Apollo Grad Presents Senior Thesis at La Roche

Seven graduating seniors, including an Apollo student, presented original research at La Roche College’s annual Honors Convocation a few weeks ago.

The attainment of departmental honors signifies the highest approbation the College can bestow upon the outstanding student and is considered a reflection of mutual scholarly attainment by both the student and the College community. Under the direction and guidance of a committee of La Roche faculty, honors students research, write and present their theses at the College’s annual Honors Convocation.

The 2016 departmental honors students included: Kimberly Aland of Greenfield; Chelsea Artman of Apollo; Hannah Brinkman of Pittsburgh; Ana Paula De Marco Teixeira of Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Danielle Demme of Pittsburgh; Bryan Mutiso of Allison Park; and Jessica Seidl of Shaler Township.

Howard Ishiyama, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs and academic dean, said, “La Roche College is proud to recognize these outstanding students. They have set a new standard for academic excellence on our campus, and we are extremely proud of their accomplishments both in the classroom and in their chosen fields.”

Jessica Seidl received The Richard G. Kotarba Outstanding Honors Presentation Award for her project, “An Overview of Adapted Aquatics for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.” The case study extended current research to evaluate the effects of an adaptive aquatics program on a seven-year-old child with autism.

Seidl majored in PreK-4 Teacher Education/Special Education and is a graduate from the La Roche College Honors Institute, a program designed for exemplary students to strive for even greater academic achievement.

The Institute offers a combination of distinctive and demanding classes, embraces challenge and provides outstanding educational opportunities that will serve as a pathway to successful future.

During La Roche’s 51st commencement ceremony May 7, 44 master’s degrees and 313 undergraduate degrees were awarded.

“Don’t ever lose faith in your ability to make a difference,” President Sister Candace Introcaso, CDP, Ph.D., told the graduates. “It is all too easy in today’s technologically oriented world to lose sight of the human factor - how we relate to each other, what we mean to each other, and the gifts that we can be to each other.

Make a point to ask yourself every day, ‘What have I given to others?'”

Mark K. Shriver, president of Save the Children Action Network, relayed a similar message in his commencement address, which emphasized being contemplative in action and the importance of working toward justice and peace.

“Over and over again, you will be face-to-face with circumstances in which freedom and opportunity for others are being denied or compromised,” Mr. Shriver said.

“Individualism and consumerism will invite you to look away, to focus exclusively on your needs and desires. Will you accept that invitation? Or will you accept the vision that La Roche College has presented to you to have a deep, personal relationship with God - to have faith - and to put that faith into action serving others?”

La Roche College presented Mr. Shriver with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, awarded in recognition of his life of service fighting for social justice in advocacy and service organizations, as well as elected office.

Teixeira, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and Political Science, also was named the 2016 Traditional Recipient award winner at commencement.

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