
Honoring the 2025 Elisabeth Haub School of Law Dean’s Award Winners
Jonathan Bluvstein, Kira Segal, and Samuel Fonseca de Carvalho will be honored at the 2025 Haub Law Commencement for their leadership, service, and academic excellence. Meet this year’s Dean’s Award recipients.


At the May 20 Commencement ceremony, Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law will honor three exceptional students with the 2025 Dean’s Award for academic excellence, leadership, and service.
Jonathan Bluvstein

Jonathan Bluvstein’s journey at Haub Law has been defined by a steadfast dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and meaningful community engagement and service. He served as vice president of Haub Law’s First-Generation Law Students Association (FGLSA) and LAMBDA Law Students Association, demonstrating his commitment to building inclusive spaces and supporting diverse communities. As the equity, diversity, and inclusion editor for the Pace International Law Review (PILR), he worked to ensure that articles selected for publication reflected a broad range of perspectives and upheld inclusive, thoughtful language. He also helped pave the way for future contributors by mentoring first-year law students and introducing them to PILR’s mission and editorial work.
Jonathan has demonstrated his commitment to community service through a range of hands-on legal experiences. He has volunteered with the Welcome Legal Alliance’s Refugee Asylum Assistance Program as well as the Compassionate Release Program, which supports attorneys advocating for federal inmates seeking compassionate release. Most recently, he interned with the Fairbridge Investor Rights Clinic, where he represented clients in securities arbitrations and mediations before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). He also served as a student speaker at the 2025 SEC Investor Advocacy Law School Clinic Summit at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Jonathan’s academic achievements have earned him numerous honors, including a merit scholarship, a Pace Trustee Tuition Grant, and the Barbara Klein Award. He will graduate with cum laude honors.
Kira Segal

Kira Segal is a passionate and resilient student leader whose perseverance and caring nature have been a shining light to all at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. A former teacher and a mother of four, Kira has pursued her law degree at Haub Law as a part-time Flex JD student—balancing the demands of academics, student leadership, career, and family life. Her dedication and resilience have led her to consistently achieve Dean’s List status throughout her time in law school, and she will graduate with magna cum laude honors.
As the founding vice president of Older Wiser Law Students (OWLS) at Haub Law, Kira helped establish the student organization and served in that role for its first two years. Now serving as president, she has been instrumental in cultivating a strong sense of community and belonging among her peers. Driven by her passion for campus engagement, she has organized professional panels, networking events, and new family-friendly traditions such as Fall Fest and Family Day.
Her commitment to public service is evident through her work with the Pace Women’s Justice Center, supporting victims and families of domestic abuse. As a legal extern and intern in their Family Court Program, she assisted supervising attorneys and attended court meetings for client divorce proceedings. Currently, Kira is a legal intern with Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, where she is involved in a wide range of court preparations for clients—from preparing statements of net worth to drafting letters to the court and attending court proceedings.
Samuel Fonseca de Carvalho, LLM

Samuel Fonseca de Carvalho is a distinguished environmental law scholar, leader, and global advocate who has made significant contributions to the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University during his time as an LLM student. An attorney from Brazil, Samuel specializes in energy and climate change law. At Haub Law, he served as a research assistant for the Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies (GCELS), where he played a pivotal role in organizing and drafting ten motions sponsored by the Center for possible consideration at the upcoming International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress.
Samuel is an engaged member of the student body. He served as the LLM liaison for Haub Law’s Environmental Law Society and was selected as a Sustainable Business Law Hub Student Scholar. He proudly represented Haub Law as a student ambassador at the American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (ABA SEER) conferences and NY Climate Exchange events. He also served as written content vice chair for both the ABA SEER Climate Change and ESG & Sustainability Committees.
Samuel has a deep interest in global climate discussions as well. He volunteered at COP28 with Legal Response International and was selected by YOUTHCOP to participate in COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. His recent publications include articles on SEC rules affecting registrants’ value chains and clean energy incentives for implementing ground source heat pumps under energy savings performance contracts. In 2024, he began interning with the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA), focusing on improving social and environmental performance in the mining sector.
Celebrating Excellence at Haub Law
Join us as we celebrate Jonathan Bluvstein, Kira Segal, and Samuel Fonseca de Carvalho at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law Commencement on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Congratulations to our 2025 Dean’s Award recipients!
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Each year, the Community Service Award shines a light on students who turn vision into action and passion into impact. This year, we are proud to honor Jasmine Cintron-Soto ’25 and Jamie-Lynn Figueroa ’25 for their tireless advocacy and their commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive community.
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Meet the Class of 2025 Student Speakers
Valedictorian speaker Georgette Cosentino is a standout student-athlete and neuroscience researcher. Opportunitas speaker Dante Hurr is a trailblazing first-gen graduate and tech leader whose journey from hardship to empowerment is nothing short of inspiring. Hear their stories at the 2025 Commencement.


At this year’s Undergraduate Main Ceremony, two extraordinary graduates will take the stage to represent the voices of the Class of 2025. The Valedictorian speaker and the Opportunitas speaker have been selected not only for their academic and personal achievements, but also for their powerful stories—stories that reflect the strength, heart, and ambition that define a Pace education.
Valedictorian Speaker

Georgette Cosentino
BS in Biology, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences
Georgette Cosentino represents the academic excellence of the Class of 2025, having maintained a near-perfect GPA while contributing extensively to research, athletics, and leadership on campus. A Bronx native and the daughter of a Pace alumna, Georgette discovered her passion for neuroscience through both personal inspiration and academic inquiry.
During her time at Pace, she served as captain of the women’s volleyball team and president of the Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society. Her honors thesis investigates neuroinflammation and post-traumatic epilepsy using an adult zebrafish model, work she plans to continue in a PhD program in Cell Biology.
Opportunitas Speaker

Dante Hurr
BA in Computer Science, Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems
Dante Hurr is a first-generation college graduate whose inspiring journey from retail to software development exemplifies the spirit of resilience and ambition that defines the Opportunitas speaker. Raised by a single mother in Washington, D.C., Dante overcame housing insecurity and financial barriers to earn his degree at Pace with honors and distinction.
As a neurodivergent, multiracial, transgender American, Dante has been a powerful voice for inclusion and student leadership on campus. He participated in numerous programs including ALMA (African and Latino Men’s Association), the LGBTQ+ Center, and the Nicolas Donofrio Leadership Program. He has also spoken at major University events, including the Seidenberg Innovation Awards and the President’s Scholarship Reception.
Currently working as a JavaScript developer, Dante continues to advocate for equity and empowerment, using his platform to inspire others.
Want to hear their full speeches? Catch them at the Undergraduate Main Ceremony on Monday, May 19, at 1:00 p.m.
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Two extraordinary Setters will be honored with Pace’s prestigious 2025 Trustee Award at this year’s Commencement ceremony. Meet Layne Davis and Brianna Shea, and discover how they’re already making their mark.
Each year, the Community Service Award shines a light on students who turn vision into action and passion into impact. This year, we are proud to honor Jasmine Cintron-Soto ’25 and Jamie-Lynn Figueroa ’25 for their tireless advocacy and their commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive community.
Jonathan Bluvstein, Kira Segal, and Samuel Fonseca de Carvalho will be honored at the 2025 Haub Law Commencement for their leadership, service, and academic excellence. Meet this year’s Dean’s Award recipients.
Announcing the 2025 Trustee Award Recipients
Two extraordinary Setters will be honored with Pace’s prestigious 2025 Trustee Award at this year’s Commencement ceremony. Meet Layne Davis and Brianna Shea, and discover how they’re already making their mark.


Each year at Commencement, the Pace University Trustee Award is given to graduating students whose academic excellence, leadership, and positive contributions to university life exemplify the highest ideals of Opportunitas.
Layne Davis '25

During her years at Pace University, Layne Davis has embodied what it means to be a Go-Getter—combining academic excellence with a fierce commitment to advocacy and community-building.
Graduating with a BA in political science and peace and justice studies, Layne has maintained a remarkable 3.97 GPA while pursuing a demanding academic path. Her capstone project, Best of Both Worlds? Understanding Black-White Biracial Identity Formation in Pace University Students Navigating a Predominantly White Institution, has received acclaim at prestigious conferences, including the Student Peace Conference at the University of Notre Dame’s Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies.
Layne’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. As a United Nations Millennium Fellow, she facilitated critical dialogue on Title IX policies and, in fall 2024, delivered a youth statement on disarmament at the UN First Committee. Her internships with ACT Alliance and the Transparency, Accountability, and Participation (TAP) Network further strengthened her advocacy for UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: peace, justice, and strong institutions.
On campus, Layne has been a standout leader. She co-chaired the DJ Henry Memorial Committee during Social Justice Week, organized the impactful Dinner for DJ event, served as a supportive resident assistant, and performed with Frequency A Cappella and the Black Student Union—creating spaces of inclusion, empowerment, and connection.
Brianna Shea '25

A powerhouse on the Pleasantville Campus, Brianna Shea has demonstrated what it truly means to be a Setter: achieving excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and service.
Graduating with a BA in applied psychology, Brianna has earned a strong 3.84 GPA while taking on high-profile leadership roles in the Pace Community. Known affectionately as “Shea” to her teammates, she has been a star player for Pace Softball, recognized as a Northeast-10 First Team All-Conference Athlete, a First Team All-Region Athlete, and a three-time Scholarly Athlete Award recipient.
Brianna’s impact doesn’t end on the softball diamond. As president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and a Student Government Association athletic senator, she’s been a tireless advocate for student-athletes—leading community initiatives like a campus-wide toy drive and uplifting Black student-athletes through Black History Month programming.
Beyond athletics, Brianna has served as a peer mentor at the Learning Commons, helping her fellow Setters thrive academically. Off campus, her experiences as a special education aide and school psychology intern have further fueled her passion for psychology, building lasting connections and preparing her for a future of service and leadership.
Celebrating the Best of Pace
Layne Davis and Brianna Shea are true examples of Pace’s spirit: hardworking, passionate, and ready to lead change. Their time at Pace University has prepared them to not just enter the world—but to shape it.
We can’t wait to celebrate their success at this year’s Commencement ceremony.
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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.
Each year, the Community Service Award shines a light on students who turn vision into action and passion into impact. This year, we are proud to honor Jasmine Cintron-Soto ’25 and Jamie-Lynn Figueroa ’25 for their tireless advocacy and their commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive community.
Jonathan Bluvstein, Kira Segal, and Samuel Fonseca de Carvalho will be honored at the 2025 Haub Law Commencement for their leadership, service, and academic excellence. Meet this year’s Dean’s Award recipients.
Honoring the 2025 Community Service Award Winners
Each year, the Community Service Award shines a light on students who turn vision into action and passion into impact. This year, we are proud to honor Jasmine Cintron-Soto ’25 and Jamie-Lynn Figueroa ’25 for their tireless advocacy and their commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive community.


At this year’s Commencement ceremony, Pace University will proudly present the 2025 Community Service Award to two remarkable graduates whose leadership and service embody the spirit of Opportunitas.
Jasmine Cintron-Soto '25

Jasmine Cintron-Soto has dedicated her time at Pace to civic engagement, global advocacy, and community leadership.
Graduating with a BA in political science and peace and justice studies, Jasmine has been a driving force behind student voter initiatives through the Center for Community Action and Research (CCAR)—registering more than 700 voters, advocating for Election Day as a University holiday, and helping secure an on-campus polling site.
Her passion for social justice extends globally. Jasmine’s advocacy for nuclear disarmament led her to the prestigious ICAN Academy in Hiroshima and to her role as student head of delegation at the upcoming UN 2025 Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons Meeting of States Parties.
On campus, she also served as a resident assistant, helping foster a welcoming, inclusive environment. This fall, she will pursue a master’s in global affairs with a concentration in international law.
Jamie-Lynn Figueroa '25

Through her dedication to education and community empowerment, Jamie-Lynn Figueroa has made a profound impact at Pace and beyond.
Graduating with a BS in early childhood and childhood education with a middle school extension and an MS in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Jamie-Lynn has been a standout leader. As president of the Dominican Student Association, she spearheaded school supply drives for underserved students in the Dominican Republic and the Port Chester community.
Her work as a student teacher and leave replacement teacher in the Port Chester School District, combined with her service as an orientation leader and Excelsior Scholars Peer Mentor, highlights her passion for supporting students at every level.
A Celebration of Service at Commencement
Pace University will celebrate Jasmine Cintron-Soto and Jamie-Lynn Figueroa at the 2025 Commencement ceremonies—recognizing their extraordinary contributions and the positive change they inspire.
Congratulations to our 2025 Community Service Award recipients!
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Valedictorian speaker Georgette Cosentino is a standout student-athlete and neuroscience researcher. Opportunitas speaker Dante Hurr is a trailblazing first-gen graduate and tech leader whose journey from hardship to empowerment is nothing short of inspiring. Hear their stories at the 2025 Commencement.
May 2025: A Message from President Krislov
In his latest Pace Now column, President Krislov shares why this time of year is so meaningful: it’s not just a celebration of student achievement, but of the entire Pace Community coming together to honor hard work, resilience, and shared success.


There’s a special kind of energy that fills our campuses in May—the buzz is building.
You can feel it in every final presentation, every group huddled over laptops in the library, and every student walking the halls in cap and gown for photos. Commencement season is here—and I couldn’t be more excited.
It’s one of my favorite times of year. Not only because it marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication from our students, but because it’s a moment when the entire Pace Community comes together to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished—together.
This year’s lineup of Commencement speakers reflects the ambition and talent that define the Pace experience. We’ll be joined by Josh Silverman, CEO of Etsy, who will share his insights at our Main Ceremony. Golden Globe–nominated actor and Pace graduate Cooper Koch (’18) will speak to students from Dyson, Sands, and the School of Education. Dr. Launette Woolforde (’93), a nationally recognized nurse leader and proud Pace alumna, will address graduates from Lubin, the College of Health Professions, and Seidenberg. New York City Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker (’96) returns to Haub Law, his alma mater, to help honor this year’s law graduates. And Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi, will offer her perspective to graduate students from Seidenberg.
Their voices—thoughtful, creative, and full of heart—embody the spirit of Opportunitas that defines a Pace education.
Most of all, I’m looking forward to seeing you—our graduates—walk across that stage. To seeing your families and loved ones beam with pride. To celebrating your grit, your ambition, and your incredible journey as Pace students and now alumni.
You did it. You’re ready for what comes next. And I can’t wait to cheer you on.
See you at Commencement.
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We’re proud to announce this year’s Honorary Degree Recipients, speakers, and honorees—an extraordinary group of leaders and changemakers who bring a wealth of experience, innovation, and inspiration to the Class of 2025.
Valedictorian speaker Georgette Cosentino is a standout student-athlete and neuroscience researcher. Opportunitas speaker Dante Hurr is a trailblazing first-gen graduate and tech leader whose journey from hardship to empowerment is nothing short of inspiring. Hear their stories at the 2025 Commencement.
Seidenberg Interim Dean Li-Chiou Chen Recognized Among New York’s Asian Trailblazers
- Read more about Seidenberg Interim Dean Li-Chiou Chen Recognized Among New York’s Asian Trailblazers
Pace University's Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems Interim Dean, Dr. Li-Chiou Chen, has been highlighted and included in the official City & State New York’s inaugural Asian Trailblazers list.


Pace University's Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems Interim Dean, Dr. Li-Chiou Chen, has been highlighted and included in the official City & State New York’s inaugural Asian Trailblazers list.
The Asian Trailblazers list puts a spotlight on Asian innovators and groundbreakers shaping politics and policy across the state, including government officials, business executives, nonprofit and labor leaders, academics, activists and other individuals. This list replaces the ranked Power of Diversity: Asian 100 list.
As City & State described: “With a leadership style that extends beyond the classroom, Li-Chiou Chen is the tech visionary leading Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. Chen, who earned her doctorate of engineering and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University, is now championing diversity in STEM and is overseeing Pace’s innovation in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and game development. Chen, who has won federal grants for research on user authentication, application security and security risk perception and management, has also helped boost Pace as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.”
In addition to those achievements, Dr. Chen is the principal investigator of the National Science Foundation–funded CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service program and the National Security Agency–supported GenCyber programs. Through her leadership, she has secured vital research grants and spearheaded initiatives that train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, helping to position Pace as a leader in the field.
Congratulations Dean Chen on this well-earned recognition—and thank you for your vision, leadership, and lasting impact on Pace and beyond.
Dean Lawrence G. Singleton Concluding Term
Lawrence G. Singleton Concluding Term as Dean of the Lubin School of Business

Lawrence G. Singleton Concluding Term as Dean of the Lubin School of Business

Lawrence Singleton will conclude his term as Dean of the Lubin School of Business on August 31, 2025. Having served as Dean since August 2020, his tenure has been marked by a period of innovation and significant fundraising, including the establishment of a new endowed professorship, support for accounting co-op students, and student scholarships.
“Larry is a forward-looking leader with a sharp focus on how business and business education are evolving. His dedication to providing students an unmatched academic experience has led to new ideas and important changes to business education at Pace University,” said Lynda Hullstrung ‘89, Chair of the Lubin Advisory Board. “Larry has excelled at setting Lubin in a good place for future growth.”
Having started during the height of the COVID-19 global crisis, Singleton’s first two years at Lubin were marked by social distancing, masks, and meetings on Zoom. Singleton successfully led Lubin through this uniquely challenging time by working with faculty leaders to benchmark all of Lubin’s undergraduate and graduate programs and making needed changes to prepare Lubin for the future.
Singleton dramatically increased the school’s visibility through enhanced promotional efforts. He launched Lubin Business magazine to promote the school and restarted the Lubin Business Review (mothballed since Covid) to popularize faculty academic research. He also dramatically increased Lubin’s use of social media and online videos. He used these vehicles to promote everything, from faculty research to engaging current students and recruiting new ones.
During Singleton’s tenure Lubin raised more funds than during any previous Pace University deanship, including a gift to establish the Mario Gabelli Endowed Anthony R. Pustorino Professorship in Accounting, a multi-million-dollar endowment for accounting student support, and a major planned gift from a Lubin alumnus. He also raised significant funds to support student scholarships, both endowed and current use.
He put in place a process that required new program proposals to include well-reasoned proforma financial plans and external validation, and sunsetted many programs that were underperforming. Under his leadership Lubin developed new STEM programs, with a particular focus on graduate programs. These programs are particularly attractive to international students due to the opportunity for three years of Optional Practical Training in the United States, and Lubin is experiencing a great deal of success.
Lubin’s new MS in Accounting Data Analytics and Technologies program experienced over a seven-fold increase in applications. He also led the effort to develop other STEM programs with analytics themes. These programs provide significant new revenue streams while building the university’s reputation abroad.
Lubin developed a new interdisciplinary BBA in Business Technology (BizTech) and MS in Financial Operations and Technology (FinTech) programs in partnership with the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. These interdisciplinary programs strengthened faculty collaborations across schools while simultaneously addressing market demands.
He also raised significant funds to support student scholarships.
Singleton developed relationships with the New York area business community that provided opportunities for students across the university. He brought the Renewable Energy Conference – A Leadership Forum on Energy Policy, recognized as the premier renewable energy conference on the East Coast, with him to Pace. Partners include The Business Council of New York State (the leading business organization in New York State, representing the interests of large and small firms throughout the state) and The Hudson Renewable Energy Institute.
He partnered with The Business Council of New York State and the Business Council of Westchester to develop the Pace Business Poll that assesses the business climate in downstate New York, including the New York City metro area. This builds Pace’s brand while providing students additional opportunities to interact with businesses in the area. Singleton expanded Lubin’s Small Business Development Center into Brooklyn, extending Pace’s reach beyond Manhattan and further building its reputation in New York City.
Singleton successfully leveraged Pace’s New York location for the benefit of students in many ways. Lubin hosted Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital, for a finance focused event, and Tim Ryan, then PwC US Chair and Senior Partner, for a fireside chat focusing on DEI initiatives in his firm. He also recruited new members to the Lubin Advisory Board who are leaders in their fields.
He regularly hosts Dean’s Roundtable and Executive in Residence programs to successfully engage successful alumni and other New York area leaders and provide additional opportunities for engagement and philanthropy.
Larry is a forward-looking leader with a sharp focus on how business and business education are evolving. His dedication to providing students an unmatched academic experience has led to new ideas and important changes to business education at Pace University,” said Lynda Hullstrung ‘89, Chair of the Lubin Advisory Board.
Under Singleton’s leadership Lubin provided significant experiential learning via Lubin’s Center for Student Enterprise, which provides experiential learning opportunities for students on Pace’s Pleasantville campus. The newest student run business, the Pace Business Poll, provides students an opportunity to solicit opinions about important issues facing businesses in downstate New York.
He worked with Sixth Street Partners to develop the Wall Street Acceleration Program that engages investment banking professionals and provides additional banking opportunities for finance students and oversees a Winter Internship Co-Op Program that allows accounting students to work full-time at Big Four and other firms without falling behind in their studies. Students earn while experiencing what public accounting is like during the traditional busy season.
Singleton joined the Lubin School of Business from Marist College (Now Marist University), where he was Dean of the School of Management and Professor of Accounting and International Business. He previously served as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and accounting faculty member in the School of Business at The George Washington University. He has also held faculty positions at Peking University in China and Grenoble School of Business in France. He is a Certified Public Accountant (Virginia) and Certified Global Management Accountant and has significant industry experience. He worked in the Washington office of Ernst & Young (EY) and has consulted with many leading organizations in many industries, including Nasdaq, Harley Davidson Motor Company, Siemens and Roche.
Singleton has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including Beta Gamma Sigma (Audit Committee Chair), the Mid-Atlantic Association of Colleges of Business Administration (President), the Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Accounting Association (President), the Human Resource Certification Institute (Finance Committee Chair) and The Hudson Renewable Energy Institute.
At the conclusion of his term, Singleton will take a sabbatical to focus on entrepreneurial ventures.
“Phenomenal:” Pace and Parsons Students Team Up for Game Jam
Earlier in the Spring 2025 semester, students from Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems joined forces with peers from Parsons School of Design for an unforgettable game jam experience themed around scientific phenomena.


Earlier in the Spring 2025 semester, students from Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems joined forces with peers from Parsons School of Design for an unforgettable game jam experience themed around scientific phenomena. The two-day event, named “Phenomenal,” was run by Seidenberg’s Game Development program Director Carmine Guida and Brad MacDonald from Parsons. They challenged 24 student developers and designers to create arcade-style games that explored the wonders of science—while also fostering meaningful cross-campus collaboration.
The game jam kicked off on Saturday at Parsons, where students from both schools met for the first time. Icebreakers and introductions laid the groundwork for interdisciplinary collaboration. Students formed small teams of three to four participants, blending talents from both institutions.
“While many of the students at both schools can do code and art, our students mostly focused on coding while the Parsons students focused on design,” said Carmine Guida.
Students made their own art and even music for these projects.
On Sunday, the event moved to Pace University’s New York City Campus. As teams dove into development, using the “Phenomenal” theme as inspiration to bring scientific ideas to life through gameplay, the students worked to transform their ideas into creative yet functional, playable games.
“The students really got into the developing of their games and we started to see prototypes emerge,” Guida noted. “By the end of the day, the students had completed games which can be seen on itch.io.” And you can give these games a try yourself at the link below!

In line with the jam’s arcade-style directive, all projects were designed to be playable on a custom arcade machine located in the Design Factory space on the ninth floor of 15 Beekman. Some of the completed games are already featured on the machine—and can be played by anyone who wants to try them out!
What made “Phenomenal” particularly special was not just the quality of the work produced, but the spirit of collaboration it cultivated. According to Dr. Guida, the event surpassed all expectations. “This event was even better than expected!” he said.
Everyone worked so well together. They were great at dividing up the work and everyone was constantly working and doing things.
Perhaps even more exciting is what’s coming next. “These kids are staying in touch with each other and want to do more collaborations,” Guida added.
Events like “Phenomenal” show how powerful experiential learning can be when paired with curiosity, creativity, and community. By stepping out of their comfort zones and collaborating across disciplines, students didn’t just build games—they built lasting connections and new ways of thinking. And for many of them, this jam was just the beginning.
Where Innovation Meets Real-World Impact
Angeleena Kuriakose ’25 is building real-world skills through The Front Yard, turning classroom lessons into hands-on experience in innovation, events, and entrepreneurship.

Angeleena Kuriakose
Class of 2025
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Currently Studying: BBA in Business Administration, MBA in Marketing Analytics
Member (Clubs): Student Assistant at The Front Yard (TFY)
Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

Pace University and the Lubin School of Business offered me the opportunity to interact with real-world business professionals. The strong network and opportunities I saw through alumni and industry connections made Pace the ideal place to pursue my business education. Lubin’s emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation made me want to be part of an environment where I could gain hands-on experience, make meaningful connections, and have access to opportunities that would set me up for success in the business world.
Lubin’s emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation made me want to be part of an environment where I could gain hands-on experience, make meaningful connections, and have access to opportunities that would set me up for success in the business world.
Tell us about your work with TFY. What do you do, how did you come across the position, and what has been the biggest highlight of working with TFY?
At The Front Yard, I am the Assistant to the Director. I help drive the program’s mission of fostering entrepreneurship and innovation at Pace. My role includes managing social media, coordinating events, and providing support to students, faculty, administration, and founders. I play a key role in organizing and managing logistics for events, startup programs, and initiatives, ensuring a seamless experience for all participants. I came across this position through my previous professor, Tamir Harosh, the program’s director. He saw potential in me during the semester and we stayed connected after the course ended. When the opportunity arose at TFY, Tamir offered me the position, and I have been fortunate to work closely with him ever since and have him as a truly inspiring mentor. The biggest highlight has been the incredible community of founders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Everyone has an “anything is possible” mindset, and the culture of support and collaboration makes TFY an inspiring environment.
How do you think your time with The Front Yard will help prepare you for post-graduate roles?
My time with TFY has given me hands-on experience in event coordination, social media management, and strategic planning, all of which are valuable skills for post-graduate roles. Working closely with founders and administration has strengthened my ability to manage projects, problem-solve, and communicate effectively in professional settings. Additionally, being part of an entrepreneurial community has taught me how to think creatively, adapt quickly, and build meaningful connections. These are all skills that will be essential in any career path I pursue.
What are your future career aspirations? How has your time at Pace and at Lubin specifically prepared you to achieve your goals?
My future career aspirations are to become a project manager at a leading creative company in the entertainment, media, or tech industries, as well as explore and pursue my own entrepreneurial endeavors. My time at Lubin has prepared me by equipping me with essential skills in project management, leadership, and strategic thinking. Through my work with The Front Yard, I’ve gained hands-on knowledge in coordinating events, managing cross-functional teams, and fostering innovation. Lubin's focus on experiential learning and entrepreneurship has also provided me with a strong foundation to navigate the dynamic challenges of the creative industry, or to build my own business.
What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?
My favorite opportunity at Pace has been my involvement with The Front Yard. Through this program, I’ve had the chance to work on events, engage directly with industry professionals, and gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and innovation. The connections I have made and the opportunity to be part of a community that fosters creativity and collaboration have been incredibly rewarding. It’s given me a deeper understanding of the professional world and has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.
Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?
Explore entrepreneurship, no matter what area of business you’re in. You never know how you can be part of something, even in unexpected ways. Keep an open mind and explore the ideas you have—anything can become a great concept, and some of the best inventions start small. Take advantage of The Front Yard and other entrepreneurship opportunities at Pace. They provide incredible resources to help elevate your ideas to the next level. You never know what the next big thing could be, and you don’t want to regret not trying. Also, remember that failure is ok—it means you are trying, and that in itself is already a success.
What does #LubinLife mean to you?
#LubinLife is about being part of a community that thrives on innovation, growth, and collaboration. It’s a place where ideas come to life, and students are supported in turning their passions into real world success.
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Todd Jacobson '27: A New Chapter
After spending the last 35 years pursuing a career in finance, Todd Jacobson ’27 decided to switch gears and pursue a law degree. “After the COVID-19 pandemic, the potentially negative longer lasting consequences became abundantly clear – from educational outcomes to healthcare access, and more. I would like to pursue a career in public policy to work on these issues.”


After spending the last 35 years pursuing a career in finance, Todd Jacobson ’27 decided to switch gears and pursue a law degree. “After the COVID-19 pandemic, the potentially negative longer lasting consequences became abundantly clear – from educational outcomes to healthcare access, and more. I would like to pursue a career in public policy to work on these issues.”
Haub Law’s part-time JD Flex scheduling program appealed to Todd as it provided the flexibility he desired. “My professional and home life have been equally busy. I have four children ranging in age from 12 to 28. Haub Law’s Flex program was exactly what I was looking for to be able to balance the demands of my everyday life, while also pursuing my law degree.”
Coming from what Todd describes as a great team during his finance career, Todd feels fortunate to have a great new team at Haub Law. “I have been inspired by the quality of my professors and have also built new friendships with fellow students. The atmosphere at Haub Law is very much one of collegiality; we all want one another to succeed.” Todd has also found enjoyment in participating in several student groups, including the Older Wiser Law Students (OWLS), Health Law Society, and the Public Interest Law Student Organization.
Since starting Haub Law, Todd has enjoyed pursuing a variety of opportunities. “I participated in the 1L Moot Court Competition, which was terrific. It was a whole new experience and challenge, but such a supportive and collaborative experience.” Todd looks forward to participating in the various healthcare classes and offerings at Haub Law. “There are endless classes and opportunities which align with my goal of working in public policy.”
As an older student, Todd wants to impart on others that it is never too late to start. “I have always been a strong believer in the pursuit of life-long learning. This experience has validated that view.” In his spare time, Todd enjoys tennis, backgammon, and skiing. He also works closely with his alma mater, SUNY-Binghamton. “I continue to mentor students and work with the Management School and am also on the Investment Board. I have also been active with the UJA-Federation of NY on their Caring Committee. I find fulfillment in giving back.”