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Anthony Mancini, PhD

Pace University Associate Professor of Psychology Anthony Mancini, PhD, has become a leading voice in research on trauma and resilience, sharing his insights on NPR’s Hidden Brain 2.0 podcast and in Forbes.

Some of your recent research has centered on the connections between trauma and resilience. Can you briefly describe what you’ve studied and your findings?

My early career focused on the different ways people respond to traumatic and acutely stressful events. I did this work with George Bonanno (Columbia University), and we pioneered—if that is not too grandiose a claim—the application of some newer statistical methods to the study of trauma. Essentially, these methods allowed us to separate people into different trajectories of distress after a traumatic event. At the time, no one had used these statistical approaches specifically for trauma, but there are now probably thousands of papers that use them on traumatic events.

In every study we found that most people, about 60–80 percent, showed a resilient response pattern of stable adaptive functioning. This didn’t mean they weren’t affected. It just meant they were able to go about their lives as before, going to work, taking care of children/family, seeing friends, etc. However, we also found that some people struggled to a greater extent before gradually returning to normative functioning, and a smaller subset showed persistent difficulties that likely reflected, for example, posttraumatic stress disorder.

To be clear, we found a high proportion of resilient people in every sample and every event we studied, from bereavement, military deployment, a school shooting, traumatic injury, life-threatening illness, divorce, 9/11, and COVID, among other events.

You also received a grant to study the psychological impacts of COVID-19. How was this grant meaningful to you, and what were the findings of your study?

This grant emerged directly from my research on resilience and individual differences. One unexpected result from this research—which emerged in a few studies—was a pattern of improved functioning from before to after the trauma. This was particularly apparent on the study I did on the Virgina Tech campus shootings, at the time the worst mass shooting in US history. Because this study measured people before the shootings (because of an unrelated study), we could compare how they were doing before and after. Surprisingly, about 15 percent of participants showed dramatic improvements in their functioning after the shootings, and this improvement was linked with an improved social environment (greater perceived support from others and social resources).

This finding alerted me to the key element of the social environment in the stress response, and I developed a theory to account for it—“psychosocial gains from adversity.” This theory argues that traumatic events can improve functioning when they have corresponding effects on the social environment or people’s willingness to engage with and affiliate with others.

The purpose of the COVID-19 grant is to test some hypotheses from psychosocial gains from adversity. The study looks at a broad feature of the environment—social capital—and examines whether it influences the way people coped with the challenges imposed by COVID, particularly the economic difficulties many people faced. In a way, the study zooms out to look at the geography of social capital and zooms in to look at individual adaptation simultaneously. This involved a rather complicated data collection scheme involving 1,600 participants from specific regions of the country, and we are now collecting the data. So I can’t yet tell what we found, but we will have a sense of that in the next year. Stay tuned!

How do you hope your research will make an impact?

I think of this in two ways. First, I hope my research will remind people that human beings are far more resilient than we seem to assume. Second, I hope it will alert us especially to the crucial nature of our social world, the surrounding environment of friends and family but also so-called “loose ties,” neighbors, baristas, shopkeepers, etc., who provide a sense of general reassurance and help us to manage our own experiences. A potent intervention on psychological functioning may, in fact, be quite difficult to implement and thus to detect—because it involves our surrounding environment and networks of people we interact with. Our capacity to trust and cooperate with others has important effects on our psychology, and these are also not sufficiently credited, especially in this time of polarization and divisiveness.

In class, I sometimes use the analogy of trying to merge into a crowded highway. If someone allows you in, you will be more likely to do the same for someone else. By contrast, if no one allows you to merge, you will be more likely not to cooperate with someone else. These effects cascade across people from person to person to person, and I think this dimension of human psychology, the degree to which we are embedded in cooperative and mutual relations, influence our capacity to live happy, productive lives. I’d hope my research might help to beam a light on the importance of the broader social realm for adaptive functioning.

How are students involved in your research?

Students are involved to a considerable degree. I run a lab, the Trauma, Social Processes, and Resilience Lab, which includes undergraduates, masters-level, and doctoral students. In the lab, I try to give them a sense of how an active researcher works, and I expose them to basic skills in research, such as literature reviews, data management, data analysis, and write-up. Virtually every year we produce a poster for a national conference, and students also often have the chance to work on a manuscript for publication. Several students were recently co-authors on a manuscript published early this year, and I have another one that is currently in revision and expect to be published.

How does your research inform your teaching?

Research is fundamental to my teaching because it trained me to think in a rigorous and open-minded way. Science is devoted to the discovery of truth, but truth is elusive and demands both a clear understanding of cause, as well as a willingness to update your beliefs continuously. My teaching emphasizes that we pay attention to what the data are telling us, as opposed to what we might like to be true, and I provide concrete instruction in how to understand causal effects in the real world. I also emphasize the necessity to be flexible in your views, to allow them to change in response to updated findings. I illustrate these points with examples of my own views that were updated in response to new research.

How have Pace and the psychology department supported your research?

My psychology department has encouraged my research and helped me to carve out a space for it. I very much feel free to follow my instincts and explore what interests me. Dare I say too that I sense genuine pride in my research accomplishments from my colleagues. All of this has helped me to continue to pursue new ideas.

Do you have any new or upcoming research projects on the horizon?

Yes, in addition to the grant study I’m working on, I’ve become very interested in causal inference, and am right now using a variety of new techniques to understand the causal effects of bereavement and a hurricane.

I’m finding that bereavement tends to increase social behavior, and when it does, it actually reduces depression from pre-loss. I’m also finding that flooding from a hurricane has a causal effect on increased perceptions of support, as well as causal effect on an increased likelihood of prosocial volunteering with clean up.

Beyond that, I hope to better understand the ways stress can increase social interaction and benefit functioning—the circumstances that contribute to reaching out to others and the ones that might inhibit a social response to stress.

Machine Learning. It’s a buzzword of late, and for good reason. Effectively employing this type of artificial intelligence can help reveal otherwise unseen patterns in fields as diverse as weather forecasting, healthcare operations, and nearly everything in between.

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It’s becoming a big deal in economics, and the research of Dyson College student Liam Chentoufi ’25 exemplifies how when it comes to this sort of interdisciplinary learning, Pace is on the cutting edge.

Liam initially intended to major in business; until by happenstance, he attended a data-centric event hosted by the economics department during common hour. He cites this event as a huge turning point in his undergraduate career—which ultimately inspired him to change gears, and dive headfirst into the world of economics.

“Meeting the department and all of the professors has been transformative,” says Liam. “It’s those little chances that let us find our niche. I could’ve said to myself ‘I’ll just get lunch and go next year,’ but next year it might not have been the same.”

“It’s those little chances that let us find our niche. I could’ve said to myself ‘I’ll just get lunch and go next year,’ but next year it might not have been the same.”

As a sophomore, Liam took Economics 590: Data Analytics (R and Python), a graduate course taught by Professor Mary Kaltenberg, PhD, that merges economics principles with coding languages to make better use of data. As part of the class, Liam was tasked with a data analysis project.

“My original question was trying to test if there’s any relationship between the locations where the Federal Reserve gives their speeches and some economic variable. Professor Kaltenberg mentioned at one point that this data is really rich for machine learning because it’s textual, but I wouldn’t be able to do it for my 590 class because it was too long a project for a single semester.”

The seeds now planted for a more involved research study, Liam applied for and was accepted to the Office of the Provost’s Undergraduate Student Faculty Research program. With the mentorship of Professor Kaltenberg, he began to investigate how machine learning can be applied to better understand and predict future decisions from the Federal Reserve.

“The Fed, they conduct our nation’s monetary policy. When making their policy decisions they communicate with the public through these speeches that they publish every week or so. This project is trying to predict what they’re going to do at their next meeting based on what they’re saying in their speeches today,” he notes.

Each Federal Reserve speech is publicly available, so Liam’s research involves scraping the text, and building a machine learning model to glean the attitude that is expressed in the text. He’s currently experimenting with two different machine learning architectures; one, a simpler model that requires less computing power but has 60% accuracy in classifying the text. The second, a more complex model that requires computing power beyond his personal laptop, is an adaptation of a model called Roberta developed and honed by Google and Meta.

“[Roberta’s] a larger model that’s more complex, it’s harder for me to understand but it does yield more accurate results; it takes more time and computing power to train the model,” explains Liam.

Professor Kaltenberg, who has been advising Liam as to the types of machine learning tools and resources he can utilize and experiment with for the project, believes this research is very representative of where the field is going; and is proud of the fact that Pace is among one of the first institutions to explore this unique research question.

“Embedding machine learning within economics is increasingly important, and it’s one of the reasons why we created a new degree, computational economics,” says Kaltenberg. “Liam’s project is exactly a reflection of that trajectory within economics, and across many different industries. This particular topic, trying to predict what the Fed will do next, can be extremely lucrative. We are not the first to consider it, but we’re among the first.”

This particular topic, trying to predict what the Fed will do next, can be extremely lucrative. We are not the first to consider it, but we’re among the first.

The research dovetails very nicely with Liam’s future plans—this summer, he’s landed an internship with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, where he will further learn about the machinations of monetary policy. After the summer, he plans on deciding whether to pursue a graduate degree in economics or enter the workforce upon graduation in spring 2025.

Through this research, his strong academic achievement, and his interests outside the classroom—he is co-captain of Pace’s nationally recognized Federal Reserve Challenge team—Liam is setting himself up for future success no matter what route he takes. But perhaps most impressive, is the attitude he has developed in part through this research; one that has helped him develop into a more resilient individual, more confidently able to tackle whatever may be thrown is way.

“You’re learning and testing things on the fly, it’s taught me a lot about myself,” says Liam. “With coding, you can receive so many errors, which is head-bangingly frustrating. But when it works, it is euphoric.”

“That’s the biggest thing,” he adds. “Learning how to push through hard things.”

Alicia Bennett ’24 came to Pace as an English Literature major. Her first year, she took Introduction to the Criminal Justice System as an elective and shortly thereafter added a criminal justice minor.

Now she’s graduating as a double major in both English Literature and Criminal Justice, and has dedicated much of her four years at Pace to community service and research about persons who are incarcerated and their experiences in the prison system—so much so that she’ll be honored with the NYC Campus 2024 Community Service Award at this year’s Commencement.

Kimberly Collica-Cox, PhD, has gotten to know Alicia well over her four years, but she recognized potential in her from the start. “I noticed Alicia's good nature and kind heart immediately. She is funny and has a great energy that others seem to love. She has a passion for helping others and will sacrifice her time to do so joyfully.” Collica-Cox spent enough time with Alicia to see this firsthand. Alicia not only took criminal justice classes, but also served as Collica-Cox’s teaching and research assistant and helped with her ‘pet’ projects, ‘Puppies on the Block’ ,‘Parenting, Prison, and Pups’, and the Inside-Out College course where students learned alongside adult learners in Westchester jail.

"I never thought of service as being something inherently 'important' to me, only as something necessary to do.”

Alicia has poured herself into these programs and especially the work she did with the Westchester jail. Most students in this program study at the Pleasantville Campus, but the commute from New York City didn’t stop Alicia—she would wake up at five in the morning to make it to her 9:00 a.m. class. And her advocacy stretched well beyond class. She worked alongside Collica-Cox to conduct research interviews to evaluate a jail-based trauma sensitive yoga program, co-presented this research at the National American Society of Criminology Conference, and served as a co-author on two peer-reviewed journal papers about the benefits of jail-based programming.

This was all while maintaining a 3.8 GPA in her dual major and staying involved across various clubs.

Alicia's commitment to service goes beyond obligation; she sees it as doing what must be done. In her words, "I never thought of service as being something inherently 'important' to me, only as something necessary to do.” Working with individuals who are incarcerated helped her articulate this even further. “The men and women I'm helping are often the ones most ignored or written off by society, which seems incredibly unfair… If they are willing and given the chance to change, to redefine their lives, then helping them do that isn't only a service, but a necessity to society and oneself.”

Take the risk. Take the class that you're afraid to take, the one that requires a little more effort on your part, because it could be the difference between graduating with a diploma and graduating with a sense of purpose.

This service-mentality is exemplified in her response to finding out she is being honored at commencement as a Community Service Award Winner. “It wasn't something I had expected nor had hoped to receive by the end of my time here at Pace, but knowing that I'm being acknowledged for my time at the Westchester Jail is amazing,” Alicia says. “What's more amazing, though, is knowing that these programs will get more recognition through Commencement and through this award. That's what I'm most excited about.”

After graduation, Alicia will be continuing her education here at Pace in the MS in Publishing program. She hopes to continue her advocacy and work with Westchester Department of Correction and use her degree to expand literacy in prisons. Collica-Cox is confident in her student’s future, saying, “I cannot imagine having a better student and as she continues to grow professionally after graduation, I know I will have a lifelong friend.”

And as to her advice for current students? “Take the risk,” she says. “Take the class that you're afraid to take, the one that requires a little more effort on your part, because it could be the difference between graduating with a diploma and graduating with a sense of purpose.”

Mikayla Meachem ’24, an earnest advocate for social justice and a dedicated scholar, is graduating with a double Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Justice Studies and Women's and Gender Studies. Mikayla's deep commitment to community advocacy and academic excellence during her time at Pace have led to her being honored with the prestigious Trustee Award, an accolade that highlights her as a standout leader in the 2024 graduating class.

Mikayla’s commitment to activism is deeply intertwined with her own lived experience. “My passion for advocacy stems from being a person of color and living in a community of color, thus witnessing the impacts that social injustices and systemic inequalities have on BIPOC communities,” she explains. “Issues such as the attack on reproductive rights and care, the alarming Black maternal health crisis, and the injustices BIPOC communities face are extremely important to me.”

I am proud of being able to foster change in my community, as well as seeing the departments that I am a part of thrive.

Her academic journey at Pace has heavily focused on examining these topics through research. Director of Peace and Justice Studies Emily Welty, PhD, advised Mikayla on her senior capstone thesis regarding Black feminist understandings of doula activism as social justice work. Welty quickly recognized Mikayla’s passion for her work, saying, “Mikayla’s appetite for research was infused with a delight in the process of writing and deepening her own work. Every week, she brought detailed questions about both the specifics of her own project and the process of research.”

Mikayla presented her research at three different conferences—the National Peace and Justice Studies Association Conference, the Notre Dame Student Peace Conference, and the Dyson Society of Fellows 2024 Annual Meeting. Beyond showcasing her own work, Mikayla went the extra mile to support her peers. According to Welty, “Mikayla found ways to participate not only in her own conference sessions, but to build the confidence of other undergraduate students.”

I have not seen another student demonstrate such passion for the process of research and immediately upon completing it, ask how she might broaden the work beyond Pace.

This spirit of mentorship extended throughout her time at Pace. Mikayla frequently helped younger students enhance their resumes and LinkedIn profiles, assisted in networking, and facilitated meetings that explored careers in Peace and Justice Studies—all while maintaining a 3.98 GPA and making the Dean’s List every semester.

Welty highlights how Mikayla's drive sets her apart, particularly in how she extends her commitment beyond academic requirements. “I have not seen another student demonstrate such passion for the process of research and immediately upon completing it, ask how she might broaden the work beyond Pace,” says Welty.

This intrinsic motivation and forward-thinking approach seamlessly transition into the next chapter of her career. Fittingly, Mikayla will continue her work after graduation in a full-time position at SisterLove Inc., a sexual and reproductive justice organization where she previously interned, ensuring her advocacy efforts continue.

Ask questions and pursue topics that you are deeply passionate about! It is so important to seek out mentors and share your ideas and interests with them.

According to Mikayla, her drive stems from the support she’s received from her family and professors, and from a sincere desire to learn more and make an impact. “I am proud of being able to foster change in my community, as well as seeing the departments that I am a part of thrive,” she says.

Reflecting on her experiences, Mikayla shares a simple yet profound message for current students: “Ask questions and pursue topics that you are deeply passionate about! It is so important to seek out mentors and share your ideas and interests with them.”

This month, Olivia Burnett ’24 will graduate from Pace University with a BS in Health Sciences, having specialized in the pre-Physician Assistant track with a concentration in Global Health. The program is known for its academic rigor, but that didn’t deter Olivia from pursuing her deep commitment to community service. Her leadership in initiatives like the Pace Market—along with her participation in clubs such as Pace Pride, Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, and the NYS Public Health Association—has earned her the 2024 Pleasantville Campus Community Service Award.

Olivia's commitment to community service, especially in addressing food insecurity, stems from her experience growing up in an disadvantaged area of Upstate New York. According to Olivia, “I witnessed how families struggled to access, afford, and transport healthy and nutritious food.” However, it was the community's response to such need that truly inspired her passion for service. “At the same time, I saw how community members surrounded those people with love and support. I also observed the schools and churches in my area working to ensure that community members had everything they needed.”

“Acts of service help in creating healthy, safe, and successful communities.”

As she grew up, Olivia became one of these helpers, getting involved in community groups that addressed issues of food insecurity, loneliness in older communities, and cycles of violence. This service spirit continued once she came to Pace. “When I came to Pace, I realized that the issue of food insecurity was still prevalent,” said Olivia. “I felt compelled to do something about it from a public health standpoint.”

Denise Tahara, PhD, has witnessed Olivia’s passion for public health firsthand. “Olivia is committed to the health profession through her volunteer work and curiosity.” She watched as Olivia brought her vast experience to Pace, particularly the Pace Market, a food pantry open daily on the Pleasantville Campus.

Creating and sustaining campus programs and clubs that support different student groups is the key to creating happier, safer, and healthier communities for everyone.

Tahara noted that Olivia didn’t just show up, she stood out. “She has been working with the pantry to get the word out, particularly to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities who underutilize the pantry.” Not only did Olivia work to expand access, she wanted to increase her understanding of food insecurity on campus. Tahara explains, “She administered a survey to learn more about student food insecurity and patterns of usage by the students.”

For Olivia, addressing food insecurity doesn’t just help those affected by it, but uplifts the entire community. “I believe that everyone should be willing to do acts of service that may not directly impact them but rather benefit the larger community they are a part of,” she says. “Acts of service help in creating healthy, safe, and successful communities.”

I believe that everyone should be willing to do acts of service that may not directly impact them.

After graduation, Olivia has decided to take a year to get firsthand experience in the field of public health as an EKG technician and continue her community work. After that, she plans to obtain a master’s degree in public health, bringing her closer to her goal of becoming a physician assistant. Tahara is confident in Olivia’s future, saying, “I believe that Olivia’s commitment to food security and advocating for underserved communities will make her a strong leader in the health professions.”

Her advice to current students remains focused on the power of community involvement: “Organizing on campus is important to ensure the community's success. Programs like the Pace Market work because volunteers take the time to get together and work towards a common goal,” says Olivia. “Creating and sustaining campus programs and clubs that support different student groups is the key to creating happier, safer, and healthier communities for everyone.”

As we approach the end of another academic year, I am once again honored to lead this institution.

To students, parents, faculty, and staff—I thank all of you for your contributions to the Pace Community. You are all go-getters who embody Pace’s mission of Opportunitas.

To our graduating students with Commencement right around the corner, congratulations! Your dedication and hard work have gotten you this far and I am sure you will continue to make Pace proud as you rise in your future. We know that for many in this graduating class the pandemic took away your chance at a proper high school graduation in 2020—we are eager to celebrate your accomplishments!

This year has certainly been one filled with new challenges in higher education and I commend all of you for showing why Pace is so strong in the face of outside turbulence. We have built a foundation based on lifting each other up and always putting our best foot forward.

In this issue of PaceNow, we will be addressing some of the most pressing questions about Commencement 2024 ahead of the big day. Additionally, we will dive into the intersection of AI learning and Federal Reserve decisions, featuring insights from Professor Mary Kaltenberg and a student researcher.

Check out the behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new PaceDocs documentary, showcasing the dedication and talent of our students. From immersive research to on-the-ground experiences with coopers in Spain, the PaceDocs team has once again produced a superb picture for the world’s viewing pleasure. You can check out the trailer here.

We also highlight the achievements of four outstanding seniors—Alicia Bennett, Mikayla Meachem, Anthony Moretto, and Olivia Burnett—who have excelled academically while making significant contributions to their communities.

Be sure to check out our student, faculty, and staff events sections for information on upcoming activities and opportunities to engage with the Pace Community.

And, if you’re interested in continuing your education over the summer, Pace offers plenty of options for current students, visiting and non-degree students, and pre-college programs for those looking to get a leg up. Check out summer programs here.

I look forward to celebrating our graduating class with all of you and remain committed to supporting the success of all our students, faculty, and staff.

In a few short weeks, Pforzheimer Honors College student Anthony Moretto will graduate from Pace University with no shortage of accomplishments.

In the classroom, Anthony has been exemplary—he’s posted a near-perfect 3.96 cumulative GPA, earning a bachelor’s degree in finance at Lubin. Yet, it’s been his uncanny ability to combine his academic interests with becoming an on-campus leader in Pleasantville that has captured the attention of his peers and professors, enabling to earn the highly coveted 2024 Trustee Award.

“I attribute my drive to pure love of everything I do here,” says Anthony. “I have taken my e-board positions and jobs as a privilege. Being able to take classes in the university setting and learn on a higher level is also a great privilege.”

“I have taken my e-board positions and jobs as a privilege. Being able to take classes in the university setting and learn on a higher level is also a great privilege.”

One of the roles he’s most known for is the General Manager of Pace Perk Mart, the ever-popular convenience store at the heart of the Pleasantville Campus. Having initially served as the assistant finance manager tasked with cash and dining dollar accounting, Anthony worked his way up to the GM position, through which he has led a group of roughly a dozen student employees in all facets of business, from day-to-day operations to building a great company culture. Pace Perk is part of Pace’s Center of Student Enterprise, through which students can gain crucial experience managing student-operated businesses. By partaking in this unique experiential learning opportunity, Moretto will be graduating one-step ahead of the competition, all while admirably serving the Pace Community.

He’s also been an instrumental to the increasing popularity of the Pace Pleasantville Investment Club; over the course of his time at Pace, Anthony has helped grow the club and strengthen its operations by instituting budgetary and management systems that have helped it become a major presence on campus. As President, he created numerous investment presentations, coordinated with major financial institutions such as JPMorgan and Barclays to organize events, and much more. He also served as the treasure of the Pace University Programming Board, managing a budget of $55,000 per semester.

“There are a few events and achievements that I am very proud of here,” recalls Anthony. “Helping to successfully plan the Springfest carnival two years in a row is definitely up there. I had an event where I had Barclays come speak to investment club with around 40 attendees, which was one of my proudest events. Turning great profits at Pace Mart and nurturing a large team as general manager is also a great point of pride.”

While Anthony’s individual accomplishments are impressive, he credits his strong support system—both from his family as well as his friends and colleagues at Pace—as crucial in helping him develop the work ethic that has enabled him to thrive as a Setter.

“I believe a lot of my drive comes from the way I was raised. My father’s motto is ‘I did it yesterday’ and I try to match that enthusiasm and work ethic. The love and support I have been given by family and friends also pushes me to strive for greatness. My grandparents didn’t uproot from Italy and come to America for me to shoot for mediocrity.”

Anthony is excited to continue to push boundaries in the future, as he pursues a career in the financial word; he’s currently weighing where exactly in the investment field he’d like to most make an impact, which will dictate his next steps in terms of certifications and licensing. Having recently presented his Honors Thesis that centered around using CRSP returns data and Bloomberg ESG data for the companies of the S&P 500 to determine the relationship between ESG disclosures and returns, he’s set himself up well to dive into some of the industry’s most pertinent and future-forward issues.

While Anthony will be moving on to professional pursuits instead of returning to Pace this coming fall, his influence will remain strong on the Pleasantville Campus as he passes the baton to the next generation of Setters ready to make an impact.

“Loving what I do here and how it positively impacts the people around me gave me the drive to do the things I did,” concludes Anthony. “My advice for new students is to get involved, but not to over-extend yourselves. Get the most out of your college experience, make friends, go to events, and strive for greatness.”

The Pace | Haub Law Advocacy Program hosted its third biennial Gavel Gala on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, NY. The mission of the Gavel Gala is to honor the advocacy program’s hardworking and dedicated coaches, the successes of former law school alumni, to celebrate the school’s current law students in the advocacy program, provide students the opportunity to network with attorneys and judges, to provide scholarship money to allow our students the opportunity to travel and compete across the nation and in prestigious international opportunities. This year, the Program had a lot to celebrate as it was recently ranked # 13 in the Nation by U.S. News and World Report’s latest rankings.

Over 240 attendees spent the evening networking, dancing, and celebrating the program’s successful past, present, and future. The evening included an awards ceremony that recognized the Advocacy Program’s dedicated alumni, students, and volunteers. “The importance of bringing our community together in celebrating our collective effort of mentoring the best future advocates is essential to maintaining the tremendous excitement and success of our students and recent alumni,” said Director of Haub Law’s Advocacy Programs and Professor of Practice in Advocacy, Louis Fasulo. “We are making a great impact on the legal community, and this is just another opportunity to showcase the excellence our Program has achieved.”

This year reflected the greatest number of winning teams, semifinalists, and quarterfinalists in the Program’s history. “This is a reflection of not only the awardees tonight, but of all our student competitors and coaches,” said Professor Fasulo. “We had an amazing year, and I am so proud of everyone’s effort and eager to see where we take this Program next.”

The Gavel Gala had several generous 2024 dinner sponsors, including the firms of Sullivan & Galleshaw, Fasulo Giordano & DiMaggio LLP, the Law Offices of Patrick Joyce, Miller Zeiderman LLP, Lexplug, and an anonymous supporter of our BLSA teams and coaches. The Gala also had support by donations made by many alumni as well as raffle donations from many local businesses throughout Westchester County. The Gavel Gala would not have been possible without the efforts of Sabrina Rehfeld, Isabella Eitner, and Antony Galvano who worked endless hours to make it a perfect evening for all. Additionally, the Program would like to thank the Public Relations and Event team, Advocacy Program Event Coordinator, Loretta Musial, Assistant Dean for External Affairs, Rachael Silva, and our Dean of Students, Angie D’Agostino for all their assistance.

2024 Gavel Gala Awards

2024 Loretta Musial Service Award

• Eva Ferrari of E.V.A Travel

2024 Alex Gastman Coach’s Award

• Brad Gorson ’13
• Samantha Tighe ’20

2024 Public Sector Rising Stars

• Natale Corsi ‘19
• Griffin Kenyon ‘15
• Jordan Montoya ‘17
• The Honorable Taylor Piscionere ‘13
• Christopher Smith ‘17

2024 Private Sector Rising Stars

• Ashley Kersting ‘16
• Giuliana Trivella-Muller ‘17
• Nicole Murdocca ‘14
• Christopher Peticca ‘18

2024 Student Awards

Keith Sullivan Outstanding Advocacy Award

• Chloe Devanny
• Liam Rattigan
• Stephanie Areford
• Amanda Dinkin
• Arianna Cruickshank
• Joseph Demonte

Michelle Simon Leadership Award

• Chloe Devanny
• Sarah Kissel
• Antony Galvano

Unsung Hero Award

• Kimberly Abrahall
• Andrea Garcia

Advocate of the Year Award

• Joseph Demonte

View Photos of the 2024 Gavell Gala

Professor Jason J. Czarnezki, Gilbert and Sarah Kerlin Distinguished Professor of Environmental Law and Associate Dean of Environmental Law Programs and Strategic Initiatives at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, was named to the “2023 Energy & Environment Power 100” list published by City & State New York magazine. Professor Czarnezki was ranked #85 on this year’s list, noting the impact that he has had since joining Haub Law and the environmentally forward initiatives he has helped launch in that time, including most recently, the Sustainable Business Law Hub. This year’s prestigious Power 100 list includes public officials, energy executives, environmentalists, activists, academics and others who are “the key players shaping New York’s energy future.”

Distinguished Haub Law alumnus Basil Seggos ’01, Commissioner, State Department of Environmental Conservation, received the #3 ranking, in part for his leadership in New York State’s ambitious climate agenda to cut carbon emissions 40% by 2030. Additionally, former Haub Law Visiting Scholar Judith Enck, Founder and President of Beyond Plastics and former EPA Region 2 Administrator, ranked #36, along with Fred Zalcman at #25, who served as Pace Energy & Climate Center’s Executive Director from 2001 – 2007.

“I am honored to be recognized among the top energy and environmental leaders in New York, all of whom are making positive strides each day towards combating climate change,” said Czarnezki. “Haub Law is home to the top ranked environmental law program in the country. Our innovative programs are continuously geared towards creating a sustainable and climate friendly future, and I am proud to lead these initiatives.”

85. Jason J. Czarnezki
Associate Dean and Executive Director, Environmental Law Programs, Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University

In the 10 years that Jason Czarnezki has taught at Pace University’s environmental law program, the department has been among the top-rated programs in the country according to the U.S. News & World Report. Czarnezki helped the farmers market operator GrowNYC formalize its relationship with the school’s food and beverage law clinic in 2021. The following year, he became the faculty director for Pace’s sustainable business law hub, which is devoted to addressing sustainability challenges through research and public policy.

3. Basil Seggos
Commissioner, State Department of Environmental Conservation

One of the few Cuomo-era commissioners to stay on in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration, Basil Seggos is part of the team steering the state’s ambitious climate agenda to cut carbon emissions 40% by 2030. Under Seggos’s leadership, the state Department of Environmental Conservation launched an air pollution monitoring system and encouraged drought-affected counties to conserve water. Seggos, who took a leave to assist with the Ukraine humanitarian effort last fall, was instrumental in ensuring the state barred permits for cryptocurrency mining. Now, he’s monitoring air and water quality in Western New York after a train derailment in Ohio contaminated the surrounding area.

View the full City & State 2023 Energy & Environment Power 100 list

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Colby Hopkins

As program coordinator of the BA in Writing for Diversity and Equity in Theater and Media (W4DETM), Colby Hopkins creates and facilitates social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming for students; cultivates partnerships within and outside of Pace; writes grant proposals, reports, and program assessments; and much more.

What do you find most meaningful about your work?

The most meaningful aspect of my work is the opportunity to create a supportive and inclusive environment through which students can thrive as their authentic selves, and as writers and social justice advocates who believe in the power of their words. I find immense fulfillment in creating and facilitating programming that not only educates, but also inspires our brilliant, talented, and thoughtful students to explore and address issues of equity and inclusion through their writing, storytelling, and creative projects. I am deeply committed to supporting students to stand in their own authentic voices and be successful, while contributing to a more just and equitable society.

In the W4DETM program, students learn to develop creative content for film, TV, theater, and media, with a focus on promoting DEI and elevating underrepresented voices in the process. What does DEI mean to you and why is dismantling false narratives and telling stories with truth and authenticity important?

To me, DEI often is, but should never be, performative. My concerns about DEI initiatives have always been the hyper focus on diversity and conformity; that is, working with people from different genders and backgrounds who will just continue institutional norms rather than transform them. DEI cannot just about diversity; it’s also about equity and inclusion, which means recognizing and valuing the unique perspectives, experiences, and identities of all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, beliefs, body, neurodivergence, physical abilities, age or background. This is distinct from social justice but a necessary component of it.

Stories build knowledge and evoke emotion and, therefore, stories move people. In an era marked by polarization and misinformation, authentic storytelling serves as a powerful antidote, fostering empathy, understanding, and connection across diverse communities, while functioning as a challenge to embedded power structures. By elevating underrepresented voices, we not only honor the richness of human experience, but also confront systemic inequalities and injustices. Further, authentic storytelling enables us to confront uncomfortable truths, reckon with historical injustices, envision, and work toward a more inclusive and equitable future.

What is an example of recent, engaging W4DETM programming?

I recently designed, coordinated, and facilitated an immersive learning experience focused on community organizing and social movement work, through which students and Assistant Dean for Diversity and Equity in the Arts S. Brian Jones, engaged in activities such as role-playing exercises and practicing one-on-one meetings. These interactive components allowed students to explore theoretical concepts of social justice and community organizing work and engage practical skills while fostering deep conversations. Their active participation and positive feedback affirmed the value of this programming in fostering meaningful perspectives on social justice that informs creative content development. The skills also apply to their industry, and meetings with theater industry professionals, which some of our students participate in, are part of their career development.

In addition, Dean Jones and I collaborated with the student cohort to design a thought-provoking discussion program centered on neurodivergence and accessibility in the arts. We were fortunate to host a director and writer from the groundbreaking Broadway show, How to Dance in Ohio, who enriched the dialogue with their insights and experiences. The discussion organically unfolded, and we delved into the challenges and opportunities for inclusion and representation. This was in addition to topics relating to career paths, challenges, and burn out in the theater industry.

In your observations, what do W4DETM students, who seem to be truly engaged in and excited to be a part of the program, bring to it, and what is it about them that you are most proud of?

The W4DETM students build the program with us because our work is centering their voices. They also bring to their work, community, and the program a palpable sense of passion, creativity, talent, authenticity, and grace that is truly inspiring. What I'm most proud of is the students' grace towards each other as an essential part of our community-building and compassion toward the world which motivates them to create and inspire change. They come from diverse backgrounds and bring with them a wide range of perspectives and experiences, enriching each other and our cohort as a whole. They are dedicated to using their voices and talents to advocate for social justice and equity within the arts. And they demonstrate a deep understanding of the power of storytelling as a tool for change and are eager to explore how they can make a meaningful impact through their creative work. There’s so much to be proud of our students for—they’re exceptional people.

The W4DETM program’s cohort is small, allowing students to collaborate and form connections that continue beyond the classroom. Can you speak of the importance of this unique feature?

In my opinion, community-building with the cohort is the most important aspect of our work; it’s the foundation. I can attest to the immense importance of the small cohort size in the W4DETM program, as this unique feature fosters a close-knit community and intimate learning environment through which students help and support each other’s productions and career paths and feel supported, valued, and empowered to take creative risks and explore new ideas. It promotes collaboration over competition. When a student tells me how much our support means to them, or when I witness them supporting each other, I feel the value of our work.

You have an extensive background in social justice and political activism, having coordinated many peaceful demonstrations and civil disobedience actions, as well as authoring two books. What are your thoughts on the importance of civic engagement, a key part of the Pace Path?

I firmly believe in the importance of civic engagement and solidarity as cornerstones of a healthy democracy, as they empower individuals to participate actively and collectively in the decision-making processes that shape their lives, communities, and societies, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and represented. I believe, for major change to be possible, people must recognize the common sources of their struggles and commit to solidarity across them. The Pace Path's emphasis on civic engagement as well as the service and social justice components of the W4DETM program, encourage students to become informed and active citizens equipped to address complex societal challenges. By engaging in community service, advocacy, and political activism, they contribute to positive social change, as well as develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards others. The students have repeatedly affirmed that these programs develop their understanding of social justice work and help their creative content development.

The W4DETM program is made possible through a partnership between Pace and the Edmond de Rothschild Family Philanthropy. In your opinion, why is funding for the arts important?

Arts, especially those that meaningfully challenge the status quo, are not usually valued in a purely capitalist model, so support from philanthropic institutions can play an essential role in providing resources for unique and necessary educational initiatives. Without the support of the Edmond de Rothschild Family Philanthropy, we wouldn’t be able to create this space and environment for our students to thrive—a space that helps empower them to pursue their passions, find their voices, and realize their artistic potential with a specific aim towards creating social change. Furthermore, the arts have the power to inspire, provoke thought, foster empathy, and move people, serving as a catalyst for social change and collective action. The students in the W4DETM major are realizations of this potential.

What are your thoughts on the liberal arts serving as a catalyst for change in society?

The liberal arts serve as a powerful catalyst for change in society by fostering critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of human experience. Liberal arts take a holistic approach which emphasizes the importance of dialogue, debate, and critical inquiry, creating spaces for intellectual exploration, which we foster in the W4DETM program. This commitment to open inquiry and discourse fosters a culture of innovation and creativity, where students learn from each other and develop their own voices as a path to envisioning and creating a better, more equitable world. Additionally, the liberal arts promote empathy and understanding by exposing students to diverse people, cultures, histories, and perspectives. In our work, this is critical for students to develop their own voices and write deeper, more meaningful stories.

What are you working on currently and what’s next for you and the program?

Currently, I’m working with Dean Joneson developing the scholarship application for our upcoming scholarship program, we’re planning a couple of trips to see Broadway and off Broadway shows, exploring partnerships for service programs over the summer, developing our discussion event with How to Dance in Ohio guests into a workshop for Pace’s Social Justice Week in the fall, and getting ready for our first senior’s capstone project, a professional produced reading of their full length script, and graduation!