Pace hosts ceremony during halftime of its first home football game to celebrate Westchester's first NCAA championship

Pace University on Saturday honored its women’s lacrosse team for their momentous and historic season that ended with the team winning the 2023 Division II National Championship.

As part of the ceremonies, members of the team were recognized in front of an exuberant crowd at halftime of the Pace football game at Northwell Stadium in Pleasantville where the winning championship banner was unveiled.

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“It’s incredibly gratifying to be recognized before so many people who have been supportive to us in our exciting national title run,” said Head Coach Tricia Molfetta, who is beginning her seventh season with the team. “This year has been marked by numerous unprecedented milestones for our program, and this conclusion feels like the perfect culmination of our extraordinary season. I am so grateful we were able to end our year in such a monumental way and I know the experience today will be one this team will share with their friends and families for the rest of their lives.”

In addition to Saturday’s festivities, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge was illuminated in Pace blue and gold Saturday evening. Additionally, Westchester County memorialized the historic accomplishment by proclaiming September 12, 2023 as “Pace University’s Lacrosse Team National Champions Day.”

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Citations, letters, and proclamations from Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, County Executive George Latimer, Assemblywoman MaryJane Shimsky, County Legislator Margaret Cunzio, Town of Mount Pleasant, and the Village of Pleasantville were also presented to the team.

“The women’s lacrosse team consists of outstanding student athletes—a committed and talented group of young women who are as impressive in the classroom as they were on the playing field,” said Pace President Marvin Krislov. “The skills they learned in training rooms and on practice fields, and discipline they displayed on the field, will serve them well throughout their lives and their careers. They worked remarkably hard to become national champions, and we couldn't be prouder to honor them today.”

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In defeating previously unbeaten West Chester, 19-9, in May, the Setters made history by winning the school’s first-ever national title and becoming the first school in Westchester County to earn such honors. The 19 goals scored by the Setters were the most-ever scored in a DII Women's Lacrosse championship game, and they are the first NCAA collegiate team in Westchester County to win a National Championship.

The Setters, who finished the season ranked No. 1 in the nation with a 21-2 record, won a staggering 17 games against ranked opponents during the 2023 season, including a Golden Rams team that came into the National Championship game a perfect 22-0 on the year. In June, they joined college athletes from across the country representing all three NCAA divisions—national championship winners—that were recognized at the White House as part of the inaugural "College Athlete Day."

“These exceptional student-athletes exemplify the relentless drive and determination that characterizes the Pace spirit,” said Athletics Director Mark Brown. “The Pace community takes immense pride in their remarkable achievement, and commencing the school year by honoring them at Northwell Stadium is a wonderful way to start. The recognition bestowed upon the women's lacrosse team is well-deserved, as being the first school in Westchester County to secure a national championship is indeed a cause for celebration.”

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share this remarkable experience with my entire team,” said Angelina Porcello, National Player of the Year, of Eastchester, N.Y. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude that my senior year has begun on such a monumental note.”

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.

Pace has a long history of producing top-tier performing arts talent, and Broadway is taking notice. For the second year in a row, Pace has been named one of the top ten most represented colleges on the Broadway stage by Playbill, one of the leading theatre news publications.

From classics like Chicago, to new favorites like Hamilton and Hadestown, Pace performers are stepping into the spotlight in some of the best productions, right in the heart of the theatre world. Check out the full list at Playbill.

Unlock your performing arts potential and explore programs within the Sands College of Performing Arts.

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is pleased to announce that the 2023 Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy will be jointly awarded to Ambassador Marja Lehto of Finland and former Ambassador Marie Jacobsson of Sweden for their pivotal roles advancing environmental law and policy to protect the environment in times of armed conflicts.

Ambassador Lehto is Senior Expert on Public International Law for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and, until recently, Ambassador Jacobsson served as Principal Legal Adviser on International Law, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden. While Members of the UN International Law Commission (ILC), both served successively as Special Rapporteur for the topic of the “Protection of the Environment in Relation to Armed Conflict.” In this role they worked tirelessly for a decade to develop the Draft Principles of International Law to Protect the Environment in Times of Armed Conflicts (PDF) and then skillfully led the adoption of the draft principles by the ILC and their acceptance by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022.

The principles lay out the urgent need and common objectives to reinforce and advance the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of the environment for present and future generations, specifically with respect to the protection of the environment before, during or after an armed conflict, including in situations of occupation. Remarkably, over the years, more than 60 States engaged with the topic, offering support and observations as did international governmental and Non-Governmental organizations.

“We are honored to recognize two exemplary women for their groundbreaking work and leadership developing principles that will guide and protect the future of our planet,” said Horace E. Anderson Jr., Haub Law Dean and President of the Haub Award Jury. “The Elisabeth Haub School of Law’s No. 1 ranked environmental law program is committed to advancing the rule of environmental law across the globe and to developing the skill, knowledge, commitment and passion for the cause that both Ambassador Lehto and Ambassador Jacobsson so admirably demonstrate.”

The prestigious Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy was established in 1997 by the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, in cooperation with the Haub Family, to honor the legacy of Elisabeth Haub (1899–1977), a noted philanthropist and advocate for strong laws for the conservation of nature. The award was first established to commemorate the 25^th anniversary of the United Nations Stockholm Conference and the 5^th anniversary of the United Nations Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit and is considered the world’s most distinguished award in the field of environmental law. Chosen annually by an esteemed jury, the award recognizes the innovation, skill, and accomplishments of lawyers, diplomats, international civil servants and other advocates who work to create the world environmental order.

“Through the prestigious Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy we aim to recognize the tireless efforts of two bold women whose leadership, insight, and commitment are making a difference in our fight to create a more sustainable world,” said Pace University Trustee Liliane A. Haub. “The importance of protecting the natural environment and its vital resources during and after armed conflicts has becoming increasingly important, and their work will have an important impact on our humanity, especially for those whose countries are in disarray.”

“The principles respond to a long-time quest for a consolidated legal framework for the protection of the environment in armed conflicts. Their temporal scope derives from the recognition that to be effective, protection of the environment has to be continuous: before, during and after armed conflict,” said Ambassador Marja Lehto. “The conferment of the prestigious Elisabeth Haub Award to this work amplifies the message that the environment is no more a silent casualty of war.”

“The war on aggression against Ukraine has clearly demonstrated the need and complexity in managing environmental challenges in times of an armed conflict. Such challenges do not stop when a war is over. The principles clearly show that post-conflict rebuilding and repairing cannot be left to a war-torn State, but require cooperation of the international community”, added Ambassador Marie Jacobsson. “The Elisabeth Haub Award illustrates the necessity of post-conflict environmental peace-building.”

The ceremony for the 2023 Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy honoring Ambassador Marja Lehto and Ambassador Marie Jacobsson will take place on Monday, October 23 at 4:00 p.m. EST and be broadcast virtually.

Incoming Class Represents an 8% Increase in First-Generation Student Applications

With a cheer squad, acapella singers, and faculty and staff enthusiastically welcoming the incoming class, Pace University on Tuesday hosted Convocation on two of its campuses: New York City and Pleasantville in Westchester County.

The energy and excitement on campus was evident as the Pace community celebrated the arrival of nearly 2,404 new and transfer students hailing from 48 states and 98 countries from around the world. Notably, there was an increase in first-generation students – those who are the first in their families to attend college – that coincided with an 8% increase in applications from first-generation students.

Convocation is one of the celebrated traditions for incoming students as it sets the academic tone for their years to come; it was followed by an after-party complete with games, food, a DJ, and dance music.

During the program, Pace University President Marvin Krislov, Provost Joseph R. Franco, Associate Provost for Student Success Hillary Knepper, and Chief Diversity Officer Stephanie Akunvabey provided a warm welcome to the diverse group of students in attendance.

“I am thrilled to embark on my journey at Pace University in the heart of New York City as an international student from India,” said Garima Gandhi ’27, a Biology major. “The bustling streets, diverse cultures, and endless opportunities that the city offers have always held a magnetic appeal to me. Joining Pace University is not just about pursuing an education, it's about immersing myself in a global community, where I can learn and make lifelong connections.”

President Krislov spoke to students about how it is incumbent to understand the real gift is learning and education, and the wonderful opportunities Pace provides to confront new ideas and engage with them.

“As you start your Pace career, I want you to always remember how many opportunities there are all around you,” President Krislov said in his remarks to students. “I want you to try new things. Join new student organizations. Meet new people. Give yourselves reasons to go out, to explore, to pause Netflix and shut your laptops. That is all part of your Pace Path.”

NYC Student Government President Aman Islam encouraged the incoming class to get involved and seize every opportunity available to them as Pace’s respective classrooms extend far beyond campus.

“Go to a march, get involved in your new community, sit in on a city council meeting, ask questions to your local leaders, explain your opinion, and listen to others,” Islam said, encouraging incoming students to get involved in advocacy. “Remember that people our age sparked some of the biggest changes in the world through protest, voting, and hard choices…what will the legacy of our generation be? I am constantly trying show people around me how important it is to be an advocate for yourself and others.”

Pleasantville’s Student Government President Nicholas Diaz spoke to students about the importance of having a supportive community when confronted with life’s challenges.

"In only the year that I have been at Pace, I have seen how close of a unit the Pace community is and how we thrive off support,” he said. “As I talk about support and encouragement, I remember a time where that’s all I needed. On January 6, 2023, my grandmother lost her battle against cancer and my whole world had come crashing down. With the semester about to commence in the next 2 weeks, I contemplated taking a semester off because I felt that there was no way I could do it without her. I received so much love and support from my professors and peers and even students I had not known at the time. That’s the moment I realized Pace was more than just a school, but we were a family.”

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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, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.