Pace University News

Each year, the Pace University Alumni Association presents awards to individuals who have made invaluable contributions to the University through their service, leadership, and dedication to the Pace mission.

One Pace Plaza was brimming with celebration and cheer on June 5, 2025, as almost 200 Pace alumni returned to the New York City Campus to reconnect with old friends and classmates, reflect on shared histories and experiences, and toast the continued strength of the Pace Community.

During the 61st annual Spirit of Pace Awards dinner held on June 12 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, Pace University honored two outstanding alumni leaders who, through their steadfast generosity and trailblazing industry leadership, have translated the lessons of their Pace experiences into lifetimes of philanthropy, innovation, and impact.

Pace Reunion welcomed a very special guest: Arthur Grabiner ’50, who attended the annual Golden Graduates Luncheon to celebrate his 75th anniversary reunion.

Sav Ackerman ’25 has always had a strong work ethic. Born into an abusive and impoverished upbringing, both of Sav’s parents passed away by the time Sav was 15 years old. “There were many hard days growing up,” shared Sav. “Prior to passing away, my mother was a single parent and worked full-time while going to school for nursing. I started working to support myself from the time I was 15 and continued to work throughout law school.”

Meet Azeem Azhar: a 2021 graduate of the Bachelor of Arts in Biological Psychology, Azeem continued into the Master of Science Physician Assistant Program – Pleasantville program, which he aims to have completed in December 2025. We connected with him to learn more about his leadership opportunities within the PA program!

When Joseph Churgin graduated from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University in 1993, he never could have imagined that 32 years later, two of his children would not only be studying law but attending the same law school. “I felt incredibly proud that both Hunter and Emma wanted to attend law school where I got my start,” shared Joseph. “It was the perfect fit for me, and I hoped that it would be for both of my children as well.”

Tubi CEO Anjali Sud, a first-generation Indian American and one of the tech industry’s most prominent leaders, addressed thousands of graduates and guests at Pace University’s Commencement.

Initially, Melis Ozcan ’24 LLM described her main objective in pursuing her LLM as to sit for the New York Bar Exam, however, her educational experience at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University ultimately contributed to her personal growth while also providing her with a high-quality legal education.

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Alumni Association Board of Directors Judicial Committee proudly sponsored a small group admission ceremony to the Supreme Court of the United States for a select group of alumni.