Fastenberg’s appointment highlights Pace’s commitment to academic excellence

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Lisa Fastenberg, Ph.D., associate professor and chairperson of the Mathematics Department in the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences at Pace University in Pleasantville, has been appointed to Pace’s Board of Trustees.

Professor Fastenberg, who begins a three-year term, brings a wealth of academic leadership and expertise in mathematics education to the board. She has been a member of Pace’s faculty since 2001 and has served as chair of the Mathematics Department since 2013. During her tenure, the department underwent a comprehensive redesign and realignment of its developmental and core math curriculum to enhance student success and retention.

“Lisa’s leadership and academic insight will be invaluable to the Board of Trustees,” said Rob Sands, chairman of Pace’s Board of Trustees. “Her commitment to her students and innovative approach to teaching embody what Pace stands for.”

Professor Fastenberg has taught the full range of the Pace mathematics curriculum, from developmental courses to advanced courses for mathematics majors. Her research focuses on the rank of elliptic surfaces in characteristic zero, a topic within the field of Number Theory.

In addition to her academic work, Professor Fastenberg has held numerous leadership roles at the University, including co-chair of the Retention Task Force, chair of the Westchester Faculty Council Admissions and Retention Committee, and three terms on the Executive Committee of the Westchester Faculty Council.

“I am honored to join the Board of Trustees and contribute to the continued growth and success of Pace University,” said Fastenberg. “Having spent more than two decades teaching and supporting our students, I look forward to bringing the faculty perspective to the Board’s work.”

Professor Fastenberg earned her Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude in History from the University of Pennsylvania and her Doctorate in Mathematics from Yale University. Before joining Pace, she held postdoctoral and visiting positions at McGill and Concordia Universities, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Yeshiva University.

View a complete list of Pace University’s Board of Trustees.

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.

Rico Putnam

Class of 2028

Currently Studying: BBA in Human Resources Management

Pronouns: He/Him/His

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Combining a passion for fashion with business expertise, Rico Putnam founded Ixchel Magazine to highlight emerging designers and create opportunities for young creatives to gain experience in the industry while championing diversity and inclusion.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

I chose Pace because of its diverse community and the opportunities it offers due to its close proximity to Condé Nast's headquarters and Wall Street.

What is The Ixchel?

The Ixchel is a monthly fashion and lifestyle magazine that covers topics such as runway, culture, fashion, and emerging brands. Our magazine shines a spotlight on new, emerging designers and provides a platform for talented young writers and photographers to gain experience working for an established publication. It also offers them the opportunity to attend and report on high-profile runway shows and events. One of our key pillars as a publication is our emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and amplifying the voices of those historically overlooked or underrepresented.

What inspired you to create The Ixchel, and how does it reflect your passion for fashion?

Since I was young, I've always loved fashion and the art behind it. If you asked my parents, they'd tell you I used to have them describe in vivid detail the dresses and suits worn by princes and princesses in their stories. Growing up, I would flip through magazines like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Harper's Bazaar, but I rarely saw young people in these spaces—especially those who looked like me.

When I started this magazine, I knew I wanted to hire young people and place a strong emphasis on DEI—and I've done just that. Being able to enter these spaces, see runways, and meet highly influential people has been a dream come true. Trying to make a change within this industry is an opportunity I'll never take for granted. Creating a platform that gives young people a voice and helps them begin their careers is incredibly inspiring. It's been a beautiful journey to watch these talented individuals grow more confident in their respective crafts.

How do you see The Ixchel evolving in the future, and what role do you think your Lubin education will play in that journey?

I want to continue growing our staff and begin publishing print editions of the magazine. I also aim to launch a larger marketing campaign to gain more exposure. Lubin has been extremely influential in this process, helping me navigate the complex aspects of running a business.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

So far, the internship fairs and opportunities to speak with representatives from major companies, such as Christian Louboutin, have been incredibly useful for making connections and starting relationships with these organizations.

If there's something you want to do or somewhere you want to be, go for it. If you don't see a space for yourself, create one.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

If there's something you want to do or somewhere you want to be, go for it. If you don't see a space for yourself, create one. Most importantly, make sure you have a strong support system. I wouldn't have been able to accomplish any of this without my deputy editor and closest friend, Lily Fonseca, as well as my mentors and friends.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

To me, #LubinLife means finding the resources around you and using them to their full potential.