Pace Celebrates First In-person Commencement in Three Years

On May 16, 2022, Pace University celebrated the Classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022 in the first in-person commencement ceremony in three years at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. It was also the first time that the Westchester, New York City, and Elisabeth Haub School of Law commencements were combined in one ceremony. Throughout the day, the center plaza was bustling with beaming graduates and proud loved ones snapping photos, listening to music from a live DJ, and enjoying treats from food trucks.

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The day began with an opening ceremony for all graduates in Arthur Ashe Stadium, where New York City Mayor Eric Adams delivered the Commencement Address and was conferred an honorary doctoral degree. Graduates then crossed the stage at separate ceremonies dedicated to each School and College, with the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education hosting a combined ceremony in the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Addressing graduates in person for the first time since joining Pace in 2020, Dean Tresmaine R. Grimes, PhD, encouraged students to be present and honor their achievements. “I want you to remember today, clearly, happily, and with pride,” she said. “Savor every moment – capture them so that your reflections on your accomplishments are seared vividly in your memory. Those memories will carry you forward in all that you do.”

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Dyson College student speaker and Scholastic Achievement Award winner Chloe N. Mayhew (pictured above) spoke to her peers about her evolution from a first-year student focused on her own journey to an empathetic, open-minded life-long learner. “As liberal arts graduates, we have acquired the tools to act as change agents, to promote the betterment of civilization,” she said, adding, “Over my past four years at Pace University, I have come to realize how little I truly know about our world, and that a wise person knows that they are never done learning.”

Dyson faculty and students were recognized for their accomplishments with university-level awards at Commencement, while college-level awards were presented at on-campus award ceremonies in the days leading up to Commencement.

Faculty Awards

Distinguished Professor

• Ellease Ebele N. Oseye, MFA, English

Kenan Award for Teaching Excellence

• Matthew Marcello, PhD, Biology (New York City)
• Anna Shostya, PhD, Economics (New York City)
• Ramon Emilio Fernandez, PhD, Math (Pleasantville)

Student Awards

Trustee Award

Presented to the graduating student whose positive contributions to University life and academic accomplishments exemplify the highest level of achievement attainable for an undergraduate.

• Maria Elisa Escobar, Women’s and Gender Studies

Community Service Awards

Presented to the graduating students whose active contributions to the life of the University community and to the endeavors of our neighbors in the surrounding community and most admirably embody an appreciation for the value of social responsibility.

• New York City: Alexandra Marie Kennedy, Sociology and Anthropology
• Pleasantville: Irach’e “Shea” Teague, English

Charles H. Dyson Award

Presented to the outstanding member of the Society of Fellows of Dyson College.

• Isabelle A. LaBianco, Economics

Scholastic Achievement Award

For excellence in scholarship, effectiveness in class discussion, research, and outstanding performance in a baccalaureate degree program.

• New York City: Torah Lenge Muyambo, Political Science
• Pleasantville: Chloe N. Mayhew, Political Science

Graduate Student of the Year

Presented in recognition of scholarship and exceptional dedication to the ideals of their school.

• Alexis Nicole Ferguson, Psychology