As we come out of yet another bruising election cycle—this time, for better or for worse, one in which not much ultimately seems to have changed—I find myself impressed anew by the civic commitment and involvement of so many in our Pace Community.
Two weeks ago, we hosted the only debate between Gov. Kathy Hochul and her challenger, Rep. Lee Zeldin, in the Schimmel Center on our New York City Campus. It was a great opportunity for Pace, which landed our name and logo in articles and photos around the state and across the country. It also showed our political leaders — and our partners at Spectrum News NY1—what the people of Pace are capable of accomplishing. Our team of student volunteers, under the expert leadership of our Public Affairs team, were perfect hosts and ideal ambassadors for us, and Dyson student Mandi Karpo, editor-in-chief of The Pace Press, was lucky to be the sole student journalist in attendance. Read about her experience.
Elsewhere in this issue of Pace Now, you’ll read about many other kinds of civic engagement at Pace. You’ll learn about Lubin student Nicholas Lotto, a former Marine and president of Pace’s chapter of the Student Veterans of America, who is working to support the mental health of all our student veterans. Our environmental commitment has once again earned Pace recognition on the Princeton Review list of green colleges. You’ll read about the impressive accomplishments of the budding diplomats on our United Nations team. And as the Thanksgiving season approaches, CCAR, which did so much to help make sure our students voted in yesterday’s elections, offers a guide to giving back.
In the spirit of the season, I’m grateful to see that it’s finally turning properly autumnal here in the New York region. The weather is brisk and the leaves are vibrantly colored, but of course it’s also getting dark earlier and earlier. As we move into the winter months, I want us all to remain aware of our mental health and wellbeing. We’ve all been through a very challenging few years, and now we’re entering what is often a tough season. Please take care of yourselves, be kind to yourselves, and reach out for any help you need.
At Pace, we’re all committed to supporting one another. And together we will accomplish great things.
Have a great fall and a happy Thanksgiving—and keep your eye out for Pace’s Giving Tuesday campaign right after the holiday!
Meet Raquel Sammartano! In May she represented the College of Health Professions (CHP) at the national 2025 American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Conference and Expo in Denver, Colorado with her father, Robert Sammartano, PA-C, also in attendance!
We connected with Raquel to learn more about her academic and professional journey, inspired by her father to follow in his footsteps as a PA.
Jesse Ciron ’26, Writing for Diversity and Equity in Theater and Media, is creating theater that reflects who we are and who we can become. Discover how this aspiring playwright is using storytelling to champion representation and social change.
From club leader to Human Resources intern, Maxelle Cohen ’26 brings passion and purpose to HR with the New York Islanders.