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Sands College of Performing Arts proudly welcomes Tony-nominated Broadway star and Grammy Award winner Jenn Colella to its distinguished faculty this spring. With her remarkable artistry and extensive experience, she brings an invaluable perspective on the world of musical theater to our students.

Aspiring performers will have the extraordinary opportunity to learn from an artist whose work has defined excellence in the field. Jenn’s recent starring role as Carrie Chapman Catt in Suffs earned her a Drama League Award nomination for Most Distinguished Performer, adding to her extensive list of accolades. Her transformative portrayal of Captain Beverley Bass in the Tony Award-winning Come From Away garnered widespread acclaim. She earned Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Awards, a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, and Craig Noel, Helen Hayes, and Dora Awards for pre-Broadway productions. Jenn also won a Grammy Award for her contributions to the Dear Evan Hansen cast recording.

“I chose to become a professor at Sands because I am deeply inspired by the quality of actors that graduate from this program,” said Jenn. “I hope to bring a sense of confidence and agency to my students on their learning journey.”

Jenn’s illustrious Broadway career includes standout roles in If/Then, Chaplin, High Fidelity, and Urban Cowboy, for which she received an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination. Her versatility extends to television, where she currently stars as Captain Kershaw in Elsbeth. She has also appeared in Feed the Beast, Elementary, The Good Wife, All My Children, Rescue Me, The Code, Madam Secretary, FBI: Most Wanted, Evil, Beast In Me, and the Apple TV+ live capture of Come From Away.

This semester, Jenn will lead a special section of PAMT 223: Musical Theater Technique, where students will refine their craft and learn authentic performance techniques inspired by her extensive Broadway experience. Jesse J. Carlo, PhD, Chair of Musical Theatre & Commercial Dance, expressed his enthusiasm: “Jenn’s remarkable talent and wealth of industry experience make her a transformative addition to our program. Our students are in for a remarkable learning experience.”

The addition of Jenn Colella represents another milestone in Sands College's ongoing commitment to excellence in performing arts education. Her expertise and passion for teaching will provide our students with an extraordinary learning experience and will inspire the next generation of artists.

When it comes to fostering an inclusive and empowering campus environment, Barnabus Perry (he/him) is leading the charge at Pace University’s Pleasantville Campus. As the Coordinator for the Office of Multicultural Affairs (ōMA), he brings years of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion, student support services, and programmatic initiatives to his new role.

Joining the Pace Community in November 2024, Perry quickly made it clear that student engagement and retention are at the heart of his mission. Whether mentoring student leaders, guiding student clubs and organizations, or creating spaces where students feel seen and supported, he remains steadfast in his commitment to being student-facing and student-focused.

For Perry, multiculturalism and DEI aren’t just talking points—they’re his passion. He serves as a resource, advocate, and partner for students, ensuring that ōMA is not just an office but a hub for connection, education, and empowerment. His leadership is already shaping a stronger, more inclusive Pace Community, and he’s just getting started.

What is your role in ōMA? What does a typical workday look like?

Along with leading programming and student support initiatives, I also focus on student scholarship advising, employability initiatives, and student advocacy within the Office of Multicultural Affairs. One of the key groups I support is the newly created Gosin Student Network Scholarship. My role also includes amplifying student voices and ensuring that equity and inclusivity remain central to the student experience at Pace.

What are you most looking forward to in the Spring 2025 semester? Are there any upcoming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion events and programs?

I'm excited to host new programming initiatives, partner with other campus offices, and collaborate with student clubs and organizations. Our first major event of the semester was the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Nonviolence March and Social, which took place on Thursday, January 30. I’m also looking forward to continuing our presence at university events and expanding multicultural trainings and programs for students.

What excites you most about working with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department at Pace?

As a policy-oriented and solution-focused team member, I’m eager to contribute to developing, assessing, and streamlining operational standards across the university. Beyond programming and student support, I want to help ensure that Pace remains aligned with its mission and vision—creating best practices that enhance the student experience.

Additionally, I’m committed to fostering opportunities for students while also deepening my own engagement within the Pace Community. I plan to get involved with various departmental, divisional, and university-wide committees and councils, allowing me to collaborate with and support the incredible people who make Pace what it is.

Learn more about Pace’s Office of Multicultural Affairs.

The Northwell Health Lenox Hill Hospital has been named one of the 2024 Leapfrog Top Teaching Hospitals, a prestigious achievement given to only four hospitals in New York State. This achievement solidifies the great learning opportunities the Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program provides its students and faculty.

Additional recognitions for the Lenox Hill Hospital include being named one of the Top 1% of Hospitals Nationally in 2022, and in the top 5 Best Hospitals in New York state for the third year running by Healthgrades. The Lenox Hill Hospital was also awarded A Status for their Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, the gold standard measure for patient safety.

“Lenox Hill Hospital takes great pride in its numerous academic affiliations with primary teaching institutions, especially Pace University,” said Dr. Brandon Godbout, medical director and clinical associate professor for the program. “To be recognized by Leapfrog as a Top Teaching Hospital is a tremendous honor as Leapfrog is a highly recognized and respected quality assessment organization, and it recognizes both Lenox Hill Hospital’s and Pace University’s shared commitment in developing the future ambassadors of our healthcare system.”

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The academic affiliation of the Lenox Hill Hospital and Pace University dates back to 1995, one of the longest standing relationships of its kind in the New York City region. Since this partnership began, the Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant program has dedicated itself to providing hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and the resources needed for students to thrive.

“I believe our student-centered approach to PA education is one of the primary reasons for our success,” shared Dr. Jean Covino, program chair for the New York City-based program. “We provide an unrivaled network of support provided by faculty and staff who are committed to [student’s] academic and professional growth and success.”

Students who graduate from the program go on to be recognized as competent, professional healthcare providers in the field. Pace dedicates itself to providing a program that gives students opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. One offering for students is the Advance Clinical Provider Fellowships, sponsored by Northwell Health. These Fellowships are one way to help PAs transition to clinical practice and just one example of the diverse educational opportunities the program provides.

“The [program’s] difference comes from the progressive curriculum, utilizing evidence-based teaching practices, blending experiential learning with traditional learning, being student-centric, emphasizing health equity, and being exposed to one of the most diverse and complex patient populations in the world (in New York City),” explained Dr. Godbout. “The program consistently develops top-notch leaders across all fields of medicine.”

The recognition by the Leapfrog Group is a great honor that adds to the many reasons why the Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant program continues to be a competitive, successful program in the New York City region.

Join Pace University on March 3 and 4 in NYC for an impactful two-day conference dedicated to understanding and combating human trafficking and violence against women and girls. Featuring distinguished experts, survivor testimonies, and panel discussions, this event brings together thought leaders from across the United States and Europe to explore strategies for prevention, intervention, and support.

This event is open to the public. Each day requires separate registration—please use the links below to sign up.

Day 1: The Scope of Human Trafficking and Our Community’s Response

Monday, March 3 | One Pace Plaza, Student Center
Registration Sign-In: 8:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Panels and Speakers: 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Register to Attend Day 1

Join us for expert-led panels and guest speakers discussing the many facets of human trafficking—from sex and labor exploitation to the role of religion and cults. Experts from the US, UK, Sweden, and beyond will share diverse perspectives, including how the war in Ukraine has fueled a rise in trafficking cases.

Discussions will cover:

• Investigation and prosecution of trafficking cases
• Healthcare responses and victim support
• Legal aid, housing, and resources for survivors
• The role of technology in identifying traffickers and victims
• Firsthand survivor testimony on resilience and recovery

Additionally, Pace University faculty and staff will highlight their efforts in combatting trafficking and supporting survivors.

Day 2: Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): Examining Successful Strategies to Stop Crime

Tuesday, March 4 | One Pace Plaza, Student Center
Registration Sign-In: 8:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Panels and Speakers: 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Register to Attend Day 2

Join experts from the US, UK, Sweden, and beyond as they explore effective strategies to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG). Panelists will discuss the UK’s VAWG initiative, which focuses on education, awareness, and early intervention to stop crime before it happens.

Discussions will cover:

• Proven strategies for preventing stalking, harassment, and domestic violence
• US efforts to investigate and combat domestic violence
• Technology’s role in harassment, manipulation, and financial exploitation
• The rise of sextortion cases in the US

This vital conversation brings together global perspectives to examine innovative approaches to protection, prevention, and justice.

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After receiving his LLB from the National University of Singapore and practicing law for a number of years, Mark Ortega ’23 decided to pursue a career in academia. With an LLM in environmental Law from Haub Law, Mark returned to Singapore where he is pursuing his aspirations of teaching and research.

Please tell us a bit about your background.

I received my LLB from the National University of Singapore (NUS Law). From there, I practiced law in a large local law firm, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, for over four years. I then transitioned to practicing as an in-house legal counsel to a national agency, the Info-comm Media Development Authority, a telecommunications and media regulator in Singapore. I did that for over two years when I decided to pursue academia with a specific focus on environmental law. This was a switch more in line with my personal values, and I spent time as a Visiting Researcher with NUS’s Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (APCEL) before applying for an Environmental Law LLM at Haub Law.

What drove you to pursue an LLM at Haub Law?

Haub Law has the #1 Environmental Law program in the United States. It is also grounded in practical skills, which is a perspective I had hoped to capture. Its faculty has many environmental law academics who are leaders in their respective fields. It has a very diverse and interesting environmental law program and classes. I had also done an exchange year in London during my LLB days, and so I wanted to experience a US University. Of course, the proximity to NYC was an exciting factor too!

What was your overall experience with Haub Law’s LLM program?

It was great, particularly for my purposes. Given my academic slant, I had gravitated more towards a focus on research and writing. While it was at times a stressful experience, the process is ultimately rewarding, especially when the ideas, research and writing start to all come together. The mentorship and support I received at Haub Law was very good on all fronts. There were so many professors and courses that I enjoyed. I really valued (and loved) the course, Science for Environmental Lawyers, taught by Professor Aiello-Lammens (a scientist!). It was so valuable to give me the confidence to read scientific papers and incorporate it into my research. I also really enjoyed and highly valued International Environmental Law, taught by Achinthi Vithanage. There was so much helpful content, delivered in a thoughtful and digestible way, with rigor and attention to detail. If I had to choose, I think by far my favorite class would be Environmental Justice with Professor Smita Narula. She really leads with her heart and wears that heart on her sleeve. It’s something I’ve never experienced before in any law school or legal setting, and she has become a real role model for me – the kind of Professor I’d like to become. It’s also been amazing to hear from community organizers, leaders, and movement lawyers – the work on the ground, their day-to-day, their struggles, what drives them. It’s been so incredibly inspiring and moving. Professor Josh Galperin is a mentor and friend who is a great person – he supervised my LLM thesis (which has recently been published), and we had connected over email before I even applied for Haub Law through a mutual contact. We have shared research and personal outlooks – towards environmental law and policy and trying to imagine a better future while carefully scrutinizing and shaping our own. And, of course, there is Professor Jason Czarnezki – he has such a depth of current knowledge of Sustainable Business Law, a hugely complex and rapidly-evolving area. He also has a very sharp and focused eye for detail, and always pushed and challenged me.

What advice would you have for someone interested in pursuing an LLM?

Figure out WHY you’re doing your LLM and keep focused on that goal and vision. An LLM is exciting and there’s so many opportunities and people to meet and connections to make, but realistically you cannot do it all. It is important to prioritize and focus, while also keeping an open mind to exploring opportunities and taking risks. Guard your time but be open and generous with it too – life always has surprises! Also, importantly, research the institution and apply widely. Focus on individual professors (especially if you’re planning on entering academia), since the individuals and mentors really make a difference – they certainly did for me at Haub Law. Talk to people who went to the school you are thinking of applying to and what their experience was like.

What is next for you?

I am currently a Sheridan Fellow in the NUS Faculty of Law, where I was previously a Tutor / Teaching Assistant. This is towards my goal of pursuing academia with a focus on environmental law. Teaching has been very rewarding for me thus far, even as it has been challenging. I’m also an Academic Fellow of the Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (APCEL), where I regularly contribute in conferences, seminars, and research workshops related to environmental law. I have also had time to pursue my research interests and publish – I published my article, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting from an Environmentalist’s (Not Investor’s) Lens, with another one coming shortly. I am also thinking of entering a doctoral program as well to further pursue my studies.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

When I was in New York, I really enjoyed heading to NYC and getting lost in its parks, museums, and bookstores. Now that I am back in Singapore, I continue to enjoy spending time in museums and bookstores, and also spending quality time with loved ones. Exercise has always been important to me as well – it regulates my moods. When the weather cooperates, I enjoy hiking and taking in nature.

Pace University is proud to announce the call for nominations for two prestigious awards honoring exceptional graduating students from the Class of 2025. These awards will recognize a total of four winners: one student from each campus (New York City and Pleasantville) for each award. Honorees will be celebrated at Commencement on Monday, May 19, 2025. Submit your nominations by Saturday, March 1, 2025.

The Trustee Award

The Trustee Award honors undergraduate students whose academic excellence and positive contributions to University life exemplify the highest level of achievement. Nominees must have:

• Completed a minimum of 60 credits at Pace.
• Earned a QPA of 2.75 or higher.
• Plans to attend Commencement in person.

Nominate a student for the Trustee Award

The Community Service Award

The Community Service Award recognizes undergraduate students whose dedication to social responsibility and active contributions to the University and surrounding community make a meaningful impact. Nominees must have:

• Completed a minimum of 60 credits at Pace.
• Plans to attend Commencement in person.

Nominate a student for the Community Service Award

Help us celebrate the outstanding achievements of Pace’s Go-Getters by submitting your nomination today.

Akshay Nair (MS in Software Development and Engineering ’25) is a Seidenberg graduate student whose dream of living in New York City led him to Pace University and the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. As a software engineer with almost a decade of experience prior to enrolling into his grad program at Pace, Akshay was looking for a new challenge that would further his education and help him advance in his career. After he decided that Seidenberg was his next best step, Akshay has been applying his knowledge and experience to the classroom, as well as outside of it by participating in research projects and even presenting his work at international conferences. One could say he is a true Pace go-getter!

What attracted you to Seidenberg when you were applying for your master’s program and making your final decision?

I was specifically looking for a master's in software engineering, and Seidenberg’s reputation in this field was key in my decision to apply to Pace. The other major reason I applied was a deep wish to live in New York City. By the time I had applied, I had already been a software engineer for 8 years at a large multi-national bank. I was a staff software engineer contributing to their retail banking platform, and this was a project that I had contributed to from its inception. However, toward the end of the project's life, I felt that I had hit a plateau and needed to expand my knowledge to be able to step into the next level.

Now, there is a key distinction between Computer Science and Software Engineering. The former is more concerned with the nitty-gritty of computing and its theoretical foundations, while the latter is focuses on using computing concepts to manage practical software solutions. This ability to formally plan, design, implement, and manage software was a key missing element from my skillset. I saw the writing on the wall about the future of programming when large language models (LLMs) became publicly available: just knowing enough about programming wasn't going to be enough anymore, and unlike some other tech trends I had seen, this felt different. No bootcamp or online course would be enough for this, so I concluded that it was time for me to go back to school. And I suspect it won't be the last time either.

Another large part of my decision to come to Pace is New York City itself. I had already visited the city twice when I applied, and I wanted to experience the city long term. In fact, I had only applied to colleges with software engineering programs or tech MBA's that were accessible by the train network surrounding NYC.

I wanted to be able to attend as many events as possible, and with New York being one of the largest tech hubs in the world, especially in fintech, I saw no other alternative than to come here.

Can you briefly describe a Seidenberg class or project that was particularly impactful for you? What made it stand out?

The class that I enjoyed the most was Enterprise App Development taught by professor Dhruvil Gandhi. It was my first foray into generative AI-based applications, and I got to build a quiz application that leverages Google's Gemini and GCP (Google Cloud Platform). It was also how I learned that you didn't need to develop LLMs to be part of the AI techscape. I learned that knowing how to leverage them into products is also a viable path.

Another project I really enjoyed was focused around researching social media from a software application perspective. For this research, I wanted to understand how to develop social applications in a decentralized pattern, similar to how email systems developed and grew in the early days of the internet. I developed a paper on this topic it during the Winter of 2023 under the guidance of Dr. Sotirios Skevoulis, and then presented it at an international conference in the Summer of 2024. I then applied this research into my capstone project and presented the findings at Seidenberg's Annual Research Day at the end of the Fall 2024 semester. I was aided in the capstone efforts by my classmates, Kadeem Miller, Parimal Borkar, and Ansley Rodriguez.

The reason why this project stood out to me and why I enjoyed it so much was because it was less based on coding and more focused on learning how to build social applications. There are plenty of examples of coding a social media app out there on the web, but there isn't a lot of publicly accessible work on showcasing everything you would need to turn it into a viable product that could then be used by end-users. And this is exactly the kind of value I was hoping to get from my education here.

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How have your experiences outside the classroom enhanced your education at Pace?

Considering I wanted to be in the world’s fintech hub, I have been going to as many events as possible! I regularly attend tech meetups for accessibility, web performance, generative AI applications, as well as more company-specific meetups for Wix, Google, and Meta. Pace Career Services have been great in helping me find a lot of these opportunities.

I’ve also been utilizing my knowledge from the classroom and research projects by applying it to additional career opportunities. In the summer, I received an internship at Speakhire under Pace's Community Impact program, which gave me the chance to apply the lessons from my studies into an active project.

That internship turned into a part-time position where I've helped overhaul the company’s tech processes and rapidly helped the team digitize their business processes.

If you could name three things that stand out most about Seidenberg for you, what would they be?

For one, I have really enjoyed my classes so far. They are hands-on and have led me to explore real-world applications of the technology we were learning about. Another thing that stands out about Seidenberg for me is the opportunity to fully delve into a research topic and really understand it. I’ve had great support from faculty and peers, and had a great time presenting my projects. Finally, the facilities at Pace are great. Other than the research labs, Seidenberg is also really close to the library, where I’ve spent a considerable amount of time when preparing for exams or doing my work.