How Pace alumnus Henry Richard used marathon running as a way of overcoming tragedy, building community, and becoming the best version of himself.

Pace University Lubin School of Business alumnus Henry Richard ’25 has run nine marathons to date. Taken together, that’s around 236 miles—farther than the driving distance between his hometown of Boston and Pace’s New York City campus. And that’s not to mention the countless miles Henry has run in shorter races, in community open runs, or in the rigorous training regimens required to sustain his high level of athletic performance.

In the hundreds—perhaps thousands—of miles he has covered since he discovered his passion for running, Henry has learned a thing or two about resilience, about the inexhaustible power of the human will to persevere. But these were lessons that Henry first learned long before he laced up his runners for his marathon debut.

When, at just eleven years old, senseless tragedy struck his family, Henry learned firsthand how moments of unimaginable sorrow can inspire new forces of positivity and compassion that change people’s lives.

No More Hurting People, Peace

In April 2013, Henry’s little brother, eight-year-old Martin, was one of three people tragically killed during the Boston Marathon bombing. Martin was precocious, athletic, and talented—a standout student with a wide circle of friends and a dream of becoming the next great Boston professional athlete. He was the pride of his teachers and coaches and the joy of his family. “And he was always the kindest one in the room,” Henry said. “That’s how his legacy will be remembered.”

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In the weeks after the bombing, an old photo surfaced of Martin holding a handmade sign he’d created for his classroom’s participation in a peace march on the Boston Common. Martin’s sign bore a simple but profound message: “No More Hurting People, Peace.” The photo spread quickly across the internet and news media. For a community and a nation grieving the devastating tragedy of the bombing, the image of Martin’s smiling face—and the powerful message emblazoned on his sign—became a symbol of compassion in the face of violence, of hope in the face of despair.

Martin may have been gone, but his message of peace inspired millions of people around the world. “No More Hurting People, Peace” became an indelible maxim of healing and grace. Soon, his parents recognized that there was a unique opportunity to memorialize their son’s legacy while continuing to spread positivity through his enduring spirit of kindness.

In early 2014, Martin and Henry’s parents established the Martin Richard Foundation, a mission-centered philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing the values of sportsmanship, inclusion, kindness, and peace through investment in programs that encourage young people to celebrate diversity and engage as community leaders. In the years since its founding, the Foundation has honored Martin’s legacy through more than ten million dollars in support to local organizations across more than 250 communities, including the development of innovative and inclusive sports programs for young people with disabilities, the creation of Martin’s Park in Boston’s Seaport District, and the naming of the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice at Bridgewater State University.

Today, Henry takes immense pride in the way his parents, his family, and his community came together to build a movement of positivity and peace in his little brother’s name.

“I’m really proud of them,” he said. “I’m grateful to my parents for being so strong, for being the rock for my sister and me after Martin passed away. When the idea for the foundation was born, they wanted to turn something tragic into something that could be inspiring and beneficial to the world and that could keep Martin’s memory and legacy alive. We were part of such a loving community, a big family of people in Boston who were there to support each other. That will always mean a great deal to me.”

Resilience Through Running

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At the heart of the Foundation’s work was Team MR8, a global team of runners, spanning 175 towns and cities across 12 countries, who participated in marathons and other athletic events in Martin’s honor. Every year, Henry and his community would support the Team MR8 runners as they trained for their races. And every year, Henry would attend the Boston Marathon to cheer the runners on and to celebrate the culmination of their commitment, their effort, and their belief in the power of Martin’s message.

For Henry, the Boston Marathon was more than just a race. It represented community, fortitude, the extraordinary things that can be achieved when adversity is met with positivity and a clarity of purpose.

“The Boston Marathon was always a symbol of strength and resilience for me,” he said. “Growing up, I felt that, one day, I needed to be one of those people who put in the work and completed it. It was always an important goal. I remember always telling myself, ‘I’ll be back. I’ll be back. I’m going to beat this thing.’”

During his freshman year at Pace, Henry made good on that promise. He committed to running his first-ever marathon back in his hometown: the Boston Marathon, the race that had always meant the most to him. And thanks to a support system that encouraged him every step of the way, he successfully completed the race, running in honor of his brother and fulfilling a goal he had fostered since his days cheering on older runners from the sidelines.

After that first race, he was hooked.

Eight marathons later, running has become an essential part of Henry’s life, a core part of his daily routine. It always gives him a challenge, he said. Something to work for. A constant source of inspiration to improve, to better himself, to “keep going and keep running through life.”

As a student at Pace, he brought those same principles of discipline and personal improvement to his campus community, working with classmates and friends to found Soul-Fighter, a fitness-focused student club that uses boxing training methods to promote physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Soul-Fighter has remained active even after Henry and his fellow founders’ graduation, continuing to bring Pace students together to forge community and build healthy habits.

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Today, the drive to improve and excel continues to motivate Henry—in his running and in his life.

“I’m very privileged to be able to run these races for a variety of incredible organizations, including my family’s,” Henry said. “I enjoy the challenge. Whether it’s a marathon, a half-marathon, or anything in life, it’s about signing on the dotted line and showing up. It’s about getting up on the days you don’t want to get up. It’s about taking risks, diving into the deep end and trusting that you’ll figure it out.”

A New Challenge, A New Chance to Reflect

In April 2026, Henry will once again count himself among the runners of the Boston Marathon. It will mark his tenth marathon, back where it all began, back where he learned the lessons of resilience and positivity that have shaped his life.

Each new race means a new season of intensive training, and his tenth race is no different. In the past months, Henry has carved out precious time around his job as an underwriting assistant at eMaxx Assurance Group to prepare for the unique physical and psychological challenges that only a marathon can present. It’s all part of the process, and it’s in the daily grind where Henry finds his purpose.

But it’s more than just the training. Each new race also provides an opportunity for contemplation: a chance to trace the journey; to reflect on the great sweep of progress made, challenges overcome; to practice gratitude for the people who made it all possible.

For Henry, this is just as important as the 6:00 a.m. workouts.

“I’m so incredibly grateful for the continuous support I’ve received,” he said. “It shaped me into the man I am today, and it inspires me to keep doing hard things, knowing that, if I fall, I have plenty of people who will be there to yank me back up. I’ve had so many good friends, an amazing family, amazing coaches and professors, great role models. The people you surround yourself with are always the most important thing, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people in my life.”

Did you know Fred Kelley, brother to Gene, taught dance at Pace? Or that the public speaking requirement was a passionate value of founder Homer Pace? Or that Pace used to have a championship fencing team?

If there’s a niche fact about Pace history, chances are Ellen Sowchek knows it.

For 42 years, Ellen Sowchek has been keeper of Pace University’s archives. “I have a number of responsibilities, but to give a very glib answer, it’s my job to care about Pace history and make other people care about Pace history,” she explains.

It’s my job to care about Pace history and make other people care about Pace history.

When she started in April 1981, Pace did not have an archive. Boxes of items related to Pace history were awaiting an enthusiastic custodian to rescue them from basement storage in 41 Park Row, and Sowchek was thrilled for the challenge. “I knew nothing about Pace before I started here,” she said. “It was the ideal situation for me because everything I learned came from reading through documents and processing the collections.”

On a day-to-day basis, Sowchek is managing curiosity—from the curiosities within the archives, to the curious inquiries of those reaching out to solve a mystery. She gets requests from everything to alumni looking to confirm a course they took decades earlier, to tourists who want to know the history behind a statue on campus.

After 42 years of being the person charged with being curious about Pace’s history, she’s naturally discovered some favorites over the years. Here are five interesting points in Pace’s history:

Dr. Mortola’s First Day at Pace Recording

Capturing an oral history of Pace has been an ongoing project, so you can find recordings in just about every format in the Pace archives, from reel-to-reel tape to digital files. The first phase of the oral history project resulted in 26 lengthy interviews recorded between 1982-1986, capturing the recollections of figures such as Robert Pace, Charles Dyson, Joseph Lubin, Gustav Lienhard and more. The current phase of the project, Pace Voices Past and Present: An Oral History of Pace University, expands the number of interviewees and seeks to document life at Pace from a wide range of perspectives, representing members from the entire Pace Community.

One of Sowchek’s favorite recordings is of Edward J. Mortola, PhD, on his first day of work as a new Assistant Dean at Pace College. Sowchek has a soft spot for Mortola. Not only does she believe that “after Homer Pace, he was probably the second most important person to Pace history,” but he was the one who hired her to set up an archive for Pace’s 75^th Anniversary.

In the tapes, Mortola describes his first day on the job. “It's kind of a cute story. I reported at Pace in the building at 225 Broadway, where Pace existed at that time, on the morning of August 15, 1947 and sat outside Dean Alice Ottun's office for a while. I was joining Pace then as Assistant Dean. When she finished interviewing a student who was at her desk, she looked up and said, ‘Oh, you're here.’ She said, ‘I forgot all about the fact that you were coming and I don't have an office or a desk for you.’ I said, ‘Well, in that case, I'll be happy to go home and come back tomorrow.’ She said, ‘A great idea.’ So, my first day on the payroll of Pace I went swimming at Jones Beach.” The fact that Mortola gave this interview on the anniversary of his first official working day at Pace brings the story full circle.

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9/11 Tributes

After the events of September 11, Pace University closed for two weeks. In the wake of that day, several memorials were erected honoring those lost and memorializing the feelings of a shaken community. Sowchek explains how soon after the return to campus, The Center for Community Outreach distributed quilt squares and fabric pens to the community. The squares were then sewn together into a nearly ten-by-ten-foot quilt immortalizing the feelings of the Pace community in the wake of the attacks.

Another memorial came in the form of the blue and yellow “Setting the Pace” dog statue located on the Frankfurt Street side of One Pace Plaza. The “Setting the Pace” statue of a German Shepard dog by artist Mike Neville was commissioned by the American Kennel Club’s DOGNY public art project developed in collaboration with the City of New York. The project honors the canine heroes of September 11 who served as search-and-rescue dogs. All statues were auctioned off and the proceeds were donated to a fund supporting the training of first responder dogs.

Finally, each Pace Campus has The Open Book memorial, dedicated to those from the Pace community who lost their lives on September 11. A university-wide competition was held and the book design was chosen. The open pages bear the names of members of the Pace community lost on that day. By listing the names in random, rather than alphabetical order, we are encouraged to read through and remember all of them.

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Virginia Woolf Collection

While the Pace archives are dedicated to Pace history, there are some items that fit outside the scope of the institution’s history, such as Pace’s Virginia Woolf special collection.

The collection arrived at Pace in 2015, with the help of Mark Hussey, PhD, a retired professor from Pace’s English department and a Virginia Woolf expert. He knew the collector Linda Langham, a Woolf fanatic, who wanted to ensure that her collection went to an institution who would not sell off the books individually, but rather keep the collection intact. The Pace University Library agreed to her request and happily accepted the items. Together with a Birnbaum Library colleague, Sowchek cataloged and documented the collection, which has been of special interest in the niche world of Virginia Woolf collectors. “Smith College has a Virginia Woolf collection as well. Ours is just as good, if not better,” according to Sowchek (with a just a touch of Pace pride).

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The Lost Then Later Found Cornerstone Time Capsule

Sometimes, Sowchek finds herself becoming a player in Pace history.

One day, in 1981, Mr. Gordon Dodge, Director of Buildings and Grounds at the time, reached out to her with a strange request. When the building of One Pace Plaza was underway, a cornerstone ceremony took place in 1967, commemorating an important milestone in the building’s construction. Part of the ceremony entails cutting part of the cornerstone out, placing a time capsule in the opening, and then sealing it inside with cement before the stone is put in place in the building’s foundation. Dodge said he had a special addition to the archives–the time capsule itself, which failed to make it into the cornerstone! He begged for her discretion as he explained that the box had somehow been set aside, to be cemented in at the end of the ceremony, and never made it back in. For 14 years, he had kept the capsule in his office, hoping to find a home for this sealed box.

The archives became its new home. Though it is sealed with lead and so far, unopened, Sowchek’s deep dive into the archives revealed documents that explained the mysterious contents: a mini-skirt donated by Barbara Grossman ’71; original accounting textbook written by Homer Pace; April 18, 1968 issue of the New York Times; current issue of a Pace College Bulletin; list of past and current Pace presidents, administrators, and trustees; list of public officials considered friendly to Pace; a student directory; a Pace banner; The cornerstone Journal; list of students recently named to Who’s Who in American Universities; The Pace Report; $1.91; and the latest edition of The Pace College Press.

A History of a Family

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The archives over the years have inadvertently become not just a collection that tells the story of a university, but one that tells the story of a family. The story of the Paces.

Sowchek’s absolute favorite item is a letter from founder Homer Pace asking for permission to get married, “because at the time he was under 20 years of age, and in the state of Michigan, where he lived, he was not old enough to get married without parental consent.” It’s a personal touch that brings the University’s first president into living color.

Sowchek is especially interested in helping promote the impact women have had on Pace history, and Homer’s wife, Mabel, is a particular favorite figure for her to study. There are several items belonging to Mabel, such as images of her and her own report cards.

Lastly, Homer and Mabel’s son Robert Pace, became the second president in 1942, upon the death of his father. That same year he enlisted in the U.S. Army. An accomplished photographer, Robert captured his perspective on the Second World War. Many of those photos, donated by Robert Pace himself, have found their permanent home in the archives.

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Ellen Sowchek is more than an archivist—she's the ultimate caretaker of Pace University's history. In addition to diligently preserving remnants of the past, Sowchek actively participates in Pace's ongoing story, often going beyond her role with Pace artifacts to bear witness to history as it unfolds. Thanks to her unwavering commitment and tireless effort, Pace's rich history remains vivid and alive. As the Pace Community continues to shape its future, Sowchek's work in the University archives ensures that its past is not just preserved, but also celebrated.

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Pace University’s new Pride Alumni Network Committee Chair, Anthony Parker ’15, always knew that he wanted to pursue a career that made use of his creativity. As a student at Pace University, Anthony studied communications at the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, with a concentration in film production and a minor in journalism.

As a New York local, Anthony was drawn to Pace for its proximity to home. Originally intending to pursue Adolescent Education major, Anthony’s eyes were opened to a different path when he attended a Dyson open house as an admitted student. The variety of course offerings and hands-on, technical production experiences available through Dyson’s communications major were a considerable draw, presenting Anthony with the opportunity to explore a variety of potential career paths.

“I knew that no matter what I was doing, I wanted to have an element of creativity in my work,” Anthony said. “I didn’t want to sit at a desk all day and push papers around. I wanted to be able to think critically, think creatively, and have a product to develop and deliver.”

As a student at Pace, Anthony worked as a student assistant in the University’s Human Resources Office. The experience helped him secure a position as a marketing and HR assistant at a law firm shortly after graduation. Over the next few years, Anthony was inspired to make marketing his full-time career. Today, he works as a marketing specialist at a global law firm, Labaton Keller Sucharow LLP.

“It’s not what I expected, but I love what I do, and I really enjoy the creative aspect of my work,” Anthony said. “But I’ve also still been able to do the production work that I wanted to do when I was in college.” In addition to his marketing work, Anthony produced and hosted a public access television show between 2018 and 2022. The show, aimed at the Bronx LGBTQ+ community, aired on BronxNet and the Manhattan Neighborhood Network.

“The show, Out Loud, was really meant to give the LGBTQ+ community in the Bronx a voice and make them aware of the different resources available to them locally,” Anthony said. “My goal was to highlight and tell stories for the LGBTQ+ people, organizations, and resources there.”

The show led to Anthony becoming involved with the Pace University Alumni Association. Thoroughly impressed by Anthony’s work on Out Loud, former professor Melanie LaRosa reached out and encouraged Anthony to get involved with the Pace Pride Alumni Network. Prior to being named committee chair in the fall of 2025, Anthony served as the committee’s communications chair.

“We’ve really seen the group grow in the last two years,” Anthony said. “The previous chair, David Reed, really laid a great foundation for the group. And now, my goal as chair for these next two years is to continue that momentum. We’re constantly exploring new avenues by which we can engage existing alumni—and making current seniors aware of the network to get them involved when they graduate.”

As chair, Anthony hopes that he can further establish the Pace Pride Network as a professional network and resource hub for alumni in all stages of their careers. Anthony seeks to leverage campus partnerships to hold engaging events—such as this month’s SafeZone Training Setter Session, hosted by Director of Pace’s LGBTQA+ Centers, Jimmy Luckman.

By leveraging these valuable partnerships and remaining committed to building community amongst Pace professionals across industries, Anthony is confident that the network will only continue to flourish.

“If you want to feel the value in Pace, I think it’s always important for you to pay that forward. If you want to give back and help create opportunities for people, I think the Pace Pride Alumni Network is a great way to get involved and give back. Going out into the world after graduating can be daunting, especially for LGBTQ people, and I want to help open doors for others the same way Pace has done for me.”

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The Pace Alumni Association’s new College of White Plains of Pace University (CWP/Pace) Alumni Committee Chair, Joe Antonacci ‘80, knew as early as fourth grade that he wanted to write for a newspaper. From a young age, Joe recalls reading the Sunday paper religiously. 

“I would read the Arts and Leisure section of the Sunday Times, just to see what movies were playing in the city and what music was being made,” Joe said. “I liked the articles and the ads, and after that I would look at the book review, of all things—and then the news. My father used to get angry because he’d bring the paper home and I would be hogging it.”

Joe dreamt of one day writing for a newspaper: A dream he chose to pursue at the College of White Plains, shortly following its 1975 consolidation with Pace University. For Joe, the tight-knit community and vibrant campus represented “the quintessential American college experience.” Drawn in from the moment he set foot on school grounds, Joe committed early decision to continue his education at the College of White Plains of Pace University.

“In high school, I was not what you would call an honor student,” Joe reflected. “Truthfully, I was more of a juvenile delinquent. The thing that really saved me was I always did well on standardized tests. When I toured the College of White Plains at Pace and saw Preston Hall, there was something in me that just said, ‘This is the place I want to be.’ And it really changed my life, from the first day I was on campus.”

At CWP/Pace, Joe flourished academically and became deeply involved in campus life. “I went from somebody who was barely passing to somebody who was getting merit scholarships,” Joe said. “Somebody who wouldn’t participate in any extracurricular activities to the vice president of my class and a member of the student senate—and eventually, the features editor for the school paper.” Two weeks before graduating, Joe secured his first job as a reporter for a newspaper in Rockland County.

Joe worked as a reporter for about two years, before making an unexpected professional pivot. During his time at the paper, Joe had the opportunity to write an article profiling Bob Wolff, a legendary television and radio sportscaster, and Joe’s former journalism professor at Pace. After the article came out, Bob called Joe and asked if he would ever be interested in working in public relations. Joe soon found himself working for Herb Falk in Pace University’s PR office, an opportunity he says positioned him for a fruitful career in the field.

Joe went on to work as a press spokesperson for Farleigh Dickinson University and the American Museum of Natural History. Eventually, he landed at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), working for Metro-North. As Metro-North had just recently been formed, following the MTA’s absorption of Conrail, the place was initially “kind of a mess,” according to Joe. “I thought I would just stay there for a year or two,” Joe said. “At first, I hated it. But the president of the company at the time, Peter Stangl, talked me into staying. And I wound up staying for 32 years.”

At Metro-North, Joe had the unique opportunity to combine his journalistic and public relations experience in a dynamic role. His responsibilities included writing employee publications, penning the president’s speeches, managing customer communications, and putting together award ceremonies. Later, as an internet presence began to become essential, he helped put together Metro-North’s early website and started the railroad’s social media presence.

Memorably, he also took over the writing of Metro-North’s customer publication, Mileposts, a pamphlet-newsletter that was both informational and entertaining. “It was this publication we used to drop on the seats,” Joe said. “It had a lot of humor in it; a self-deprecating style of writing. It was a lot of fun to do.”

Fulfilling as his tenure with Metro-North may have been, Joe swore that when he retired, he would never touch social media again. “It took up such a large portion of my life,” Joe said. “As much as I loved working for Metro-North, it was a very demanding job. I was on call 24/7.” Then came a call from previous CWP/Pace Committee Chair, Brian Donlon ’78, inviting Joe to drinks with some fellow alumni after work.

“I said, ‘Yeah, sure, it’d be great to see some of the old guys, right?’” Joe recalled. “So I got over there, and that’s when Brian sprung on me: ‘We’re trying to plan a College of White Plains of Pace University reunion coming up, and we need people reach out to alumni and let them know about it. If we gave you a list of emails, could you help us with the outreach?’ And I was like, ‘Fine, alright, you got me.’”

Alas, in his work with the Pace Alumni Association, Joe has undoubtedly violated his post-retirement social media moratorium. Nevertheless, his involvement has been anything but reluctant. “Seeing everybody again made me realize the importance of maintaining those relationships and keeping that sense of community,” he said. At the end of September 2025, Joe was named the new Alumni Association Committee Chair for the College of White Plains of Pace University, and he immediately began putting his talents to work to continue strengthening ties among CWP/Pace alumni.

“I’m very pleased with the response so far, and the energy and interest shown by the group,” Joe said of his efforts to date. “It’s been very encouraging to see that there’s still interest there, and that people want to be communicated with and reached—and I think the University can benefit from that kind of interest.”

As Committee Chair, Joe hopes to sustain and grow the online engagement he has seen so far, highlight the importance of the College of White Plains of Pace University as a part of Pace’s history, and keep his fellow CWP/Pace alumni informed and connected—both with each other and Pace University.

“I want them to know that the University is thinking about them, and I want to ensure Pace continues to be a part of their lives. There are challenges: We’re a smaller group, we’re dispersed geographically, we’re on the older side… But there’s still a way to keep the sense of community that defined our student experience alive, and I’m going to be working on ways to do that as committee chair.”

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At Pace University, Professor Courtney Gosnell, PhD, is helping students see psychology not only as a field of study, but as a way of understanding the relationships that shape everyday life.

A faculty member in the undergraduate Psychology program, Pleasantville campus, Gosnell focuses her research on how people navigate close relationships in both joyful and difficult moments. Her work specifically examines social support, emotional connection, and the ways people sustain important bonds even in an increasingly divided world.

Through that scholarship, and through her close mentorship of students, Gosnell reflects the kind of engaged, student-centered faculty expertise that distinguishes Pace’s Psychology program, recently recognized by US News & World Report as a Best Psychology program.

Researching the Power of Support in Good Times and Bad

Much of Gosnell’s research centers on social support; however, while many studies in the field of psychology have focused on how people help one another through hardship, Gosnell has also examined how people celebrate one another and what happens when good news is shared.

This area, known as “capitalization support,” looks at how people respond when a loved one, for example, experiences something positive, such as a promotion, engagement, or personal achievement.

“When we think about social support, we often focus on how people show up during difficult moments. But what we’ve found is that how people respond to your good news can be just as meaningful—if not more so—in shaping how supported you feel overall,” she said.

This insight is important to the field because it expands how psychologists understand well-being, resilience, and the role of relationships in everyday mental health.

Addressing Polarization Through Relationship Research

Gosnell has also more recently turned her attention to a timely and urgent topic: how close relationships endure across political differences.

She has explored what it means to maintain relationships with parents, siblings, romantic partners, and other loved ones whose political views may differ sharply from one’s own. Her projects also consider how outside forces, including election outcomes and media messaging, can influence how people feel about those relationships.

This research is especially relevant in today’s period of heightened social and political polarization, and it brings an important interpersonal lens to a subject often discussed only at the group or partisan level. By studying how people preserve connections amid disagreement, Gosnell is contributing to a richer understanding of conflict, communication, and the everyday realities of social division.

Bringing Research to Life for Pace Students

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At Pace, Gosnell helps students move beyond textbook definitions and into experiential discoveries.

She works extensively with students, engaging them in participation both at research conferences and in research-focused settings, including the Psychology Department’s experimental psychology course sequence, in which they spend a full academic year developing their own studies. In the process, students learn how to generate research questions, review literature, submit materials for institutional review board approval, collect and analyze data, and present their findings.

Gosnell also teaches students in mentored lab experiences, that allow them to earn course credit through direct faculty-guided research, often funded by the Provost Office’s Undergraduate Research program. Her hands-on approach gives undergraduates the kind of substantive research training often associated with graduate education, helping them build practical skills in collaboration, communication, leadership, and analysis.

She said, “One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is watching students realize they can ask their own questions and design a study to answer them. That moment of discovery is incredibly powerful.”

Mentorship That Opens Doors

Asked what makes the Pace Psychology program distinctive, Gosnell points to the close faculty-student connections that are possible on the Pleasantville campus.

For Gosnell, that combination of personal attention, meaningful mentorship, and experiential learning is a defining strength of Pace. It is also what makes the program such a strong environment for aspiring psychologists to grow, explore, and succeed in a wide range of future careers.

“At Pace, students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty and get involved in research early on. That hands-on experience, combined with strong mentorship, really sets our program apart,” she said.

World University Leaders Forum convenes international experts to examine the future of AI in universities

Global leaders in higher education, policy, and technology gathered at Pace University’s New York City campus on Monday for Intelligent Futures: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Shaping Universities and Higher Education, a one-day international conference exploring how AI is transforming the future of universities worldwide.

The event, organized by the World University Leaders Forum (WULF) in partnership with O.P. Jindal Global University, brought together university presidents, faculty, and policymakers to explore AI’s impact on teaching, research, governance, and the student experience. A central theme throughout the day was the growing need for ethical frameworks and responsible oversight as institutions adopt AI at scale.

“Artificial intelligence has come to stay, and we cannot ignore it.” said Rajesh Bindal, Judge of the Supreme Court of India. “The challenge before universities is to ensure it is used responsibly, with clear policies and thoughtful governance.”

The conference featured keynote remarks, panel discussions, and the launch of the AI Governance Report 2026 from O.P. Jindal Global University, highlighting emerging global approaches to responsible AI adoption in higher education.

Interdisciplinary perspectives were explored during AI and the Humanities in Higher Education, where panelists examined how AI is influencing fields such as philosophy, law, and social sciences. The discussion featured C. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University, Mohan Kumar, Dean, Strategic and International Initiatives, Office of the Vice Chancellor & Director General, O.P. Jindal Global University, and Tresmaine Grimes, Dean of Pace’s Dyson College of Arts and Science. The discussion was moderated by Pace University President Marvin Krislov.

“AI is fundamentally reshaping how knowledge is created, shared, and governed,” said Kumar. “Universities must lead with a global vision, developing frameworks that balance innovation with accountability while safeguarding academic integrity and public trust.”

The impact of AI on classrooms and student engagement was the focus of AI and the Transformation of Teaching and Learning, where panelists explored how intelligent technologies are redefining curriculum design, assessment, and accessibility. The discussion featured Norman Eng, EdD, Professor of Education at Brooklyn College, Padmanabha Ramanujam, Dean of Office of Academic Governance at O.P. Jindal Global University, and Michael Wagner, professor and head of digital media department at Drexel University, and was moderated by David Sachs, professor of information systems at Pace’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems and co-chair of Pace University’s AI Committee.

Institutional responsibility took center stage during Governance, Ethics, and the Future of the AI-Enabled University, a panel examining data governance, regulatory considerations, and leadership accountability. The discussion featured Ashwin Fernandes, vice president at QS Quacquarelli Symonds; Ericka Watson, principal and CEO of Data Strategy Advisors, LLC; and Jim Russell, CIO and vice president for digital strategy and planning at Manhattanville University, and was moderated by Li-Chiou Chen, PhD, interim dean of Pace’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

“You can’t manage what you can’t see,” said Watson. “Institutions need clear visibility into what AI tools are being used, how they are being used, and by whom. Before you can govern AI, you need to understand your risk, what tools are in use and whether the right frameworks are in place to manage them.”

Throughout the day, speakers addressed issues including academic integrity, data governance, accessibility, and workforce transformation, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into higher education. The event was also attended by Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York.

“Convenings like Intelligent Futures show the importance of bringing together diverse global perspectives to tackle complex challenges,” said President Krislov. “At Pace, we are committed to advancing AI literacy, fostering responsible innovation, and preparing our students to lead in an AI-enabled world.”

The conference also created space for networking and cross-sector dialogue, reinforcing Pace University’s role as a hub for global conversations at the intersection of technology, education, and society. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape higher education, initiatives like the new bachelor of science in artificial intelligence (AI), set to launch in fall 2026, reflect the university’s ongoing commitment to innovation, expanded academic offerings, and student success in an AI-driven world.

About Pace University

Founded in 1906 and celebrating 120 years of preparing students for success in 2026, Pace University pairs real-life learning with strong academics to launch meaningful careers. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace serves 13,600 students across a range of bachelor, master, and doctoral programs through the College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University

The Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University is a leading institute of technology education. Students experience a dynamic and expansive technology education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. One of the first comprehensive schools of computing in the nation, the Seidenberg School is strategically located in the heart of NYC’s tech scene, right on the doorstep of New York’s most promising companies. With access to established tech giants and exciting new start-ups from both the New York City and the Westchester campus, Seidenberg offers the opportunity to connect, intern with, and enjoy lucrative tech jobs following graduation. Through partnerships with leading tech firms, banks, federal agencies, and global institutions, the school’s curricula and programs are designed to ground students in the fundamentals while offering numerous hands-on experiential learning opportunities. The faculty includes numerous experts in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, game development, software engineering, and much more, who operate labs and centers providing students with practical experience and connections that lead to impressive internships and jobs.

Sierra Vendas

Class of '27
Pronouns: She/Her
Currently Studying: BBA in Marketing, Digital Marketing, Minor in Graphic Design
Member (Clubs): Advertising Club, IDM Lab, Her Campus, Brand Marketing Team

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Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

While there are several reasons I chose to continue my academic journey at Pace University, I ultimately selected Pace because of its proximity to some of the largest agencies in the marketing industry. The Lubin School of Business has provided me with countless connections and opportunities that have helped me excel both academically and professionally. I knew that, by attending Pace University, I would have professors with a vested interest in my success and a strong support system throughout my professional journey. The Lubin School of Business curriculum, combined with university-offered experiences, has allowed me to get my foot in the door and secure the job opportunities I was looking for. Ultimately, I chose Pace University for its location, network, and opportunities.

How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?

Pace University’s student organizations have shaped—and continue to shape—my college experience into a memorable, community-centered journey. Being involved in a variety of clubs has not only enriched my social life and led to lifelong friendships, but also provided invaluable resources and guidance for professional development. Advertising Club personal branding workshops have taught me how to present myself professionally, the IDM Lab has given me hands-on experience working with real-world companies, and Her Campus has helped me refine my writing and editing skills, which have supported my pitch writing during my public relations internships. While Pace University may be unconventional in that it is a city school, its student organizations make the University feel even more community-focused and interconnected. Student Engagement and each individual club work to create unforgettable experiences for the student body.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

My favorite opportunity at Pace University has been the chance to participate on Pace University’s Brand Marketing Team. This prestigious team competes in the American Advertising Federation National Student Advertising Competition, creating a well-researched and thoughtfully executed campaign for a new high-profile client each year. Since my first year, it has been a goal of mine to join the team and contribute meaningful work to an influential marketing campaign. This year, the team has been developing our case for the National Football League. I have been able to contribute to research development, media planning, and other key areas of the campaign. This opportunity has pushed me to become more professional by teaching me to meet deadlines, conduct thorough research, and present ideas in a precise yet comprehensive way.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

My advice to students in the Lubin School of Business would be to join every club that sparks your interest and attend on-campus events whenever possible. Joining clubs—even if you are simply curious and want to explore—can help you find your community and enrich your college experience. You never know where you might meet a new friend or gain a fresh perspective.

The Lubin School of Business has made me feel better prepared for life after college, and the people within the program continually inspire me to strive for more.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

To me, #LubinLife means using the resources within the Lubin School of Business to build a successful life and career. The Lubin School of Business has made me feel better prepared for life after college, and the people within the program continually inspire me to strive for more. I am always looking for new opportunities to expand my network and strengthen my skills, and Lubin has provided an ideal environment for that growth. My professors, peers, and advisors consistently motivate me and have helped create a strong sense of community at Pace University. In short, #LubinLife means being part of a community that encourages you to become the best version of yourself while supporting you along the way.

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