The PaceDocs Team focuses film on the craft of barrel making

For the first time, documentary will premiere in English and Spanish

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Pace University’s documentary film team – PaceDocs – is set to premiere “The Cooper: Crafting the Soul of the Cask” at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at the Jacob Burns Film Center.

For the first time ever, PaceDocs will be premiering a documentary in both English and in Spanish. The English version will premiere at the Jacob Burns Film Center while the Spanish version will debut in Montilla and Cordoba, Spain.

The documentary was produced by Dyson College of Arts and Sciences Professors Maria Luskay and Lou Guarneri, and Pace University’s documentary film team.

The PaceDocs team collaborated with José Buendía Picó, a well-known Spanish musician and composer, to provide the music to an audiovisual story. Pico has won 14 composition awards.

Tickets for the reception and screening are available, though space is limited. (Use code PaceDocs24 for free tickets.)

“The Cooper” is an exploration of the art of cask making, also known as cooperage. Its rich history that can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of wooden containers used for storing and transporting liquids found in archaeological sites dating as far back as 2690 BCE in Egypt. The type of cask and the type of wood used in winemaking can significantly influence the taste, aroma, and characteristics of wine in Spain, as in other winemaking regions around the world.

The documentary was filmed in the Andalusian region of Spain, specifically Montilla-Mariles over the course of several weeks.

“The PaceDocs team, under the leadership of Professor Maria Luskay, has once again produced a professional, fascinating and timely film,” said Marvin Krislov, president of Pace University. “ ‘The Cooper’ is another great example of the hands-on experience that uniquely captures the tradition and rich history of cask making. I marvel at the consistent excellence and talent in this program and am impressed by this group of filmmakers.”

The documentary is the focus of the popular class, “Producing the Documentary”, which is part of the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences at Pace University’s highly regarded film program that requires students complete a full-length environmentally themed documentary within 14 weeks. During the process, students learn teamwork, problem-solving, research, and organization, along with technical skills such as lighting, sound, camera work, interviewing, and other real-life lessons necessary to complete a film.

“Sharing this immersive experience with our students is incredibly rewarding and educational for all that are involved,” said Professor Luskay, a faculty member with the department of media, communications, and visual arts. “In addition to filming on-location in Spain and learning about difficult cultures, our team was tasked with producing, filming, and editing a professional quality documentary on the tightest of timelines. The lessons and the memories will no doubt last a lifetime and serve them well in their professional pursuits.”

A blend of graduate and undergraduate students, they were moved by the experience of working on and producing a film of professional quality.

“As with all of us in the class, I wore many hats on this project,” said Rachel Hutchings, a communications and digital media graduate student from Nashville, TN. “In Spain, we all had the opportunity to be on the camera and it was my first time doing so, but it was a great feeling to come up with a shot and execute it well. Being in Spain was incredible. Being able to soak in the culture, meet coopers so passionate about their jobs, and work well with the team to produce a documentary that celebrates the tradition and beauty of the region was incredibly gratifying.”

Lorenzo Osorio, a junior majoring in digital cinema and filmmaking from Dumont, N.J., played an important and unique role on set.

“My primary roles were on-location translator and editor,” said Osorio. “I was one of only three people that spoke Spanish fluently on the trip, so I felt like I was contributing something unique to the film. Aside from basic interpreting, I especially had to be involved in interviews, either conducting them or scribing notes.”

“The Cooper” continues a proud tradition of producing high quality, meaningful, andaward-winning films. In recent years, Pace filmmakers have produced documentaries around the globe focusing on a number of topics, including the farm-to-table food movement in France (2023); how oysters depend on the ebb and flow of tides (2022); the importance of bees as pollinators in our food supply (2021); the impact of earthquakes in Hawaii (2019); the endurance of the people of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria (2018); Cuba at a cultural crossroads (2016); reviving Curacao’s coral reefs (2015); as well as many other poignant films.

“Dyson College’s student filmmakers have produced another moving documentary that delves into the important and fascinating history of cask making,” said Tresmaine R. Grimes, dean, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education and interim dean for the Sands College of Performing Arts. “The students learn and perfect their craft while educating us all. I am so moved by the talents of this team and the compelling film they have made. Congratulations to them and Professors Luskay and Guarneri for another impressive PaceDocs production.”

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

About Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

Pace University’s liberal arts college, Dyson College, offers more than 50 programs, spanning the arts and humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and pre-professional programs (including pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, and pre-law), as well as many courses that fulfill core curriculum requirements. The College offers access to numerous opportunities for internships, cooperative education and other hands-on learning experiences that complement in-class learning in preparing graduates for career and graduate/professional education choices.

On April 21, the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University hosted a local kickoff for the 2024 NY Climate Exchange AI Innovation Challenge. This event, led by Seidenberg's AI Lab co-directors Christelle Scharff and Katie Todd, introduced Pace students to a significant opportunity to engage with a global issue—stormwater management. As climate change intensifies, severe weather is greatly impacting cities around the world. Innovative solutions are crucial for mitigating the impact on urban infrastructure. 

Throughout the challenge, students employ artificial intelligence to devise practical solutions that can be implemented not only in New York City but across other urban environments facing similar challenges.

The New York Climate Exchange has initiated this challenge in partnership with partners City University of New York, Duke University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Good Old Lower East Side (GOLES), IBM, Moody’s, New York University, Pace University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Stony Brook University, and the University of Washington. Participating students will have access to advanced tools like IBM’s watsonx.ai technology and the Call for Code platform; Moody’s’ insights and datasets; and GOLES’s community touchpoints. This provides a unique opportunity to translate theoretical knowledge into practical, impactful technological solutions.

The kick-off event was not just a demonstration of technological potential but also a celebration of the community and collaborative efforts. The deadline for team registrations is swiftly approaching on April 30th, with the next phase of the project leading to a presentation in October where finalists will present their solutions at the New York Exchange.

As we move forward, we invite all eligible students to register and participate in this extraordinary learning and development opportunity. Whether you are from a computer science, engineering, or interdisciplinary background, your unique skills and perspectives are invaluable. Join us in creating real-world solutions that not only address key environmental challenges but also pave the way for future innovations.

For more information and to register your team, please visit NY Climate Exchange AI Innovation Challenge Registration. Submissions are due on April 30, so move quickly!

Together, let's innovate for a sustainable future.

Professor Claudia Green to Conduct Study on Agritourism in Spain

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Professor Claudia G. Green, Ph.D., RD, a professor of Management and director of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the university’s Lubin School of Business, has received a Fulbright Specialist Program award, Pace University today announced. It marks the second time Green has been a recipient of a Fulbright award.

The Fulbright Specialist Program sends U.S. faculty and professionals to serve as expert consultants on curriculum, faculty development, institutional planning, and related subjects at academic institutions abroad for two to six weeks. Fulbright Specialists are a diverse group of highly experienced, well-established faculty members, and professionals who represent a wide variety of academic disciplines and professions.

“I feel very honored to be recognized yet again for my contribution to furthering understanding and collaboration with international colleagues in Brazil, Cambodia, and now in Spain,” said Green. “It reaffirms the importance of international relations and sharing of knowledge.”

Green will complete her project over the course of 30 days at the Universidad de Seville in Spain, where she will be working with colleagues to conduct a project on the economic, social, and environmental importance of agritourism to Andalusia, which is in the southern region Spain.

The project will include identifying agritourism businesses, the development of an interactive map of agritourism businesses, and a needs assessment with the agritourism entrepreneurs to identify their needs in terms of education and training of professionals in the sector to help get them to get better results and to improve the rural economic development.

“We are delighted to hear of this well-deserved honor for Professor Green,” said Katherine Richardson, Ph.D., associate dean of Graduate Programs Professor and Management and Management Science Department at the Lubin School of Business. “She has been the Director of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at Pace for over 20 years, and during this time has worked on multiple international research projects focused on sustainable tourism and social entrepreneurship. This is a great example of how our Lubin faculty engages in educational activities that make a positive impact on society, not just within our local community but global communities as well. Professor Green will be a wonderful ambassador for the Lubin School of Business and Pace University.”

Seven years ago, Green was a Fulbright Specialist in the Kingdom of Cambodia, where she collaborated with tourism professionals, anthropologists, archeologists, and tour guides of the Temples of Angkor Wat. Their goal was to examine the problem of over-tourism and strategies for managing it.

Green has taught at Pace for over 25 years and is a resident of the Soho neighborhood of Manhattan.

About the Lubin School of Business

Globally recognized and prestigiously accredited, the Lubin School of Business integrates New York City’s business world into the experienced-based education of its students at Pace’s suburban and downtown campuses, implemented by one of the region’s largest co-op programs, team-based learning, and customized career guidance. Its programs are designed to launch success-oriented graduates toward upwardly mobile careers.

About Pace University 

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. 

Bailey Mullen

Class of 2026

Currently Studying: BBA in Finance

Member Of: Undergraduate Finance Club (President) and Zeta Beta Tau (Finance Director)

Pronouns: He/Him

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After recognizing the need for an on-campus organization dedicated to students interested in finance, Bailey Mullen jumped into action to quickly create one. Since establishing the Undergraduate Finance Club, Bailey and his e-board have hosted weekly events focused on preparing students for successful careers in finance.

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

My choice of Pace University stemmed from the desire to immerse myself in the world's largest financial hub, New York City. Attending Pace and the Lubin School of Business in NYC has offered unparalleled opportunities that other institutions couldn't match.

How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?

Being involved in campus clubs has allowed me to establish a supportive network and forge valuable connections within my field. It has significantly enriched my time here at Pace.

You founded Pace University‘s Undergraduate Finance Club. What motivated you to start this club?

I recognized the need for a community focused on finance enthusiasts and professionals-to-be, so I founded the Undergraduate Finance Club to provide students with networking opportunities and industry insights crucial for their career journeys, especially in the competitive internship landscape.

Why is it important to teach students about finance through your club?

Establishing a space for individuals passionate about finance fosters a community of learners and professionals. I aim to share my enthusiasm for the intricacies of finance and provide avenues for students to connect with industry leaders to gain knowledge to land those hard-to-get internships.

You are also the Finance Director for Pace University‘s chapter of Zeta Beta Tau. What have you learned in this role?

Serving in this role has honed my management and organizational skills, fostering a sense of fulfillment through collaborative goal achievement. I have had the opportunity to work to gain practical analysis skills as Finance Director and gained a group of friends for life.

How have your Lubin classes helped prepare you for your on-campus positions?

Lubin's curriculum has equipped me with the knowledge and confidence necessary for leadership roles in campus organizations, backed by unwavering support from the faculty. Additionally, the courses have laid the framework of a combination of soft and hard skills necessary to succeed in the workplace, mainly learning how to successfully work in groups.

Describe your experience as a Universal Banker at Citi.

My tenure as a Universal Banker at Citi taught me effective time management and customer service skills in a fast-paced environment. Working alongside a supportive team, I learned the resilience essential for a career in finance, balancing a full-time class schedule with extensive work hours.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

Among my various roles, organizing an event featuring hedge fund manager Bill Ackman stands out as a thrilling opportunity due to the numerous moving parts and large team facilitating the event.

With support from Lubin and Career Services, the event garnered a large attendance, and as the moderator, I was able to develop and ask interesting and engaging questions.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

Get involved early, network diligently, and maintain an updated resume. Don't hesitate to seek guidance from professors - leverage their invaluable real-world insights.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife embodies a comprehensive educational experience, blending academic rigor with exposure to the finance industry. Lubin serves as both a support system and a gateway to success.

It’s internship season. Check out these Career Services tips for finding opportunities, making the most of them, and setting yourself up for next year. And if you’re a recent grad, we’ve got some helpful hints for you, too!

1. Set clear goals and get feedback

Internships and work opportunities are more than talking points at your next interview. They are opportunities to learn on-the-job skills, gain professional development, and actively improve. Before you begin, consider exactly what skills—professional, social, and interpersonal—that you’d like to develop.

Once you’ve pinpointed what you’d like to learn, don’t be shy. Be candid with your supervisors and colleagues what you hope to learn from them and ask for feedback. Not only will you get more from your time and open up learning pathways that might not have been available before, but you’ll also develop stronger working relationships.

2. Network, Network, Network

Who you know is always an important aspect of the professional world. Keeping your LinkedIn up-to-date helps potential employers get to know you and can potentially serve as a point of contact for those in your industry you have not met in person. Though online connections are important, the longer lasting ones will be the connections you make in the field, with colleagues and fellow interns. And finally, lean on your Pace Community. Pace faculty and alumni mentors are connected to experts worldwide and maintaining those ties may lead to new ones. If you’re a recent alumnus, dive into the Pace Alumni Association, where fellow alumni can lift you up and get you connected.

3. Invest in Yourself

In a world where much of the workspace is engaging virtually, the usual concept of ‘office space’ has radically changed. With our work now taking up time and space in our homes, it’s more important than ever to cultivate spaces that work for us. Take the time to assess your working needs and find a way to carve out space so that you can not only focus while working from home but can also unplug once the day is done.

And for those working in-person, the age-old adage ‘dress for the job you want’ continues to ring true. Stock your closet with clothes that will help you make the best impression.

And if you’re spending money, save those receipts—when tax season returns, every write-off counts.

4. Join Handshake and Utilize Career Services Resources

Career Services is dedicated to offering career prep workshops, career fairs, employer spotlights, and other services to empower you to jump into the working world. Attend the Virtual Career Fair for Recent Graduates, attend a Career Counselor Q&A, or practice your interview skills and fine tune your cover letter. These events are designed to help you plan your next step, hone your skills, and stand out from the crowd. Check out all of the upcoming events on Handshake and the career services event calendar. And don’t forget, recent grads, Career Services is here to help you, too!

5. Volunteer

If you’re still making summer plans, or hoping to fill up your free time, there are always opportunities to volunteer. The Center for Community Action and Research lists several options for community engagement, political participation, and other employment and leadership opportunities. Not only is serving your community important, but volunteering offers you the chance to pick up new skills, network, and discover new passions.

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Shari B. Hochberg ’12 knew from the time she was twelve years old (if not sooner) that she wanted to be a lawyer. Choosing Haub Law due to its unique geographical location and proximity to both numerous law firms and the courts, Shari found it to be the perfect fit. Now, as a career law clerk with the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, Shari shares with us why a clerkship is the best legal experience you can get and how no two-days are alike.

Did you always want to be a lawyer?
I knew I wanted to be a lawyer at least since I was twelve years old. I was asked to write an essay in the sixth grade about what I wanted to be when I grew up and I wrote, among other things, that my occupation would be “Courtroom Ruler” and that I would be “known throughout the state of New York” for my trial skills. Influenced by a passionate, brilliant English teacher I had when I was a junior at the Bronx High School of Science, I sought to pursue journalism for a brief period. But by sophomore year of college, an internship with the Special Litigation Division of the Federal Public Defender Service reinforced my desire to go to law school and become an attorney. Even without yet having a degree, I saw the real impact that my dedication and work ethic could have on marginalized communities and the public at large, and I was sold on the career path.

Why did you choose Haub Law?
I graduated college toward the end of the Great Recession, when the job market had not yet rebounded, and employment prospects were grim throughout all industries. With my mind focused on future employment, geography first drew me to Haub Law – because between NYC and Albany, there’s only one law school, but there are tons of law firms. I felt a sense of security that I would be able to utilize Haub Law’s geographical advantage to obtain internship opportunities and post-bar employment. I was also deeply interested in pursuing public interest law and litigation, in particular. Haub Law’s Public Interest Law Center, clinic opportunities, career counseling, and commitment to the growth and success of its students solidified my choice.

And, once you got to Haub Law – how was your experience?
Haub Law was a perfect fit for me. The school afforded me a work-life balance, such that I could pursue extra- and co-curricular activities and internships while maintaining my coursework. Haub Law enabled me to launch a chapter of the Unemployment Action Center, so that I could continue representing individuals in Unemployment Insurance hearings before Administrative Law Judges while also training other law students to do the same. I was given the opportunity to serve as Editor-in-Chief of the Pace International Law Review as well as publish my own law review article. I developed strong relationships and made friends at Haub Law that are still some of my best friends today.

You are a Law Clerk in the US District Courts for the SDNY – what is your day to day like?
I can’t give away all the secrets, but I can tell you that I work on every type of case filed in federal court, preparing orders, drafting written opinions and bench rulings, preparing the judge for conferences, arguments, hearings, trials, criminal sentencings, advising him on legal issues and briefing him on the positions of the litigants appearing before us. I like to think of my role as essentially counsel to the judge. And in my particular role as a career clerk, I am expected to be involved in everything happening in Chambers – including supervising interns, training new law clerks, managing ethics and conflicts matters, calendaring, event planning, and general office management.

What advice would you give students who want to pursue a clerkship?
Go for it! First, if you haven’t already pursued a judicial internship, I’d suggest applying for one while you’re in law school. It will help you decide if a clerkship is right for you (and it also can’t hurt having that on your resume). I’d also advise students to work on creating a well-rounded, diverse, and interesting resume and always carefully crafting your cover letters: judges and their staff really do read them, and when you write something that demonstrates that you’ve done your research about us, it just may give you the leg up.

You often hear it said that a clerkship is amongst the best legal experience you can get – why is that?
There is simply no other job that gives you the opportunity to immerse and educate yourself in this many diverse areas of the law. Every day is a chance to see and learn about legal issues that you wouldn’t ordinarily come across when working in a discrete practice area. For example, in just one day this week, I worked on an ADA discrimination case, a narcotics conspiracy case, a civil rights case, a Fair Credit Reporting Act case, and a personal injury case. I do not think I would have had the opportunity to prepare for a murder trial while I was practicing commercial litigation – but here, I can. The job demands a commitment to finding the right answer and explaining it clearly, requiring you to sharpen your research and writing skills. You are also surrounded by great legal minds who are eager to share their knowledge.

There is also no other job that lets you get behind the curtain and see how the courts work; how cases proceed from beginning to end; how motions actually get decided; how judges think; what judges want you, as a lawyer, to tell them, etc. In a time when only 1-2% of cases go to trial, we prepare for multiple trials monthly. A clerkship truly is the best legal experience you can get.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am an avid television watcher and a big fan of unwinding with friends and family. I love to explore the beautiful Hudson Valley with my husband and we frequently end up at Muscoot Farm for quality time with the goats and the other incredible animals there.

Meet Daniel Ramos (BS in Computer Science ’26), a second-year student studying Computer Science in the Seidenberg school. Daniel is busy! When he is not in class or hanging out with friends in the Goldstein Academic Center, you can find him walking around the Pleasantville campus (both for enjoyment and as part of his on-campus job), on the shuttle to/from the New York City campus or at the Jacob Burns Film Center, a cultural center in the heart of Pleasantville.

Daniel developed a love for computers at an early age. Influenced by his older brother who, too, had an appreciation for technology, Daniel evolved his engagement from tinkering with computers in middle school to following the activities of tech giants like Apple and Samsung, to taking advanced high school computing courses. “By the time I was in high school, I had accumulated a lot of coding and design skills,” notes Daniel. “I knew I wanted to further my knowledge in these areas.”

When it came time to apply to college, Pace’s Seidenberg School was top-of-mind for Daniel. He’d connected with an alum who shared positive feedback about the school, and he observed during visits some of the characteristics of Seidenberg that made it a fit for him. “I immediately noticed the connectedness between students and professors,” shares Daniel.

The open and friendly atmosphere and small class sizes make it easy to collaborate, ask questions and develop the skills I need for the future.

One career path Daniel is considering pertains to User Interface (UI), which refers to the look, feel and interactivity of a web page.

That Daniel is considering UI as a possible professional direction makes a lot of sense, given his interests outside of Pace. One major hobby of Daniel’s is film. “I followed indie movies for a while,” notes Daniel, “and during the pandemic, I expanded my viewing library immensely.” Beyond taking in the plot and characters, Daniel has a keen eye for the artistic aspects of a film that make it unique. “I notice elements that make the film more of an immersive experience,” he shares. “I also find myself observing and considering the ways in which the smallest details can make a huge difference in my movie-watching experience.” Daniel hopes to forge a career path that will merge his focus on the finer points of design with his enthusiasm for coding and technology.

Daniel’s current job is as a Tour Guide for the Pace Welcome Center and as a Student Assistant. In these roles, he gets to interact with prospective students and families, answer their questions and share his Pace experience. “It’s gratifying to be able to share Pace and Seidenberg’s high points with those who are considering enrolling,” notes Daniel. “Much like the Pace alum who spoke with me when I was a senior in high school, I am now the one to share feedback and perspective with students deciding on their undergraduate path.” Daniel often describes Pace as a ‘Goldilocks’ school. Not too big, not too small, just right.

I love that I can encounter familiar faces each day, and also meet new people.

One venue for meeting new people is Pace’s New York City campus where Daniel travels regularly. He is hoping to explore taking a course on the NYC campus at some point in the future. “It would be great to study at the NYC campus, even for just a class,” notes Daniel. “In the meantime, I like to visit NYC as I am inspired by the surroundings and I have easy access to one of my favorite movie theaters.”

We’re looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Daniel.