The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is proud to announce that the 2025 Ottinger Award for Faculty Achievement has been awarded to Achinthi Vithanage, Professor of Law for Designated Service in Environmental Law & Executive Director of Environmental Law Programs. The Richard Ottinger Faculty Achievement Award is awarded annually by the Faculty Development Committee, in consultation with the Dean, in recognition of a full-time professor’s outstanding service to the law school, the legal profession, or both. The award generally is based on the faculty member’s outstanding service during the previous academic year.
Epiphanie Reddick '22: Meet BLSA's Vice President
Certified paralegal. Vice President of the Black Law Students Association. Third year law student. Learn more about Epiphanie Reddick '22 in this Q+A.
Why did you choose Haub Law?
I chose Haub Law because of how welcoming the faculty was when I went to first visit. I also can still vividly remember talking to Assistant Dean for Admissions, Cathy Alexander, and how warm and instantly welcomed she made me feel.
What have you focused on during your time at Haub Law and do you have any post-graduation plans?
Yes, I mostly focused on and took classes related to real estate and commercial litigation. After graduated, I was fortunate enough to receive a job offer with Houser LLP as an associate attorney and I have accepted.
What has stuck with you from your time at the Law School?
I have countless memorable experiences at Haub but the best part was meeting so many wonderful and incredible people. I have made some great friends and have had some extremely enjoyable and important classes – some of my favorites have been Federal Income Tax, Civil Rights, Lawyering, and Trial Advocacy.
You are VP of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) – talk to me about that?
To me, being VP of BLSA means fostering a positive, healthy, and welcoming environment to all members of our organization as well as all students. BLSA is so important to me because in a field where there is a clear lack of diversity, it is important to have a safe space for Black students to know they are not alone and that they have the BLSA family to support them.
February is Black History Month, what does that mean to you?
Black History Month is a time of year where we focus on celebrating and acknowledging Black culture. It is a time of year that brings me great joy and hopefulness of how far my people have come and will go. Black history is a major part of American history and should never be looked past, having a month dedicated to it, ensures that.