Pace is the Place

From raising money for Haiti to Shakespearean theatre, Pace fosters a community of intellect and activism. The learning experience goes far beyond the classroom doors. Here’s a look at what’s been happening at Pace and a preview of what students can look forward to.

Home, Sweet Homecoming—Students, families, faculty, and staff rang in the 2009-2010 school year with Homecoming and Family Weekend. Featuring Broadway shows, medieval dinner theater, a pep rally, and the Setters football game, the alumni were welcomed back in style. Check out the video here.

Fall Semester Roundup—Pace hosted a number of high-profile visitors and events this past semester. Shakespeare’s Globe Company from London set up camp in the Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts for its national tour of Love’s Labour’s Lost. The Buttonwood Gathering, also hosted at the Schimmel, brought financial leaders and visionaries such as Tim Geithner, Lawrence Summers, and George Soros, to Pace to discuss the current economic crisis. CNBC correspondent and Pace alumnus Charles Gasparino and the New York Times financial reporter Andrew Ross Sorkin each lectured and signed copies of their books. And Kate Hudson, Bon Jovi, Hilary Swank, and Avatar Director James Cameron made appearances on Inside the Actor’s Studio. Additionally, Pace’s New York City campus also served as the location for major motion picture When Harry Tries to Marry. More than 100 students participated both as actors, extras, and as behind-the-scenes workers for the romantic comedy.

Rallying for Haiti—The Pace Community responded to the devastating earthquake that shook Haiti, with numerous fundraising and support efforts. Student organizations tabled in late January to raise money, while the Pace Athletics collected money and clothing for the American Red Cross. For more information on fundraising efforts, click here.

Step to the Right, Step to the Left (Forum)—Students have a chance to bring their ideas to the table at this year’s Left Forum from March 19-21. Featuring Rev. Jesse Jackson and Noam Chomsky, the Left Forum is a meeting of the minds. Academics, activists, lawyers, and educators come together to discuss pressing issues like sustainability and the economy. All students are encouraged to present papers or lead their own panels.

The Future of Educational Reform—Now in its eighth year, the School of Education Lecture Series brings thought leaders to the podium to lecture on critical issues in education. This year’s theme is “Beyond Closing the Achievement Gap: The Next Level of Urban School Reform,” and lecturers include Theresa Perry, EdD, Professor, Simmons College; George Wood, Executive Director, Forum for Education and Democracy; Tony Wagner, PhD, Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education; and Bill Ayers, EdD, Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Education. 

Necessary Drama—The repertory season marks the culmination of the Actor’s Studio MFA students’ three years of work. Students can see the actors take to the stage this March before walking the other stage (at Commencement). Featuring four weeks of original productions from Pace’s actors, playwrights, and directors, this is the place to discover groundbreaking work from rising stars. For more information on shows and play times, visit: /dyson/academic-departments-and-programs/asds/the-repertory-season/

Register for Fall 2010—It’s hard to believe, with the semester just kicking off, but registration for Fall 2010 courses are right around the corner. Undergraduate registration begins Monday, April 19, 2010, and graduate registration begins Monday, April 12, 2010. Click here for more information.

Commencement is Coming—The Westchester Undergraduate ceremony will be held on May 24 at 11:00 a.m. in the Goldstein Fitness Center, and the New York Undergraduate ceremony will be held on May 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Radio City Music Hall. Don’t forget to remind your graduating senior to purchase a cap and gown by March 16 at www.herffjones.com/college/pace.