The Pace Story
Pace is a University whose resources have played an essential role in the realization of individual dreams of achievement, and whose mission is voiced in the motto: Opportunitas.
Pace Institute began its transformation after World War II into a modern university with emphasis on the liberal arts and sciences. With dynamic leadership and fiscally sound management, Pace grew from rented facilities and few resources into one of the largest universities in New York State, with a multimillion dollar physical plant, an endowment of nearly $100 million and a reputation for excellent teaching and talented, ambitious graduates.
From its origins as an institute with an excellent business curriculum that prepared men and women for careers in accounting, Pace’s Lubin School of Business has continued to improve, building its reputation for excellence in business education. The University founded the Lienhard School of Nursing, the School of Law, the School of Education, and the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems in response to the need for strong professionals in other disciplines. Together Pace University’s six schools and colleges provide outstanding professional preparation that meets the needs of employers in the New York metropolitan area and around the globe.
Now over 100 years old, Pace is a private, metropolitan university located in New York City and Westchester County whose six schools and one college offer a wide range of academic and professional programs. Educating achievers who are engaged with critical issues both locally and globally, the University enrolls more than 14,000 students in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
At the heart of Pace’s academic values is a historic commitment to excellence in teaching, as manifested by small classes, an emphasis on skill development and critical thinking, special tutoring and support services, and academic advising. Academic experiences at Pace emphasize teaching from both a practical and theoretical perspective, drawing on the expertise of full-time and adjunct faculty members who balance academic preparation with professional experience to bring a unique dynamic to the classroom.
The University supports and encourages scholarly activity among its intellectually vital faculty. Much of the work has professional application, and Pace particularly invites scholarship that directly relates to the classroom experience and involves students in the research process.
Pace has always had a student-centered focus and is committed to providing access to those who range widely in age, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and academic preparation. This includes increasing amounts of institutional financial aid to help students meet the growing costs of a private education; locations in New York City and Westchester County; evening, weekend, and summer scheduling; and special counseling and academic support services, all ways in which the University has sought to enhance the accessibility and opportunities of a Pace education.
A significant tradition of Pace University is its strong relationship with business, civic, and community organizations. Pace’s cooperative education program provides robust internship experiences with a wide range of employers. Dedicated to educating its students to be civically engaged, the University also emphasizes involvement with the community. With more than 85,000 alumni living in the New York City metropolitan area, strong networking opportunities mark the Pace experience.
Recognizing the importance of educating students with a global perspective, Pace is building an increasing array of study abroad options, a healthy mentoring program that has produced 27 Fulbright scholars in the last seven years, and a focus on international recruitment.
Pace University in the 21st century is shaped by its enduring traditions of opportunity and innovation. One hundred years after its founding, the University continues its commitment to providing access to a diverse population while innovating to meet the needs of the global economy. Known for academic breadth, community involvement, and professional readiness, Pace University prepares its students to contribute to their professions and their world.
Some Pace University milestones:
1948 - Pace Institute was given college status
1950 - Pace approved to grant the bachelor of arts degree
1963 - Acquisition of the Pleasantville campus
1965 - Undergraduate School of Business Administration, the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education are established
1966 - School of Nursing established, later named after alumnus, trustee and benefactor Gustav Lienhard
1966 - Groundbreaking ceremony for the Civic Center building (One Pace Plaza)
1973 - Pace receives university status from the State Education Department
1975 - College of White Plains consolidates with Pace University
1976 - School of Law is established
1977 - Briarcliff College joins Pace University
1983 - School of Computer Science and Information Systems is established
1992 - Pace institutes "Dial-A-Grade" for students to obtain grades on the telephone and the administrative technological revolution begins
1993 - Undergraduate programs in White Plains are transferred to Pleasantville and the North Broadway campus is given to the Law School
1994 - Ann and Alfred Goldstein Academic Center dedicated on the Pleasantville campus
1995 - $55 million Campaign for Pace University launched with $10 million challenge grant from alumnus and trustee emeritus Charles H. Dyson '30 and his family
1996 - Lubin School of Business receives AACSB accreditation
1997 - Pace purchases the World Trade Institute, which provides training in international business and trade, from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
1998 - Pace cited in Crain's New York Business as one of the top five sources for technology degree recipients in New York City
1999 - Dyson Family challenge completed one year ahead of schedule, raising $21.1 which is $1.1 million over goal
1999 - Pace Alumni Network (PANet) established to connect alumni worldwide
2001 - Pace establishes the Center for Downtown New York
2002 - The Ann and Alfred Goldstein Health, Fitness, and Recreation Center opens on the Pleasantville campus
2002 - First Pace students win prestigious Fulbright Fellowships
2003 - The Pforzheimer Honors College accepts its first class of students.
2003 - Pace hosts the CNBC/Wall Street Journal 2003 Democratic Candidate Presidential Debate
2005 - Verizon CEO and alumnus Ivan G. Seidenberg ’81 gives Pace $15 million, the largest gift in its history; in honor of this gift the School of Computer Science and Information Systems is named after him
2006 - Lubin School of Business achieves dual AACSB accreditation for business and accounting
2006 - Pace celebrates its centennial
PACE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS
Homer St. Clair Pace 1935-1942
Robert Scott Pace 1942-1960
Edward J. Mortola 1960-1984
William G. Sharwell 1984-1990
Patricia O'Donnell Ewers 1990-2000
David A. Caputo 2000-2007
Stephen J. Friedman 2007-
BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF ADMINISTRATION
Please visit the President's website for the most current information on Administration and Trustees.
