PITTSBURGH — La Roche College officially gained university status on Tuesday.

President Sister Candace Introcaso announced this change during a celebration held at the school.

“Changing our designation and name to La Roche University is the fulfillment of a vision that many on campus have shared for several years,” said President Introcaso.

This new university status came with a bigger student population, and will help with the new academic programs available. To further support academics, the school built La Roche University Lifelong Learning Center.

Currently, La Roche offers 66 undergraduate programs of study, as well as six master’s degrees and one doctorate degree.

Founded by the Congregation of the Sisters Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche started off as a Catholic school with seven graduates. With more than 14,000 alumni currently, the private liberal arts university hopes to market itself internationally with the new change.

“Our students receive quality instruction with a real-world approach, and individualized attention is one of our best benefits,” said Dr. Howard Ishiyama, the vice president for academic affairs and academic dean. “None of this changes for La Roche University.”

The Class of 2019 will be the first students to graduate with the university status on May 11. Other events, such as Celebrate La Roche Gala will be held on April 26 to showcase the university.

“Honoring their visionary leadership, we are still writing our story,” said Introcaso.