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For students, what happens at Pace may be second only to what comes after college. Carrieann Sipos, a clinical assistant professor at Pace’s School of Education, understands this, too.

Whenever Sipos needed to fill an opening at the Ossining school district, in Westchester County, where she worked for 34 years before becoming a full-time professor, she’d make two piles of resumes on her desk. The first included applicants with degrees from Columbia University, Bank Street College of Education, and Pace.

The second pile? Everyone else.

“Pace students were always among the best hires we made,” said Sipos. “Anyone graduating from the School of Education was incredibly well prepared.”

As a new full-time faculty member, it’s now her job to ensure that Pace’s students remain at the top of the stack.

“My students are ambitious and want to make a difference; I see a lot of my younger self in them.”

“My students are ambitious and want to make a difference; I see a lot of my younger self in them,” said Sipos. “But the teachers I train will be up against very different challenges than what I faced. Take diversity. Ossining, when I began teaching, looked very different from the Ossining of today.”

Sipos tells her students that to thrive as a modern educator, they must become “equity warriors,” committed to embracing diversity in all its forms. She emphasizes the importance of community, student-centered learning, and equity in education.

“To really know what a child needs in a highly diverse classroom, teachers must have a deep relationship with their students,” she said. “It’s that sense of care I hope to instill in my students at Pace.”

Mental health and wellbeing have long been a priority for Pace University, and now, through the transformative mental health first aid (MHFA) program, the University is equipping its community with vital tools to foster a supportive environment. Enabled by a grant from the National Council on Mental Wellbeing, in partnership with Montefiore Medical Center, this initiative is expanding access to mental health training across all three Pace campuses.

The MHFA course empowers participants—faculty, staff, and students alike—with practical skills to identify, approach, and support individuals navigating mental health or substance use challenges. Designed with a focus on inclusivity, the training prepares the Pace Community to meet the diverse needs of its members, ensuring a safer and more understanding campus climate. Participants leave with not only actionable strategies but also the confidence to apply them in both professional and personal settings.

“At its core, inclusion calls us all to work together when we are in community,” says Birkenmeyer.

“The course and content are presented in way that allows participants to learn tools they can use in everyday life,” explains Vinnie Birkenmeyer, the director of Residential Life in Westchester and staff member brought the program to Pace in 2023. “A campus community has folks of many different backgrounds, identities, and experiences so learning skills that are helpful for a variety of folks is very beneficial."

Feedback from more than 60 participants underscores the program’s impact. While the commitment—a two-hour pre-module and a full day of virtual training—initially seemed daunting to some, many have found it deeply rewarding.

Looking ahead, the University aims to train 500 individuals by the end of the grant’s fourth year, with 200 having already completed the training. Integrating this training into onboarding processes for new staff and encouraging wider faculty and student participation are key goals. By embedding mental health awareness into the fabric of its culture, Pace is furthering its commitment to a truly inclusive and supportive community.

“At its core, inclusion calls us all to work together when we are in community,” says Birkenmeyer.

This program is more than a training opportunity—it’s a step toward a healthier, more connected Pace, where every individual feels empowered to support one another. Through initiatives like MHFA, the University continues to champion mental wellness as a cornerstone of its vibrant and dynamic environment.

“I hope this training encourages participants to utilize these skills in their everyday life—with their families, friends, or strangers they interact with who may need a supportive person to help them navigate a difficult situation,” says Birkenmeyer. “It is critical for us to prioritize mental health and wellbeing.”