PITTSBURGH — Eleven graduates of La Roche College, two of whom are from Butler County, have received the Distinguished Alumni Circle Award.

Receiving the distinction Friday at a ceremony in Pittsburgh were Richard Vareha of Mars and Stanley Pittavino of Cranberry Township. Pittavino was honored posthumously.

Vareha is a 1984 graduate of La Roche, where he received a bachelor’s degree in accounting. While enrolled he was involved in several campus organizations, including the Student Government Association.

Currently, Vareha is the chief financial officer of Keystone Clearwater Solutions LLC where he manages the company’s finances. Part of his responsibilities also include banking relations, preparing budgets and forecasts, as well as providing monthly reports to the board of directors.

Vareha has a wife, Anne, a fellow La Roche graduate, and three children: Olivia, Kaitlyn and Kyle.

“La Roche College was the place where I became a confident young man,” Vareha said. “The accounting program gave me the foundation needed to sit and pass the (certified public accountant) exam and positioned me for success working for one of the Big Eight firms.”

Pittavino was a 1978 graduate of La Roche and worked for more than 16 years as a pre-press technician at the former First Impression Printing Co. in Pittsburgh. His responsibilities included assembling and examining hard proofs, inspecting the quality and integrity of printing plates and maintaining equipment.

Pittavino met his wife, Jeanne, at the college. Together they had three sons: Gregory, Anthony and Micheal.

“This has really touched my heart that they chose to honor his memory with such a prestigious award,” Jeanne Pittavino said. “Our family is truly honored to accept this on his behalf. I’m speechless, actually.”

Pittavino was nominated for the award by Emil and Debbie Kuhar; Emil Kuhar attended college with Pittavino.

La Roche College established its Distinguished Alumni Circle Award to honor graduates.

Friday’s induction took place at the Grand Hall of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.