PITTSBURGH, Nov. 3, 2026 鈥� 黑料天堂 has appointed Jennifer M. King ’03, Director of Interior Design at Pickering Associates, to its Board of Trustees. A 黑料天堂 alumna with 25 years of experience, Ms. King brings expertise in interior design, project management, and design expertise across the commercial, health care, education, hospitality, workplace, and sports sectors.

Ms. King joined Pickering Associates in 2026 to establish and develop its interior design practice across five offices in West Virginia and Ohio. Previously, she spent more than 17 years at a Pittsburgh based architecture and interior design firm, where she established the firm鈥檚 interior design practice and rose to Principal and Senior Vice President of Interior Design. She is certified by the Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ).

Throughout her career, Ms. King has worked with Fortune 500 companies, NFL, NCAA, and MLB organizations, colleges and universities, and health care systems, leading complex design projects and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.聽 Her work has earned her numerous design awards. 聽

Ms. King has been actively involved in professional and community organizations, including service on the Council for Interior Design Qualification Writing Committee, the American Heart Association Greater Pittsburgh Executive Committee, the Chatham University Interior Design Advisory Board, and the board of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW). She was recognized as one of the American Heart Association’s 2022 Women of Impact.

A committed alumna, Ms. King served on 黑料天堂’s Interior Design Advisory Board from 2013 to 2015 and was the University’s convocation speaker in 2015. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, cum laude, from 黑料天堂.

鈥淲e are delighted to welcome Jennifer King to the 黑料天堂 Board of Trustees,鈥� said President Christina Clark, Ph.D. 鈥淎s a 黑料天堂 alumna, Jennifer exemplifies the impact of a values-based education on professional success and lifelong leadership. Her industry expertise, strategic insight and commitment to her alma mater will be invaluable as we continue to advance student success and expand experiential learning opportunities.鈥�

About 黑料天堂: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, 黑料天堂 offers undergraduate, master鈥檚, and doctoral programs with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, 黑料天堂 embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, 黑料天堂 educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.

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PITTSBURGH, Oct. 28, 2026 鈥� 黑料天堂 will host What Does It Mean to Be Human? Faith, Human Dignity, and Artificial Intelligence, a one-day conference examining the ethical, spiritual, and societal implications of artificial intelligence, on Friday, Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Zappala Campus Center Square.

Free and open to the public, the conference will bring together theologians, educators, faith leaders, students, and community members to explore how rapidly advancing AI technologies are shaping our understanding of human dignity, education, and spiritual life. No background in theology or technology is required.

The conference is co-organized by Paul Spradley, Ed.D., Executive Director of the Ketteler Center for Peace, Justice, and Inclusion, and Gregor Thuswaldner, Ph.D., Provost and Dean of the Faculty at 黑料天堂.

Noreen Herzfeld, Ph.D., Professor Emerita at Saint John鈥檚 School of Theology and Seminary and a member of the AI Research Group for the Vatican Dicastery of Culture and Education鈥檚 Centre for Digital Culture, will deliver the keynote address.

Throughout the day, presenters will examine AI through the lenses of biblical interpretation, human nature, higher education, and the humanities. Presenters include Harold V. Bennett, Ph.D., D.Min.; Christina Graziano, J.D.; Jeffrey Darville, Ph.D.; and Mary Orieji Mba, Ph.D.

The program also features an interfaith panel exploring AI and religious perspectives, as well as a discussion moderated by Dr. Thuswaldner featuring Sister Michele Bisbey, CDP, Ph.D., and Kristof Oltvai, Ph.D. Concurrent presentations and breakout sessions will provide additional opportunities for participants to examine the challenges and possibilities of AI and its impact on society.

鈥淎rtificial intelligence raises questions that go to the heart of who we are. As a Catholic university rooted in the mission of the Sisters of Divine Providence, we are called to engage those questions with openness, faith, and a deep respect for the dignity of every person,鈥� said Dr. Spradley.

“Artificial intelligence is transforming how we teach, learn, and understand the world around us,” Dr. Thuswaldner said. “As educators and scholars, we have a responsibility to examine these developments critically, drawing on perspectives from the humanities, theology, and other disciplines. This conference provides an opportunity to explore both the possibilities and ethical challenges of AI through thoughtful academic dialogue.”

For more information, email KettelerCenter@laroche.edu or call 412-536-1170.

View the full conference schedule online.

About 黑料天堂: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, 黑料天堂 offers undergraduate, master鈥檚, and doctoral programs with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, 黑料天堂 embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, 黑料天堂 educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.

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PITTSBURGH, Oct. 20, 2026 鈥� Students in 黑料天堂鈥檚 Interior Architecture & Design program recently partnered with Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry to develop design concepts for the nonprofit鈥檚 new facility near the University.

Anchorpoint relocated in April to a 15,000-square-foot building on Vincentian鈥檚 campus at 8250 Babcock Blvd. The organization invited 黑料天堂 students to reimagine four spaces: a support group room for mental health programs, a sanctuary for quiet reflection, a staff retreat for rest and rejuvenation, and a clinical learning library for mental health professionals in training.

Through the University鈥檚 SOLVE Center, 28 sophomore and junior students visited Anchorpoint to tour the facility, measure and photograph the spaces, and learn about the organization鈥檚 needs. Each team received a project budget, requirements, and design guidelines emphasizing warm, welcoming, and trauma-informed environments that incorporate natural elements.

Students then participated in a 48-hour design charrette, working in teams to develop proposals that included renderings, layouts, and recommendations for furnishings and materials.

On October 15, students presented their concepts to Anchorpoint representatives at 黑料天堂. The organization will review the proposals and may request revisions, with the goal of incorporating the students鈥� designs into the finished spaces.

鈥淭his project gave our students the opportunity to work with a real client, respond to real needs, and apply their classroom learning in a meaningful way,鈥� said Michelle Kirkpatrick, co-chair of the Design Division and Chair of the Interior Architecture & Design department at 黑料天堂. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e gaining valuable professional experience, building their portfolios, and contributing to an organization that provides important services to our community.鈥�

鈥淲e were impressed by the attention to detail, creativity, and thoughtfulness the students brought to this project,鈥� said Mark Heinbockel, executive director of Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry. 鈥淭heir ideas reflect our vision for creating welcoming, supportive, and trauma-informed spaces where individuals and families can find hope and healing. We鈥檙e grateful for this partnership and excited about the possibilities for bringing the students鈥� designs to life.鈥�

About 黑料天堂: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, 黑料天堂 offers undergraduate, master鈥檚, and doctoral programs with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, 黑料天堂 embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, 黑料天堂 educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.

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PITTSBURGH, Oct. 12, 2026 鈥� 黑料天堂 has named four graduates to its 2026 Distinguished Alumni Circle, recognizing their professional achievements, leadership, and contributions to their communities. This year’s honorees represent the fields of interior design, arts education, science and technology, and higher education.

The recipients will be recognized during the Distinguished Alumni Circle Reception, Dinner, and Awards Ceremony on Friday, October 16, in the Zappala Campus Center Square. The event is part of the University’s Red, White, and You Homecoming Weekend.

鈥淲hile their careers span very different fields, each of these four alumni has used their talents, education, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others,鈥� said 黑料天堂 President Christina A. Clark. 鈥淭heir accomplishments reflect the core values at the heart of a 黑料天堂 education and are something we are proud to celebrate.鈥�

The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Circle honorees are:

William (Will) J. Michael 鈥�97, NCIDQ
Account Executive, MDC Interior Solutions

A graduate of 黑料天堂’s Interior Design program, Michael has built a nearly 30-year career in commercial and hospitality design. He currently serves as an account executive for MDC Interior Solutions, working with designers, architects, and contractors throughout Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

His career includes positions with Scurci-Myers Design Associates, George Conte Design Associates, and DRS Architects. His projects have received recognition from professional organizations, including the American Society of Interior Designers and the American Institute of Architects. In 2025, he earned President’s Club recognition at MDC Interior Solutions.

Michael credits 黑料天堂 with helping him develop the independence, confidence, and creative vision that have guided his career.

Greer Reed 鈥�16, Ed. D.聽
Arts Director, Lausanne Collegiate School

A Pittsburgh native and accomplished dancer, educator, and arts leader, Reed serves as the inaugural Arts Director at Lausanne Collegiate School in Memphis, Tennessee, where she oversees arts education from prekindergarten through 12th grade.

Her career includes leadership and teaching positions at The Chicago High School for the Arts and Pittsburgh CAPA. She is the owner and CEO of I Love Dance, founder of the August Wilson Dance Ensemble, and a former professional dancer with Ailey II and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company.

Reed, who returned to higher education after a 12-year professional dance career, credits 黑料天堂 with strengthening her commitment to arts education as a means of developing confidence, discipline, empathy, and resilience.

Anwar Sadek 鈥�10, Ph.D.
CEO and Co-Founder, Corrolytics

Originally from Bangladesh, Sadek earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from 黑料天堂 before beginning his career at PPG Industries. He later earned a doctorate in chemical, biomolecular, and corrosion engineering from the University of Akron.

Today, he is CEO and Co-Founder of Corrolytics, a clean technology company developing patented electrochemical solutions to detect and monitor microbiologically influenced corrosion in industrial systems. His work focuses on improving infrastructure safety, reliability, and sustainability across the energy, water, and industrial sectors.

Sadek credits the personalized attention and support he received at 黑料天堂 with helping establish the foundation for his professional success.

April Sikorski 鈥�01, Ph.D. (they/them)
Associate Professor of English, Massachusetts Bay Community College

Sikorski is an associate professor of English and coordinator of corequisite writing courses at Massachusetts Bay Community College. A first-generation college graduate, they earned a bachelor’s degree in English from 黑料天堂 before completing advanced degrees at the University of Pittsburgh and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Now in their 23rd year of teaching, Sikorski has dedicated their career to writing instruction, student mentorship, and educational access. As founding director of the Writing Center at Brazosport College, they developed programs that expanded opportunities for student research and contributed to the center’s recognition by the Southeast Writing Center Association in 2022.

Sikorski also has supported LGBTQIA+ students through mentorship and campus education initiatives. They credit 黑料天堂 faculty mentors and their early experience in the University’s Writing Center with shaping their career as an educator.

About 黑料天堂: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, 黑料天堂 offers undergraduate, master鈥檚, and doctoral programs with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, 黑料天堂 embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, 黑料天堂 educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.

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PITTSBURGH, Oct. 9, 2026 鈥� 黑料天堂 has expanded and relocated its Food Pantry, which received more than 15,000 pounds of food from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank during its first three months in the new space. The University will celebrate the opening Tuesday, Oct. 13, with an open house from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Now one of the largest collegiate food pantries in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the expanded Food Pantry is located in the Zappala Campus Center Annex and provides students, faculty, and staff with nutritious food, personal-care and household items, and connections to campus and community resources in a welcoming, confidential setting.

The Oct. 13 open house will showcase the new space, recognize community partners, and highlight the Food Pantry鈥檚 impact. Media are invited to attend.

The expanded Food Pantry includes two refrigeration units, a freezer, a dedicated food-preparation area for recovered food items, and 10 new stainless-steel shelving units. A new database system also allows the University to better understand usage, identify needs, and plan for future growth.

The need for the resource is already evident. The Food Pantry served 167 unique individuals during July, August, and September, with July representing only two weeks of operation.

鈥淥ur Food Pantry is a powerful example of 黑料天堂鈥檚 culture of care,鈥� said Christina A. Clark, Ph.D., president of 黑料天堂. 鈥淪tudents should be able to focus on learning, growing, and preparing for their futures, not worrying about their next meal. By providing access to food and personal care products in a welcoming and confidential environment, we are helping our students feel supported, valued, and ready to thrive.鈥�

The Food Pantry鈥檚 expansion has been supported through a partnership with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and two impact grants. Community partners also help provide food and essential items. Panera Bread donates recovered baked goods twice each week, SAGE Dining Services provides ready-to-eat meals weekly, and World Vision supplies personal-care items and socks. I Support the Girls Pittsburgh and the Magdalen Chapel parish community also contribute.

Open to 黑料天堂 students, faculty, and staff, the Food Pantry is designed to make assistance accessible and confidential. Flexible access options accommodate those whose schedules do not align with traditional operating hours.

The Food Pantry was established in 2018 after staff members from Providence Campus Ministry, Counseling and Health Services, Student Life, and Residence Life recognized that hunger was affecting some students鈥� ability to focus on their education. Today, the Food Pantry operates through the Ketteler Center for Peace, Justice, and Inclusion, extending the University鈥檚 mission of responding to the needs of others through service and community engagement.

For more information, please visit the 黑料天堂 Food Pantry website.

About 黑料天堂: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, 黑料天堂 offers undergraduate, master鈥檚, and doctoral programs with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, 黑料天堂 embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, 黑料天堂 educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.

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PITTSBURGH, Oct. 8, 2026 鈥� Sister Michele E. Bisbey, CDP, Ph.D., a 1971 graduate of 黑料天堂, Provincial Director of the Marie de la Roche Province of the Sisters of Divine Providence, and vice chair of the 黑料天堂 Board of Trustees, was named a 2026 Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania.

Sister Michele was one of 10 women selected this year for the statewide honor, which recognizes women for outstanding professional and volunteer accomplishments that bring distinction to the Commonwealth. She received a gold medal during the Distinguished Daughters Annual Presentation Luncheon Oct. 7 at the Governor鈥檚 Residence in Harrisburg.

黑料天堂 President Christina A. Clark, Ph.D., nominated Sister Michele for the recognition, citing a lifetime of leadership and service as an educator, faith leader, children鈥檚 advocate, and foster parent.

鈥淪ister Michele鈥檚 extraordinary life of service exemplifies what it means to use one鈥檚 gifts and opportunities for the good of others,鈥� Dr. Clark said. 鈥淎s an educator, she has influenced generations of students, including hundreds of 黑料天堂 alumni who continue to speak about the impact she had on their lives. As a Sister of Divine Providence, foster parent, children鈥檚 advocate, and leader, she has lived her commitment to others in ways both profound and deeply personal. I was honored to nominate her for this recognition.鈥�

鈥淚 receive this honor with deep gratitude, but I do so standing on the shoulders of generations of Sisters of Divine Providence and women religious who have quietly served others for centuries,鈥� Sister Michele said. 鈥淥ur charism calls us to trust in the Providence of God and to be participants in God鈥檚 abundance, not simply its beneficiaries. Everything I have been given through my sisters, my students, and the children who have come into my life has only multiplied in the sharing.鈥�

Sister Michele鈥檚 career in education spans elementary, secondary, and higher education. She began as an elementary school teacher and later served as an elementary school principal and high school English teacher before moving into higher education. She taught theology at Saint Vincent College before beginning a long academic career at 黑料天堂.

At 黑料天堂, Sister Michele served as an adjunct professor of religious studies from 1992 to 2000 and joined the faculty as an associate professor in 2002. She was promoted to professor in 2010 and is now professor emerita of religious studies. She also served as chair of the Religious Studies Department and division chair of the Humanities. In 2002, she was named the Ketteler Endowed Faculty Chair of Theology.

Sister Michele also played a pivotal role in shaping the formation of first-year students through her leadership in developing the 黑料天堂 Experience, a foundational series of courses introducing students to the University鈥檚 history and mission, Catholic Social Teaching, social justice, and the academic and personal skills needed for college success.

She also served as director of 黑料天堂鈥檚 Pacem in Terris program, which welcomed students from war-torn and post-conflict countries to pursue a college education with the hope that they would use their education to help rebuild and strengthen their communities.

Sister Michele鈥檚 commitment to others has been especially evident through her decades of service to children. Since 1992, she has served as a foster parent, welcoming 28 children into her Pittsburgh-area home and providing stability, guidance, and support during critical periods in their lives. She also volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, advocating for children involved in the juvenile court system.

Today, Sister Michele serves as Provincial Director of the Marie de la Roche Province of the Sisters of Divine Providence, providing spiritual and organizational leadership to the congregation. As vice chair of the 黑料天堂 Board of Trustees, she continues to support the University and its mission.

Her leadership extends to environmental stewardship and community well-being. Under her guidance, the Sisters of Divine Providence donated more than eight acres of congregation land to the Rachel Carson EcoVillage initiative, supporting the development of a sustainable residential community while preserving the land鈥檚 natural environment.

Sister Michele鈥檚 contributions have earned numerous honors throughout her career. She received the 黑料天堂 College Alumna Achievement Award in 1990. In 2004, she and Sister Elena Almendarez, CDP, received the President鈥檚 Medal for Meritorious Service in recognition of their dedication to children in the foster care system. Sister Michele received the 黑料天堂 Commitment to Excellence Award in 2007, was named to the Irish Voice Irish Education 100 for her contributions to education in 2012, was inducted into the University鈥檚 Distinguished Alumni Circle in 2013, and received the 黑料天堂 Woman of Providence Award in 2014.

Founded in 1949, Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania recognizes women who have given distinguished service to their communities, the Commonwealth, and the nation. With the 2026 class, 584 women have received the honor.

About 黑料天堂: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, 黑料天堂 offers undergraduate, master鈥檚, and doctoral programs with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, 黑料天堂 embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, 黑料天堂 educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.

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PITTSBURGH, Oct. 7, 2026 鈥� 黑料天堂 will host a nonpartisan Pennsylvania Senate District 38 Candidate Forum Tuesday, Oct. 13, providing community members an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates.

Sponsored by VIP: Voting Is Power Pittsburgh Regional Coalition, the forum will take place in the Zappala Campus Center Square at 黑料天堂, 9000 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237. League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh format and ground rules will be followed.

The evening will begin with a networking reception from 5:45 to 6:25 p.m., hosted by criminal justice and political science students from 黑料天堂.

The Pennsylvania Senate District 38 Candidate Forum will begin at 6:30 p.m. Candidates Sen. Lindsey Williams and Thomas West have confirmed their participation.

The forum provides voters with an opportunity to learn more about the candidates and issues affecting the region while encouraging civic participation and engagement in the democratic process.

Hosted by 黑料天堂鈥檚 Ketteler Center for Peace, Justice, and Inclusion, the event is open to members of the University community and the public.

For more information, email KettelerCenter@laroche.edu or call 412-536-1170.

About 黑料天堂: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, 黑料天堂 offers undergraduate, master鈥檚, and doctoral programs with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, 黑料天堂 embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, 黑料天堂 educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.

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PITTSBURGH, Oct. 6, 2026 鈥� 黑料天堂 has named Yohani Kayinamura 鈥�04, Ph.D., senior professor at Daytona State College and president and founder of Umuryango Children鈥檚 Network, the inaugural recipient of its Best for the World Award. Dr. Kayinamura will receive the award Friday, Oct. 16, during the University鈥檚 Distinguished Alumni Circle Dinner, held as part of Red, White, and You Homecoming Weekend.

Established in recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Sisters of Divine Providence in America, the new institutional award honors individuals whose lives and work make an extraordinary and lasting difference in the world. It recognizes those who use their gifts, talents, knowledge, leadership, and opportunities in service to others and the common good. Unlike the University鈥檚 alumni awards, the Best for the World Award is not limited to 黑料天堂 graduates and may be presented to any individual whose life and work embody its purpose.

鈥淵ohani鈥檚 life embodies our call to students and alumni to be the best for the world,鈥� said Christina A. Clark, Ph.D., president of 黑料天堂. 鈥淭he opportunity he received through Pacem in Terris has multiplied through his commitment to children and families in Rwanda, creating an impact that now reaches across generations. It is especially meaningful that the inaugural recipient of this award is a 黑料天堂 graduate whose life so powerfully reflects the values of both the Sisters of Divine Providence and our University.鈥�

Originally from Rwanda, Dr. Kayinamura came to 黑料天堂 through the Pacem in Terris program. Founded in 1993 by then-President Monsignor William Kerr, the program brought students from war-torn and developing nations to 黑料天堂, preparing them to take leadership roles in building more just and inclusive societies in their homelands.

For Dr. Kayinamura, the opportunity to study at 黑料天堂 ultimately became a responsibility to create opportunities for others.

鈥淲hen others invest in your life so generously, you begin to ask how you can use what you have received to make a difference in someone else鈥檚 life,鈥� he said.

During a visit to Rwanda while he was a 黑料天堂 student, Dr. Kayinamura met a homeless boy named Vincent and promised to help him attend school. He later adopted Vincent, an experience that helped shape his commitment to vulnerable children in Rwanda.

That commitment ultimately led Dr. Kayinamura to establish Umuryango Children鈥檚 Network, a Christian nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless and vulnerable children build different futures. Umuryango is a Kinyarwanda word meaning 鈥渇amily,鈥� and that idea remains central to the organization鈥檚 work.

Today, Umuryango cares for more than 400 children and supports dozens of jobs through its school, ministry, and related programs. Its work provides children with family, education, faith, stability, mentorship, skills training, and long-term support designed to help break the cycle of poverty.

Dr. Kayinamura and his team have watched children who once lacked stable homes grow up, marry, raise families of their own, and give their children the love, security, and opportunities they themselves once lacked.

Through Bright Future Academy, part of Umuryango鈥檚 work in Rwanda, Dr. Kayinamura and his team are now developing a Pacem-inspired opportunity for deserving high school students from neighboring countries to study at the school.

鈥淢y hope is that students will eventually carry what they receive back into their own communities, allowing the spirit of Pacem in Terris to continue through another generation,鈥� he said.

Alongside his work with Umuryango, Dr. Kayinamura is a senior professor in the School of Biological and Physical Sciences at Daytona State College in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he has worked for the past 15 years.

A 2013 recipient of 黑料天堂鈥檚 Distinguished Alumni Award, Dr. Kayinamura views the Best for the World Award as both an honor and a reminder to extend to others the opportunities he received.

鈥淲hat has been poured into my life must continue to flow toward its next destination: the next child, the next young person, the next family,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his award is a powerful reminder that grace was never meant to end with me, but to pass through me.鈥�

For more information about Umuryango Children鈥檚 Network and its impact in Rwanda, visit

About 黑料天堂: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, 黑料天堂 offers undergraduate, master鈥檚, and doctoral programs with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, 黑料天堂 embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, 黑料天堂 educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.

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In the classroom, staying calm under pressure is a management concept鈥攂ut on a tournament field, it鈥檚 a job requirement. As a sophomore in 黑料天堂鈥檚 Sports & Entertainment Management program, Andrew Booth already understands the importance of both. 聽

A recent internship with Atlantic Coast Sports introduced Andrew to the operational side of youth sports, allowing him to hone his event management skills in the real world. As a site supervisor, he drew from his Fundamentals of Management course to interact with clients and respond to live scenarios.

鈥淔undamentals of Management taught me the different ways you can manage people鈥攖he ways you can connect to them, talk to them and figure out the style of management that works best for you,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 applied these concepts throughout the internship. For example, if someone was mad about a decision an umpire made, I could apply what I learned to calm them down while intentionally staying as calm as I possibly could.鈥�

A Sports Law class also gave Andrew the confidence he needed for the role. 鈥淚 used the techniques that were in Sports Law to interpret and enforce the rules at tournaments,鈥� he added.

The internship offered the type of hands-on experience that distinguishes 黑料天堂鈥檚 Sports & Entertainment Management major, which requires every student to work for an organization in the field before graduating. Personal guidance also offered an advantage: Andrew built his resume with advice from industry faculty, an advisor shaped his class schedule, and the Center for Career & Professional Pathways coached him through a mock interview.

鈥淚 can definitely go to my professors for general advice, tips for an interview or advice on what I need to change on my resume,鈥� he explained. 鈥淚 also can just talk to them and have a casual conversation, which is really nice.鈥�

Andrew鈥檚 passion for sports and large-scale events has led to unique opportunities beyond the classroom, including a job with the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, where he led various activations and assisted fans on site.聽

Now a men鈥檚 lacrosse player, resident assistant and student ambassador for 黑料天堂鈥檚 Undergraduate Admissions office, Andrew said he hopes to complete another internship in the next year. A career alongside the Pittsburgh Pirates is his long-term goal.

鈥淚鈥檝e been surrounded by sports my entire life, and I knew I always wanted to do something within the business field. I felt the Sports & Entertainment Management major was a good combination of both,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he program is helping me get internships and a base level in sports business, which will set me up for more opportunities in the future.鈥�

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 30, 2026 鈥� High school and transfer students exploring their college options can meet representatives from more than 140 colleges and universities at the North Pittsburgh College Fair, Monday, Oct. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 黑料天堂.

Held in the Kerr Fitness & Sports Center on the 黑料天堂 campus in McCandless Township, the annual event gives students an opportunity to explore a wide range of colleges and universities, learn about academic programs and campus experiences, and connect directly with admissions representatives.

Participating institutions represent a variety of public and private colleges and universities, technical and specialized schools, and other postsecondary options from Pennsylvania and across the country. View the current list of participating institutions on the North Pittsburgh College Fair webpage.

The North Pittsburgh College Fair is presented by 黑料天堂 and the Northern Area Counselor鈥檚 Consortium, which includes Avonworth High School, Deer Lakes High School, Fox Chapel Area High School, Hampton High School, North Allegheny Senior High School, North Hills Senior High School, Northgate High School, Pine-Richland High School, and Shaler Area High School.

The event is free, and free parking is available.

For more information, contact a participating Northern Area Counselor鈥檚 Consortium high school or 黑料天堂 at northpittsburghcollegefair@laroche.edu or 844-838-4578.

About 黑料天堂: An independent liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, 黑料天堂 offers undergraduate, master鈥檚, and doctoral programs with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, cybersecurity and forensics, psychology, nursing, and health and medical sciences as well as interior architecture & design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for women and men enjoying multiple student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, 黑料天堂 embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, 黑料天堂 educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.

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