Pace Paw Print

Changes have been sprouting throughout Pace University, some more noticeable than others. All, however, are due to Pace's latest ambitious financial undertaking.

Pace entered the public phase of the $100 million dollar capital drive titled, "It's Time: The Centennial Campaign", last April. Initially starting in 2003, the campaign is the largest fundraising effort to date and is scheduled to end in 2010. Thus far, over $71 million has been raised.

Lara Fredricks, Vice President of Philanthropy, said she would like the campaign to exceed its goal.

"But we will be conservative and say the goal is 100 million," she said.

Fredricks said the money will go towards three main categories: student and faculty excellence, including attracting new faculty members and adding more scholarships for students, tomorrow's innovations, for example a "nicer" place for the Lubin School of Business, and an annual support fund for unexpected expenditures.

The website for the campaign, www.pace.edu/itstime, asked donors to "help us build on the traditions of a century old institution by sharing our vision of a future that is bold, transformative and achievable."

Many have contributed to the campaign so far, including each of Pace's 27 trustees, as well as each of the 35 members of the President's council and Pace's Philanthropy team. Outside donors have also played a large role.

The Nathan Cummings Foundation, for example, has also contributed to the campaign by donating to Pace's musical theatre program.

Signs of the gifts by donors are already prevalent. Around July, the honors students in the Lubin School of Business were granted more options to study abroad thanks to a one million dollar gift from the Figueroa Family of Westchester.

Also, a $1.3 million dollar gift from trustee Helene Fuld granted free tuition to thirty nursing students in exchange for a four year commitment to practice in New York City public hospitals. Other donations are accessible to a larger group of Pace students.

Milton Feldman, a long time supporter of the school, recently donated one million dollars to the campaign, part of which went to the recently constructed walkway between Miller Hall and the Kessel Student Center, now called "Shirley Beth's Way."

A ceremony was held on Oct. 7 at the center of the walkway, now officially named "Shirley Beth's Way," in memory of Feldman's late-wife of 61 years. Friends and family of Feldman attended the event along with several Pace faculty, staff, and students, including President Friedman.

Feldman has had almost a 30 year relationship with Pace. His daughter, Leslie Jill, majored in Pace's education program. She died, however, in 1971 before being having the chance to graduate.

The money not used for the walkway will be put toward the "Shirley and Leslie Jill Memorial Scholarship Fund" for education students

"Helping children achieve their academic goals was Shirley's way," said Dean of Lienhard School of Nursing, Harriet Feldman, who gave the opening remarks.

"People respond to tragedies…in many different ways," said Friedman. "The Feldman's response was to give back to others through their generosity."

Faculty and students have also been active in the effort.

Rose London, Associate Vice President for Institutional Giving, said that many faculty members have been giving to Pace for over 20 years, stating that many have a "great deal of personal investment."

Fredricks said she would like students to get a little more involved, now that the campaign is public.

This year's senior class gift will be one example of student involvement in the campaign. The total amount, however, will not be announced until late in the spring semester.

More signs of growth will most likely continue to become apparent as the efforts to encourage more donors continue.

"An unprecedented opportunity now awaits you," says the "It's Time" website. "It will allow the University to reaffirm and further its position as a renowned and distinctive private institution of higher education."

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