La Roche plans in-person graduation with Hoddy Hanna as commencement speaker

La Roche University announced plans to host an in-person commencement ceremony with covid-19 precautions in place.

The school’s 55th commencement is scheduled for May 8.

To ensure adequate space for social distancing, the university will host two separate ceremonies in the Kerr Fitness & Sports Center. Students graduating from the science, education and nursing divisions will be recognized during a ceremony at 10 a.m. An afternoon ceremony beginning at 2 p.m. will honor those graduating in the design, humanities and management divisions.

“Commencement is an important milestone for our students, and we look forward to celebrating this pivotal moment with meaningful, in-person ceremonies,” Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Howard Ishiyama said. “We are determined to honor our graduates while keeping the campus community safe and healthy.”

Because commencement ceremonies for the class of 2020 were canceled, this year’s ceremonies will recognize the class of 2020, as well as the class of 2021.

The university expects approximately 200 graduates to attend.

Each graduate will be limited to two guests. Tickets will be required.

A live stream will be available for those unable to attend in person.

The university will conduct temperature screenings for graduates and guests. Face coverings will be required, and hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the Fitness Center.

Howard W. “Hoddy” Hanna III, trustee emeritus and chairman of Howard Hanna Holdings, is scheduled to deliver the commencement address. He will also receive an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration.

“We are pleased to present Mr. Hanna with an honorary degree and welcome him as the 55th commencement speaker,” Sister Candace Introcaso, La Roche’s president, said. “Mr. Hanna’s distinguished career in real estate, along with his spirit of service and leadership, make him an exemplary role model for our students. I am confident that his perspective will be an inspiration to all graduates.”

Hanna spearheaded the expansion and diversification of his family-run business, which now includes over 300 offices across 10 states and employs more than 11,000 sales associates and staff. With over $7 billion in sales, Howard Hanna is now the third largest real estate company in the United States.

Hanna is a founder and former chairman of Family Homes, a home-away-from-home for patients and families with life-threatening illnesses in the Pittsburgh area. He also founded the annual Viking Victory Auction for Central Catholic High School, which has raised millions for academic programs and financial aid.

He chairs the annual Howard Hanna Children’s Free Care Fundraising Drive, an initiative that has donated over $15 million to children’s hospitals and related programs in markets the company serves.