La Roche University gifted buildings, including motherhouse, from Sisters of Divine Providence

A property transfer from a Catholic organization to La Roche University sets the college up for long-term growth, officials say.

The Sisters of Divine Providence has gifted the Providence Heights Motherhouse and about 15 acres of nearby property to La Roche, the university announced Tuesday, Dec. 16.

The transfer includes the Providence Heights Motherhouse, the Marie de La Roche Center, Ketteler Hall, a parking lot and the surrounding grounds.

It’s the second-largest single donation in La Roche history.

“This gift is an extraordinary expression of trust, partnership and shared purpose,” said Christina Clark, president of La Roche University. “The Sisters of Divine Providence shaped La Roche’s identity from the very beginning. As stewards of this legacy, we are honored to ensure that the values they have embodied — inclusiveness, integrity, determination, compassion, inspiration and a commitment to justice and peace — remain embedded throughout campus and visible for generations to come.”

La Roche will assume operational responsibility for the facilities. Any renovations or program expansions will be aligned and contingent upon philanthropic funding, La Roche said.

The additional space could support long-term initiatives such as nursing and health sciences, intercultural engagement, community outreach, eco-justice programming and opportunities for the Ketteler Center for Peace, Justice and Inclusion, La Roche officials say.

“This gift allows La Roche to plan boldly but responsibly,” said George Barron, vice president for University Advancement. “We are committed to stewarding these buildings with the same care the Sisters have shown for generations. Any enhancements will follow a thoughtful, capital-supported approach that honors the sacred nature of this place.”

As part of the agreement, La Roche will take care of groundskeeping and care of the property and maintain a security presence. La Roche also will maintain rentals such as weddings and community events with a shared revenue arrangement supporting the Sisters of Divine Providence.