The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University honored three distinguished leaders of the legal community, as well as outstanding alumni, during its 29^th Annual Law Leadership Dinner, held at the Westchester Country Club on March 14, 2024. More than 240 alumni, faculty, students, elected officials and members of the judiciary, and distinguished lawyers attended the celebration, raising vital funds in support of student scholarships, faculty research, and innovative programs.

The Law Leadership Dinner, first held in 1995, is the signature fundraiser for Haub Law and provides the setting for the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award, which honors individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the legal community. Additionally, the Shining Star Award recognizes up-and-coming Haub Law alumni in all areas of legal practice who have made significant contributions to the profession, their organizations, and the community early in their careers. This year, the Law School introduced the Visionary of Justice Award, created to honor individuals who raise awareness about human rights concerns, and/or motivate the initiation of social justice efforts within their communities.

This year’s Master of Ceremonies was Board of Visitors member and alumna Susan E. Galvao ’93, Co-Managing Partner, Bleakley, Platt & Schmidt, LLP. Both Horace E. Anderson, Jr., Dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law and Pace University President Marvin Krislov, gave remarks, speaking of the important role that Pace University and the Law School play in supporting our communities, producing leaders, improving access to justice, renewing our commitment to the mental wellbeing of our students, and making a difference. Significantly, Dean Anderson noted the tremendous growth the Law School continues to have – hiring four new professors, once again having our Environmental Law program ranked as #1 in the nation, and our top-tier trial advocacy program’s continued successes as they wrap up another record year.

The 2024 Visionary of Justice Award was presented by Linda Markowitz ’89, Partner, Rosenthal & Markowitz, LLP, to Cindy Kanusher, Esq., Executive Director of the Pace Women’s Justice Center. Cindy Kanusher has been with PWJC for over 25 years and during her tenure it has grown into a highly respected, multi-faceted legal services and training center serving over 3000 victims and survivors of interpersonal violence annually. Cindy was selected for this prestigious award because she exemplifies what an advocate, mentor, and leader stands for, and because she has dedicated her career to assisting victims of domestic violence, and to providing representation to the underrepresented. After accepting the award, during her inspirational and very personal speech, Cindy discussed the impactful work of the Pace Women’s Justice Center, sharing how her own experiences as a child have inspired her life-long commitment to pursuing justice for women and their families.

This year, two Haub Law alumni and top lawyers were recognized with the Distinguished Service Award. Haub Law Professor Leslie Y. Garfield Tenzer presented the first award to Paul Humphreys ’09, Partner, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US, LLP. Professor Tenzer taught Paul when he was a student at Haub Law and, during the presentation, proudly detailed his growth as a law student to the consummate professional that he is now, emphasizing his demonstrated commitment to going above and beyond to support Haub Law students on their professional journeys Paul’s law practice focuses on cross-border public and private M&A, private equity transactions, venture capital, and general corporate governance. He makes a positive impact in his field with an ongoing commitment to DE&I and LGBTQ+ initiatives as well. Notably, Paul has remained involved with Haub Law since graduating, serving on the Law School’s Board of Visitors, volunteering with the Center for Career and Professional Development, and as a generous donor in support of the school’s mission.

The second Distinguished Service Award was presented by Haub Law Board of Visitors Member and former Distinguished Service Award Recipient, Christopher B. Fisher ’94, Partner, Cuddy & Feder, LLP to Anthony B. Gioffre III ’94, Managing Partner, Cuddy & Feder LLP. During his heartfelt presentation of the award, Chris shared his 30-year personal and professional journey with Tony, from Haub Law classmates, to law firm partners and family friends, highlighting Tony’s leadership in successfully advocating for major land development projects in Westchester County. Tony has been a key member of Cuddy & Feder’s Management Committee for over a decade and is a highly accomplished land use attorney, representing national developers, retailers, religious institutions, and individuals before municipal and state land use, zoning, and environmental agencies across the region. He has also appeared on City & State’s Westchester Power 100 list for two consecutive years, highlighting his influential role in Westchester. Importantly, Tony is deeply involved in his community. During his speech, Tony, who is also a blackbelt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, shared the impact that the Sandy Hook shooting had on he and his family who live in the small Newtown, Connecticut community. The tragedy inspired his role and involvement in the not-for-profit organization, Blackbelts for Butterflies, an organization devoted to promoting awareness and acceptance for autism, created in memory of one of the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School.

An early highlight of the Law Leadership dinner was Dean Anderon’s presentation of the 2024 Shining Star Awards to: Leigh Ellis ’15, Assistant Professor at Creighton University School of Law; Colin Myers ’21, Corporate Associate, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP; Scott Wenzel ’17, Senior Associate, Yankwitt LLP; and Venesha White ’22, Associate, Dorf Nelson & Zauderer. Dean Horace Anderson noted the importance of the presentation of the Shining Star Award. “This award reflects not just the impressive trajectory of their careers but recognizes each of them as a shining example among our Haub Law graduates and an inspiration to future generations.”

The 2024 Law Leadership Awards Dinner was made possible in large part to a number of generous sponsors, which you can view in the event program.

Pace to grow cybersecurity workforce in protecting national security through NSA partnership

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Pace University recently signed an Education Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the National Security Agency in an effort to develop a pipeline of science and technology talent for possible national security challenges.

In continuing its partnership with the NSA, Pace University is boosting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education for students by leveraging expertise and resources offered by the federal agency in supporting Pace’s educational programs and research projects. The partnership includes Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems and will provide educational opportunities for students to meet the growing demand for skills in STEM fields.

“This next chapter in our long-standing partnership with the NSA is testament to the broad, innovative, and enriching cybersecurity program here at Pace,” Jonathan Hill, Dean of Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems said. “The Seidenberg School has an impressive roster of cybersecurity faculty, research labs, and a growing number of alumni working at three-letter agencies, national and local businesses, and tech firms.”

Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems is one of the country’s few Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) with a re-designation from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA).

Pace University is committed to excellence in cyber defense education and research. Undergraduate programs include the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a focus in security, and the Bachelor of Science in Professional Technology Studies with a Computer Forensics concentration. Graduate programs include the Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Master of Science in Information Technology with a Cybersecurity concentration, the Master of Science in Computer Science with a Web Security concentration, and the Master of Science in Information Systems with an Information Assurance career path.

“There is so much more to do,” said Dean Hill. “Cybersecurity and all it involves is critical to the digital wellbeing of people, companies, and government. The need to address security at the global level is ever-increasing. In order to address this need for talented cybersecurity workers, we will be launching a new BS in Cybersecurity in Fall ’25.”

Pace maintains three labs focusing on cybersecurity research and education. The Cybersecurity Education and Research Lab (CERL) brings together faculty research and cyber defense education. From students to experts, those learning, working, and teaching in cybersecurity must constantly update their skills and expertise to stay current with fresh developments and ever-changing threats. CERL also maintains a brand new, state-of-the-art cyber range to develop the cybersecurity workforce in a way that simulates the real-world environment. Research streams include biometrics, information security management, web security, computer forensics, information technology auditing, intrusion detection and privacy. The Computer Forensics Lab focuses on research and practical experience in digital and mobile forensics and open-source intelligence analysis. The Computational Intelligence Lab offers students opportunities to develop skills in data science and machine learning and to focus on topics from Artificial Intelligence to pattern recognition.

“This new agreement will further strengthen Pace’s current collaboration with the agency and support research initiatives and workforce development for our programs,” Dr. Li-Chiou Chen, Executive Director of CERL and Professor of Information Technology at the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems said.

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

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

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Agathe Brudi

Class of 2025

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

You are engaged in a number of peer mentoring roles as a Pace student. Please tell us more about these experiences and how this work is meaningful to you.

A peer leader is essentially a co-teacher for University 101 classes who serves as a helping hand as freshmen transition into college life. Through this role, I was able to give back to the Pace community while simultaneously gaining experience and making friends. I could not mention my peer leadership without acknowledging my own University 101 instructor, Denise Moreno, a kind-hearted individual who always ensured that class ran smoothly and taught students valuable skills.

I also volunteer for a peer mentoring program that helps Pace students with physical mobility challenges flourish, such as aiding them with their homework, typing, and accessing Pace websites. The work can sometimes be challenging, and full of trial and error, but, as with all new experiences, I discover what works best for me and the other individual, and then we find a mutual rhythm. Overall, this experience has really opened my eyes to the kind of work I want to do when I graduate.

How did you become interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology?

I always wanted to understand why humans think and act the way they do, and my mom felt that I have good perception when it came to reading people and analyzing different personalities and situations. I am very content with my choice, as psychology is possibly the most interesting subject I have studied, specifically, subtopics such as mental and physical disorders, biological psychology, neuroscience, evolution, behavioral psychology, intelligence, memory, and socialization of personality. I could never get bored, as there is always something new to discover, not only about others, but also myself.

At Pace, I’ve been able to both meet a diversity of people and take part in so many opportunities. I am eternally grateful for the privilege to attend this school.

Why did you choose to attend Pace?

I chose Pace for a number of reasons. I was really drawn to being a part of the Pforzheimer Honors College, as I wanted to challenge myself with the responsibilities that come with this membership. All these years have been truly beneficial to me, and I would not have had as much success in college if not for the help of Mohini Gobin, my guidance counselor. In addition, as someone who is originally from France and has lived most of my life in suburban New Jersey, I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and be in the new environment of New York City. At Pace, I’ve been able to both meet a diversity of people and take part in so many opportunities. I am eternally grateful for the privilege to attend this school.

What have your experiences been like with the New York Psychology Department? What faculty have been instrumental in your academic journey?

I have had the pleasant experience of getting to know several staff and faculty members in the New York Psychology Department. As I mentioned earlier, Denise Moreno, who I worked with in peer leadership, has been instrumental in guiding me to become a better instructor, but also a more active member of the Pace community. Professor DaSean Young, PhD, my experimental psychology professor and advisor for my honors thesis, has been both incredibly vital to my thesis proposal and helped me overcome my anxiety when it comes to doing research. Professor Samantha Pescatore has taken the time to talk to me about different career paths, and Professor Michele Zaccario, PhD, is a wonderful individual who cares deeply about her students and ensures they understand the course materials.

What activities/organizations are you engaged in at Pace?

I am an honors student in the Pforzheimer Honors College and president of Tonal Recall, Pace’s premier acapella group.

What would you like to do upon graduation/what are your career goals?

I would like to pursue a master’s degree and experience different roles in the field of psychology, such as working with those who have mental and physical challenges, as well as further study behavior, memory, intelligence, and personality.

What advice would you like to give to our current students?

It is hard to manage all the responsibilities of being an adult, but it is manageable. I am sometimes nervous I am going to live a life of regrets, but to defy this mindset, I always remind myself to take it a day at a time, as it is better to live in the now than stress about a future that has not happened yet.