Announcing the 2025 Trustee Award Recipients

Each year at Commencement, the Pace University Trustee Award is given to graduating students whose academic excellence, leadership, and positive contributions to university life exemplify the highest ideals of Opportunitas.

Layne Davis '25

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During her years at Pace University, Layne Davis has embodied what it means to be a Go-Getter—combining academic excellence with a fierce commitment to advocacy and community-building.

Graduating with a BA in political science and peace and justice studies, Layne has maintained a remarkable 3.97 GPA while pursuing a demanding academic path. Her capstone project, Best of Both Worlds? Understanding Black-White Biracial Identity Formation in Pace University Students Navigating a Predominantly White Institution, has received acclaim at prestigious conferences, including the Student Peace Conference at the University of Notre Dame’s Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies.

Layne’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. As a United Nations Millennium Fellow, she facilitated critical dialogue on Title IX policies and, in fall 2024, delivered a youth statement on disarmament at the UN First Committee. Her internships with ACT Alliance and the Transparency, Accountability, and Participation (TAP) Network further strengthened her advocacy for UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: peace, justice, and strong institutions.

On campus, Layne has been a standout leader. She co-chaired the DJ Henry Memorial Committee during Social Justice Week, organized the impactful Dinner for DJ event, served as a supportive resident assistant, and performed with Frequency A Cappella and the Black Student Union—creating spaces of inclusion, empowerment, and connection.

Brianna Shea '25

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A powerhouse on the Pleasantville Campus, Brianna Shea has demonstrated what it truly means to be a Setter: achieving excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and service.

Graduating with a BA in applied psychology, Brianna has earned a strong 3.84 GPA while taking on high-profile leadership roles in the Pace Community. Known affectionately as “Shea” to her teammates, she has been a star player for Pace Softball, recognized as a Northeast-10 First Team All-Conference Athlete, a First Team All-Region Athlete, and a three-time Scholarly Athlete Award recipient.

Brianna’s impact doesn’t end on the softball diamond. As president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and a Student Government Association athletic senator, she’s been a tireless advocate for student-athletes—leading community initiatives like a campus-wide toy drive and uplifting Black student-athletes through Black History Month programming.

Beyond athletics, Brianna has served as a peer mentor at the Learning Commons, helping her fellow Setters thrive academically. Off campus, her experiences as a special education aide and school psychology intern have further fueled her passion for psychology, building lasting connections and preparing her for a future of service and leadership.

Celebrating the Best of Pace

Layne Davis and Brianna Shea are true examples of Pace’s spirit: hardworking, passionate, and ready to lead change. Their time at Pace University has prepared them to not just enter the world—but to shape it.

We can’t wait to celebrate their success at this year’s Commencement ceremony.