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Considering the current environment concerning challenges facing international students, what are the ways that you can convince prospective international applicants of the value of coming to the USA and in particular the value of coming to Pace University?

Our office plays a critical role in supporting international students once they’re at Pace—especially when it comes to navigating federal regulations. Right now, it’s a challenging environment. Much of what shapes students’ decisions—federal policy, visa uncertainty, perceptions of whether they’ll feel welcome—is outside of our control. What is within our control is how we support students.

Our amazing International Students and Scholars team stays in close communication, providing timely updates and creating opportunities for students to connect. They work hard to ensure students feel supported, informed, and part of a community.

And then there’s Pace itself...the access to internships, cultural experiences, and career pathways is extraordinary. We continue to support students well beyond graduation, especially those on Optional Practical Training (OPT). That combination of support and opportunity is what makes Pace truly special.

How do you use the study abroad program to motivate current students to widen their horizons, gain experience and exposure to the world beyond Pace and improve their prospects in the workplace?

Our Education Abroad team is exceptional at helping students find the right fit—whether that’s a short-term Pace Travel course with faculty, or a semester or summer program.

What’s encouraging is student interest is already there. In a recent survey, about 50% of incoming students indicated interest in studying abroad. Our role is to help turn that interest into action.

Study abroad isn’t just about travel—it’s about perspective. It builds confidence, adaptability, and intercultural fluency. It absolutely strengthens a resume—but more importantly, it helps students find their place in the world.

When looking over your service over the years, what continues to motivate you in your workday when working with your team and especially our students?

For me, it comes down to people and growth. I find energy in supporting my team—helping them develop, take on new challenges, and move forward in their careers.

And with students, it’s about being part of a moment that matters. Whether it’s helping them navigate a challenge or seeing them succeed after graduation, that’s what makes it meaningful.

What do you enjoy most about working at Pace?

THE PEOPLE! Pace is filled with thoughtful, dedicated, and genuinely kind colleagues. That creates an environment where people support one another and care about their work. It’s what makes Pace feel special.

Where in the world is your favorite place to visit? Or where would you like to visit?

I lived in Norway for a year, and one of my favorite places anywhere is Vigeland Park. It’s the life work of Gustav Vigeland—a remarkable collection of sculptures that feels both intimate and monumental at the same time.

I LOVE Mexico City! – especially the celebrations around Day of the Dead. But I have to say, a recent trip to Vietnam has left me wanting to go back. The warmth of the people, the food—especially a delicious bánh mì—and the depth of the country’s culture all make me eager to return.

At this year’s Undergraduate Main Ceremony, the Class of 2026 will hear from two graduating students whose experiences reflect what it means to step up on campus and step out into the world. One brings a global lens and a passion for innovation. The other pairs economic insight with leadership at the highest competitive level.

Their paths to this stage were different, but both were shaped by curiosity, discipline, and drive. Together, they represent what it means to be a Pace graduate.

Valedictorian Speaker

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Caroline Zanuto-Winter

BA in Computer Science, Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems
Pleasantville

Caroline is a 4.0 student and Dean’s List honoree who exemplifies academic excellence and determination. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, she moved to the United States to pursue her ambitions, bringing a global perspective that defines her Pace experience.

During her Pace journey, Caroline was selected for the Fall 2025 United Nations Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network Millennium Fellowship, where she collaborated with peers across 16 nations on a multilingual advocacy campaign in 9 languages. The project culminated in an in-person event, taking online awareness into real world change.

As a computer science student, Caroline built a mobile app for her capstone project, serving as both product lead and developer and guiding the project from concept to execution. Most recently, as a product manager intern at WEX Inc., she applied her expertise in computer science and generative AI to improve team efficiency, demonstrating the kind of real-world learning that prepares Pace students to lead in their fields.

From global collaboration to hands-on innovation, Caroline has consistently translated her ideas into action. Her work reflects a strong foundation in both technical skill and leadership, culminating in her recognition as valedictorian.

Opportunitas Speaker

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Suraj Sharma

BA in Economics/MS in Applied Quantitative Economics, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences
New York City

Suraj Sharma’s dedication to his field reflects the spirit of Opportunitas—turning academic pursuit into meaningful impact. During his time at Pace, he earned numerous honors, including the Award for Excellence in Academic Research, induction into the International Economics Honor Society, Dean’s List First Honors, and is graduating with a 4.0 GPA.

One of his proudest achievements was leading Pace’s National Federal Reserve Challenge team as team captain, outperforming Harvard and UCLA among 136 competing schools and securing the title for Pace for the sixth time—more than any other university. Suraj also serves as an ambassador for Pace’s Economics Student Leadership Initiative, a mentor for the International Economics Honor Society, a member of Pace University’s National Association for Business Economics chapter, and sits on the Economics Advisory Board.

Complementing his academic achievements, Suraj has gained industry experience through roles at JPMorgan and PIMCO, along with hands-on work in tri-party repo analysis and credit spread research. After graduation, Suraj will join PIMCO as an institutional client management account analyst.

Across these experiences, Suraj has demonstrated a consistent commitment to excellence, leadership, and real-world application. As an Opportunitas Speaker, Suraj embodies what it means to seize opportunity at Pace—and to turn it into lasting impact.

The Pace University Community Service Award honors graduating students who have strengthened both the University and the broader community through service, with recipients recognized at Commencement. Get to know this year’s award winners and the stories behind their service.

Alisha Bhandari

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BA in Art History, Dyson College of Arts and Science
Pleasantville

Alisha’s time at Pace has been dedicated to harnessing art and storytelling as tools for social justice.

Alisha is the founder of Pace Pleasantville Theatre, expanding opportunities for student artists on the Pleasantville Campus, and through that work wrote, directed, and produced Hellbound West. Alisha has curated exhibitions such as Black Resiliency Through Photography, contributed to cultural preservation initiatives at the Tenement Museum, and supported fundraising efforts for local arts organizations.

Beyond creative work, Alisha has demonstrated consistent campus leadership. Alisha founded One Pace to develop multicultural programming for students, served as president of Pride at Pace, and worked as a resident assistant. Alongside this involvement, Alisha has remained committed to academics, pursuing minors in film studies, communication studies, and sociology/anthropology while maintaining a 3.99 GPA and active membership in the Pforzheimer Honors College.

Alisha's work across campus and beyond reflects a sustained commitment to service and social responsibility, earning recognition as a Community Service Award recipient.

Yese Erazo-Tequianes

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BA in Political Science and BA in Peace and Justice Studies, Dyson College of Arts and Science
New York City

During her time at Pace, Yese has balanced academic excellence with dedicated advocacy and student leadership.

She has been especially committed to immigration rights advocacy. As a volunteer with the Mixteca Organization, she supported community programs such as weekly food pantries, cultural celebrations, and legal clinics for migrant families and asylum seekers. As a United Nations Millennium Fellow, Yese created the Asylum Aid Project, working directly with 14 immigrant families to help them secure Employment Authorization Cards. She continues this work as an affidavit writer and paralegal at Kerben Law Firm, where she conducts consultations with asylum seekers and helps translate their stories into affidavits to support their cases

Beyond her advocacy work, Yese has presented at Undergraduate Research Day and served as a research assistant, teaching assistant, and secretary of the Pace Debate Society. Yese was also selected for the Lex Study Abroad Pre-Law Fellowship in Italy, all while maintaining strong academics and membership in the Pforzheimer Honors College and Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society.

Yese’s work across communities and campus reflects a sustained commitment to service and social responsibility, earning her recognition as a Community Service Award recipient.

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.

As the academic year comes to a close, our Pace Community comes together to celebrate Commencement. It is one of the most meaningful moments of the year, when we recognize the hard work, determination, and growth of our graduates as they prepare to take their next steps beyond the University. There is a real sense of pride in seeing all they have accomplished and confidence in where they are headed next.

In this issue of Pace Now, we highlight this year’s student award winners. These students have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, leadership, and service. Their accomplishments reflect the strength and spirit of Pace and the many ways our students prepare for what comes next.

We also invite our newest alumni to share their post-graduation plans through the First Destination Survey, a survey designed to let us know where the next step in your journey is taking you. Hearing where our graduates go, and what they pursue, helps us better understand how a Pace education supports their goals and strengthens opportunities for future students.

As summer begins, I encourage you to take time to rest and recharge, while also looking ahead to the opportunities in front of you. Whether you are continuing your studies, starting a new role, or exploring what comes next, this season offers a chance to build on all you have achieved.

Thank you for being part of the Pace Community and for all you contribute to it.

Sincerely,

Marvin Krislov
President, Pace University

Accessing your Stage Pass, when to arrive, where to park, what to eat, and so much more. You've got questions and we've got answers. Get ready to walk, grads.

• Accessing Your Tickets
• When to Arrive
• How to Get In
• What to Wear
• Transportation
• Parking
• Accessibility
• Bags, Photography, Food and Drink
• Rain Plan

Accessing Your Stage Pass and Guest Tickets

We know there are a lot of questions about accessing your Stage Pass and transferring your tickets to your guests. We’ve created a special FAQ section with detailed instructions and information to help you get the info you need. We are still distributing tickets—if you registered late, keep checking your Tassel account.

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When To Arrive

We’re splitting up Commencement into TWO days this year, so please carefully note the day and time of your ceremony. You only need to attend one day. Graduating students should plan to arrive one hour before their scheduled ceremony start time. Graduates and guests with ADA needs should plan to arrive 1.5–2 hours prior to their ceremony start time. Most undergraduate students and families choose to attend both the Main Ceremony and their smaller school/college ceremony.

We’re splitting up Commencement into TWO days this year, so please carefully note the day and time of your ceremony. You only need to attend one day. Graduating students should plan to arrive one hour before their scheduled ceremony start time. Graduates and guests with ADA needs should plan to arrive 1.5–2 hours prior to their ceremony start time. Most undergraduate students and families choose to attend both the Main Ceremony and their smaller school/college ceremony.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026: Undergraduate Day*

• 9:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | College of Health Professions, Lubin School of Business, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems
• 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. | Undergraduate Main Ceremony
• 3:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. | Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Sands College of Performing Arts (including both undergraduate and graduate students), and School of Education

*Sands College of Performing Arts graduate students are invited to join Commencement on this day

Thursday, May 21, 2026: Graduate Day

• 9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. | Elisabeth Haub School of Law
• 12:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. | Lubin School of Business and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems
• 3:30 p.m.–5:45 p.m. | College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, and School of Education

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How To Get In

When arriving at the venue, all guests must show either a printed ticket or present their ticket on a mobile device for entry into the USTA complex at the Main Entrance at the East Gate.

Graduates won’t get their Stage Pass scanned at the East Gate, but they must check in in the East Plaza, showing either their printed Stage Pass or presenting it on their mobile device.

Be sure to access your Stage Pass and guest tickets via Tassel in advance to print or screenshot to show on a mobile device. We recommend forwarding guest tickets to your guests for them to print or screenshot to show on a mobile device of their own. For more information about accessing your Stage Pass and/or guest tickets, visit our special FAQ section.

If you or your guest(s) do not have a mobile device or printed ticket, you will still be able to enter. Speak to Pace University staff upon arrival.

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What To Wear

Dress to the nines and make sure to bring your cap, gown, and hood! If you're feeling extra flashy, wear your graduation regalia to the venue. No idea how to put it on? We got you. Pace staff will be onsite to help grads robe up. As a reminder: All graduates must wear academic regalia to participate in the main ceremony and school ceremonies.

Real talk: The venue is BIG. You’ll be doing a lot of walking (about three miles), so consider comfy shoes or at least a pair to change into.

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Transportation

Subway: The 7 train provides service from Grand Central Terminal to Mets-Willets Point Station, including connections for all Metro-North Trains from Westchester and Connecticut. Service is also available from the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Long Island Railroad: LIRR provides easy service to Mets-Willets Point Station from Woodside, and convenient connections from Penn Station for New Jersey Transit customers. For guests with disabilities, get off the LIRR train at 61st Street-Woodside Station and transfer to the 7 train. Take the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point Station.

New Jersey Transit: Travelers from New Jersey will need to transfer in New York City to get to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Take NJ Transit to New York Penn Station and transfer to either the Long Island Rail Road (see directions above) or the subway (see directions above).

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Parking

Event parking is at Citi Field, located next to the USTA complex. USTA recommends using Grand Central Parkway exit 9E or Whitestone Expressway Exit 13D for the shortest route to available parking lots.

Upon arrival, lot attendants will direct you to the appropriate area.

There is a charge for parking and cash is not accepted.

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Accessibility

Some of our grads and their guests may have questions regarding ADA and accessibility. We’ve created a special FAQ section with detailed instructions and information to help you get the info you need.

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Bags, Photography, Food and Drink

Review USTA Billie Jean King's National Tennis Center security policies and prohibited items information for details on the venue’s policies on bags and outside food. (Note: There will not be bag storage facilities at the venue or outside of the entrances.)

Photos and video are permitted and there will be several celebratory backdrops set up throughout the USTA campus.

Food will be available for purchase in the USTA Food Village starting at 11:00 a.m.

Graduate gifts and flowers will be available for purchase at USTA on the day of Commencement. Official Pace branded merchandise is available through Campus Spirit stores.

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Rain Plan

Commencement takes place rain or shine. Louis Armstrong stadium will be covered in the event of inclement weather, so grads and their guests can stay dry. Check the weather closer to the event date and bring an umbrella in case of rain.

Still don't have the info you need? Visit the Commencement website or full FAQ page.

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