It was named in honor of Stephanie Amelia la Roche von Starkenfels, the first Mother Superior of the Sisters of Divine Providence.

It continued to grow, and two years later, La Roche expanded beyond its leased space to construct the first building, the John J. Wright Library.

This partnership made available several new areas of study, including graphic and interior design, which count among the university's strongest programs today.

[4] La Roche's sixth president, Monsignor William A. Kerr, was appointed in 1992 and focused his leadership on raising the college's visibility, while broadening academic, cultural and athletic programs.

[4] In March 2019, the Pennsylvania Department of Education approved the college's request to become La Roche University, a name change that went immediately into effect.

La Roche advanced to the NCAA Division III College World Series before falling to Keystone 5–4 in the National Semifinals.

[4] Beginning in 1993, the Pacem In Terris Institute has brought students from conflict, post-conflict and developing regions of the world to study at La Roche.

The students are chosen by their countries on the basis of academic and personal potential, and promise to return to their homelands upon completion of their studies to work for peace and prosperity in their regions.