After the stock market crash of 1987, Mitchell Dinkin ‘92 made the decision to pivot from his aspirations in a career on Wall Street to law school. “I changed my undergraduate major to Political Science and from there law school seemed like an obvious path. I had a strong skillset in comprehension, analysis, and a passion for arguing.” Being a White Plains native also made what was then Pace Law School a natural choice for Mitchell. “Pace took a chance on me. I was accepted into the Conditional Acceptance Program (CAP), which meant that just two weeks after I graduated college, I was in law school and fortunately met the requirements in the CAP program for regular fall admission.”

Mitchell’s daughter, Amanda, a newly minted 2024 Haub Law graduate made the decision to also attend Haub Law based on her father’s positive experience. “While my father’s career as an attorney was not the sole reason that I decided to pursue law school, his experience at Haub Law certainly was why I decided to apply and ultimately attend.” After growing up as a White Plains native, Mitchell and his wife decided to move to Florida. After having taken and passed the New York and Connecticut bar exams, Mitchell also took and passed the Florida bar exam and began his career as an attorney there, which is also where Amanda grew up. Amanda notes that while she did not expect to move to New York, she is thankful she did. “I have been provided with so much opportunity by choosing to attend Haub Law.”

Mitchell describes his time at Haub Law as thoroughly enjoyable and upon graduating he felt very prepared to take the bar exam. “I had several clerking jobs throughout law school and having Pace on my resume was definitely a plus in Westchester and nearby Connecticut.” Amanda’s experience as a student at Haub Law was very similar to her fathers in terms of positivity. “The Haub Law community, faculty, staff, administration, and even other students have been nothing but helpful. Everyone at Haub Law is very welcoming and willing to help each other out. This goes a long way in law school.”

While initially surprised with the news that his daughter wanted to attend law school and the same school that he did, Mitchell had no doubts that she would succeed. “I was beyond proud of her. When we took the campus tour after her acceptance it was my first time back on campus in nearly 30 years and I felt so happy for her that she would be able to enjoy the same legal education that I had received and sit in the same classrooms that formed me into the lawyer I am today.”

During her time at Haub Law, Amanda was a very actively involved student. She participated in the Amelia A. Gould Representation in Mediation Clinic, she was Haub Law’s American Bar Association Student Representative, SBA Historian and Vice President, graduated as President of the Law School’s Jewish Law Students Association, a Dean’s Scholar, and was part of several winning moot competition teams along with Internal Competitions Director for the School’s top ranked advocacy program. In recognition of all her positive contributions during her time at Haub Law, Amanda was selected to receive the prestigious 2024 Dean’s Award at commencement.

Now that Amanda has officially graduated from law school, she notes that it is fun to converse with her father in “legalese” and that both can learn from each other. “Coming to law school was a very rewarding experience, although very challenging,” said Amanda. Both her and her father agree that the amount of personal and professional growth that occurs in law school is inspiring, and they are glad to have that journey in common. Now that she has graduated, Amanda will be joining the First Year Associate class in Kennedy's Law New York City office. An AV rated attorney, Mitchell has now practiced in Florida for over 30 years and has been a solo practitioner for most of his career.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins among those honored at event to raise funds for student scholarships and special initiatives

During a special event at the American Museum of Natural History, Pace University recognized five outstanding community and business leaders, and alumni at The Spirit of Pace Awards. Celebrating Pace University’s role as a national leader in providing a college education with strong return on investment, the annual event brings the University community together to support student scholarships and special initiatives.

"The Spirit of Pace Award recipients are an exceptional group of leaders who have significantly contributed to Pace University, their communities, and the world," said Pace President Marvin Krislov. "We are excited to honor these individuals and profoundly appreciate their friendship with the University and their dedication to creating opportunities for our ambitious, hardworking students."

“It is wonderful to come together as one Pace Community, proudly celebrating our rich history and bright future in positioning students for success in their careers and lives,” said Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Gary Laermer. “The commitment of those exhibiting the Spirit of Pace to supporting the next generation of community and business leaders deserves our recognition and gratitude.”

New York State Senate President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who graduated from Pace with a Bachelor of Science in 1986 and a Master of Public Administration in 2008, received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Senator Stewart-Cousins held the positions of President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, and she is the Senator for the 35th District. As the longest-serving Democratic Majority Leader in New York State Senate history, and the first woman and African American woman to occupy this role, her tenure is distinguished by significant legislative achievements and a steadfast commitment to addressing the needs of New Yorkers.

Pace University trustee and senior media advisor of Hearst Michael A. Clinton, who received a Master of Business Administration in 1983 was presented with the Impact Award by editor-in-chief of ELLE Nina Garcia. Clinton joined Hearst in October 1997 and was elevated to executive vice president, chief marketing officer and publishing director of Hearst Magazines in 2001. Prior to that, Clinton was executive vice president of Condé Nast Publications, where he oversaw sales and marketing for the company’s 15 national titles, including Vogue, Vanity Fair and Architectural Digest. Before that, he was Condé Nast’s senior vice president of group sales and marketing and spent 10 years at GQ magazine, including six years as publisher. He holds an honorary doctorate from Pace University.

Pat A. Di Filippo, who serves as the executive vice president of Turner Construction Company, received the Leader in Management Award. Di Filippo began his career with Turner in 1984. He gained experience on a wide variety of projects and advanced quickly through roles of increasing responsibility, earning a promotion to vice president and regional business manager in 1998. He also served as Vice President and General Manager of our New Jersey office before leaving the New York region in 1993 for Texas. Di Filippo was named executive vice president in 2005, returning to his New York roots and expanding his leadership.

The Lubin Alumni Achievement Award was presented to Kevin S. Richards, who graduated with a Master of Business Administration in 1999 and is a partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP, and the audit and assurance leader of the US Financial Services industry practice with more than 20 years of experience serving some of their most prominent clients with national and global footprints. Richards has coordinated and led complex multilocation audits and has supported management teams through IPOs and a wide range of capital market transactions, SEC reporting, acquisition due diligence and accounting, and general business advisory. Richards has a wide range of client leader and industry experience, from real estate to investment management, and served as a technical accounting resource for the US Audit and Advisory practice.

Honorees, alumni, friends, and donors raised more than $1,000,000 for the celebration to support the Pace mission and students.

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, School of Education, Sands College of Performing Arts, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

As a Vietnamese American whose family immigrated to the United States as refugees from the Vietnam War, ThuLan Pham ’25 entered Haub Law as a first generation law student. “I was driven to law school by a passion for environmental conservation and helping those most affected by environmental issues,” said ThuLan. “Growing up in Moore, Oklahoma, I experienced the quick deterioration of the environment from rapid weather changes to frequent fracking earthquakes, heard stories from my family about Vietnam, and was able to see Vietnam with my own eyes and how fishers are negatively impacted by human-made disasters. These are my anchors as I make my way through law school.”

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Since beginning at Haub Law, ThuLan has had no shortage of opportunities to pursue her passion. “It was a surreal experience being able to work in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Headquarters in Washington, DC.” ThuLan worked with the EPA’s Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) and participated in the Environmental Law DC Externship during her 1L Summer. “It was my first legal position ever. My supervisors really cared about fostering my growth as a young law student. I learned how to be more consistent in my writing and gained hands-on knowledge about federal and administrative work. The class portion of the externship was very impactful as well. Professors Solow and DeWire created a safe place for us to learn every week, reflect on our summer positions, and help us practice giving oral presentations on an environmental legal issue.”

Recently, ThuLan interned with the New York State Attorney General Office’s Environmental Protection Bureau where she deepened her understanding of legal powers on a state level. “I’ve learned that, especially with environmental law, there is so much room for states to make new laws to protect the environment and that New York has some very robust environmental rights. It was an added bonus to be able to use the intercampus Pace shuttle to travel into the city every Monday. I also loved being able to walk to places like Joe’s Pizza or over the Brooklyn Bridge right after work.” And, this summer, ThuLan will gain experience as an intern with the Ocean Conservancy in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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During her time at Haub Law, ThuLan has also been able to gain learning experiences at the United Nations Headquarters. She participated in the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) training session on Ocean AI and the Blue Economy. “I was able to hear from and meet industry, international policymakers, scientists, and lawyers alike. That changed my life. It reaffirmed that I want to work with ocean law in the future on an international scale.” ThuLan also went to the UN for World Water Day 2024. “The Mission of Tajikistan hosted the event and invited Haub Law students to attend. We got to be on the ground floor, not just viewing from the balcony, as delegates from around the world explained international water issues and concerns based on their respective countries. It was a surreal experience. The opportunities that students have in environmental law at Haub Law are endless. The students here are so smart and driven, it is empowering to be around, and the faculty and staff are always willing to guide and mentor you.”

For ThuLan, she has found a mentor in Achinthi Vithanage. “I am fortunate enough to serve as Professor Vithanage’s research assistant and have gained so much experience and knowledge from her. Seeing all of her hard work, intelligence, and the various ways she is a leader not only at this school but around the globe, she has guided and inspired me to work as hard as I can, learn as much as I can, and give my all. Also, as an Asian American, it is very inspiring to have someone to look up to in the Asian community that is such a powerhouse.”

Not one to slow down, ThuLan has also immersed herself in law student organizations. She is president of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, International Director of the Environmental Law Society, 2L Representative for both the Latin American Law Student Association and International Law Society, and a Barbri representative. “I really enjoy being involved in student organizations at Haub Law Law. I have found it an amazing way to connect to different groups of people and form real friendships.”

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In addition to her pursuit of a law degree, ThuLan also tutors English and Spanish online and loves Latin dancing. Social media and content creation is also a passion of ThuLan’s and she runs very active social media accounts where she chronicles, through comedy, the daily life and experiences of a law student. “It has become my pride and joy, but hard work nonetheless. I love to make people laugh and this is another way for me to do that. I also wanted to give some representation in the environmental field as well because I never knew, and never heard of anyone who was Asian American, especially Vietnamese American, fighting for the environment, and hopefully one day I will be the Asian Environmental Influencer that some little kid looks up to and says ‘Wow, if she can do it, so can I’.”

Although she has another year left at Haub Law, ThuLan is steadfast in her goal to work to better the environment. “I hope to work in International Environmental Law, particularly focused on water law and/or ocean law. Life is short, so I want to use my time here on Earth to obtain a law degree to be a voice for those who have not been heard.”