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From the moment she learned about Abraham Lincoln in the first grade, Deborah Gross-Quatrone knew she wanted to be a lawyer. “I was fortunate enough to attend a college that had an ABA approved Paralegal program which was very progressive for the 1980’s and that further solidified my interest in the law,” shared Deborah.

When it came time for Deborah to choose a law school, Pace Law (now the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University), was the perfect fit. “It was close to home, and my father actually attended Pace University,” said Deborah. “When my daughter, Gigi, decided to attend Haub Law I was thrilled. It was another generation continuing our family legacy with Pace.”

Deborah describes her law school experience as demanding, but ultimately rewarding. “Prior to my law school experience, I had always been capable of handling my studies, but this took it to a new level,” said Deborah. “The reading requirements, the case briefing, and the legal research, all at a time when computers and Westlaw were not available. The work was very intense.”

While Deborah and her daughter, Gigi, have had many differences in their law school experiences, certain aspects remain the same. “Gigi and I shared one professor that I know of and that was Professor Humbach,” shared Deborah. “He was my professor for property law and Gigi had Professor Humbach for property and criminal law. It is amazing to see that kind of continuity.”

Much has changed since Deborah attended Pace Law. “When I was in law school, the gender ratio was very different - women were significantly underrepresented in both the student body and faculty, however, that progressively improved each year. During my third year Janet A. Johnson was appointed Dean, which was inspiring.”

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Today, Deborah looks back fondly on her time at Pace and is eager to see her daughter graduate from Haub Law this year. “I am so proud of what Gigi has accomplished. It takes dedication and resilience to graduate law school. The fact that we’ve both had this shared experience of not only attending law school, but the same law school has only strengthened our bond.”

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What attracted you to Pace?

What truly defines Pace for me is the people. The warm and welcoming environment here at Pace is what drew me in and has kept me deeply connected to this institution. The strong sense of community I feel both within the departments I have worked in and those I collaborate with is unmatched by any other organization I’ve been a part of. I’ve had the privilege of working with so many incredible people, and their genuine willingness to help has left a lasting impression on me.

How do you contribute toward the success of Pace?

I am fortunate in my role to be able to assist so many different teams and processes in a way that is unique to me. I provide administrative support in UKG, enhancing existing workflows and creating new processes to make everyone’s day-to-day a little more efficient. Through these efforts, I help drive Pace’s success by bridging productivity gaps and ensuring smooth operations, whether in HR or beyond.

What is your favorite part about your job?

My favorite part about my job is most definitely getting to interact with the awesome people in the HR Department! I genuinely look forward to meetings with any members in our department because I know I’ll be leaving that meeting with a smile From the very beginning, I felt truly welcome, and I’m grateful for the many opportunities to give back through my new role.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time to relax?

Recently, my go-to recreational activity has been reading! I’ve always been very into fantasy and the world-building that comes with that, so enjoying a nice book with some calming music in the background is like a dream for me. (I’m open to any recommendations!)

What would be your ultimate getaway vacation destination?

My dream vacation destination has always been Japan! The vibrant food scene, rich musical heritage, stunning art, and deep-rooted culture have always captivated me, and I’d love the chance to immerse myself in it all. Experiencing the efficiency of Japanese cities firsthand would be fascinating, especially when comparing them to the bustling energy of New York. One day I’ll make my way over there!

Pace University has once again affirmed its position as a national leader in student success, academic innovation, and public impact. In the newly released 2025 Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education, Pace is one of only 33 institutions nationwide to earn the dual designations of Research College & University (RCU) and Opportunity College & University (OCU).

These two designations reflect Pace’s unique ability to advance scholarly research while also providing high levels of access, affordability, and economic mobility for its students. This dual recognition underscores a central tenet of Pace’s mission: preparing students not only for careers but for lives of purpose.

Pace is one of only 33 institutions nationwide to earn the dual designations of Research College & University (RCU) and Opportunity College & University (OCU).

In addition to its rare dual classification, Pace was also designated a Professions-Focused Undergraduate/Graduate Doctorate Medium University, highlighting its commitment to real-world learning and workforce-ready degree programs. Furthermore, Pace is one of only 40 institutions nationwide recognized for Community Engagement, reflecting its ongoing partnerships with nonprofit, civic, and industry leaders that benefit both students and the broader public.

These honors—updated every two to three years by the American Council on Education (ACE)—place Pace in a select group of institutions making a measurable difference in higher education, combining access, impact, and excellence in equal measure.

Explore Pace University’s full profile in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications.