Winter 2025: In Memoriam

The Pace Community has experienced the loss of two remarkable individuals whose contributions to the University and their respective fields will long be remembered. Morgan Jenness, a cherished member of the Sands College of Performing Arts faculty, and Professor Vanessa Merton, a distinguished educator and advocate from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, each left an enduring legacy of dedication, excellence, and compassion. Their influence continues to be felt through the countless lives they touched and the programs they shaped. In this issue, we reflect on their lives and honor their lasting impact on our community.

Remembering Morgan Jenness

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The Sands College of Performing Arts mourns the loss of Morgan Jenness, a revered adjunct faculty member whose legacy resonates across the classroom and the broader performing arts world. A visionary in theater and an inspiring educator, Morgan profoundly shaped the academic journey of many students, infusing lessons with passion, history, and professional wisdom.

Morgan’s illustrious career spanned pivotal roles at The Public Theater, where they served as literary manager, Director of Play Development, and Associate Producer under the leadership of George C. Wolfe and Joseph Papp. Their tenure left an indelible mark on American theater, nurturing voices and works that defined a generation. Beyond New York, Morgan’s influence extended through roles at the New York Theatre Workshop, Los Angeles Theater Center, and collaborations with esteemed festivals like the Bay Area Playwrights Festival and Hartford Stage.

Honored with prestigious accolades, including the Obie Award for Longtime Support of Playwrights and the Doris Duke Impact Award, Morgan’s commitment to fostering creativity was unparalleled. For over a decade at Pace, they cultivated an environment where students flourished, blending academic rigor with an unyielding love for the arts.

The Pace Community celebrates Morgan’s life of creativity, mentorship, and generosity. Their contributions will continue to inspire the next generation of artists and thinkers. Morgan’s brilliance remains etched in every life they touched.

Honoring Professor Vanessa Merton

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Elisabeth Haub School of Law remembers Professor Vanessa Merton, a transformative force in legal education and advocacy. Joining Haub Law in 1989, Professor Merton built a legacy of justice and education, serving as Associate Dean for Clinical Education and founding impactful programs like the Pace Immigration Justice Clinic.

Known for her relentless commitment, Vanessa led efforts to protect the underserved, advocating for asylum seekers, immigrant families, and juvenile immigrants. Her work extended from state and federal detention facilities to airports during pivotal moments like the 2017 travel bans. She also spearheaded a post-9/11 emergency operation that mobilized 200 students to assist those in need.

Vanessa’s leadership inspired generations of lawyers, many of whom credit their careers in public interest law to her mentorship. “Vanessa was a legendary legal expert and advocate,” said Haub Law Dean Horace E. Anderson. “Her altruism and dedication shaped our school and community.”

Her legacy endures through the Vanessa Merton Immigration Justice Fellowship, ensuring her advocacy continues to thrive. The Pace Community honors her remarkable contributions and lasting impact on legal education and justice.