Pace University’s Class of ’27 Encouraged to Embrace Opportunities During Convocation

Incoming Class Represents an 8% Increase in First-Generation Student Applications

With a cheer squad, acapella singers, and faculty and staff enthusiastically welcoming the incoming class, Pace University on Tuesday hosted Convocation on two of its campuses: New York City and Pleasantville in Westchester County.

The energy and excitement on campus was evident as the Pace community celebrated the arrival of nearly 2,404 new and transfer students hailing from 48 states and 98 countries from around the world. Notably, there was an increase in first-generation students – those who are the first in their families to attend college – that coincided with an 8% increase in applications from first-generation students.

Convocation is one of the celebrated traditions for incoming students as it sets the academic tone for their years to come; it was followed by an after-party complete with games, food, a DJ, and dance music.

During the program, Pace University President Marvin Krislov, Provost Joseph R. Franco, Associate Provost for Student Success Hillary Knepper, and Chief Diversity Officer Stephanie Akunvabey provided a warm welcome to the diverse group of students in attendance.

“I am thrilled to embark on my journey at Pace University in the heart of New York City as an international student from India,” said Garima Gandhi ’27, a Biology major. “The bustling streets, diverse cultures, and endless opportunities that the city offers have always held a magnetic appeal to me. Joining Pace University is not just about pursuing an education, it's about immersing myself in a global community, where I can learn and make lifelong connections.”

President Krislov spoke to students about how it is incumbent to understand the real gift is learning and education, and the wonderful opportunities Pace provides to confront new ideas and engage with them.

“As you start your Pace career, I want you to always remember how many opportunities there are all around you,” President Krislov said in his remarks to students. “I want you to try new things. Join new student organizations. Meet new people. Give yourselves reasons to go out, to explore, to pause Netflix and shut your laptops. That is all part of your Pace Path.”

NYC Student Government President Aman Islam encouraged the incoming class to get involved and seize every opportunity available to them as Pace’s respective classrooms extend far beyond campus.

“Go to a march, get involved in your new community, sit in on a city council meeting, ask questions to your local leaders, explain your opinion, and listen to others,” Islam said, encouraging incoming students to get involved in advocacy. “Remember that people our age sparked some of the biggest changes in the world through protest, voting, and hard choices…what will the legacy of our generation be? I am constantly trying show people around me how important it is to be an advocate for yourself and others.”

Pleasantville’s Student Government President Nicholas Diaz spoke to students about the importance of having a supportive community when confronted with life’s challenges.

"In only the year that I have been at Pace, I have seen how close of a unit the Pace community is and how we thrive off support,” he said. “As I talk about support and encouragement, I remember a time where that’s all I needed. On January 6, 2023, my grandmother lost her battle against cancer and my whole world had come crashing down. With the semester about to commence in the next 2 weeks, I contemplated taking a semester off because I felt that there was no way I could do it without her. I received so much love and support from my professors and peers and even students I had not known at the time. That’s the moment I realized Pace was more than just a school, but we were a family.”

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About Pace University

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, 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.