Recognizing the 2026 Trustee Award Recipients

Presented at Commencement, the Pace University Trustee Award recognizes graduating students whose academic excellence, leadership, and positive contributions to University life embody the highest ideals of Opportunitas and the pinnacle of undergraduate achievement.

Kristina Nasteva

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BS in Business Economics, Dyson College of Arts and Science
New York City

Kristina Nasteva is a standout student whose 4.0 academic record, excellence in research, and achievement in economics reflect exceptional intellectual rigor and ambition.

Kristina has complemented her academic success with distinguished research. She has been recognized by the Economics Department with the Certificate of Excellence in Academic Research for her research projects on the behavioral economics of crime, female labor force participation, and STEM immigration outcomes. Having presented her research at the Society of Fellows Annual Conference and embodied the values of the Society of Fellows, she is a recipient of the Distinguished Graduating Fellow Award.

Kristina has especially distinguished herself in the field of economics through a combination of academic achievement, award-winning leadership, and competitive success. As a presenting member, she helped Pace’s Federal Reserve Challenge team win the 2025 national championship. She is the president and founder of New York City’s only student chapter of National Association for Business Economics, has served as president of the Economics Society, and established the Economics Initiative for Mentorship.

Though her accomplishments and campus involvement extend even further, these achievements represent only part of Kristina’s impact and underscore how fully she embodies the ideals of the Trustee Award.

Nicholas Diaz

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BS in Digital Journalism, Dyson College of Arts and Science
Pleasantville

Nicholas has established himself as a strong leader and advocate for the student body on the Pleasantville Campus, all while maintaining high academic achievement and consistent Dean’s List recognition.

Since 2023, he has served as executive president of the Student Government Association on the Pleasantville Campus, working closely with faculty and administrators to advocate for student needs and representing the student body to the Board of Trustees. He also serves as vice president of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society and played a key role in organizing 2025’s Social Justice Week.

Nicholas has been actively involved across campus, serving as a resident assistant, ASPIRE coordinator, and Orientation leader, supporting students throughout their Pace experience. He is frequently called upon to represent the student voice at major University events, including Convocation, and has been recognized for his leadership with honors such as the Outstanding Student Leader Award and the President’s Award for Outstanding Team Contribution.

Through his leadership, service, and advocacy, Nicholas has left a meaningful mark on the Pace Community, clearly demonstrating why he is a deserving recipient of the Trustee Award.