Chief Judge of The New York State Court of Appeals Honorable Rowan D. Wilson and Former President of DC Comics Paul Levitz to receive honorary degrees

For the third year, Pace will hold a combined ceremony for graduates of its three campuses at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens

Tony Award-winning actor LaChanze will address Pace University’s Commencement 2024 and will receive an honorary doctorate, Pace University announced today.

Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, the Honorable Rowan D. Wilson will address the Elisabeth Haub School of Law graduating class. In addition, Former President of DC Comics Paul Levitz, and President of The Mount Sinai Hospital and Mount Sinai Queens, David L. Reich, MD, will also be recognized at commencement.

The university’s commencement will be held on May 20, 2024, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. This year’s commencement marks the third consecutive year that Pace will hold a combined ceremony for graduates of its campuses in New York City and Pleasantville, N.Y., and its Elisabeth Haub School of Law in White Plains, N.Y. The university will honor the entire Class of 2024 at its main ceremony, highlighted by LaChanze’s remarks, and graduating students will cross the stage at their individual school and college ceremonies.

At Commencement each year, Pace also honors community members who exemplify the Pace motto of Opportunitas. This year’s Opportunitas in Action Award-winners are Angella and Danroy Henry, parents of former Pace student Danroy “DJ” Henry Jr. and founders of the DJ Henry Dream Fund.

Angella Henry is the co-founder of the DJ Henry Dream Fund and has been the executive director for over 10 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders and special education from Bridgewater State University. Angella worked in the school system as a special education teacher and speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) for several years. She now devotes her time to the DJ Henry Dream Fund, ensuring thousands of children have the opportunities DJ had. She actively serves on several boards.

Danroy "Dan" T. Henry is the co-founder of the DJ Henry Dream Fund. He was previously the chief culture officer at Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc., and chief human resources officer of one of its subsidiaries. Recognized as a values-driven business professional, he is a contributing author to Inside the Minds and has also been a featured speaker at the Northeast Human Resources Association (NEHRA) annual convention, Society for Human Resource Management, the Conference Board, and National Association of African Americans in Human Resources. Dan is a graduate of Cornell University’s College of Industrial and Labor Relations. He has also held leadership positions at Staples, FleetBoston Financial Corp., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of NY, Reebok International Ltd., and NEHRA.

“This remarkable group of honorees speaks to the many accomplishments and wide-ranging interests of the Class of 2024 and the Pace University community,” said Marvin Krislov, president of Pace University. “I’m pleased that we will once again be celebrating all of our graduates together in one in-person celebration, and I’m even happier that we’ll have such an impressive group of role models to help us mark this momentous occasion.”

LaChanze will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters degree, honoris causa, at the 12:15 p.m. main ceremony, and she will address the graduates and their guests. LaChanze is a Tony Award-winning actor. A powerhouse in Broadway for 38 seasons, she brings complex and triumphant women to life on stage. Last season, she made her mark as a producer with two acclaimed shows, “Kimberly Akimbo” and the 20th-anniversary revival of Suzan-Lori Parks’ acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Topdog/Underdog,” earning a total of 11 Tony nominations and six wins. This season, she's back with more hits, including “Here Lies Love” and “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” with “The Outsiders” slated for Spring 2024. Fall 2024 will mark her directorial debut in New York City with “Wine in the Wilderness.” LaChanze's accolades include a Tony win for “The Color Purple,” originating the role of Ti Moune in “Once on This Island,” and nominations for her roles in “Trouble In Mind” and “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.” On-screen, she's shined in productions like “The Help” and “Hercules,” while leading Black Theatre United in advocacy efforts.

Honorable Rowan D. Wilson will also receive Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, the highest honor conferred by the Law School -- recognizing his lifelong contributions to public service and the legal profession. As chief judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, he leads New York’s highest court and oversees the state’s entire court system. He was nominated by Gov. Kathy Hochul and confirmed by the State Senate as chief judge in April 2023 after serving as an associate judge on the court since February 2017. He received his AB degree from Harvard College in 1981, and his JD degree from Harvard Law School in 1984. He was admitted to the bar of the State of California in 1985, and the bar of the State of New York in 1987. From 1984 to 1986, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable James R. Browning, chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, based in San Francisco, Calif.

In 1986, he joined the firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York City as an associate, and was elected to partnership in 1991, a position he held until February 2017. His practice encompassed a wide variety of matters, including antitrust, intellectual property, securities and common-law fraud, contract, labor and employment, civil rights and first amendment issues. On Jan. 15, 2017, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo nominated Judge Wilson to serve as an Associate Judge of the Court of Appeals, and the New York State Senate confirmed his nomination on Feb. 6, 2017. While in private practice, Judge Wilson served on the boards of several charitable and not-for-profit organizations and handled numerous pro bono matters.

Former president of DC Comics Paul Levitz will address the joint afternoon ceremony for the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Sands College of Performing Arts, and School of Education. Levitz pioneered comics journalism with The Comic Reader in 1971, winning multiple awards. Inducted into the Will Eisner Hall of Fame in 2019, he's received accolades like Comic Con International’s Inkpot Award and the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award. Known for iconic DC Comics runs, including Justice Society and The Legion of Super-Heroes, his Legion: The Great Darkness Saga is hailed as one of the greatest comic stories. As a DC executive, he oversaw significant growth, and his writings, spanning over 500 stories, have sold over 25 million copies in 20 languages. Levitz remains a prominent figure, consulting for Warner Bros. and others. His influential works, such as 75 Years of DC Comics and The Power of Comics and Graphic Novels, have earned him industry acclaim, including Eisner Awards. Levitz's impact extends beyond comics; he's lectured at prestigious universities and authored textbooks on the medium, cementing his legacy as a titan of the industry.

President of The Mount Sinai Hospital and Mount Sinai Queens, David L. Reich, MD will address the joint afternoon ceremony for the College of Health Professions and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. Dr. David Reich joined Mount Sinai in 1984. He is the Horace W. Goldsmith Professor of Anesthesiology and was Chair of the department prior to assuming his current position in 2013. An academic cardiac anesthesiologist, he has published more than 200 articles, editorials, and book chapters. As a hospital executive, he has enhanced safety and quality by forming an institute for critical care medicine, rapidly deploying digital innovation tools including AI-enhanced clinical decision support and leading in COVID-19 care and diagnostics. He is the executive sponsor of the Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery.

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

On Monday, May 20, the Class of 2024 will celebrate with some amazing guests to impart their wisdom to the departing graduates. Among the honorees are a Broadway powerhouse, a family who turned a heartbreaking loss into hope for children, a renowned judge, the former president of one of the largest and oldest American comic book companies, and a physician leading the way in AI-powered medicine.

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. We’re proud to announce that this year’s Honorary Degree Recipients, speakers, and honorees, who come to us with a diverse range of accomplishments and experiences and continue to push boundaries in their respective fields.

LaChanze

Tony Award-winning actor
Honorary Degree Recipient and speaker and honorary degree recipient at the Main Ceremony

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LaChanze, a powerhouse in Broadway for thirty-eight seasons, brings complex and triumphant women to life on stage. At last year’s Tony Awards, she became the first female producer ever to win two Tonys in one night: Best Revival of a Play for the Pulitzer Prize-winning Topdog/Underdog and Best Musical for Kimberly Akimbo. This season, she has three more projects on Broadway, including a musical based on the beloved novel The Outsiders, opening this spring. Next season, she’ll make her New York directing debut, with Wine in the Wilderness at the Classic Stage Company.

LaChanze's accolades include a Tony win for The Color Purple, originating the role of Ti Moune in Once on This Island, and nominations for her roles in Trouble In Mind and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. On screen, she's shined in productions like The Help and Hercules.

Amid all her professional commitments, is also the president of Black Theatre United, a community of creatives dedicated to awareness, accountability, and advocacy. She’s a proud mother, too, of Zaya LaChanze and Celia Rose—who started her own Broadway career while a performing arts student at Pace.

Angella and Danroy Henry

Parents of former Pace student Danroy “DJ” Henry Jr. and founders of the DJ Henry Dream Fund
Winners of the Opportunitas In Action Award

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Danroy "Dan" T. Henry is the co-founder of the DJ Henry Dream Fund. He was previously the Chief Culture Officer at Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc. and Chief Human Resources Officer of Bright Horizons Family Solutions LLC (a subsidiary of Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.). Recognized as a values-driven business professional, he is a contributing author to Inside the Minds and has also been a featured speaker at the NEHRA annual convention, SHRM, the Conference Board, and NAAHR. Dan is a graduate of Cornell University’s College of Industrial and Labor Relations. In his past career, Dan held the position of Principal at Staples, Inc.; Executive Vice President of FleetBoston Financial Corp.; Principal at Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of NY, Inc.; Principal at Reebok International Ltd.; and Chairman at Northeast Human Resources Association.

Angella Henry is the co-founder of the DJ Henry Dream Fund and the Executive Director for over 10 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders and Special Education from Bridgewater State University. Angella worked in the school system as a Special Education Teacher and SLPA for several years. She now devotes her time to the DJ Henry Dream Fund, ensuring thousands of children have the opportunities DJ had. She serves on several boards.

Paul Levitz

Former president of DC Comics
Speaker and honorary degree recipient at the Dyson College, Sands College, and School of Education ceremony

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Paul Levitz, born in Brooklyn in 1956, pioneered comics journalism with The Comic Reader in 1971, winning multiple awards. Inducted into the Will Eisner Hall of Fame in 2019, he's received accolades like Comic Con International’s Inkpot Award and the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award. Known for iconic DC Comics runs, including Justice Society and The Legion of Super-Heroes, his Legion: The Great Darkness Saga is hailed as one of the greatest comic stories. As a DC executive, he oversaw significant growth, and his writings, spanning over 500 stories, have sold over 25 million copies in 20 languages. Levitz remains a prominent figure, consulting for Warner Bros. and others. His influential works, such as 75 Years of DC Comics and The Power of Comics and Graphic Novels, have earned him industry acclaim, including Eisner Awards. Levitz's impact extends beyond comics; he's lectured at prestigious universities and authored textbooks on the medium, cementing his legacy as a titan of the industry.

David L. Reich, MD

President, The Mount Sinai Hospital and Mount Sinai Queens
Speaker at the College of Health Professions and Seidenberg School ceremony

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Dr. David Reich joined Mount Sinai in 1984. He is the Horace W. Goldsmith Professor of Anesthesiology and was Chair of the department prior to assuming his current position in 2013. An academic cardiac anesthesiologist, he has published more than 200 articles, editorials, and book chapters. As a hospital executive, he has enhanced safety and quality by forming an institute for critical care medicine, rapidly deploying digital innovation tools including AI-enhanced clinical decision support, and leading in COVID-19 care and diagnostics. He is the executive sponsor of the Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery.

Honorable Rowan D. Wilson

Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals
Honorary Degree Recipient and speaker at the Haub School of Law ceremony

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As chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, the Honorable Rowan D. Wilson leads New York’s highest court and oversees the state’s entire court system. He was nominated by Governor Kathy Hochul and confirmed by the State Senate as chief judge in April 2023 after serving as an associate judge on the court since February 2017.

Chief Judge Wilson was born in Pomona, California, and grew up in Berkeley, California. He received his AB degree from Harvard College in 1981, and his JD degree from Harvard Law School in 1984. He was admitted to the bar of the State of California in 1985, and the bar of the State of New York in 1987. From 1984 to 1986, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable James R. Browning, chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, based in San Francisco, California. In 1986, he joined the firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York City as an associate, and was elected to partnership there in 1991, in which position he continued until February 2017. His practice encompassed a wide variety of matters, including antitrust, intellectual property, securities and common-law fraud, contract, labor and employment, civil rights and first amendment issues, and he rose to become the firm’s first partner of color. On January 15, 2017, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo nominated Judge Wilson to serve as an Associate Judge of the Court of Appeals, and the New York State Senate confirmed his nomination on February 6, 2017. On April 10, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul nominated Judge Wilson to serve as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals and the State of New York, breaking barriers as the first person of color in this role. The New York State Senate confirmed his nomination on April 18, 2023. While in private practice, Judge Wilson served on the boards of several charitable and not-for-profit organizations and handled numerous pro bono matters.

Stay tuned to the Commencement website for important information about deadlines (application to graduate, ticket ordering, and caps and gowns), the full schedule of events for May 20, and more. Can’t wait to see you on the big day!

Kaylin Smith ’26 understands the value of keeping her options open.

When she applied to Pace, she knew she had an interest in science and health, but she wasn’t exactly sure which field she wanted to get into and didn’t want to limit herself to a specific field like nursing or chemistry.

Cue Pace’s BS in Health Sciences, the perfect major for someone like Kaylin, offering her the flexibility and breadth to discover and pursue her own unique path in the health field as her interests evolve.

The health sciences major has three distinct tracks for students to pursue—Generalist, Pre-Nursing, and Pre-Physician Assistant. “I chose the physician assistant (PA) track which will allow me to go into PA school, medical school, health administration, or something else,” Kaylin says. “It gives me more options.”

I feel safe in my future, and I feel like it will be very easy for me hit the ground running when I graduate.

The PA track, according to Kaylin, is the most science-heavy of the three tracks, with classes ranging from biology, chemistry, microbiology, anatomy, and more. The major also offers concentrations within those tracks for even more academic versatility. “I’m doing the global health concentration,” she says. “It’s all about epidemiology, with topics on prevention and intervention at a larger level.”

Kaylin chose Pace in part because she knew about the University’s focus on preparing students with real-world career experience—experience she is already getting as a student worker on Pace’s NYC Campus.

When she started working with Pace’s University Relation’s design team, she initially provided administrative support, but she’s now started doing actual design work. “It’s been fun,” she says. “Graphic design wasn’t something I’d ever done before, but the team was really helpful. It’s actually kind of opened up a whole new interest in me, and it’s something I could pursue now.” She adds, “If I were to end up doing graphic design full-time, I wouldn’t be mad.”

So, while her classes allow Kaylin to explore her passion for science and health across a broad scope of disciplines, her time as a student worker has given her the chance to practice in a completely different sector.

I know everyone says this, but your experience in college is really whatever you make it.

And doors keep opening for her to dive even deeper. “This summer, I'm going to be a volunteer camp counselor with Camp AmeriKids in upstate New York, at a summer camp for kids living with HIV/AIDS,” she says, an opportunity she found through her involvement with the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS) at Pace.

So far at Pace, Kaylin has expanded her interest in healthcare while keeping her future options open, gained valuable graphic design experience as a student worker, and secured an opportunity to get real-world experience over the summer. According to her, this is what Pace does. “Pace is very good at putting their students out there,” she says. “I feel safe in my future, and I feel like it will be very easy for me hit the ground running when I graduate.”

Her view of the future includes plans for PA school where she hopes to study orthopedics, but she’s also keeping the option open to continue on all the way to med school. “I don’t know, we’ll see,” she says.

As Kaylin’s second year at Pace comes to a close, her advice to incoming students is simple. “I know everyone says this, but your experience in college is really whatever you make it,” she says. “The best way to enjoy Pace is to take it day by day and to be grateful you’re here.”

As we embrace the final months of this academic year, we stand at the threshold of celebrating our cherished tradition of Commencement, an event that marks both an end and a beginning for our graduating students. This year, our ceremony on Monday, May 20, 2024, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, promises to be a remarkable showcase of our students' achievements, resilience, and unwavering spirit.

In this issue of Pace Now, we’re excited to announce the incredible roster of Commencement speakers and honorees; a selection of individuals whose stories and successes are as diverse as they are inspiring. Among them: a Tony Award-winning Broadway star, the former president of a legendary comic book company, a Pace family who turned tragedy into a beacon of hope, a physician transforming healthcare with the power of AI, and more. Their stories exemplify the breadth of impact and creativity that defines our community.

Among our other lead stories, we spotlight the groundbreaking work of our students and faculty. From in-depth research on how rideshare companies have transformed the urban environment, to the entrepreneurial spirit fueling student-run businesses on campus, these stories illustrate the real-world application of learning we champion at Pace.

You’ll also find information about our summer programs at Pace and Career Services’ upcoming job and internship fair (more than 120 employers are attending!). Read stories about Pace superstars, from a Sands faculty bringing his industry expertise to the classroom, to a student worker who is taking every opportunity that comes her way, and beyond.

Finally, the "Best Colleges to Work For" survey is open until Friday, April 5. I urge all full-time staff, full-time faculty, and adjunct faculty to contribute your valuable feedback through this anonymous and confidential survey. Your insights are instrumental in guiding our efforts to enhance our community support and service.

As we look to the future, we do so with optimism and a shared sense of purpose. The journey of learning and discovery never truly ends, and we invite you to stay connected, engaged, and excited for what lies ahead.

The Lubin Link Podcast

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Sasha Alston '20 is on a mission to ensure that young women and girls know the importance of coding and STEM-based industries. Equipped with her BBA in Information Systems and a minor in marketing from the Lubin School of Business, Sasha has authored children's chapter books highlighting the STEM adventures of her main character, Sasha Savvy. In this episode, Sasha also discusses her role as a Business Analyst at JPMorgan.

• Listen to Sasha on Spotify
• Listen to Sasha on Apple Podcasts
• Listen to Sasha online

Tune into the Lubin Link podcast to hear how guests went from go-getting Lubin students to successful entrepreneurs, social media mavens, directors, CEOs, and beyond. They offer their best tips to students and share how you can make the most out of your #LubinLife.

Pace Remains Dedicated to Fostering a Safer Campus Through Ongoing Efforts in Awareness, Prevention, and Advocacy.

Pace University’s Office of Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness (OSIW) will host a series of events for the month of April in recognition of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, (SAAM) to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it.

Over the course of the month, students, faculty, and staff will join in the University’s commitment to fostering a safe and healthy campus, preventing instances of sexual violence, and ensuring the fair and respectful treatment of all members of the campus community.

“Pace University stands firmly against sexual assault in any form, and we are committed to fostering a safe and respectful learning and working environments for all members of our community,” said assistant vice president of the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX coordinator Bernard Dufresne. “Through the events organized during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the university emphasizes educational and participatory opportunities for everyone. By comprehending the spectrum of sexual violence, emphasizing the importance of affirmative consent in every instance, acknowledging bystander intervention opportunities, and stressing accountability for inappropriate behavior, the university aims to foster continuous education throughout the campus.”

The purpose of the national SAAM campaign is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. In fact, April 2024 marks the official 23rd anniversary of NSVRC's Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year’s theme for SAAM is “Building Connected Communities.” According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), a campaign helps reduce the likelihood of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment in communities.

OSIW provides support and resources for current Pace University students who are or have been impacted by sexual assault and develops on-campus violence prevention initiatives, training, and events. OSIW supports current students who are or have been impacted by sexual misconduct and develops on-campus violence prevention initiatives, educational workshops, and a variety of events for the community. In addition, peer educators offer programming, workshops, and other learning opportunities throughout the year and are a non-confidential resource for Pace students.

Interpersonal violence Prevention and Education Specialist Asha Kadir said: “We aim to provide the Pace community with the knowledge and resources to create a safe environment. We all have a part to play in interpersonal wellness promotion and violence prevention, and our events aim to empower you, so we hope you can attend and make the most of the information shared and resources provided.”

SAMM Schedule of Events at Pace

The month kicks off with a “Title IX and Dine” lunch on April 3 at 12:00 p.m. hosted by the Title IX coordinator Bernard Dufresne in partnership with Pace Residential Life and the OSIW to educate students on their rights and get empowered with resources. Other SAAM events at Pace include:

• Sexology April 9.
• Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness Fair April 16.
• The annual Take Back the Night march is on April 17.
• Denim Day on April 17.
• An art show on April 25.

Title IX & Dine
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 | 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.
Butcher Suite

The Pace community is invited to join the Title IX & Dine lunch hosted by the Title IX coordinator Bernard Dufresne in partnership with the Office of Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness (OSIW), and Pace housing to learn more about your rights and get empowered with resources. Several on and off-campus partners will answer Pace students' questions about Title IX and use this as an opportunity to provide resources.

Sexology
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 | 3:30 p.m.
Kessel Lawn

A sex-positive and safe sex event hosted by the OSIW in partnership with Pride @ Pace and OMA/DP, which brings together over 100 students and community partners to learn about issues of sex and sexuality. A key aspect of this event is to build sex positivity, fostering an environment where topics around sexuality, health, and pleasure are spoken about openly without shame and stigma.

Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness Fair
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 | 2:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Kessel MPR

The Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness will be held at the NYC and Pleasantville Campuses. The key aim is to provide comprehensive, diverse, and inclusive health education, resources, and services. We hope to give the Pace community the knowledge and resources to support healthy decision-making and self-advocacy.

Denim Day
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 | 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Kessel Lawn

Denim Day is a national awareness campaign that encourages wearing denim on the last Wednesday of Sexual Assault Awareness Month to demonstrate support for survivors of sexual assault. Denim Day aims to support survivors and educate the community about sexual assault. We hope to raise awareness of victim blaming and the myths surrounding sexual violence by asking the community members to wear denim in solidarity.

Take Back the Night
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 | 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Kessel Multipurpose Room

Join us for the annual event Take Back the Night, aimed at ending sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse, and all other forms of sexual violence, and show our support for survivors of such violence. This event is all about empowering individuals with knowledge and a deeper understanding of the national and historical initiative of Take Back the Night. We will have experts from organizations that specialize in sexual violence resources and care at this event. They will be there to provide insights, answer questions, and help amplify a sense of community.

Annual Art Show
Thursday, April 25, 2024 | 4:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Kessel Multipurpose Room

Join us as we host the WestCOP Victims Assistance Services Annual Art Show, which is held during the National Week of Crime Victims' Rights Awareness. The Annual Art show is centered around these victims/survivors. It would only be able to occur with these individuals contributing their artwork, whether it be poetry, skits, paintings, music, and more. This is honored across the country, and this year, it will be observed the week of April 21-27, 2024. The theme is 'How would you help? Options, Services, and Hope for Crime Survivors".

For more information on events or resources, email akadir@pace.edu call (914) 773-8783 or visit the Office of Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness website.

Resources at Pace

Pace University wishes to make all members of the University Community aware of the various reporting and confidential and non-confidential resources available. For more information on campus and community resources, please visit the Campus And Community Resources webpage.

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

If you walked around New York City 15 years ago compared to today, you might notice some major differences in daily activity. The most obvious is that a large percentage of pedestrians are perpetually glued to the glowing rectangular device in their hand. But arguably the second most obvious change is the significant decline in pedestrians hailing the city’s famous yellow taxis—instead, we have collectively shifted to using these aforementioned rectangular devices to call upon random vehicles to serve the purpose that taxis previously dominated.

It’s no secret that ride hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft have transformed the urban landscape. This is a phenomenon that Seidenberg Information Systems major Arjuman Hossain ’25 has long been interested in—likening the massive shift to others predicated by recent technological innovations.

“One example I can give—Blockbuster declined due to the rise of Netflix,” says Arjuman. “Netflix offered a more convenient, cost-effective streaming service. And now you see streaming is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Ride-hailing apps have now become a multi-billion-dollar industry and it’s only going to increase from here.”

Blockbuster declined due to the rise of Netflix. Netflix offered a more convenient, cost-effective streaming service. And now you see streaming is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Ride-hailing apps have now become a multi-billion-dollar industry and it’s only going to increase from here.

Curious as to how ridehailing apps have changed the landscape of city life, Arjuman applied for the Provost’s Office 2023–2024 student-faculty undergraduate research award. His project, titled “Assessing the Transformative Influence of Ride-Hailing Applications on Urban Mobility Patterns,” seeks to examine the ways in which ride-hailing has affected traffic patterns and commuting behaviors, to better understand the complex problems and opportunities that have arisen with respect to integrating these platforms into the urban transportation ecosystem. Seidenberg Professor of Information Technology Catherine Dwyer, PhD, is serving as Arjuman’s mentor.

“It’s really been a pleasure working with Arjuman,” says Dwyer. “He came up with this idea, and he’s really quite mature for an undergraduate in terms of research; there are some graduate students who might have more struggles than he’s had,” she added.

Over the past few months Arjuman has been busy delving into the data. The research is solely focused on New York City currently, making use of NYC Open Data as a primary resource; from which Arjuman is synthesizing findings via the programming language Python.

“We’ve been able to generate a lot of graphs and analyze the data,” says Arjuman. “One of the things we found that was really interesting was a significant decline in yellow taxis—another thing we found was that there were many declines in urban mobility patterns, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that ride-hailing services has bounced back more quickly compared to public transit options now that the pandemic is pretty much over.”

“One of the nice things about research is you always find something you’re not looking for,” noted Dwyer. “It’s quite disturbing to see how bad it’s been for the subways and the buses to bounce back from COVID—there’s been a lot of federal funding to keep the city processes working and that’s going to be turned off pretty soon. As a city resident I’m really concerned about not investing in mass transit and not keeping the level of service as it is. It’s very shortsighted.”

Arjuman and Dwyer are both very excited about the potential of this research, given that the nature of ride-hailing apps is still an under-examined area in relation to mobility patterns, and the information gleaned can help massively in terms of urban planning and transportation studies through defining the ways in which individual move through the city today. Arjuman and Dwyer are excited about publishing the work and presenting at academic conferences, and have been starting to plan for that process.

“I hope that when I publish my research, other researchers can use it to benefit them. That’s one of my motivations for being part of this program,” says Arjuman.

This summer, Arjuman will further his understanding of the complexities of New York City transportation, having landed an internship at New York City’s Taxi and Limousine Commission that will call on him to employ his data analytics skills. He views both the research and the internship as a natural launch pad to his ideal career—which as he notes, would be something related to public transportation.

As his body of work shows, Arjuman is well on his way to making a major impact in an increasingly important field—and hopes to help to alleviate our collective traffic and commuting headaches in the process.

New York City: Monday, May 6 and Tuesday, May 7
Pleasantville: Friday, May 10

We invite you to join us for an immersive academic experience. Students from the Pforzheimer Honors College will present their original research, creative work, honor theses, and innovative tech projects to the Pace Community—be wowed by their work while connecting with old friends and your favorite faculty.

Fill out the RSVP from by April 24

Stay tuned for a detailed presentation schedule.

Monday, May 6 | New York City

• 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.: Poster presentations | 15 Beekman, Bianco Room
• 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Panel Presentations | One Pace Plaza, Student Center East and West
• 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.: Lunch with Speakers | 15 Beekman, Bianco Room
• 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Panel Presentations | One Pace Plaza, Student Center East and West
• 2:00 p.m.–4:00: Poster presentations | 15 Beekman, Bianco Room

Tuesday, May 7 | New York City

• 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Creative Presentations | One Pace Plaza, Student Center East and West
• 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.: Lunch with Provost Joe Franco and Student Speakers | 15 Beekman, Bianco Room
• 1:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.: Creative Presentations | One Pace Plaza, Student Center East and West
• 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Seidenberg Presentations with Dessert Reception | 15 Beekman, 9th Floor

Friday, May 10 | Pleasantville

• 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Poster session | Kessel Student Center, Gottesman Room
• 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.: Lunch with Provost Joe Franco and Speakers | Kessel Student Center, Multipurpose Room
• 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Panel Presentations | Kessel Student Center, Butcher Suite
• 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Creative Presentations | Kessel Student Center, Gottesman

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In today’s interconnected world, understanding the complexities of mental health and wellness requires a global perspective. At Pace University’s Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, students embarking on their educational journey in psychology find themselves uniquely positioned to explore the intricacies of the human mind across continents, with an unparalleled opportunity to delve into mental health research in the vibrant setting of Goa, India.

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One standout course, "Understanding a Globalized World," hosted by The Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) at their Goa Campus, serves as a beacon for Pace students seeking to understand the intersection of globalization and mental health. This immersive course doesn’t just scratch the surface; it delves deep into the challenges of conducting research on physical and mental health in a world that's constantly evolving. Through a meticulously crafted curriculum comprising didactic lectures, field experiences, and interdisciplinary projects, students gain invaluable insights into the biopsychosocial perspective on health promotion, disease prevention, ethics, and the cultural influences shaping health outcomes.

What sets Pace University apart is its commitment to providing students with not just a education, but an experience that transcends borders. Psychology programs at Pace are designed to offer applied learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom and into the global arena. Under the mentorship of experienced faculty, students engage in personalized research projects that not only cap their undergraduate experience but also serve as a launching pad for their future endeavors.

Central to Pace’s approach is the Experimental Psychology course, a year-long, sequential research and lab experience that immerses students in the rigors of scientific inquiry. Here, students work alongside expert faculty members and collaborate with graduate and doctoral students, presenting their findings at national conferences and gaining recognition from influential figures in the field.

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Moreover, Pace’s commitment to a global perspective in psychology is evident in its faculty members’ close ties to international resources such as the Psychological Coalition of the United Nations. Through these connections, students gain access to unique internships and networking opportunities that broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of psychology's global impact.

But it's not just about the coursework; it's about the entire experience. Pace University boasts state-of-the-art campus labs and fosters connections to premier training facilities, providing students with unparalleled opportunities for growth and discovery.

In essence, for students at Pace University, psychology isn’t just a subject—it's a journey that spans continents, cultures, and perspectives. By embracing the global mind, students gain not only an international advantage but also a profound understanding of the complexities of mental health and wellness in our interconnected world.