After graduating from Lehigh in 1991, studying for a master’s degree in English Literature, and raising a family, Melissa Eydenberg decided to attend law school, which had been in the back of her mind for nearly 30 years.
After graduating from Lehigh in 1991, studying for a Master’s Degree in English Literature, and raising a family, Melissa Eydenberg decided to attend law school, which had been in the back of her mind for nearly 30 years. Now a 3L at Haub, Melissa’s advice for someone thinking about pursuing a degree in law is to “Do it in your own time- but do it!” Learn more about Melissa, why it is the people at Haub Law who make Haub Law stand out, and more in this Q&A.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I grew up in suburban New Jersey, my parents ran a small publishing company that specialized in supplements for gifted education i.e., “film strips” back in the day then videos and digital videos, critical and creative-thinking workbooks, literature guides and social studies materials. I graduated from Lehigh in PA in 1991 with a double major in English and Government – even then I couldn’t make up my mind about what I wanted to do! I went to UMD for studies in English Literature and left with a Master’s Degree, got married, worked very briefly as a recruiter in the European Equity Market, had kids and all of a sudden it’s 2022.
What inspired you to attend law school?
I needed to learn about the world, my place in it, and “why is this happening?” I always wanted to go to law school. After having kids, I was basically a stay-at-home mom. When I divorced in 2006, I still had it on my mind and even advocated for some school funding in the settlement agreement! It took 12 more years before I felt like I had the time to spend on myself, but here I am! Also, my fiancé runs a law firm out of my house, and I am surrounded by lawyers and I eventually got tired of telling everyone “I’m not a lawyer.”
Well, now that you are here, what have you found you like most about Haub Law?
The people. All of them: students, professors, staff. I can’t tell you how many times Michelle, JoAnn, Josie, or Tony have helped me out – especially with my technological challenges! Because I’ve been part-time, I’ve gotten to know more students than most people, and from all backgrounds, ages, races, religions, from literally all over the world, but all with a lot in common. I have loved learning with and from the lawyers of tomorrow and seeing where they are going and have gone. The “millennial” and “gen z” students have very different perspectives and life experiences and sharing with them has been invaluable. Because I am not THEIR mom they explain to me as a colleague, not as they would to a parent - but I have been known to hand out tissues, Band-Aids, masks, and snacks.
You are taking the Feminist Legal Theory seminar with Professor Crawford – can you talk about that class a bit?
What has been very interesting and helpful is listening to the younger students because they literally live in a world different from the one in which I grew up. It is impossible to understand what is going on in the law, in politics, in society without expanding my viewpoint and trying to see through their lenses. This is also my fourth class with Professor Crawford - Wills, Trust, and Estates; Corporations; Federal Taxation, and now Feminist Legal Theory.
Who are some of the most inspiring women in your life?
Looking back, a significant majority of classes I have taken at Haub Law were taught by female professors. As I am in the midst of my fourth class with Professor Crawford, you might have deduced I'm a fan. I'm kind of like that front-row seat that a rock star sees on tour at every show- is it a little creepy? She doesn't seem to mind. Prof. Crawford is the most enthusiastic, engaged, invested, and organized teacher I have encountered at any level of education. Besides providing all her classes with every possible tool to learn, including a self-produced manual for success, she is a prolific writer and contributor in multiple fields and if you follow her on Twitter (yes, I admit it, super-fan), you might ask yourself, as I have, "how is she doing all of this?" It is inspiring and a bit daunting. She's who I would have wanted to be when I grew up if I still had the time. On an even more personal level, I think both my daughters are "inspirational women." My elder daughter came out, fairly recently, as trans and her quest to be her best self inspires others, who she reaches with her music (and can be found under "A Small Bird" on all the things!). My younger daughter has taken on the challenge of graduating college in a pandemic and going out into this crazy world with bravery and humor! They have both grown into compassionate, kind women and they inspire me every day!
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about pursuing a degree in law?
Do it in your own time- but do it!
Bennett Gershman, a former prosecutor and a law professor at Pace University, suggested that significant portions of the filing may be redacted “given the closeness to the upcoming election” but that many of the actions Trump took in his attempt to overturn the election results “clearly were not official acts.”
Sands College of Performing Arts alumnus Cooper Koch ’18 stars in a new Netflix drama, Monsters, Yahoo News reports.
Elisabeth Haub School of Law Professor Bennett Gershman provides insights to Reuters regarding the recent charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the challenges of removing him from office – and the story gets picked up by hundreds of publications around the world. In the article, U.S. prosecutors have charged Adams with accepting illegal campaign contributions and luxury travel accommodations from Turkish nationals attempting to sway his influence, capping an investigation that has sent the largest U.S. city's government into turmoil.
Larry Chiagouris, a professor of marketing at Pace University told Quartz. One of the most puzzling reductions is “Family Size” boxes of products.
"We want to get more students involved and excited about CHP's opportunities. We're all here for academics, but there's so much more CHP has to offer, and we want to make students aware of that," said Alexa. This role allows them to be part of the many changes within the rapidly growing health care field. In addition, SGA gives students support for their ideas to promote diversity and inclusion within an educational setting.
Student Government Ambassadors (SGA) for the College of Health Professions (CHP) are inspired by advocating for students just like they will be advocating for patients. Health Science student Alexa Slack and Nursing student Grainne McGinley are CHP's Pleasantville Campus SGA ambassadors. They took on this position to build connections between students and professors within all CHP programs. "We want to get more students involved and excited about CHP's opportunities. We're all here for academics, but there's so much more CHP has to offer, and we want to make students aware of that," said Alexa. This role allows them to be part of the many changes within the rapidly growing health care field. In addition, SGA gives students support for their ideas to promote diversity and inclusion within an educational setting.
"We want to get more students involved and excited about CHP's opportunities. We're all here for academics, but there's so much more CHP has to offer, and we want to make students aware of that." —Alexa Slack
Creating a strong and welcoming community while encouraging collaboration between all the different CHP programs is the main goal for Alexa and Grainne. Their desire is for students to gain a better understanding of the curriculum and expand upon networking opportunities. Grainne explained that it's a very empowering experience to be able to get this knowledge from being a part of student government and getting to see behind the scenes to help make certain decisions.
Grainne, a nursing student in her senior year, always knew she wanted to be a nurse. After an injury she suffered, she wanted to help support patients who went through similar experiences. Grainne's interest in the field grew when she started volunteering at her local ambulance corps in high school. Once her college search began, she expressed that the "lights started glowing on Pace University” because of the opportunities CHP provides. As a first-generation college student, Grainne felt slightly overwhelmed with the confusing application and FASFA process, but Pace advisors guided her through it. "I was able to learn more about how accepting they were as a school, to how progressive they are within their programs, especially within CHP. They have connections with the top hospitals in the area. I've been able to go to hospitals all around New York City, ranging from the VA system to NewYork-Presbyterian.”
When it comes to educating individuals for careers in nursing, CHP strives to prepare students for a complex work environment. “Something unique about Pace is the vast opportunities that you can do within our clinical simulation lab. I get to work with professors that have different specialties within each course. I am provided an area and space where I can learn, retry, and grow my clinical skills.”
Grainne is grateful for the connections she has built and the medical education she has received throughout her four years. “The advanced equipment that CHP has allows the chance for your mind and your abilities as a student to be above so many others. It's like an out of world experience.”
Her goal is to become a burn ICU nurse in a critical care unit. She currently works at White Plains Hospital within the emergency room and recommends this amazing critical care experience to other students.
Alexa Slack came to Pace as a Political Science Major. She soon realized it was not the right choice for her. With the help of her academic advisors, she found the transfer process into CHP smooth and easy. After looking into more of CHP's programs, she realized health science combined her love of advocacy with her interest in healthcare. This led her to enroll in the public health minor.
Alexa noted the amazing connections she has made through CHP, and she acknowledged the incredible faculty members. “We're a smaller program compared to the nursing program, but all the faculty members are truly wonderful. They have such a wide variety of knowledge, and you get a different experience each time you go into the classroom.”
As an SGA ambassador, Alexa appreciates the open environment professors create within CHP. “They don't just stand there and lecture you for hours. They're really interested and invested in their students and helping them get ahead and not only in their academic life, but their personal and their future careers. I know that any time I need to, I can email my professors, and they'll always make time to help me out.”
Alexa hopes to go into the public health field after graduation, with a focus on epidemiology or community health education. Eventually, she would like to get her master's degree in Public Health.
College of Health Professions Associate Professor and occupational therapist John Damiao is leveraging technology to make substantial improvements to the lives of wheelchair users through research, aiming to increase comfort and reduce injuries.
Singer. Model. Medical assistant. There’s no end to what Brian Powell ’21 can accomplish as a health science major on the pre-physician assistant track who creates art in his spare time. To top it off, he also wrote a research paper on racial patient bias in healthcare.
Nursing student Nicholas Lombardo '22 had experienced a life-changing injury in high school. Though he's long-since recovered, that experience has put him on the path to a career in the health professions, where he can combine his love of science and his desire to care for others.
Bergen Community College and Pace University have signed a new dual admission agreement, allowing students who complete their studies at Bergen Community College in New Jersey to matriculate into Pace with junior standing. Presidents, provosts and administrators from Pace and Bergen made the announcement on March 10, 2022 during an in-person meeting of the two schools at Bergen Community College.
Agreement builds bridges between schools, fosters seamless academic transition for students
Bergen Community College and Pace University have signed a new dual admission agreement, allowing students who complete their studies at Bergen Community College in New Jersey to matriculate into Pace with junior standing.
Presidents, provosts and administrators from Pace and Bergen made the announcement on March 10, 2022 during an in-person meeting of the two schools at Bergen Community College.
As part of the agreement, Bergen Community College students who graduate from certain programs with an Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.) or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and a minimum grade point average of 2.5 will be guaranteed acceptance to Pace University. Students graduating from Bergen will have their lower-level general education/core requirements waived if they transfer to Pace.
For the transfer students, a maximum of 68 credits will be applied toward the completion of the relevant Pace Bachelor’s degree programs. Additionally, Pace will offer scholarships of up to $25,000 to eligible transfer students who graduate with a GPA of 3.2 or higher on either Pace University campus in Westchester or New York City. Students with a 3.4 GPA or above, will receive the agreed upon Honors coursework and a letter of recommendation from the Director of the Bergen Honors Program or from a faculty member/advisor within the College are also automatically eligible to enroll in Pforzheimer Honors College at Pace.
"We are thrilled to join with Bergen Community College, our neighbor in New Jersey, in this important and forward-looking agreement," said Pace President Marvin Krislov. "This partnership will allow us to help Bergen students achieve their dreams, and we are eager and excited to continue providing all our students opportunities to succeed in the ever-changing global economy.”
“Providing graduates with clear pathways to four-year institutions and the workforce represents a central goal of Bergen Community College,” President Eric M. Friedman, Ph.D., said. “Creating transfer agreements with partners such as Pace University helps the College achieve those goals by offering students a mutually coordinated path for success and upward mobility.”
President Krislov also noted that Bergen graduates have more than 135 majors and programs to choose from at Pace; opportunities to get involved in over 100 student clubs and organizations; a choice of two campuses – one in lower Manhattan and another in Pleasantville – and can enjoy what campus life has to offer.
Furthermore, Bergen students committing to Pace will have access to academic counselors to maximize course offerings and to ensure a smooth transfer process. Transfer students will also be able to tap into thousands of internships and career placement opportunities offered through Pace’s Department of Career Services. Historically, Pace has some of the strongest job placement outcomes among undergraduate and graduate students. It’s one of the many reasons that Pace is ranked number one in upward economic mobility among four-year private universities according to a study conducted by Harvard University’s Opportunity Insights.
“Providing students with opportunities to pursue higher education, reach their potential and achieve their goals are guiding principles at Pace,” said Pace Provost Vanya Quiñones. “This agreement with Bergen Community College will be a transformative experience for students and creates a clear pathway for success. We’re eager to be partnering with our colleagues at Bergen to make this agreement a reality.”
Since 1906, Pace University has educated thinking professionals by providing high quality education for the professions on a firm base of liberal learning amid the advantages of the New York metropolitan area. A private university, Pace has campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, enrolling nearly 13,000 students in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in its Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Lubin School of Business, College of Health Professions, School of Education, School of Law, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.
For the third time in school history, Pace Women’s Basketball will represent the East in the Division II NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Quarterfinals. The Pace women’s basketball program has been to the Elite Eight twice before in 2001 and 1985. The team will travel to Birmingham, AL, March 21–25, as the East Regional Champions.
For the third time in school history, Pace Women’s Basketball will represent the East in the Division II NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Quarterfinals. The Pace women’s basketball program has been to the Elite Eight twice before in 2001 and 1985. The team will travel to Birmingham, AL, March 21–25, as the East Regional Champions.
While most of the Pace University students enjoyed a week off for spring break, the Pace Setter women’s basketball team continued to represent the University on the national scale, continuing on a magical postseason tournament run. On Monday, March 14, No. 7 seed Pace defeated eight-seeded Daemon College, 67-65 in the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament East Regional final (Full Recap). Pace University will represent the East Region in the NCAA Quarterfinals next week in Birmingham, AL. The Setters’ victory over the Daemon Wildcats capped off a triumphant regional that also featured wins over second-seeded Chestnut Hill College and third-seeded USciences. The Regional was hosted by Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, NH.
Head Coach Carrie Seymour is in her 30th year at the helm of Pace’s women’s basketball team. This season, she topped the 500-win plateau and helped steer the Setters to a 24-7 season so far, capturing a piece of the Northeast-10 Conference Southwest Division regular-season title. Seymour Seymour is assisted on the sideline by Pace University alumna Brittany Shields ’13. Shields played under Seymour from 2008-2013 and was a part of three NCAA Tournament teams.
Joining Pace in Birmingham will be Glenville State, Grand Valley State, Missouri Western, North Georgia, Valdosta State, West Texas A&M and Western Washington. Opponents, game times and seeds will be announced on NCAA.com.
Follow the #DancinDawgs as they continue their quest for their first NCAA Women’s Basketball tournament title by following @PaceWBB or @PaceUAthletics on social media or PaceUAthletics.com.
From having an entire season cancelled to vying for the NE-10 Conference title, Pace Women’s Basketball has been making the most of their return to action. Coach Carrie Seymour and team co-captain Lauren Schetter discuss this year’s success amidst unorthodox circumstances, and reflect on Coach Seymour’s major milestone of 500 career wins at Pace.
Julia Sroczyk always dreamed of traveling to New York City. Through the Kosciuszko Foundation and the English Language Institute at Pace University, she was able to see her dream come true.
In his second semester, he interned for a Manhattan Borough President campaign. Last semester, he interned for Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer’s district office. As a second-year student, Aman Islam is demonstrating what it means to be a go-getter, and he shows no signs of stopping.
On Tuesday, March 8, Elizabeth Lee, Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Australian Capital Territory, was presented with the Pioneer of Justice Award by the Women’s Association of Law Students. The Pioneer of Justice and Equality for Women and the Law Award is awarded annually to an inspirational woman who possesses valuable insight and experience in women’s issues in the law. Honorees contribute positively to society working toward equal rights and justice for women. Elizabeth Lee is the first international awardee to receive the Award. Ms. Lee stated that she was incredibly humbled to receive the Award.
On Wednesday, March 9, the virtual book pre-launch for Professors Crawford and Waldman’s Menstruation Matters: Challenging the Law’s Silence on Periods with a special spotlight on Haub Law faculty took place. With over 360 individuals registered for the event, it was a huge success and described by audience members as engaging, in-depth, timely, empowering, thought-provoking, and interesting.
On Wednesday, March 9, the virtual book pre-launch for Professors Crawford and Waldman’s Menstruation Matters: Challenging the Law’s Silence on Periods with a special spotlight on Haub Law faculty took place. With over 360 individuals registered for the event, it was a huge success and described by audience members as engaging, in-depth, timely, empowering, thought-provoking, and interesting. Dean Horace Anderson introduced and moderated the event followed by the authors of Menstruation Matters, Professors Bridget Crawford and Emily Gold Waldman speaking. From there, Haub Law faculty commented on various chapters of the forthcoming book, sharing their expertise as applied to it. Speaking at the event were Professors Noa Ben-Asher, Jason J. Czarnezki, Katrina Fischer Kuh, Michael M. Mushlin, Michelle S. Simon, and Leslie G. Tenzer. Throughout the virtual event, audience members interacted via the chat and had the opportunity to ask questions at the conclusion of the faculty spotlight. During the event, Professor Bridget Crawford was also recognized for being named a University Distinguished Professor. The event was met with such a positive reception that you can be sure to stay tuned for another similar discussion and panel in the coming months.
Students from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Trial Advocacy Team were honored with an invitation to compete in the Tournament of Champions Competition hosted by UCLA School of Law on October 29-31. The Haub Law team consisted of Kathryn Facelle (3L), Michael McNally (3L), Kimberly Abrahall (2L), and Liam Rattigan (2L) and was coached by alumni AJ Muller ’15 and Mike Luterzo ’20.
Students from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University’s Trial Advocacy Team were honored with an invitation to compete in the Tournament of Champions Competition hosted by UCLA School of Law on October 29-31. The Haub Law team consisted of Kathryn Facelle (3L), Michael McNally (3L), Kimberly Abrahall (2L), and Liam Rattigan (2L) and was coached by alumni AJ Muller ’15 and Mike Luterzo ’20.
The annual exclusive competition only extends invitations to the top 16 trial advocacy institutions in the country. At the competition, the nation’s finest law students showcase their multifaceted talents by competing in teams of four with each team trying both sides of a civil case—twice as plaintiffs and twice as defendants. Participants also receive intensive, one-on-one coaching from top-tier professionals in law school trial advocacy programs.
"It was a true honor and privilege to be invited to the Tournament of Champions mock trial competition-- the most elite competition in the nation. Invitations are based solely on objective performance rankings in the preeminent national competitions,” said Professor Louis V. Fasulo, Director of Moot Court and Advocacy Programs. “Our students' success in the American Association of Justice competition over the last two years resulted in Haub Law’s first ever invitation to this exclusive tournament.”
Haub Law Adjunct Professor and alum AJ Muller has generously devoted his time as a trial coach for Haub Law since 2016. “This invitation marks yet another stride in our Advocacy Program's ascent into the national stage,” said Muller. “Our students' performance at the Tournament demonstrated our program's ability to produce the caliber of advocates needed to be a force on the national stage. I look forward to Advocacy Programs continued success to gain continuing entry into this elite Tournament.” Muller is also a Senior Associate at Trivella & Forte LLP. The Advocacy Team’s second coach, alum Mike Luterzo is an Assistant District Attorney with the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office. Luterzo started volunteering alongside Muller last year and together-- under the leadership of Professor Fasulo--they have fostered numerous successful advocacy teams, serving as mentors and coaches for many Haub Law students.
Time to dance! Congratulations to our Pace University men’s and women’s basketball programs for their selections to their respective NCAA tournament fields! It is the first time both teams have made the national tournament together since 2007.
Time to dance! Congratulations to our Pace University men’s and women’s basketball programs for their selections to their respective NCAA tournament fields! It is the first time both teams have made the national tournament together since 2007.
The No. 7 seed Pace women's team will be playing against No. 2 seed Chestnut Hill in the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball East Regional on Friday, March 11 at 2:30 p.m. ET. The semifinals will take place on Saturday, March 12 with the Regional Final on Monday, March 14 at host-school Southern New Hampshire University. The Blue and Gold were rightfully rewarded after recently completing one of the best seasons in program history. Pace's 14-5 conference record earned the Setters a share of their first-ever NE10 regular-season championship. Head Coach Carrie Seymour has now led Pace to 11 NCAA Tournaments during her remarkable career in Pleasantville. Earlier this season, she became just the 17th active head coach to eclipse 500 career wins.
Follow the Pace women’s basketball team’s run in their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2012!
The Pace University men’s basketball team won their first outright NE10 Southwest Division regular-season championship title in February. On Sunday, the Setters were announced as the No. 5 seed in the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball East Regional and will play against No. 4 seed Dominican in the first round on Saturday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. The Setters' success has been based on tremendous defense and a balanced attack. Pace ranked in the top-four of the NE10 in scoring defense, blocks, and steals this season. Coach Healing's squad put together an 18-8 regular-season record (14-5, NE10) before advancing to the Northeast-10 Conference semifinals for the first time since 2007.
Follow the Pace men’s basketball team’s run in their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2007!
From having an entire season cancelled to vying for the NE-10 Conference title, Pace Women’s Basketball has been making the most of their return to action. Coach Carrie Seymour and team co-captain Lauren Schetter discuss this year’s success amidst unorthodox circumstances, and reflect on Coach Seymour’s major milestone of 500 career wins at Pace.
Esports has arrived at Pace as our 15th varsity sport. Get your introduction to this booming industry, our new Esports director, and the students who have been passionately dedicated to the program since its days as a student club.
In a year unlike any other, the transformative power of Pace has the ability to uplift and hearten. Here are just a few of our most inspiring Pace moments.
The Republican Party’s nominees include; Kevin Hanratty, a Queens attorney; Marc Wurzel, general counsel and assistant secretary at the Grand Central Partnership; and Darrin Porcher, a retired NYPD lieutenant and professor of criminal justice at Pace University.