, embraces the present, and looks forward to a bright future.

Guided by the theme, Imagine the Extraordinary Possibilities: Our Legacy in Motion, Inauguration Week will take place Sept. 8–12 and will showcase the spirit, values, and mission of La Roche. Through a series of events—ranging from reflective to festive—we invite the entire community to come together in celebration, connection, and inspiration.

Monday, Sept. 8

Something is Brewing at LRU
Wright Library Roundabout | 8 – 10 a.m.

Feel the excitement in the air as Something is Brewing at LRU! Inauguration Week starts off right with a free delicious treat from Convive Coffee – there’s a latte more coming! Plus, be one of the first to pick up your exclusive inauguration-themed T-shirt and show your LRU pride all week long!

Celebration with the Sisters of Divine Providence
The Commons Dining Room | 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Students are invited to a special on-campus service event as we celebrate Inauguration Week with the Sisters of Divine Providence at The Commons residence.

Enjoy meaningful conversation, help serve cake, and take part in a heartfelt celebration with the Sisters and fellow students. Please email elena.almendarez@laroche.edu to sign up.

Guest Speaker: Franz Franchetti, Ph.D.
"AI: Same-Old or All-New?"
Ryan Room | 7:30 – 9 p.m.

This talk examines the current state of artificial intelligence through both historical and technological lenses, situating recent developments within the broader context of disruptive innovation.

We explore the underlying technologies driving today's AI advances and address a fundamental question: Does AI represent a fundamentally new paradigm, or does it follow familiar patterns of technological disruption?

Drawing on perspectives from engineering research, we analyze the sustainability of current AI progress and consider where a new technological equilibrium might emerge. The presentation balances enthusiasm for AI's potential with critical skepticism about its limitations and long-term trajectory.

Dr. Franz Franchetti is the Kavcic-Moura Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. He is the associate dean for research for the College of Engineering, as well as the director of the Engineering Research Accelerator at Carnegie Mellon.

Tuesday, Sept. 9

Do-nut Miss the Inauguration!
Zappala Campus Center Square | 10 a.m.

Choose from a variety of free donuts as a sweet reminder to attend the Inauguration Ceremony and Celebration on Friday, Sept. 12, at 10:30 a.m. in the Mother of Divine Providence Chapel! Be sure to receive your free commemorative inauguration T-shirt!

The Power of Visual Language Reception
4 - 6:30 p.m. | Cantellops Art Gallery

Discover how words like peace, joy, and calm come alive through art. In partnership with the Ketteler Center for Peace, Justice, and Inclusion, this solo exhibition by Lauren P. Lampe, MFA, invites you to reflect, respond, and engage with visual prompts designed to inspire healing and unity.

Open to all students, faculty, and community members. Join us in celebrating the power of art and inclusion.

This exhibition runs through Oct. 10.

Wednesday, Sept. 10

Service Opportunity: Meditation Garden Cleanup
Kearns Spirituality Center | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Students will spend the morning in the meditation garden at Kearns Spirituality Center, helping plant fall mums, pull weeds and care for this peaceful campus space. Please email elena.almendarez@laroche.edu to sign up.

“Pop” by and Meet the President
Wright Library Courtyard | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join President Clark for popcorn and conversation, and snag your free inauguration shirt to wear proudly on Inauguration Day.

Service Opportunity: Meal Preparation and Dinner
Meal Prep Team | Bold Union Room | 3:30 – 6 p.m.
Service Team | Pleasant Valley Shelter | 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Join fellow students, faculty, and staff in preparing and serving dinner for about 30 residents at Pleasant Valley Shelter. This service opportunity will have two volunteer groups:

Meal Prep Team: Gather in the Bold Union Room to prepare and pack food.
Service Team: Help transport food to Pleasant Valley Shelter, then serve dinner to residents.

Transportation is provided, and space is limited to 15–20 volunteers.

Thursday, Sept. 11

"Reimagining the Humanities" Faculty Panel Discussion
3:30 – 5 p.m. | Fisher Room

We often hear: "What can you do with a humanities degree?" But what if we flipped that question: What can't you do without humanistic thinking?

Join us for a panel discussion led by distinguished faculty: Joshua Bellin, Ph.D., Bill Crowley, J.D., Joshua Forrest, Ph.D., Janine Molinaro, Ph.D., Emily Shimko, Ed.D., and Azlan Tajuddin, Ph.D.

Interfaith Prayer Service
Magdalen Chapel | 7 p.m.

Join us for an interfaith prayer service bringing together religious representatives from diverse faith traditions. This service will offer prayers, reflections, and blessings for the president’s leadership and the University’s shared future. All are welcome!

Community Dessert Reception
Huber Academic Center Lawn | 8 to 9:30 p.m.

Celebrate together with sweet treats and lively entertainment, including Stuff-a-Plush Redhawk Edition! This joyful gathering is a chance for students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to connect and share in the excitement of Inauguration Week. All are welcome—bring your La Roche spirit!

Friday, Sept. 12

Inauguration Installation Ceremony of President Christina A. Clark, Ph.D.
Mother of Divine Providence Chapel | 10:30 a.m.

Join us for the formal installation of Dr. Christina Clark as the eighth president of La Roche University. This ceremonial occasion will honor the University’s traditions while celebrating a new chapter of leadership, vision, and community. The event will feature remarks from distinguished guests, an academic procession, and the official investiture of the president.

This event is open to all members of the La Roche community and invited guests. Classes will be canceled to allow students and faculty the opportunity to attend the ceremony and luncheon.

Light refreshments will be available in the Community Room of Providence Heights at 9:30 a.m. for those in the processional. Academic regalia is encouraged for faculty participants and delegates. Robing and processional lineup will begin at 10 a.m.

Kindly respond by September 5 to confirm your attendance.
La Roche students do not need to RSVP.

Community Celebration Luncheon
Huber Academic Center Lawn | Immediately following the ceremony

Join the campus community and guests for a festive luncheon in honor of President Clark’s inauguration. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with delicious food and entertainment as we celebrate this exciting new chapter for La Roche University. All are welcome!

Hotel Accommodations

For guests traveling from out of state, the following local hotels are offering a discounted La Roche University rate. Just mention the inauguration and ask for the La Roche rate when booking.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Pittsburgh/McCandless Crossing
$149 + tax
901 Providence Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Phone: 412-227-9600

Home2 Suites by Hilton/McCandless
$115 + tax
8630 Duncan Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Phone: 412-630-8400