Four innovative Pace students just won IBM’s prestigious Call for Code 2020 challenge, which unites thousands of developers to create and deploy applications powered by open source technology that can tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. Together, Ajinkya Datalkar ’20 (MS in Computer Science), Manoela Morais ’20 (MS in Financial Risk Management), Chimka Munkhbayar ’20 (MBA in Entrepreneurial Studies), and Helen Tsai ’21 (MS in Computer Science) worked on an app code with more than 3,000 lines including more than 11.252 million lines edited or inserted—quite the feat for only four people! But how did they get started?

“We were all students at Pace when we met,” Morais told us. “[Datalkar] and I had already done other projects together, such as winning the 2019 Pace Pitch Contest.” The two were eager for their next app development challenge, and when speaking to Munkhbayar about joining the group, their project idea was launched. “I was more interested in working in the project that solves the challenges that rural farmers in Mongolia face,” Munkhbayar explained. “We planned to create something for rural household farmers.” The group, which would become known as Agrolly, added on Tsai as their web developer to handle the logistics of the website. “I was so impressed with their work,” she enthused. “When [Datalkar] asked me to join, [...] I jumped into developing.”

Like all new projects, the Call for Code challenge seemed daunting at first. Team Agrolly was tackling a real-world issue, after all, and it was no small feat for a group of only four people, who all had other responsibilities as busy professionals. “Getting inside a competition such as Call for Code is a great push for us to do our best,” Morais said. “We [...] put together a team with different backgrounds and nationalities to fight for a common enemy, which is climate change.”

That wasn’t their only challenge, however. “I am located in Mongolia while [my] other team members are located in New York,” Munkhbayar said. That’s a 12-hour time difference, for anyone who might be wondering—a challenge that Tsai initially shared. “When I joined the group, I was in Taiwan working as an intern,” she told us. “They [would] throw me some information at night, which [was] my morning, and [I’d] work on it during the day and throw it back to them at night.” That’s basically 24 hours of coding! But Tsai insisted that, “Everyone is very supportive,” and Munkhbayar agreed, adding that they overcame the time difference challenge and coordinated well with each other.

When asked about what being named finalists meant to each of them, the consensus was clear: they’re grateful, but they’re also even more committed to furthering their work on this necessary project. “Our team is in an ongoing improvement process,” Tsai said, and Datalkar agreed, adding that, “Currently, we have pilots in Mongolia and we are soon launching in Brazil. I am really looking forward to registering as a company and making this into a global product.” Munkhbayar shared that enthusiasm with her teammates, and told us that, “I personally want to revolutionize the agricultural farming sector in my country and in [the] wider scale of the Asia region.”

Morais explained that team Agrolly has a three-year plan in place, including developments to assist families across the globe. They hope to add new functionalities to their app, and continue to develop it in the years to come. “I think Agrolly has the potential to truly make a difference in people’s lives—including ours,” Morais said.

On Tuesday, October 13, IBM announced the winner of the Call for Code 2020 challenge live—and Agrolly won! They will “receive $200,000, support from IBM Service Corps and technical experts, and ecosystem partners to incubate, test, and deploy their solution,” according to the IBM report. In addition, “Agrolly will also receive assistance from The Linux Foundation to open-source their application so developers across the world can improve and scale the technology.” We’re thrilled by this news, and we look forward to all the incredible innovation these Pace Setters are set to make. Join us in congratulating them!

Image

$1 Million in Matching State Funding to add programming, modernize space and help address nursing shortage

PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. (March 23, 2021) – Pace University is poised to transform Lienhard Hall, home to its College of Health Professions on the Pleasantville campus, into a modernized Healthcare Hub with the help of $1 million in state funding.

With these critical funds, Pace will add important programming for students preparing for careers in the region’s burgeoning healthcare and biotechnology sector while adding to, and modernizing, existing lab, classroom and simulation space -- all with the goal of meeting the ever-changing technology demands in the healthcare sector and preparing much needed nurses in New York State.

The grant, awarded as part of the New York State’s Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program (HECap), is intended to increase preparation, laboratories and facilities in health sciences throughout the state.

"The new Healthcare Hub on our Pleasantville campus will enable Pace University to continue our proud tradition of educating nurses and other health professionals in such high demand in our region," said Pace President Marvin Krislov. "I congratulate Pace's College of Health Professions on its successful application for a HECap grant. I thank all our partners in the New York S​tate government for this crucial funding, and I'm excited for our future CHP students, who will benefit from the state-of-the-art labs and learning spaces in the new Healthcare Hub."

The goal is to help address a growing shortage of qualified nurses throughout the region, state, and country that was highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic, and is expected to grow as demand only increases in the field. Additionally, it’s estimated that as many as 75,000 qualified students were turned away from undergraduate and graduate programs in the U.S. in 2018 because of insufficient space, clinical sites, and faculty, according to an American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s report.

“We are profoundly grateful to have the opportunity to expand our state of the art Center for Excellence in Healthcare Simulation to accommodate more students to address the growing shortage of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nursing faculty,” said Dr. Harriet R. Feldman, dean and professor at the College of Health Professions and the Lienhard School of Nursing at Pace University. “The new Healthcare Hub will also provide educational space for active learning, vital to what today’s students need in nursing and allied health professions.”

Lienhard Hall is the heart of the College of Health Professions; it was constructed in 1968 and is home to CHP’s simulation labs, practical exam rooms, lecture hall and faculty and administrative offices. The new Healthcare Hub will allow Pace to expand capacity to educate greater numbers of pre-licensure and advanced practice nurses, as well as future faculty and nursing leaders. The Hub will also allow CHP to develop additional simulation space with high fidelity equipment, telehealth simulation capability, and advanced information technology that will support and enhance the student learning experience.

For nursing student Brandon Joachim, the new Healthcare Hub will be a great asset and learning space for students at Pace.

“I've learned and grown from the number of hands-on experiences Pace has offered from so early in the curriculum,” said Joachim, a senior. “I believe the addition of the new Healthcare Hub will be a tremendous and safe place to encourage, facilitate and foster our growth. I’m truly excited to see it elevate the Pace experience and the Nursing program to the next level.”

The state grant to Pace is part of $57.2 million provided to 35 colleges and universities across New York State. All recipients must invest $3 for every $1 the state provides.

“These state investments in higher ed capital projects are smart growth job creating engines that will benefit our communities for years to come,” said Sen. Pete Harckham.

About Pace University

Pace University has a proud history of preparing its diverse student body for a lifetime of professional success as a result of its unique program that combines rigorous academics and real-world experiences. Pace is ranked the #1 private, four-year college in the nation for upward economic mobility by Harvard University’s Opportunity Insights, evidence of the transformative education the University provides. From its beginnings as an accounting school in 1906, Pace has grown to three campuses, enrolling 13,000 students in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in more than 150 majors and programs, across a range of disciplines: arts, sciences, business, health care, technology, law, education, and more. The university also has one of the most competitive performing arts programs in the country. Pace has a signature, newly renovated campus in New York City, located in the heart of vibrant Lower Manhattan, next to Wall Street and City Hall, and two campuses in Westchester County, New York: a 200-acre picturesque Pleasantville Campus and the Elisabeth Haub School of Law in White Plains. Follow us on Twitter or on the Pace News website.

About the College of Health Professions

Established in 2010, the College of Health Professions at Pace University offers a broad range of programs at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. It is the College’s goal to create innovative and complex programs that reflect the changing landscape of the health care system. These programs are designed to prepare graduates for impactful careers in health care practice, health-related research, or as educators, and equip graduates to work in health policy and global health fields. Students in clinical programs receive hands-on training in the College’s interprofessional Center for Excellence in Healthcare Simulation and have the opportunity to apply their developing skills in real-world settings at many of the regions' leading clinical facilities. The College is currently comprised of several growing and important areas of study, which include Nursing, Physician Assistant, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, and Health Science. Our vision is to be recognized for our innovative leadership in education, practice, scholarship, and service to improve health and the health professions. Our mission is to educate and challenge diverse students for the health professions to be leaders, innovators and lifelong learners who will positively impact local, national, and global health. For more information, please visit the College of Health Professions website and the Lienhard School of Nursing website.

New York has one of the largest international populations in the country and Pace University, home to 1,259 international students representing 100 countries, offers its students various programs to help them transition linguistically, academically, socially, and culturally to American university life.

One of the University’s newest programs, the Pace Global Pathways Program started in the summer of 2012 with six students and has grown to 175 students in fall 2013, combining academic coursework with advanced English language training to help international students integrate smoothly and successfully into an undergraduate or graduate program.

Dyson Biochemistry major and Italian transplant Michael Zini ’17 was one of the first set of students to benefit from the bridge program and matriculate in 2012.

“It was very helpful. It helps you transition between international high school to American college,” he adds, “Everyone was always very helpful and available for any concerns or questions. Thanks to Global Pathways, I know basic and fundamental things that are not taught in college.”

Zini was so successful in the program that he’s also a top candidate for a future Global Pathways peer mentoring program, where he would pass his knowledge on to other international students.

Currently, Zini is giving back to fellow international students and helping the University, working as a student assistant in the international admissions office, where he responds to queries from international students on the application process.

“I’ve been through the same process, so I can help them out,” he says. “I have interviews with Italian students and I get to explain to them in my native language.”

Zini isn’t just knowledgeable about Pace and its pride points, but believes in them, selecting the University for its academics and location.

“Pace statistics speak for themselves. Regarding economic or business majors, Pace University is just the top of the class. This is one of the reasons I chose Pace,” he says. “Secondly, I have always been in love with NYC...the calm chaos, the tranquility of its parks, all those cool little streets with small but delicious burger bars, the quiet cafes, all the different styles mixed together...You definitely never get bored in this city.”

Zini’s taking full advantage of his American experience, exploring beyond the bright lights of New York City to the Northern Lights during a trip he took to Alaska, where booked a flight and explored the state…al fresco.

“I always wanted to go to Alaska and I figured if I don’t do it now, I might not get the chance again,” he says. “I got to visit the Arctic Circle signs, I saw bears, and the coolest thing I did was see the Aurora Borealis [the Northern Lights].”

Zini hopes to continue exploring the United States and, ultimately, make a permanent home here.

“America is where I think I belong,” he says. “I would like to become a citizen, start a family, and become a real American. Of course, I would love my parents to come over and transfer here once I am settled down. They have always encouraged my dreams and my passions so it would be the least I can do to pay them back somehow, starting from being a good student and a good person."

"Pace kind of found me, in a way," says political science and women’s and gender studies double major Marianelli "Nelli" Agbulos ’17, who discovered Pace at the last minute while applying to colleges. Now the anti-trafficking activist and social media savvy student is combining all her passions to make the world a better place, one connection at a time.

Agbulos remembers the defining moment that inspired her to take on politics at Pace before she even arrived on campus. "I almost applied as an art major, but then I changed my mind because I had this encounter with a homeless man, which kind of changed my perspective on everything," she says. "Back home in Vancouver, I was thinking more about the system and how the government helps the homeless people. I had this epiphany and then I changed my application and I rewrote my application essay."

Since then, her political focus has shifted toward ending human trafficking, with a strong emphasis on using social media and people power in the non-profit sector to make it happen. She currently blogs for The Anti-Trafficking Independence Project, which she co-founded with accounting student Eli Alexander to document their journey of creating an anti-trafficking non-profit organization. On campus, the Pforzheimer Honors College student has been involved in organizations like Generation Citizen at Pace as outreach director, The Honors Herald as editor-in-chief, and more, including the Pace NYC Model United Nations Team.

Recently, Agbulos had a chance to participate in what she calls "a pinch me moment" by representing Oxfam International at the 2014 National Model United Nations Conference in New York City, where she won an Outstanding Position Paper Award. As a career goal, Agbulos hopes to one day work for the UN in some capacity and says her experience at the conference affirmed her desire to pursue the non-profit sector.

"Being in the place where future policy is made and having global leaders come together and discuss the world’s state; being with other students who are just as passionate about these issues we’ve been talking about for the whole conference, besides being eye-opening, was also a wake-me-up moment," she says. "It was a reminder that that’s how changing the world really starts—getting people together."

And getting people together is what Agbulos is all about. She’s been using platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram avidly since their creation to share stories and narratives that unite people from all over. She even helps bridge the gap between companies and their clients by managing social media accounts for Smitten Creative Services, a PR/media company she co-founded with fellow Pace student Bianca Marie Carpio to assist organizations with everything from event planning to press release writing. "I just like seeing people connected, seeing stories come to life, and having people realize that, yeah, you may not know that person in-person, but online, you can still make that connection," says Agbulos.

While she may be entering a busy junior year, Agbulos looks forward to a new role she’s taken on as a journalism fellow for the Shine Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting survivors of domestic violence, poverty, and human trafficking achieve self-sufficiency through integrative action against abuse. She’s also looking forward to participating in the BA/MPA dual degree program that will allow her to graduate in 2017 with an MPA concentrated in the non-profit sector, and praises the Pace Community for inspiring and encouraging her along the way.

"I remember reading about students like Jacqueline Kelleher and Damon and Jo, and meeting them in-person and talking to them in-person. It was like a superstar moment. I call them my Pace celebrities."

Pace student De’Ja Cox ’17 is all about making the most of a situation. “I was at Pace’s Career Services Center within the first month because I really wanted to take full advantage of the college experience. I always felt that I had to build my life, and the only way to do that was to put myself out there, starting with the resources at Pace,” she said; since that day, she’s kept a 3.5 GPA while pursuing a double major in language, culture, and world trade and French, with a minor in political science. And if you expected that to be only the beginning of what Cox has done at Pace since she arrived, you’re right.

Cox also serves as the president of Be The Change, and holds the position of Board member of Pace University’s Women’s Empowerment Network (WEN), as well as serving as a WEN mentor. She is also the secretary of Pace’s Black Student Union in NYC, is one of six Pace students publishing an alternative student newspaper dedicated to innovation, contextual reflection, authenticity, and creativity called The Underground, and—on top of all of that—works part-time in the Office of International Programs and Services as a student assistant, and has applied to be an Orientation Leader. But she’s been especially excited about the ongoing city-wide collaborations that the Black Student Union is negotiating.

“So far, we’ve built great connections with Brooklyn College and their poetry team which has really grown into a mutually supportive and rewarding relationship,” she said, with an eye to the future. She hopes that the Black Student Union will be able to create similar relationships with other New York City colleges and universities.

But even with her great ambitions, Pace has helped Cox realize what her limits are, and to take care of herself first. “I’m a very ambitious person, but I want to be everywhere—and I’m realizing you can’t be everywhere and eat, and get the proper amount of sleep, so, you have to do what you need to keep yourself balanced.” She’s taken advantage of the Counseling Center’s stress management workshops and it’s been a great help to her as she continues to involve herself at Pace.

Cox has been greatly rewarded for her efforts; she was sponsored by current senior Diana Mendez ’15 and by Sue Maxam, EdD, the current assistant vice president of undergraduate education, to represent Pace University at the International Young Leaders Assembly hosted at the United Nations, as well as the Global Peace Foundation’s Conference for American Renewal in Arlington, Virginia, this year. Visiting the UN for the conference was one of her favorite moments brought about through connections with Pace.

“It was a great experience just being there, dressing up, and meeting some of the panelists and hearing what they had to say about being a young leader and about what it means to be an active global citizen,” she says.

Cox has some sage advice for incoming students or ones who haven’t been involved on campus before: Look inward before you look outward towards what you want to do. “Try to analyze yourself, and really, thoroughly define for yourself your core values. You can go from there and get involved—talk to a favorite professor, or a staff member in one of your departments to see what opportunities are available to you. Or do research—conduct informational interviews with executives in fields you’re interested in. We’re in New York, so take advantage of it, and get yourself out there as soon as possible, because there’s a lot of competition.”

As for her own future, Cox currently interns for best-selling author Carole Hyatt, an executive career development expert who founded MISSION: Getting To Next, an organization that runs quarterly workshops for military women transitioning to a civilian career. Cox hopes to get a summer internship with Viacom, BET, or the World Trade Center; she is also considering applying for a Fulbright—or graduate school at Columbia. But she has her priorities in check. “I’m still learning that it’s ok to take a breath sometimes. But I think my chances for making it through this semester on top and alive are high!”

Matthew Champagne ’17 isn’t your run of the mill college student. In addition to excelling in the classroom, the history and theater directing double major and classics minor is heavily involved in a growing non-profit organization called Eagle Project, whose mission is to draw upon the performing arts to explore and better understand the American identity through our Native American heritage.

Champagne was able to connect with Eagle Project and Ryan Pierce, Eagle Project’s founder, during his freshman year through a recommendation from PPA professor, alumna, and mentor Ashley Marinaccio. From there, Champagne’s involvement really took off.

“I started doing various little projects—redesigning their website, and I initially took over all the social media in order to broaden the fanbase,” says Champagne. “Based on the work that I was doing, Ryan was like ‘do more,’ and was gracious enough to give me the title of associate artistic director.”

Now entering its fourth year, Eagle Project has put on three full-scale theater productions, including 2015’s Trail of Tears, a play by Thomas Soto that tells the devastating story of the Native American Removal Act and its unconscionable effects. Given that one of Eagle Project’s primary goals is to raise awareness and pay homage to the culture, customs, and history of North America’s indigenous tribes, Champagne is aiming to extend the influence of Eagle Project by establishing an educational branch.

“Ideally Eagle Project would be working with various institutions—museums, high schools, universities—where we’d be presenting on certain historical events that involve Native American culture and bringing in elements of performing arts,” says Champagne. “Eagle Project is something I would love to make my career out of.”

Among the long-term goals Champagne has on the horizon for Eagle Project include establishing a full post-colonial anthology of Native American plays, as well as a language center, where both novices and scholars alike would be able to immerse themselves in the hundreds of Native American languages our continent once held—nearly all of which have rapidly decreased in usage and/or are on the verge of extinction.

Through these efforts and the continuing production of plays, Champagne envisions Eagle Project developing into a major cultural institution for years to come. “We want to tell the history of America through literature and plays Eagle Project has produced,” says Champagne. “Most [Native American] culture, laws, dates thousands of years before Columbus. We still barely mention Native American history in schools.”

As for the progress both Champagne and Eagle Project have made thus far, he strongly credits the faculty and environment he’s been a part of at Pace, who helped him acquire necessary skills as well as think critically in real-world settings.

“[The Performing Arts Department] is absolutely incredible. It’s why I came to Pace,” says Champagne. “[I’ve learned] how to look at the world and critically think about it as opposed to accepting the way the world is now. We are so ingrained, we blindly accept. That’s what Pace has taught me. How to question, to think rationally, and listen to people and what they need as opposed to thinking [about] what I need.”