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Why English Language and Literature?

I've loved writing ever since I was little; being creative and being able to tell stories has always been a major passion of mine. I came into Pace with my major undecided, and really loved all of the creative/performance-based classes I was taking! I always tell people that being an English Language and Literature major feels like being in a really fun book club where you also get to effectively learn how to write and analyze, so I knew that it was the right fit for me.

Why Pace?

I am from Southern California originally, and I’ve always wanted to come to New York City. I knew of Pace through a lot of my performing and acting friends, and the thought of being surrounded by artistic people was so appealing to me! After touring Pace, it just felt right, and I knew that I would really be able to grow here.

Tell us about your on-campus experience

I absolutely adore the entire English department! I have felt so included in the department, even though I didn't officially declare my major until the end of my sophomore year. All of the professors are amazing and truly care about each individual student. Professor Sid Ray has ultimately been a huge support for me! She has really helped me find my voice in my writing, as well as mentoring me in so many different aspects.

What on-campus research have you performed?

Editor's note: Kailey was awarded the Provost Undergraduate Research Grant for the 2022–2023 academic year for her project, "The Lost Black Involvement in American Theater," with Professor of English Sid Ray.

My research project, “He is Our Bard as Well as Yours”: Recovering the Lost Black Involvement in Early American Theatre,” has really become such an important part of not only my education at Pace, but ultimately, my life. The main purpose of the project is to recover the lost history of William Alexander Brown and the African Company, an all-Black theatrical company in New York City in the early 19th^th century. These amazing people changed history and paved the path for Black performers, yet their story is relatively unknown.

Why is your research meaningful?

This isn't just a research project; I really can see this being momentum in the movement towards justice for Black actors. Throughout the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement and the rebirth of theater throughout the pandemic, we've seen a lot of promises of change and progress. What better time to acknowledge the pioneers of Black theater? You can’t claim to fix the present without fully acknowledging the past. Ultimately, my goal is to be able to help un-silence silenced voices. A lot of history surrounding early American theater happened under our feet (Pace sits on top of so much history!). I feel a really strong responsibility to educate people about it, and then make physical, actual change.

This project also truly fits in to who I am as a person. I am biracial (half-Black and half-White) and that has continuously been a major aspect of my life. The research surrounding the African Company really feels like a fusion of my two main focuses in life: social justice work and theater. When researching the actresses of the African Company, I feel so connected to them and obligated to make their stories known. Who are we to follow in the footsteps of people whose footsteps have been erased from history?

What extracurriculars are you involved with?

I am in the Pforzheimer Honors College and the Pace Storytelling Fellowship for Equity and Inclusion. Being in the Honors College has been really great because of the one-on-one attention that students get, and how truly kind everyone is. The Fellowship started this spring, and I have already learned so much about being a working writer and fostering my voice. I'm also a Residential Assistant in the residential halls. I love being able to help first-year students, and I’m reminded of the excitement of being in college in the city every day! I'm really blessed to be in these organizations, and I'm truly thankful for the mentors and leaders that I have met.

What are your graduation plans?

Ultimately, I want to be a playwright. I want to be able to create and tell stories of the people who are often silenced. I think that theater can be such a powerful tool to help inspire change, and it would be so fulfilling to be a part of that.

Any advice for current students?

Listen to yourself always, and in whatever you do, really fight for your point of view. I think this is such a confusing period of time where we as young adults really discover who we are as individuals. Injecting your soul (which I know sounds super intense, but just go with it) into everything that you do truly makes everything in life a passion project.

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The Elisabeth Haub School of Law School at Pace University honored outstanding members of the Class of 2022, as well as distinguished faculty and staff on Friday, May 13 at Mansion on Broadway, a stately and historic venue in White Plains, New York. The evening was enjoyed by students, families, friends, staff, and faculty who came together to celebrate the accomplishments of the awardees.

The Haub Law Student Bar Association created five award categories based on important values of the law school. These categories included the Brightest Light Award, the Co-Counsel Award, the Community Award, the Underdog Award, and the annual Adolph Homburger Humanitarian Award. Students were nominated by their peers to receive these significant awards and the recipients were ultimately selected by a class-wide vote. Additionally, the Dean’s Award – personally selected by Dean Horace Anderson – was presented at Commencement.

The awards ceremony also recognized outstanding faculty and staff with the distinguished Barbara C. Salken Outstanding Professor of the Year Award and the Award for Outstanding Staff Member or Department. These award recipients were also selected by a vote of the graduating class and honored for their impact on students and their overall contributions to the law school.

Class Of 2022 Student Awards

Dean's Award

Madison Renee Shaff

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law Dean’s Award is presented to a graduating student in the full and/or part-time program who best demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, and service to the law school and community.

Madison (Maddie) Shaff was selected for the Dean’s Award because of her exemplary student leadership during her time at Haub Law, demonstrating outstanding commitment to academic excellence, public service, community spirit, diversity, equity, and inclusion. As President of the Law School’s Student Bar Association, Maddie has been a champion of creating community at the law school, spearheading many programs and initiatives, and raising awareness of important social issues that impact students and the broader legal community.

Adolf Homburger Humanitarian Award

Madison Renee Shaff

The Adolf Homburger Humanitarian award winner is chosen by the graduating class in memory of the late Adolf Homburger. He was a teacher, advisor, and scholar and he exemplified the ideals he attempted to impart: commitment and character: spirit and patience, warmth and modesty and devotion to careful scholarship.

Madison (Maddie) Shaff was selected by her peers because of her dedication to the law school community, creating programming and opportunities for all members of the community to be included and heard.

Brightest Light Award

Yasmin Noora Laskar

The Brightest Light Award honors a student who is consistently a “bright light” for their peers. Filled with positivity and joy, this student always inspires their peers to be happy.

Yasmin Laskar was selected by her peers for her kindness and warm-hearted personality with the student body. She is described by peers as a nurturing role model who always has encouraging words. An example of her inspirational leadership was displayed in her curated weekly morning mindset walks for residents, which focused on building a supportive community while promoting mental health.

The Co-Counsel Award

Krittika B. Shah

The Co-Counsel Award honors a student who is a true partner, a person you can depend on to review your legal research, give feedback on your cross-examination and lean on when faced with challenges. This student always has your back and best interest in mind.

Krittika (Kye) Shah was selected because of her loyalty and support to her friends and peers, and her strong work ethic. She is described by peers as always being a resourceful team player when working on projects.

The Community Award

Michael Andrew Pabon Jr.

The Community Award honors a student who is passionate about public service and goes above and beyond to put their community first.

Michael (Mikey) Pabon was selected because of his active involvement in campus life, leadership in mentoring peers while remaining studious, and his enthusiasm to help whenever needed.

The Underdog Award

Michael Robert Thompson

The Underdog Award honors a student who demonstrates incredible grit and determination at every opportunity and who is always fighting to be the highest version of themself, despite the obstacles that are thrown in their way.

Michael Thompson was selected because of his strength and determination when faced with extreme adversity. Michael is a wonderful friend dedicated to community service through his work at the Pace Health Law Clinic. Michael bravely overcame challenges to become a successful and passionate law student and has provided inspiration for his classmates along the way.

Faculty and Staff Awards

Barbara C. Salken Outstanding Professor Of The Year Award

Professor Bridget J. Crawford 
Adjunct Professor Jared Hatcliffe

The Barbara C. Salken Outstanding Professor of the Year Award honors a professor(s) who displays incredible commitment and character to their students and has a keen interest in current events in the law and society.

Professor Bridget J. Crawford received the Outstanding Professor of the Year Award for the 8th time! She teaches Federal Income Taxation; Estate and Gift Taxation; and Wills, Trusts and Estates. Her students describe her a passionate and enthusiastic professor who is a skilled educator, committed to law students and future lawyers. She is always available and willing to help any student and is a mentor to many students.

Professor Jared Hatcliffe teaches Trial Advocacy and Motion Practice at Haub Law. His students say he demonstrates true compassion for all students, not only in the classroom, but in life. He is dedicated, passionate and always available for students to practice mock trials, make sure they understand the material, and advise them on internship and job opportunities.

Award For Outstanding Staff Member Or Department

Dining Hall

The Award for Outstanding Staff Member or Department honors staff who have been active in supporting the student body and who were effective in problem solving unexpected challenges, always providing top-notch customer service and care.

The staff of Chartwells Dining Hall was selected as a result of how they serve and support the student body. For many students, they provided a friendly face on campus, a listening ear when needed most, and took special care to ensure students had access to delicious food, providing the comfort of home that was so often needed.

See Photos from the Ceremony