The PaceDocs Team Focuses on the Slow Food and Farm-To-Table Movement

Filmed Across France and New York

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Pace University’s documentary film team, PaceDocs, will premiere its latest film, "For the Love of Food: Pour l’amour de la Cuisine" at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 8, 2023 at the Jacob Burns Film Center.

The documentary -- produced by Dr. Maria Luskay, Professor Lou Guarneri, and Pace University’s documentary film team -- focuses on the slow food movement, which began in Europe during the 1980s to preserve the culture of eating locally and combating the popularization of fast food.

During 14-weeks of production that included filming across France and New York, PaceDocs filmmakers spoke with farmers, chefs, and restaurateurs who have dedicated their lives to making slow food a reality in a fast-paced world.

“‘For the Love of Food’ is yet another extraordinary accomplishment from the PaceDocs team—a film that not only gives our students hands-on experience in the art of documentary filmmaking but also enables them to explore the values and environmental impact of the farm-to-table movement,” said Pace President Marvin Krislov. “At Pace we believe in the power of learning by doing, and year after year this course, under the leadership of Dr. Maria Luskay, provides a great example of real-world education that makes a difference in our students’ lives.”

This film explores the guiding principles of good, clean, and fair – and why that is a healthy recipe for a sustainable future. While eating farm-to-table has become a global phenomenon, nowhere is this passion for clean eating more apparent than in France where generations have relied on locally grown foods. From family-owned farms and markets in the Laon and Lorraine countryside, to beautiful restaurants in the heart of Paris, all the way back to a farm-to-fork eatery in Westchester, New York, this documentary explores the environmental and health benefits of eating clean, locally grown goods, the value of family traditions, embracing culture and heritage through cooking, and of course, the love of food.

“It’s gratifying to travel internationally once again and to be filming with students on location in France,” said Professor Luskay. “Sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience with our students is as rewarding as it is educational as we learned the importance of where our food comes from as well as what it takes to complete a professional quality film on a strict deadline.”

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 one semester.

Students in the class are a mix of graduate and undergraduate with varying academic focuses, experience, and skillsets. They come together as a film crew and learn all aspects of filming and production. During the process, they 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.

“For the Love of Food” continues a proud tradition of producing high quality, meaningful, and award-winning films. In recent years, Pace filmmakers have produced documentaries around the globe focusing on a number of topics, including the economic and environmental importance of oysters in our ecosystem (2022); the essential role 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 are impressive: They have produced another documentary that is timely and topical,” said Tresmaine R. Grimes, dean, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education. “The students learn their art and craft with hands-on production experience that will serve them well after they graduate from Pace. I am so moved by the talents of this team and the compelling film they have produced. 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, New York, 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.

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.

Gamr - Pace Entrepreneurship Studio Startup

Seyi Fakoya '23, co-founder
Eniola Edun, co-founder
Kunmi Adenipebi, co-founder

Interview with Lubin student Seyi Fakoya

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Tell us about your startup.

Gamr is building infrastructure for gaming and esports communities in underserved markets throughout the world. Founded by myself, Eniola Edun, and Kunmi Adenipebi, our mission is to unlock economic opportunities for all in gaming. Gamr's innovative solutions are built on inclusion, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or location, has an equal opportunity to earn money and have fun playing games.

Initially, Gamr's focus was centered on the African continent due to the potential we perceived to exist there. However, with the assistance of the team at the Pace Entrepreneurship Studio, we were encouraged to think beyond our current boundaries, as our technology could be applied on a global scale.

How did you come up with the idea for your company?

My co-founders with whom I started a business ventured into hosting esports tournaments under a tech conference platform named Techplus. This endeavor was successfully executed for a span of five years until the advent of the pandemic lockdown in 2020. We believe that the Covid-19 pandemic acted as a significant impetus for the creation of Gamr, as it facilitated a shift towards online gaming and esports, which ultimately resulted in heightened engagement rates. At the time, we used a bunch of tools like WhatsApp to manage the community, but there was no software we knew about that could be adapted to our market to manage tournaments. My co-founders approached me to join in building the technology in 2021, and that is how Gamr was started. Amidst the pandemic, we began conducting weekly scrims for PUBGM and CODM, with a minimum of 3,000 players participating on a regular basis.

How has the Pace Entrepreneurship Studio been beneficial to your company and its growth?

Initially, Gamr's focus was centered on the African continent due to the potential we perceived to exist there. However, with the assistance of the team at the Pace Entrepreneurship Studio, we were encouraged to think beyond our current boundaries, as our technology could be applied on a global scale. We have benefitted immensely from the weekly check-ins and resources provided by the Studio, as it has offered us a wealth of valuable insights on how to build a billion-dollar company. Nofar Nistani, the inaugural Studio Program manager, in particular, has been an invaluable asset to our team.

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What have your experiences been like with PES?

So far, my involvement with PES has largely entailed leveraging the wealth of resources that are readily available to me. I have frequently been reminded of the extensive support and resources that I, as a studio member, have at my disposal. While I admit that I may have previously underutilized these resources, I am gradually making strides towards changing this.

As a student entrepreneur, how have your classes at Pace University prepared you to start your business?

Pace University has played a pivotal role in spurring me to consider the opportunities that have been presented to me. Through the faculty and my classes, I have gained a broader perspective on the world of business and expanded my understanding of it. By analyzing case studies in entrepreneurship, delving into financial modeling, and comprehending financial statements, as well as completing group assignments that involved managing teams, I have been able to gain insight into the workings of the world and establish realistic expectations as I embark on starting a business.

What is a challenge you've had to overcome as a student entrepreneur?

Being a student entrepreneur has presented me with a host of challenges, including balancing academic excellence while managing other priorities that are often time-bound, such as assignments and case studies. Although I occasionally don’t have time for myself, I am thankful for the support and guidance provided by my professors, who consistently encourage me to strive for success amidst the chaos.

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Do you have any words of advice for a student looking to kickstart their own business?

For students interested in launching their own business or technology startup, I strongly recommend seeking out available resources, particularly those provided by the Pace Entrepreneurship Studio. Additionally, it is essential to take full advantage of the resources offered by Pace University itself, including the library, clubs, and even fellow students, in order to ensure optimal success.

Connect with Gamr:

• Visit the Gamr website
• Connect with Gamr on LinkedIn
• Follow Gamr Africa on Instagram
• Follow Gamr Africa on Twitter

Connect with Seyi:

• Connect with Seyi Fakoya on LinkedIn
• Folow Seyi Fakoya on Instagram
• Folow Seyi Fakoya on Twitter

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Erika Hostrop

Launch Pad Associate, GroupM

Class of 2023
BBA in Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications

Member Of: Study Abroad Club (President), The Advertising Club, Brand Marketing Team

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

When she first enrolled at the Lubin School of Business, Erika Hostrop immediately knew she wanted to take advantage of everything Pace University and Lubin had to offer. Not only has she studied abroad, but Erika has also put in the work to revamp an on-campus club, routinely checks in with Career Services, and has gone after opportunities presented to her outside of the classroom.

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

There were several reasons why I ultimately decided to attend Pace University. One of the most compelling factors was the vast array of opportunities available to students to connect with top employers in New York City, both for internships and full-time jobs. In addition to the professional opportunities available, I was also impressed by the passion and dedication of the faculty and staff, particularly within the Lubin School of Business. Their commitment to excellence and their willingness to go above and beyond for their students was evident from the moment I first visited the campus. I believe that Pace University provides an ideal environment for students who are looking to build a strong network and gain the skills and experience necessary to succeed in their chosen field.

How have clubs on campus helped enrich your student experience?

I have always been committed to being an active and engaged member of the campus community. To me, being a well-rounded student means not only excelling academically but also taking advantage of the many opportunities available to explore my interests and build my skills. As a freshman, I became involved with the Advertising Club, a club that connects students with recruiters, alumni, and potential employers in the industry. Through my participation, I was able to get my first internship as a Marketing Intern at the Clio Awards. The connections I made through the club have been invaluable, and I continue to be an active member. In addition to the Advertising Club, I am also the president of the Study Abroad Club. I believe that these clubs have enhanced not only my educational experience but also my professional development. I have gained important skills such as strategic thinking, time management, and communication, which will be valuable in my future career.

How has the Pforzheimer Honors College benefitted you?

The Pforzheimer Honors College has provided me with many valuable benefits. One of the most significant advantages has been early registration for all my classes. This allows me to secure a spot in smaller classes that were exclusively reserved for honors students. I received close mentorship from my peers and advisors and was awarded an honors scholarship of at least $15,000 per year. Currently, I am in the process of finishing my thesis, which has taught me the importance of time management and motivated me to challenge myself academically. Overall, being part of the Pforzheimer Honors College has been an integral part of my college experience, and I am grateful for all the ways it has helped me grow as a student and a person.

Thanks to the support of the Figueroa Family Fund for Semester Study Abroad Program scholarship through Lubin's Center for Global Business Programs and an external scholarship, the Gilman Scholarship, I was able to make my study abroad dream a reality. The financial assistance provided by these scholarships was incredibly helpful, and it reminded me of the tremendous support available to students at Pace University.

You serve as the Associate Director for Account Planning for the Brand Marketing Team. What motivated you to get involved?

Since my freshman year, I have been attending nearly every Lubin School of Business Marketing and Advertising alumni panel, and I have always been amazed at how many successful professionals attribute their career success to their experience on the Brand Marketing Team. It has always been my dream to be a part of the Brand Marketing Team and work with Professor Larry Chiagouris and Professor Conrad Nankin to gain hands-on experience in the marketing and media industries. As the Associate Director for Account Planning, my responsibilities include analyzing consumer insights using primary and secondary data. Working on the Brand Marketing Team has given me the chance to put everything I've learned in my first three years at Pace to work, and I feel incredibly confident going into the workforce after graduation.

During the Spring 2022 semester, you were part of an exchange program to Mannheim, Germany. What inspired you to participate in the exchange?

Last spring, I had the opportunity to study abroad at Mannheim University in Germany, one of Europe's top-ranked business schools. As an Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications student, I was eager for the chance to be academically challenged in my field. Thanks to the support of the Figueroa Family Fund for Semester Study Abroad Program scholarship through Lubin's Center for Global Business Programs and an external scholarship, the Gilman Scholarship, I was able to make my study abroad dream a reality. The financial assistance provided by these scholarships was incredibly helpful, and it reminded me of the tremendous support available to students at Pace University. My education in the Lubin School of Business gave me the knowledge and skills to succeed in my classes abroad, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have studied at such a prestigious institution.

Why was it important for you to revamp the Study Abroad Club?

During my freshman year, I encountered a situation where all the executive board positions for the Study Abroad Club were filled by graduating seniors. Therefore, I stepped up to take on the role of president and proceeded to interview and advertise for the remaining three positions, ensuring the continuity of the club. At that time, the club had sparse advertising and only about 300 followers on Instagram, with low event attendance. Recognizing the numerous personal and professional growth opportunities studying abroad can offer, I aimed to increase students' awareness of its power and create a community where students who had studied abroad before and those who were currently abroad could come together to share and learn from each other's experiences. In my sophomore year, I took it upon myself to rebrand the club, creating a new logo and assigning specific tasks to different members of the executive board based on their strengths. Through our collaborative efforts with other clubs on campus and the Study Abroad Office, we managed to grow the club's Instagram following from 300 to more than 1,000, successfully spreading the word and tripling the amount of active club members.

As President of the Study Abroad Club, you are responsible for leading and directing club members. What is the most rewarding aspect of your leadership position?

In the last four years, I have learned to be responsible for guiding the club and making important decisions. It's important to assign certain people tasks based on their strengths to be the most effective as a team. I developed strong leadership skills such as decision-making, delegation, and problem-solving. Running a club requires me to manage my time effectively and balance club meetings and events with other responsibilities. I also need to stay organized to keep track of important information, such as meeting agendas, event schedules, and our budget product purchases. These organizational, leadership, and time management skills are invaluable, and I can use them in my academic and professional life moving forward.

You have held several internship positions and currently work as the Social Media Marketing Intern for Catch'N Ice Cream. How have your Lubin classes helped prepare you for this role?

As the Social Media Marketing Intern at Catch'N Ice Cream, I have full creative freedom to manage their social media platforms. I utilize various software such as iMovie, Canva, and Adobe Premiere to edit the videos and photos I post. In the last 30 days, I have reached 3 million accounts on their Instagram and their engagement has skyrocketed. I have been able to apply my knowledge gained from my Lubin classes such as Business Analytics (MGT 226) and Media Planning and Buying (MAR 345) to target Catch'N Ice Cream's specific audience.

What has been your favorite opportunity at Pace?

During Fall 2022, I took Business Analytics, taught by Professor Chongyu Lu. Professor Lu introduced the BBC Studios Competition, and I jumped at the chance to participate. Only seven students, including myself, were chosen to represent Pace University in the Next Generation Case Competition. Our task was to develop a campaign in just two weeks and pitch it to senior BBC employees at their New York City headquarters. Thrilled to be selected, I approached the challenge with enthusiasm and determination. Drawing on my marketing knowledge from Pace, I pushed myself to think creatively and outside the box. Our team worked tirelessly to come up with a winning strategy, and in the end, we were proud of the campaign we presented. Overall, the experience taught me the value of teamwork, quick thinking, and creative problem-solving in a high-pressure situation.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students?

I urge Lubin students to take advantage of all the resources Pace has to offer. From career services to club events, there are countless opportunities to explore your passions and achieve your goals. I highly recommend attending the weekly resume workshops offered by Career Services. This is a valuable chance to hone your professional skills and network with like-minded students and alumni. Start building your professional network as early as possible. By attending events and reaching out to potential contacts, you can lay the foundation for meaningful career connections that will serve you well beyond your time at Pace. Remember, your success is in your hands—so make the most of every opportunity that comes your way!

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife means embracing a lifelong journey of growth and discovery. It helps you to progress through your academic and personal life, remembering that every step of the way is a chance to learn and improve. By staying curious, pushing boundaries, and seeking out new challenges, you can build the foundation for a fulfilling and successful career. Ultimately, the Lubin community is here to support and inspire you along the way. Don't be afraid to take risks, pursue your passions, and strive for excellence in everything you do. After all, the path to professional success begins with a commitment to lifelong learning and growth.

Connect with Erika:

• Connect with Erika Hostrop on LinkedIn
• Follow Erika Hostrop on Instagram