Pace University's Esports Program has taken the college gaming world by storm, winning a March Madness-styled bracket for college esports programs hosted by Esports Foundry.
The head-to-head voting tournament featured 32 of the top programs in the country selected for their leading competitive teams and standout gaming communities. After five rounds of polling which generated over 155,000 views and over 10,000 votes, Pace Esports emerged victorious.
On their road to victory they defeated top-end schools including Akron University, Texas A&M University, Ohio University, Northwood University, and UC San Diego.
"Winning March Madness is a landmark moment for our program and a testament to the unwavering passion and potency of our gaming community," said Pace's Director of Esports Jesse Bodony. "But more than that, the success of this tournament represents a significant milestone in the growth and recognition of scholastic gaming. It's a win for everybody."
The victory also highlights the growing scholastic esports scene in New York, which played an important role in helping Pace secure the championship. With a growing number of universities and high schools recognizing the value of esports as a competitive and educational activity, New York is emerging as a state ready to lead the charge in scholastic gaming.
Pace University has shown to be at the forefront of this trend, demonstrating its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for gaming enthusiasts and spotlighting the exciting potential of esports in the academic arena.
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, New York, 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, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.
Pace University Athletics is a member of NCAA Division II, competing within the Northeast-10 Conference (NE10). Pace Athletics sponsors 15 intercollegiate sports, along with cheer and dance teams and a Pep Band. Known as the Setters, Pace's official mascot is known as T-Bone. In 2021-22, Pace student-athletes posted a cumulative grade point average of 3.33. Additionally, a total of 562 Setters were selected to the NE10's Academic Honor Roll with 69 student-athletes earning Academic Excellence with 4.0 semester GPAs. Twenty-two student-athletes earned NE10 President's Award for Academic Excellence, recognizing graduating student-athletes who have attained Magna Cum Laude at their institution, have participated in at least two seasons of NE10 competition and are current student-athletes at the time of graduation.
Together with members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed the Safety Measures for Survivors of Domestic Violence Act. The Act is part of an ongoing effort to protect victims and survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. In part, the Act will provide free lock changes and the installation of a video doorbell at a domestic violence survivor’s home.
The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is proud to announce that Dean Horace E. Anderson Jr. was named to the “2024 Trailblazers in Education” list published by City & State New York magazine. The list recognizes “100 professionals who are keeping New York at the fast-paced forefront of higher education" and includes presidents, professors and provosts, lobbyists, lawyers, nonprofit entrepreneurs, advocates, and others who are shaping the future of education.
During a special event at the American Museum of Natural History, Pace University recognized five outstanding community and business leaders, and alumni at The Spirit of Pace Awards. Celebrating Pace University’s role as a national leader in providing a college education with strong return on investment, the annual event brings the University community together to support student scholarships and special initiatives.