On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, Sam Kalen delivered the annual Gilbert and Sarah Kerlin Lecture on Environmental Law. Professor Kalen is the William T. Schwartz Distinguished Professor of Law and Associate Dean at the University of Wyoming College of Law, as well as the founder and co-director of the School’s Center for Law and Energy Resources in the Rockies. Also, he is currently the Visiting McKinney Family Chair in Environmental Law at IU McKinney School of Law. The topic of his lecture was “The Supreme Court’s Approach Toward the Administrative State and Implications for Environmental Programs.”

Prior to the commencement of the lecture, Jason Czarnezki, Gilbert and Sarah Kerlin Distinguished Professor of Environmental Law and Associate Dean of Environmental Law Programs and Strategic Initiatives thanked all who helped to make this year’s Kerlin lecture happen and introduced the Dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, Horace E. Anderson Jr. Dean Anderson spoke of the importance of the Kerlin lecture and the innovative and premiere environmental legal education that Haub Law provides, which includes hosting speakers like Professor Sam Kalen. Dean Anderson noted, “We are consistently honored to host top scholars, dignitaries, attorneys, experts, and leaders in public service, such as Professor Kalen, to speak to our community about current environmental challenges and importantly, solutions to those challenges. This knowledge is fundamental to our understanding of how we apply the rule of law to impact not just us as individual humans, but also our planet.” Professor Jason Czarnezki formally introduced Professor Sam Kalen, in presenting the 2023 Gilbert and Sarah Kerlin Lecture Award, highlighted Professor Kalen’s impressive background and career, including serving in the Solicitor’s Office at the Department of the Interior during the Clinton administration.

Professor Kalen started his lecture by noting that it was fitting to have a lecture about the Supreme Court as the Court’s term just started. In particular, a discussion about how the judiciary is deciding cases, and how those decisions may implicate environmental cases and laws moving forward was warranted given that there are at least three cases set to go before the Supreme Court this year that seek to curb the power of federal agencies.

Throughout the lecture, Professor Kalen shared his concern for the future of the environmental administrative state. “Some of what I may say can be considered depressing for those that cherish our environmental programs,” said Professor Kalen. A focus of Professor Kalen’s lecture was detailing specific environmental law cases, both historical, and more recent, and how the Court at the time approached the administrative state and looking towards the present cases before the Court and future.

Professor Kalen went on to note that the recent case, Sackett v. EPA, is one of the most momentous decisions issued by the Supreme Court narrowing the scope of the Clean Water Act. In this case, the Court considered whether the 9^th circuit applied the appropriate test to determine whether Sackett’s property contained wetlands that are “adjacent wetlands” as regulated by the Clean Water Act. While the case deals with the Clean Water Act, he notes, it reduces related environmental rights and the scope of agencies. “Sackett also does something else,” he notes. “It illustrates the Court’s approach towards the administrative state and suggests a greater involvement by the judiciary shifting more power to the courts when interpreting statutes and for our purposes, environmental statutory law.”

“Environmental programs function as a consequence of how the modern administrative state operates,” he said. “Agencies need flexibility to address new and emerging environmental threats and concerns.” Of primary concern, Professor Kalen notes, is that through cases like Sackett, the Supreme Court has employed methods to chip away at the modern administrative state. Professor Kalen’s lecture detailed that recent cases brought before the courts involve three things regarding administrative agencies (1) agency structure; (2) agency authority and flexibility; and (3) the malleability of modern statutory construction.

Professor Kalen concluded his lively lecture, by nothing that what a case like Sackett has done is “basically give the power over to the judiciary to interpret language and not give deference to agencies and, the minute it does that, it hinders agencies ability to move forward in a progressive way.”

After the lecture, audience members had an opportunity to comment and ask questions. The impactful, provocative, and honest discussion continued. In response to an audience question regarding what we can do to move forward in a positive manner, Professor Kalen honestly answered that he does believe we are in trouble. “I think right now the courts are outcome driven. Regardless of how the language is drafted, what we are seeing is judicial opinions doing very strange things from a statutory construction perspective. I wish I could say otherwise or that these are principled decisions, but I think it is difficult for some of us to say that they are in fact principled decisions.” Following the lecture, a networking reception was held where the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University community had the opportunity to the continue the conversation with Professor Kalen and one another.

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law established the Gilbert and Sarah Kerlin Lecture on Environmental Law to expand its programs of research, education, professional and scholarly activity and publications in environmental law, a field for which the law school has received national and international recognition. The Kerlin endowment funds a named professorship on Environmental Law at Haub Law. Professor Nicholas A. Robinson, founder of the Haub School's environmental programs, was named the first Gilbert and Sarah Kerlin Distinguished Professor in 1999 and Professor Jason J. Czarnezki was designated as the second Kerlin Distinguished Professor in 2013. The last Kerlin lecture was given by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency General Counsel Jeffrey Prieto.

Award Recognizes Outstanding Public Service by an Employee

Tresmaine R. Grimes, Ph.D., dean of the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education, and interim dean for the Sands College of Performing Arts at Pace University, was nominated for the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service by an Employee.

Multiplying Good, the nonprofit organization that administers the Awards, announced the nominees at its National Celebration of Service earlier this month. Uniting over 200 service leaders from various media partners and corporate partners from across the country, the gathering was a testament to the organization's commitment to celebrating service, leadership, and excellence.

Nominated by Pace University, Dean Grimes was acknowledged for her work within her organization and community. Grimes has dedicated her career to improving the lives and mental health of others. In 2004, she had the opportunity to join a delegation of American mental health professionals who traveled to South Africa to study the impact on mental health of the South African population as it relates to apartheid-related trauma, sexual assault, and HIV/AlDS.

Dr. Grimes has been actively involved in service to her community for much of her life. In 2012, she established her own nonprofit organization, Sarah's Daughters Ministries, which focuses on supporting local organizations that assist women who are recovering from relationship violence and providing ministry to women and men to help them grow spiritually and find the best path forward.

“It's a tremendous honor to be nominated for the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service by an Employee,” said Dean Grimes. “Throughout much of my life, I've embraced the notion that it's important to serve others and give back to others. I am extremely honored that someone would consider the actions I take worthy of acknowledgment.”

Dean Grimes received a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University with a double-major in Afro-American Studies and Psychology, a Master of Arts in Psychology from the New School for Social Research, and a M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Her teaching career began at South Carolina State University as a member of the Psychology and Sociology Department there. During her nine-year tenure at S.C. State, Grimes received promotion to the level of associate professor and served as chair of her department for four years.

She arrived at Iona College in 2000 as an adjunct professor of psychology and moved through the ranks again to become a tenured associate professor of Psychology. She was promoted to the position of assistant vice president for academic affairs at Iona College in 2007 and served in the position for 8 years. Dr. Grimes served as vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty at Bloomfield College in Bloomfield, New Jersey from September 2015 until August 2019.

Dean Grimes has used her professional skills to assist many organizations, including the American Psychological Association, the Educational Testing Service, and the College Board. She has received many awards, including Teacher of the Year from the South Carolina Psychological Association and the Standing on Their Shoulders Award from the Bronx Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Over the past five decades, the list of Jefferson Award recipients has included hundreds of national figures — both public and private —more than 65,000 unsung heroes, and tens of thousands of employees and young people that represent the good that is happening in communities across the country. The list of winners includes an impressive who’s who of cultural icons, political dignitaries and everyday community members and volunteers.

"For over half a century, the Jefferson Awards has been dedicated to changing the narrative by highlighting the incredible acts of goodness happening all around us,” said Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, CEO of Multiplying Good. “When we shine a spotlight on these acts of service on such a grand stage, their impact resonates throughout the nation, inspiring millions and prompting action."

"Jefferson Award recipients exemplify the pinnacle of selfless service," Mosley continued. ''Through sharing their narratives, we not only motivate them to continue their remarkable work but also ignite inspiration in others to create positive change."

In her remarks, Dean Grimes congratulated her peers and spoke about establishing a nonprofit that helps the faith community understand and get to the truth of domestic violence.

“Sarah’s Daughters Ministries is focused on helping women understand that love shouldn’t hurt,” Dean Grimes said. “If you find yourself or find a friend or someone you love in a relationship that's violent take a breath, control your rage, and figure out how you can help them.”

“I applaud Dean Tresmaine Grimes for this extraordinary honor,” said Joseph R. Franco, PhD, Pace University Provost, who attended the National Celebration Service event. “Her dedication to community and public service inspires our fellow colleagues in the Pace Community. She is truly deserving of this great honor.”

About Multiplying Good

Multiplying Good is a national nonprofit that believes in the power of service to others to unleash potential, inspire individuals, and transform lives. Multiplying Good fuels personal growth and leadership development through a continuum that starts with engagement and culminates in recognition. It has offices in 11 communities across the country, delivering on-the-ground impact where it is needed most. Founded in 1972 by Sam Beard, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Senator Robert Taft, Jr., the organization has recognized the extraordinary public service of thousands with its Jefferson Award. To learn more, visit MultiplyingGood.org or follow Multiplying Good on Facebook.

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

The Lubin Link Podcast

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Isaiah Jimenez '23 embodies what it means to be an entrepreneur—and not just because he graduated from the Lubin School of Business with a BBA in Entrepreneurship. Before starting his career in real estate, Isaiah sold Pokémon cards as a kid, started his first business as a teenager, then continued to explore other entrepreneurial ventures throughout college. In this episode of The Lubin Link, Isaiah discusses his passion for entrepreneurship, why he believes business students should take art classes, and his advice for fellow aspiring entrepreneurs.

This episode was recorded on October 3, 2023.

• Listen to Isaiah on Spotify
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• Listen to Isaiah on Anchor

Tune into the Lubin Link podcast to hear how guests went from go-getting Lubin students to successful entrepreneurs, social media mavens, directors, CEOs, and beyond. They offer their best tips to students and share how you can make the most out of your #LubinLife.

Northwell Health, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank among over 115 recruiters

Pace University Career Services on Friday hosted one of its signature events: the Fall 2023 Job and Internship Career Fair. With record-breaking student turnout, it was one of the largest Job Fair in the University’s history.

Nearly 800 hundred students turned out – including many from Pace’s campus in lower Manhattan -- to the employment fair. Over 115 companies were in attendance including Northwell Health, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, and Unilever, among many others. The event featured employer sponsored food and coffee trucks, smoothies from the University’s student-run businesses, music, and other amenities like a Quiet Room.

The fair was open to all majors and was sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which is among the Big Four accounting firms, offering clients various professional business services, including accounting, auditing, human resources consulting, and strategy management.

“At Pace, we understand the importance of engaging and preparing our students early, and creating impactful employer events that lead to great internships and jobs,” said Phyllis Mooney, Assistant Vice President of Career Services at Pace University.

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Pace’s Career Services is a leader in the region for providing a range of career counseling and programming to ensure that the students they serve are career-ready and know how to confidently articulate the skills employers are looking for in their industry. In fact, over the last 5 years of graduating classes (2017–2021), Pace’s overall employment rate for Bachelor and Master graduates has been 10 percentage points higher than the national average according to The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) “First Destination Survey” report.

In addition, NACE’s latest Salary Survey report showed positive outcomes for Pace's Class of 2022. Bachelor graduates had full-time salaries that were $7,000 higher than the national average. The report also examined specific majors, with Pace's Registered Nursing majors earning $29,000 more; Communication, Journalism, and related programs earning $5,600 higher; Psychology $8,500 higher, Criminal Justice and Corrections $19,000 higher; and Finance $7,700 higher. For master’s graduates, majors like Education and Accounting earned $14,000 and $10,000 more respectively – all of which demonstrates Pace’s success.

Pace’s Career Services also offers their employer partners a tailored, successful recruiting experience that introduces recruiters to talented students that represent the very best of Westchester, the New York City region, and the world—resulting in extraordinary outcomes. Top brands that employ Pace students include Deloitte, EY, KPMG, Montefiore, New York-Presbyterian, Northwell Health, NYU Langone Health and PwC.

For Rishitha Mandali, a sophomore majoring in computer science, the packed room provided ample opportunities to land a job or an internship.

“It’s quite an advantage to have opportunities not only in New York City but also in Westchester,” said Mandali, who was among students from the lower Manhattan campus that attended the Job Fair. “It’s important to be exposed to different employers as this helps us navigate aligning our skills and interests to our future jobs.”

Sidney Nivar, a junior and sports marketing major, was surprised by the number of employers in attendance.

“There are so many opportunities,” Nivar said. “This is my second time attending and it was great being able to speak to employers. Career Services does a great job connecting students to employers. I am hopeful to get an internship after this.”

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.