La Roche University: Shaping Leaders and Innovators
La Roche University, a private Catholic institution founded in 1963 by the Sisters of Divine Providence, has a rich history of fostering academic excellence and community engagement. Named in honor of Stephanie Amelia la Roche von Starkenfels, the first Mother Superior of the Sisters of Divine Providence, the university has evolved from its origins as a college for religious sisters to a coeducational institution with a diverse range of programs and a commitment to developing leaders in various fields. This article highlights some of the notable alumni who have made significant contributions to their professions and communities, embodying the university's motto, "To the light through love."
Nursing and Healthcare Leadership
La Roche University has a strong tradition of producing exceptional nurses and healthcare professionals who have gone on to make significant impacts in clinical practice, academia, and leadership roles.
Gerene Bauldoff, PhD, RN, AAN, FCCP
Gerene Bauldoff, a registered nurse with 45 years of experience, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from La Roche College (now La Roche University). Her career spans clinical practice and academia. She is currently an Academy Professor Emeritus-Clinical at the Ohio State University College of Nursing and a nurse scientist in the Center for Nursing Excellence at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) in Columbus, Ohio. Upon completion of her PhD, she transitioned into academia at the Ohio State University College of Nursing, where she taught undergraduate, master’s and doctoral level programs for 23 years. Since 2011, she has served as chair of 23 doctor of nursing practice (DNP) student committees and as a committee member on an additional 33 DNP committees. In addition to her teaching, Dr. Bauldoff has served on a multitude of university and college committees and as a member and vice-chair of the OSU Biomedical Institutional Review Board. Upon her retirement from OSU in 2024, she accepted a position as a nurse scientist in the Center for Nursing Excellence at NCH, collaborating with frontline care providers in the development and implementation of clinical inquiry projects. She is the first author on the Pearson Higher Education medical-surgical nursing textbook, “Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking in Client Care, 7th edition,” and she previously served as a co-author on the 5th and 6th editions. Dr. Bauldoff is an active member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Academy of Nursing (AAN), Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, the AACVPR, the American Thoracic Society Nursing Assembly and the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST). She is a recognized expert in medical-surgical nursing, focusing on care of patients with chronic pulmonary disease and serving on committees focused on international standards for patient-centered outcomes in pulmonary rehabilitation.
Dr. Lisa Adamski, DNP, APRN, CCNS, FCCM, FAAN
Dr. Lisa Adamski exemplifies leadership in nursing education and professional organizations. She is a clinical associate professor, assistant dean of professional programs, director of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse/Master of Science in Nursing programs, and director of post-graduate flight education at the Case Western Reserve University Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing in Cleveland, Ohio. Before her current position, she directed the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, for a decade. Dr. Adamski is the immediate past president of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), the largest specialty nursing organization in the world. Prior to serving as president, she was president-elect and served as a board member. Dr. Adamski is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) representative on the Georgia Board of Nursing and an independent consultant for APRN model development, serving as an APRN expert witness for trauma and critical care. Her research focuses on trauma prevention and system development, rapid response teams, and critical care/trauma advances in hemorrhagic shock. She has received numerous awards, including March of Dimes Critical Care Nurse of the Year, the Excellence in Leadership Award for Emory School of Nursing Faculty, the Award for Excellence in Nursing Practice from Carlow University, and the Women in Leadership Award from the American College of Chest Physicians.
Margaret-Ann Carno, DNS, APRN, PPCNP-BC, FCCM, ABSM
Margaret-Ann Carno earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and Master of Business Administration with a concentration in operations management from Syracuse University. Dr. Carno’s pediatric nurse practitioner career began in 2008 after receiving advanced certificates as a pediatric nurse practitioner in primary care and acute care from the University of Rochester School of Nursing. She is currently the interim director of the Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, where she has held multiple leadership positions and chairs two Research Subjects Review Boards. Dr. She has more than 35 years of pediatric nursing experience, which includes pediatric critical care, pediatric sleep medicine and pediatric sedation. Her research interests include pediatric sleep and pediatric sedation, and she has published numerous manuscripts and textbooks. Dr. Carno is one of only a handful of nurse practitioners who hold the designation of Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine. Dr. Carno has served in national leadership roles in many organizations. She most recently served as nursing assembly chair for the American Thoracic Society and previously held presidential appointments on the Ethics and Conflict of Interest Committee and Task Force on Artificial Intelligence.
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Rachel Cellurale, CRNA
Rachel Cellurale earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh, graduating magna cum laude. She was an undergraduate member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. Cellurale is a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) and a clinical leader with nearly two decades of experience in perioperative nursing care. She currently holds the title of assistant CRNA clinical director at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, where she had been cross-credentialed for several years as part of the UPMC CRNA Tier Program. She fulfills a multitude of departmental responsibilities, including supervising and mentoring CRNA providers and student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs), advocating for patients, overseeing committees, developing projects to improve the department, and interfacing with multidisciplinary hospital and University of Pittsburgh Physicians leadership. Cellurale began her nursing career working as a critical care nurse at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in the medical intensive care unit (ICU), where she gained valuable bedside experience caring for high-acuity patients. She practiced as a CRNA for 11 years at UPMC Shadyside Hospital, caring for high-acuity patients undergoing procedures across a wide range of surgical specialties, primarily cardiac, thoracic, neurologic, orthopedic, robotic-assisted, plastics and various oncologic specialty surgeries. She gained additional experience working at several settings across Western Pennsylvania, including both academic and community hospitals, ophthalmologic and plastics surgery centers, and dental surgery offices. Cellurale has also served as an executive board member of the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, adjunct faculty to the University of Pittsburgh Nurse Anesthesia Program, CRNA mentor to SRNAs through the Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program and as a member of the UPMC CRNA Advisory Committee.
Dr. Toby Warshawsky, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
She is a nationally recognized expert and thought leader in the field of nursing leadership science and currently serves as the inaugural nurse scientist at Press Ganey Associates, a data-driven organization committed to transforming the human experience of health care. Dr. Warshawsky previously held academic appointments as professor and program director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Health Systems Leadership and Master of Science in Nursing programs at the University of Kentucky and the University of Central Florida. Dr. Warshawsky’s scholarly contributions reflect a distinguished record of excellence in nursing leadership and administration. She is widely recognized for her innovative research examining how leadership competency development, job structure and work environment influence nurse manager performance. Her seminal contribution is the development of the Nurse Manager Practice Environment Scale, designed to assess the work environment from the perspective of nurse managers, which has been translated into three languages. Dr. Dr. Warshawsky has been named the 2026 Creighton Distinguished Scholar.
Kathleen M. Brown, LPN, BSN
Kathleen M. Brown graduated from BC3 in 1983 as a Licensed Practical Nurse. of Nursing, graduating in 1989. as a staff nurse. a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 2000. from the University of St. to Director of Inpatient Cardiology at UPMC Shadyside. her present position as a Director at the Donald D. Wolff, Jr. Improvement and Innovation of UPMC. Award in the category of Best Case Study Presentation. Kathleen lives in Cheswick and is the youngest of six.
Kenneth 'Chris' Jones, RN
Kenneth 'Chris' Jones received an associate in nursing from BC3 in 1990. BC3, Chris was named as an Outstanding Student Senator. Instructor. Chris also assisted Mr. Campus Emergency Response Guide.
Business and Entrepreneurship
La Roche University alumni have also made significant strides in the world of business and entrepreneurship, demonstrating their ability to lead, innovate, and create successful ventures.
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Stephen J. Barger
Described by friend and high school classmate, Thomas E. firm for 30 years. in Chicago. professional and nonprofit organizations since 1971. selection for a lifetime achievement award. organization that provides social services for children and families. in 2014 in memory of their parents - the Barger-Miller Family Scholarship.
Linda Harvey Burkley
Linda has been married to her husband, Stan, for 40 years. Hill Architects). Associate in 1996. a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from Geneva College. of the American Institute of Architects. graduate.
Kim Reddinger
In 1993, Kim became a grassroots activist advocating for PA taxpayers. Mars Research & Retrieval Services in 1997. on the St. government history.
Sandra Ihlenfeld
Sandra Ihlenfeld is the newly appointed Executive Director of the Butler YMCA. Sandra earned her Associate Degree in Physical Education from BC3, a B.S. Science from Slippery Rock University, and a M.S. from the University of Pittsburgh. Ms. G. USA as an International Trainer. in 1973. member of the BC3 Alumni Council. alumni program. Lucille and her husband of 65 years, Dr. Scholarship in 2014 in celebration of their family. away.
Ed Shields
In 1971, Ed opened Ed Shields Realtor on Route 8 South. over 40 years of distinguished service. of her basement. and customers worldwide. Puerto Rico, Liberia, and Taiwan. at PNC Park and Heinz Field.
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Rob Donaldson
Park. Rob is a Knoch High School graduate and continued his education at BC3. a CNC Machine Technology degree in 1996 at BC3. Rob has worked as a Computer Programmer and a Systems Consultant at Highmark. a Lifetime Member in the BC3 Alumni Association. at 13 months and his parents were told to not expect him to walk or talk. the hard work of Rob and his parents, they proved the doctors wrong. and was introduced by the late John Ritter. in 2010, for “incredible determination to succeed overcoming life’s challenges”.
Ruby Watson Wilkosz
Ruby Watson Wilkosz earned an associate degree in accounting at BC3 in 1976. small business incubator for developing and supporting entrepreneurship. tax preparation, and accounting. in Business by the Pittsburgh Business Times.
Tom Glidden
Years attended BC3: 1968-70. Woods, Kansas. Company after graduating from Youngstown State University in Ohio in 1973. Glidden was sold to ICI Paints, Tom was appointed director of finance. from the Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program in 1989. million business.
Lenny Ziolkowski
In his own words, Lenny writes, "I came to BC3 ill-prepared for college. "help and patience" for his success. a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering Technology in 1986. Mr. began in 1986 at General Dynamics as a Field Engineer on the F16 Fighter Jet. years. Instrumentation Engineer on the F-22 Raptor. to work at US Airways in Pittsburgh. Engineer in 2005. while still in high school.
David J. Moronski
1977 and began working in the explosives and mining industry. DBA Consulting. and international clients. BlastData, ProBid, DrilLog, and Inventory Pro for the explosives industry. Explosives and Blasting Technique in Munich, Germany and Prague, Czech Republic. several service awards.
Gary Pollock
Gary Pollock Alumni Professional Award 1999
Education and Public Service
Many La Roche University alumni have dedicated their careers to education and public service, shaping the minds of future generations and serving their communities in various capacities.
Ray Doerge
While attending BC3, Ray was invited to join the BC3 Board of Trustees. in 1985 and became chairman in 1999. tenure on the BC3 Board of Trustees and the longest term as chairman. Representative for 12 years with Senator MaryJo White. of 2018.
Donna Jenereski
Following BC3, Ms. highest honors. roles connected with education. of the ACT 101 Equal Opportunity Program, Ms. to educational opportunities for disadvantaged students. in 1982 and moved to Washington, D.C. business showcasing her expertise in organizational management. organizations in medicine, education, government, and defense. to travel and lived in Washington, D.C. Rae was a graduate of Allegheny College. in Warm Springs, GA. faculty at BC3 teaching Math and English. in 1971. one day a week and earn an Associate Degree. Ms. Faculty Member award in 1983 and became the College Registrar in 1984. of Science in Organizational Leadership at Geneva College. and education.
Lance Griser
appointed Emergency Management Coordinator; and Butler County Children’s Center. leaving for the Army in June. Engineering at YSU in 1989. later creating the Gray Warnick Engineering Company. projects. focus on Downtown Butler. for 22 years. Engineering from George Washington University in 2004. the Judson C.
Robert R. Heaton
Robert R. Heaton is a lifelong Butler County resident. Shift” at the Bantam Car Company. for 45 years as a funeral director. Glenn Logan. he completed courses in Real Estate Sales and Real Estate Management.
Jason Robinson
Jason Robinson, have collectively earned 301 credits at BC3. He worked at Mars Home for Youth and Butler County Children and Youth. in Slippery Rock. Lutheran Ministries of Pittsburgh. for Western Field Operations with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. in north central Ohio. Ohio. He also taught forestry and wildlife management courses at BC3. with an Associate Degree in Business Management. Rock University earning a degree in Business Management in 1986. 22 years in business this year. and served as a member of the BC3 Alumni Council for six years.
Daniel R. Black, Jr. DO
Daniel R. Black, Jr. DO earned an Associate Degree in Biology at BC3 in 1978. at BC3, Dan was a member of the Student Senate and Phi Theta Kappa. 'Student Senator of the Year' in 1978. 1980. in 1985. at UCLA. Dr. Rehabilitation Society. Since 1989, Dr. at the Holzer Clinic in Gallipolis, Ohio. States Navy from 1972-1976.
Jeff Crede
Jeff Crede graduated from Butler Senior High School in 1977. and completed his Associates Degree in Criminology in 1979. In 1987, Jeff graduated from the PA State Police Academy in Hershey, PA. to Troop D in Butler in 1992. Jeff was promoted to the Rank of Corporal in 2001. 1995.
Taree (Barger) DiSalvo
an Associate's Degree in Business Management in 1969. State University earning both Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education. at the Youngstown City Schools for 36 years, retiring in July, 2007. at Choffin Career and Technical Center. Teacher of the Year Nominee. Children Services. Retirement was short for Taree.
John Fair
John Fair Distinguished Graduate AwardJocqueline DeStefanoAlumni Community Service Award 1996Distinguished Alumni Award 1985Anne Louise (Colon) Feeny Distinguished Graduate Award 1989John FairDistinguished Graduate Award 1990
Dr. Shanea L. Hassenfratz
Dr. Shanea L. in general studies and an EMT Certification at BC3 from 2004 to 2007. in nursing from Duquesne University. Dr. employees nationwide about suicide prevention. was a member of the 2023 class of Leadership Butler County. Collaborative for Families. Dr. from the Joseph M. Mr. in 1980.
Michael Robb
& Public Relations from Carnegie Mellon University. with NASA, Mars borough and Mars School District. mayor and professor. throughout the years. and Best Radio Short Feature. Mr. at Penn State Beaver Campus in Radio/Communications from 2015 to the present. Rock University and a Masters in Organizational Leadership from Geneva College. served the BC3 Education Foundation for 16 years before retiring in 2020. Associate Director. first $1-million gift during the “Pioneer Proud” Campaign. Jennie Jamieson ’83 Scholarship, to support non-traditional BC3 students. as the Director of Development with the Butler County Humane Society. the Butler County Penn State Ext. graduated from the Western PA Community College Leadership Institute. Ms. is also a member of the W. Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Certification. Dale Smith, and is the proud parent of two grown children and BC3 Alum, Erica Q. ’14 and Martin A. graduate. and all Gaiser Center operations. and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, Katz Graduate School of Business. and participating as a member of the United Way of Butler County’s Women United. Corp. in Pittsburgh.
Athletics and Coaching
La Roche University has a strong athletic program, and many of its alumni have excelled in sports and coaching, inspiring athletes and contributing to the development of sports programs.
Scott Lang
Scott Lang started at BC3 in 1988. BC3's all-time leader in assists and free throws. University, Scott began coaching at La Roche College. coach in the United States. at the age of 41 after collapsing during practice. Scott was an inspiration in the locker room and on the court. smile and familiar greeting "Stay Blessed" will remain in the hearts of many.
John Stuper
Stuper was instrumental in the development of the BC3 Cranberry Center. in the St. as the Yale Baseball coach in 1993. two Ivy League Championships. Year" in 1993.
Scott Lang
Scott Lang started at BC3 in 1988. BC3's all-time leader in assists and free throws. University, Scott began coaching at La Roche College. coach in the United States. at the age of 41 after collapsing during practice. Scott was an inspiration in the locker room and on the court. smile and familiar greeting "Stay Blessed" will remain in the hearts of many.
Other Notable Alumni
Gregory Riley
Gregory Riley Alumni Achievement Award 1986
Joe Kubit
Joe Kubit earned an Associate's degree in Secondary Education at BC3 in 1984. Pennsylvania Superior Court. Kubit & Petrancosta, L.L.P. Tri-City Life Center, located in Lower Burrell. of the Executive Committee of the Butler County Bar Association.
Daniel R. Black, Jr. DO
Daniel R. Black, Jr. DO earned an Associate Degree in Biology at BC3 in 1978. at BC3, Dan was a member of the Student Senate and Phi Theta Kappa. 'Student Senator of the Year' in 1978. 1980. in 1985. at UCLA. Dr. Rehabilitation Society. Since 1989, Dr. at the Holzer Clinic in Gallipolis, Ohio. States Navy from 1972-1976.
Jeff Crede
Jeff Crede graduated from Butler Senior High School in 1977. and completed his Associates Degree in Criminology in 1979. In 1987, Jeff graduated from the PA State Police Academy in Hershey, PA. to Troop D in Butler in 1992. Jeff was promoted to the Rank of Corporal in 2001. 1995.
Paul Kengor, Ph.D.
Paul Kengor, Ph.D., attended BC3 in 1985. Dr. Reagan" and "God and George W. Bush". specializes in leadership and management training and coaching.
Honoring Alumni Achievements
La Roche University recognizes the accomplishments of its alumni through various awards, celebrating their contributions to their professions, communities, and the university itself. Some of the alumni who have received awards include:
- Raymond Amelio (Distinguished Graduate Award 1992)
- Cecilia Astarb (Alumni Service to College Award 1997)
- Marian Auld (Distinguished Alumni Award 1996)
- Daniel Bearer (Alumni Achievement Award 1988)
- Sr. Marilyn Bergt, CDP (Alumni Community Service Award 1997)
- Sr. Michele Bisbey, CDP (President’s Medal for Meritorious Service to Children 2004, Alumni Community Service Award 1994, Alumni Achievement Award 1990)
- Joe Blair II (Sister Kathleen Angel Award 2020)
- Georgene Brander (Alumni Professional Award 1998)
- Linda (Harvey) Burkley (Alumni Professional Award 1993)
- Kimberly Butler (Alumni Service to College Award 2000)
- Russell Bynum (Alumni Professional Award 1995, Alumni Achievement Award 1990)
- Suzanne Carson (Distinguished Graduate Award 1989)
- Mary Eury (Alumni Service to College Award)
- John Fair (Distinguished Graduate Award)
- Jocqueline DeStefano (Alumni Community Service Award 1996, Distinguished Alumni Award 1985)
- Anne Louise (Colon) Feeny (Distinguished Graduate Award 1989)
- John Fair (Distinguished Graduate Award 1990)
- Francis Feld (Sister Kathleen Angel Award 2019)
- Sr. Maria Fest, CDP (Alumni Achievement Award 1987)
- Grace Ghoshhajra (Alumni Community Service Award 2002)
- Ruth Gilson (Alumni Recognition Award 1984)
- Deborah M. Gross (Outstanding Community Service Award)
- Barbara Haas (Distinguished Graduate Award 1987)
- Gary Hammer (Alumni Professional Award 1994)
- Timothy Hampton (Alumni Professional Award 1997)
- Jeffrey Haus (Distinguished Alumni Award 1985)
- Gladys Hayes (Alumni Achievement Award 1987)
- Yvonne Hennigan (Distinguished Alumni Award 1988)
- Linda Marie Hey (President’s Award 1998 & 1997)
- Bonnie Jacobson (Alumni Achievement Award 1989)
- Marilyn Jenkins (Alumni Service to College Award 1995)
- Kathy Kamide (Alumni Service to College Award 1999)
- Antoine Kanamugire, M.D. (Sister Kathleen Angel Award 2021)
- Mary Koepke (Alumni Achievement Award 1990)
- Emil Kuhar (Alumni Service to College Award 1993, President’s Award 1996)
- Gemma Lundberg (Alumni Achievement Award 1989)
- Carmella Manges (Alumni Professional Award 2002)
- Marilyn Marousek (Alumni Service to College Award 1995)
- Carol Marsiglio (President’s Award 1994, Distinguished Alumni Award 1985)
- Judith McCurdy (Alumni Achievement Award 1987)
- William Mickens (Alumni Community Service Award 1998 & 1998)
- Maureen (McKenzie) Mitchell (Alumni Achievement Award 1989)
- Charles (Kurt) Mulzet (Alumni Service to College Award 1996, Alumni Achievement Award 1988)
- Gail (Slagel) Napora (Alumni Achievement Award 1987, Alumni Service to College 1984)
- Dee Nesta (Alumni Service to College Award 1994)
- Marilyn (Mitzie) (Slagel) Novak (Distinguished Alumni Award 1980)
- Christine O’Leary (Distinguished Graduate Award 1988)
- Ursal Ostrowski (Alumni Community Service Award 1999)
- Catherine Peters (Alumni Community Service Award 1995)
- Patricia Phillips (Sister Kathleen Angel Award 2017)
- Cynthia Piccirilli, M.D. (Alumni Professional Award 1996)
- Sokhom Pin (Sister Kathleen Angel Award 2018)
- Gary Pollock (Alumni Professional Award 1999)
- Joseph Pulgini (Alumni Achievement Award 1989)
- Eileen Ranalli (Alumni Achievement Award 1988)
- Deborah (Guidish) Riccobelli (Alumni Professional Award 2000)
- Judith Rieger-Hanley (President’s Award 1999)
- Gregory Riley (Alumni Achievement Award 1986)
- Charlene Rinehart (Teacher Excellence Award 2008)
- Scott Robinette (Alumni Award in English 2008)
- Heather Sakala (Outstanding Community Service Award 1990)
- Jacqueline Schlesinger (Alumni Service to College Award 1997 & 1998)
- Emily Schultheiss (Outstanding Graduate Alumnus Award 1986, Distinguished Graduate Award 1986)
- Norb J. Sieber Jr. (President’s Award 1995)
- Scott Sieg (Sister Kathleen Angel Award 2016)
- Cathrine (Peters) Southworth (Alumni Community Service Award 1995)
- John Stuper (Alumni Achievement Award 1983)
- Meghan Susi (Alumni Professional Award 2012)
- Cadwell Turnbull (Spirit of the Humanities Award 2009)
- William Wagner (Alumni Community Service Award 2000)
- Alexis Kurpiewski Weber (Alumni Achievement Award 1987)
- Ricki Wertz (Distinguished Alumni Award 1987)
Staying Connected
La Roche University encourages its alumni to stay connected and engaged with the university through various means:
- Attending alumni events
- Volunteering time with the university
- Serving on the La Roche Alumni Association Board or committees
- Sharing suggestions for events and programs
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