Pace U Honors Community Leaders and Alumni with Spirit of Pace Awards

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.