Commencement season at Pace has its own rhythm.
You start to notice it in the final stretch of the semester. There’s a shift. Big projects wrap up. Caps and gowns come out. Conversations turn to what’s next. Everything begins to feel a little more real.
It’s one of the most meaningful moments of the year—one that brings our entire Pace Community together.
It’s also a time to welcome voices who will help mark the occasion.
So here it is: what you’ve all been waiting to hear.
We are proud to announce the distinguished speakers who will join us for Commencement 2026, leaders whose careers reflect the ambition and drive we see in our graduates every day.
At our Main Ceremony, Lester Holt—award-winning journalist and anchor of Dateline NBC—will address the Class of 2026. One of the most respected voices in broadcast journalism, Holt has spent decades reporting from the front lines of the world’s biggest stories and helping audiences make sense of them. Known for his on-the-ground reporting and steady presence during major global events, he has helped audiences better understand the moments that shape our lives.
During Undergraduate Day, Mitchell Katz, MD, president and chief executive officer of NYC Health + Hospitals, will speak to graduates from the College of Health Professions, Lubin School of Business, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. He leads the largest municipal healthcare system in the United States and has helped expand access to care for New Yorkers.
Pedro Rivera ’12, an Emmy Award–winning journalist and Pace alumnus, will return to his alma mater to address graduates from Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Sands College of Performing Arts, and the School of Education. His path from Pace student to New York City news anchor reflects persistence and a strong connection to the communities he serves.
On Graduate Day, we are especially proud to welcome accomplished leaders—including members of our alumni community—whose work spans law, healthcare, business, and public service.
Hon. Francesca E. Connolly ’82, associate justice of the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department of New York, will address graduates of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. A respected member of the judiciary and a Pace alumna, she has built her career in public service and the legal profession.
Judith M. Watson, RN, BSN, MPH, HD ’94, chief executive officer of Westchester Community Health Center, will speak to graduates from the College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Education. A Pace alumna, she has spent more than 30 years expanding access to care and now leads a network of nine health centers serving communities across Westchester County.
Peter Muller, founder of PDT Partners, will address graduates from the Lubin School of Business and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. His career spans quantitative finance, entrepreneurship, and music, offering a perspective shaped by both analytical thinking and creativity.
To our graduates, this moment reflects everything you have built during your time at Pace. You are ready for what comes next.
Find out more about our speakers, FAQ, and other important information about Commencement.
I look forward to celebrating with you and your families.
Warmly,
Marvin Krislov
President, Pace University
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From global media companies to major brands, government agencies, and cultural institutions, graduates of Pace University’s Communication and Media Studies program are shaping how stories are told across industries.