Students, Faculty Celebrate Pace’s Golden Anniversary in Pleasantville
By Janine Bowen
Students and faculty at Pace University gathered under the September sun on Monday afternoon to share in the fun and celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Pleasantville campus.
The two-hour event was the first of what will be many events throughout the school year that will commemorate the golden anniversary of the campus that houses Westchester’s largest university.
The celebration, which occurred on the actual anniversary, kicked off with a brief address from university President Stephen J. Friedman, who remarked about the impact the school has had on the education and personal lives of Westchester residents.
“Thousands of people have met here, have studied here, have become friends here and have launched successful careers,” Friedman said. “Many have fallen in love here and married. Each one has a story to tell.”
His address was followed by Dean Lisa Bardill Moscaritolo cutting into a birthday cake while accompanied by a rendition of The Beatles’ “Birthday,” sung by tribute band Beatles Faux Sale.
The band completed two full sets of music of the Fab Four, which also formed in 1963. The choice of music was inspired by a desire to recreate a bit of the atmosphere that Pace students experienced when the school opened.
“I wanted to pay tribute to the 1960s while recognizing how far we’ve come,” said Niki Fjeldal, assistant director of student development and campus activities, who organized the event.
While acknowledging its past, Pace University is also making major plans to move forward in the next few years, with a master plan to renovate and expand the campus.
“Recognizing history is always cool, and we’re celebrating during the same year we’re breaking ground. We’re celebrating the past and the next 50 years,” said Shawn Livingston, assistant director of student development and campus activities.
“I hope students will understand the rich history Pace has,” Moscaritolo added.
The festivities provided students with more than just a history lesson. In addition to the live music, there were a variety of games, including hula hoops and a Hubba-Bubba bubble blowing contest. The winners of each won a $25 gift card. But attending Pace is its own reward for many students.
“It’s my home away from home,” said senior Stacy Wells. “[It’s] definitely worth the four years I have spent here.”
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
