New York City Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker ’96 Urges Graduates to Lead with Purpose at Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University Commencement

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University celebrated the graduation of 284 students at its 47th Commencement Ceremony on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York. New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Commissioner Robert S. Tucker, a distinguished public servant and a proud Haub Law alumnus from the Class of 1996, delivered a powerful and heartfelt commencement address to graduates, and received the Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, the highest honor conferred by the Law School, recognizing his lifelong contributions to public service, public safety and the legal profession.

Commissioner Tucker, who attended Haub Law as a night student and graduated a semester early, reflected on the milestone as a “full-circle moment,” symbolizing the Commencement he once delayed to pursue a career in public service. He spoke to graduates about the importance of leadership in the legal world and in life, and how the FDNY is one such example—a model of leadership, resilience, and bravery.

“Leadership is not about titles or power or prestige,” Tucker said. “It's about service—serving others with integrity, compassion, and a sense of duty. It's about doing what's right, even when it's hard, and it's about taking responsibility for the communities you serve.”

In his remarks, Tucker encouraged graduates to embrace their legal education as a foundation for meaningful leadership and civic engagement. Drawing from decades of experience in public safety, security and cyber-intelligence, he underscored the importance of public service and ethical decision-making.“

"Remember, your education doesn’t stop today. Graduation is not an end, but a beginning. The world needs leaders—leaders like you, who will use their voices, their minds, and their hearts to make this world a better place,” he said.

"Graduation is not an end, but a beginning. The world needs leaders—leaders like you, who will use their voices, their minds, and their hearts to make this world a better place."

Haub Law Dean Horace Anderson reflected on Commissioner Tucker’s story as an example of the power of a law degree.

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“Commissioner Tucker uses his legal education every day in ways he may never have imagined when he first stepped foot on, what was then, the Pace Law School campus,” he said. “His journey is a powerful reminder: your law degree is more than a credential—it’s a tool. A force. A key to unlock opportunities you haven’t even dreamed of yet.”

This year’s 2025 graduating class from Haub Law included 263 students Juris Doctor degrees, 9 Master of Laws degrees in Comparative Legal Studies, 11 Master of Laws degrees in Environmental Law, and 1 Doctor of Juridical Science degree. The Law School also recognized 44 students who completed Advanced Certificates, 4 graduates who earned a joint degree with Yale School for the Environment, and 1 graduate who earned a joint degree with Bard College, Center for Environmental Policy. Of special note were 25 Part-time Flex JD graduates, who completed their degrees while balancing the demands of school, work, and life.

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The Class of 2025 student address was delivered by Gigi Quatrone, who urged her classmates to use their legal training for the good at a time when great lawyers are needed more than ever. “Our degrees give us power,” Quatrone said. “Let’s use it to build bridges where others build walls, to fight for equity where others ignore injustice, and to listen where others only argue.”

LLM graduates were hooded by Associate Dean and Professor of Law Jason Czarnezki, and JD graduates were hooded by Professor Leslie Garfield Tenzer and Adjunct Professor Robin Frankel, the recipients of this year’s Barbara C. Salken Outstanding Professor of the Year Award, as selected by the Class of 2025.

The Dean’s Award, the Law School’s highest honor for academic excellence, service, and leadership, was presented to three outstanding graduates: Jonathan Bluvstein, JD, Kira Segal, Part-time Flex JD, and Samuel Fonseca de Carvalho, LLM.

Watch Commissioner Tucker’s commencement address