La Roche College transitions to university status

La Roche College is now La Roche University.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education approved its application to become La Roche University, effective immediately.

La Roche President Sister Candace Introcaso made the official announcement Tuesday during a celebration for students, faculty and staff. Alumni and friends joined the president via Facebook Live.

University status will support the McCandless school’s growing student population and new academic programs, according to Introcaso. The Class of 2019 will be the first to receive degrees from the new university.

“Changing our designation and name to La Roche University is the fulfillment of a vision that many on campus have shared for several years,” Introcaso said. “This approval to become a university is recognition of how far La Roche has come.”

La Roche began as a school for religious women in 1963 with seven students in its first graduating class. Introcaso said La Roche University now offers sixty-six undergraduate programs, six master’s degrees and one doctoral degree.

“The future is very bright for La Roche,” she said. “We anticipate opportunities for growth while honoring our traditions and heritage as a Catholic institution.”