Westchester Columbian Lawyers Association Honors Dean for Students Angie D’Agostino with Honorable Richard J. Daronco Distinguished Service Award

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Angie D’Agostino, Dean for Student and Campus Affairs at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, was honored with the Honorable Richard J. Daronco Distinguished Service Award by the Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County at the organization’s annual dinner on June 13, 2025. The prestigious award recognizes individuals of Italian heritage who have made significant contributions to the bench or bar and who exemplify service, leadership, and a deep commitment to community.

The Honorable Richard J. Daronco Distinguished Service Award is named in memory of the former Justice of the Supreme Court of Westchester County and later the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and celebrates his legacy of integrity, compassion, and dedication to justice. Past recipients include the Honorable Janet DiFiore, Chief Judge of the State of New York and the Court of Appeals; Carl A. Vergari, former Westchester County District Attorney; the Honorable Mario Cuomo, former Governor of New York; and the Honorable Francis A. Nicolai, former Chief Administrative Judge for the Ninth Judicial District, among other distinguished Italian-American jurists and attorneys.

Dean D’Agostino’s career at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University spans nearly 40 years. She began as an assistant in the Office of Admissions and rose steadily through the ranks, ultimately serving as Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs. During that time, she admitted and guided hundreds of law students, shaping their academic journeys through scholarships, mentorship, and unwavering support. In 1999, while working full-time, she earned her law degree from what was then Pace Law School, and in 2000 was appointed Dean for Students—a role she has held ever since with steadfast dedication, compassion, and purpose.

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Affectionately known as “Dean D” by generations of students and alumni—many of whom now call her a friend and colleague—she has cultivated a culture of community at Pace Haub Law. Under her leadership, the Law School has expanded its mental health and wellness programs, providing critical resources to students during some of the most challenging times in their academic and personal lives.

The award was presented by Hon. Daniel Angiolillo, who praised Dean D’Agostino’s deep commitment to “Family, Faith, and Pace.” In his remarks, Horace E. Anderson Jr., Dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, reflected on the many lives she has touched over her decades of service.

“Dean D’s impact extends far beyond the walls of the law school. For nearly 40 years, she has been a guiding force in the lives of thousands of law students—many of whom are now legal professionals in our community,” said Dean Anderson. “Her care, encouragement, and willingness to step in during some of the most difficult moments in a student’s life have made all the difference. There are countless attorneys today who would not be where they are without her.”

I’ve been blessed to serve at an institution where Opportunitas—the opportunity for first-generation students to rise—has mirrored both my personal journey and my cultural heritage.

—Dean Angie D'Agostino

During her heartfelt remarks, Dean D’Agostino spoke about her journey from humble beginnings, the transformative power of education, and the responsibility that legal educators carry as gatekeepers of the profession—one she has approached with deep seriousness and care.

“I’ve been blessed to serve at an institution where Opportunitas—the opportunity for first-generation students to rise—has mirrored both my personal journey and my cultural heritage,” she shared.

Dean D’Agostino has been a long-standing, involved member of the Columbian Lawyers Association, which has been a generous partner to the Law School, supporting many deserving law students through its scholarship program.

Dean D’Agostino’s award acceptance speech (PDF)