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A new wellness initiative at ���ҹ����� is proving that mindfulness matters.

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Sophie Kaufman, PhD, College of Health Professions assistant dean for Grants and Strategic Initiatives, is leading the launch of a Mindfulness Community at ���ҹ�����, aimed at fostering connection, collaboration, and wellbeing through mindfulness. With more than 30 “Mindfulness Champions” already on board, the initiative is set to deepen ���ҹ�����’s commitment to wellness through community.

We spoke with Kaufman about the initiative and why mindfulness matters.

What is mindfulness, and why is it important to practice it?

Mindfulness is simply the awareness of the present moment as we pay attention, on purpose, and without judgment. It is a practice that is essential to our ability to live life more joyfully and to respond to stressful situations more skillfully.

What is the Mindfulness Community?

The Mindfulness Community provides opportunities to connect among individuals interested in mindfulness practice. At ���ҹ�����, several people are already engaged in mindfulness practice, research, or are simply curious about learning more. I am looking to connect the dots and bring everyone together with this initiative.

Our three primary objectives are to educate the community on the broader applications of mindfulness, build a community of mindfulness practitioners, and encourage and foster interdisciplinary research on mindfulness.

Why is mindfulness as a practice beneficial for university students?

In my experience teaching Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and offering a variety of mindfulness workshops to ���ҹ����� students, mindfulness is beneficial to university students in a few different ways. The practice teaches students to recognize their anxious thoughts, their patterns of reactivity, and develop a more thoughtful response to stressors. Mindfulness helps them focus and develop more balance in their lives. Mindfulness also is about interconnectedness, and it becomes apparent to students that they are not alone, and that they, and we, all share our common humanity.

Who are the Mindfulness Champions and what do you hope they will accomplish?

The Mindfulness Champions are an amazing group of ���ҹ����� faculty, staff, and students, starting with the 11 co-authors of a wellbeing mini-grant. Over the past few weeks, we have recruited an additional 20 Mindfulness Champions, altogether representing 20 different departments and all 3 campuses, and the group is growing. We have people with long-standing meditation practice, yoga teachers, mindfulness researchers, art therapists, mental health counseling students, and more—as well as faculty and staff members who have either experienced first-hand the benefits of mindfulness or want to learn more.

What is something you wish everyone at ���ҹ����� knew about mindfulness?

Mindfulness takes many different forms and doesn’t require sitting on a meditation cushion for hours—it is about living life fully. At the individual level, mindfulness is essential to mental health and wellbeing, and at the societal level, it is equally essential to our ability to meet the multitude of complex challenges that we face today.

Interested? Learn more at the Mindfulness website or email Sophie at skaufman@pace.edu. For more resources like this, check out ���ҹ�����’s Wellbeing Center.

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Heather Novak, MPA, director of ���ҹ�����’s Center for Community Action and Research and adjunct associate professor, Political Science, was a panelist and presenter, as part of “Creating Civic Cultures on Every Campus,” Campus Compact’s Civic Learning Week showcasing institutions reimagining civic education for all students.

The panel consisted of individuals from a selection of institutions who each demonstrated how civic learning can be woven into the fabric of every student's educational journey.

���ҹ����� has been recognized as a leader in requiring civic inquiry and engagement as part of its degree requirements for all students, and as part of this panel, Novak discussed the university’s 2002 groundbreaking Civic Engagement and Public Value undergraduate core requirement with over 90 attendees during this event held from March 11-14.

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A 2010 Haub Law alumnus, the Honorable Joseph A. Marutollo was appointed as a United States Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on September 25, 2023. Previously, he was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Civil Division of the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, serving as Chief of the Civil Division. Judge Marutollo also serves as an adjunct professor at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ���ҹ�����. We sat down with him to chat about his experience at Haub Law, on the bench, and beyond.

During your time at Haub Law, you participated in the Federal Judicial Honors Program (FJHP), how did you find that experience?

The FJHP offers law students the opportunity to work closely with federal judges and gain knowledge about the inner workings of the federal court system. I had the good fortune of interning for the Honorable Richard J. Sullivan, who, at the time, was a U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York. In 2018, Judge Sullivan was subsequently sworn in as a U.S. Circuit Judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Interning for Judge Sullivan was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Judge Sullivan assigned me to draft opinions and prepare legal memoranda involving a host of legal issues. Importantly, over the course of the internship, Judge Sullivan personally took time out of his busy schedule to regularly meet with me and provide helpful feedback on my writing and analysis. My experience with Judge Sullivan was perfect preparation for my subsequent work as a federal prosecutor and now as a federal magistrate judge.

During my internship, I also observed Judge Sullivan’s tireless work ethic and his meticulous preparation for each of his cases—qualities that I have tried to emulate in my own career. Judge Sullivan is truly the epitome of what a judge should be: reasonable, prudent, and committed to the true administration of justice.

Judge Sullivan kindly served as one of the featured speakers at my judicial investiture ceremony in Brooklyn in 2024 and he remains a wonderful mentor and role model to me.

What did you take with you from the FJHP into your career post-law school?

Besides the insight into federal litigation and the work of federal practitioners, FJHP also showed me the enormous effect an internship could have on a student’s career. Judge Sullivan frequently remarked that it is imperative to “pay it forward.” Similar to Judge Sullivan’s role in my career path, I have tried to “pay it forward” by serving as a mentor for my interns. While at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I regularly worked to hire Haub Law interns for the summer internship program. Now, as a federal magistrate judge, I routinely hire Haub Law students for fall, spring, and summer internships. I hired a Haub Law and FJHP alumna, Katelyn (Rauh) Climaco '21, to be one of my first two law clerks, and she did a terrific job.

I am also thrilled to now be one of the judges in the FJHP program. I currently have an extraordinary 2L student assigned to my chambers. I am honored to be the first Haub Law alumnus to ever serve as a federal judge in the Eastern District of New York, and I know many more Haub Law alumni will join the federal bench in the years to come—especially given the magnificent work of FJHP.

Who were some of your favorite professors and what were some of your most memorable experiences from your time at Haub Law?

In addition to my positive experience with the FJHP, I am grateful to have served on the ���ҹ����� Law Review, where I received extensive training in legal writing and legal editing. I am also thankful to have had myriad smart and caring professors at Haub Law, including Professors Michael Mushlin, Carol Barry, Michelle Simon, and Emily Gold Waldman.

Since graduating in 2010, you have remained active with Haub Law, most recently in serving as an Adjunct Professor – what is your favorite part of being a professor?

At Haub Law, I teach Legal Skills to first-year law students in the Flex JD program. The Flex JD Program offers flexible scheduling options to help law students balance their professional and personal commitments with their goals of obtaining a law degree. It has been extremely rewarding to see my students develop their legal writing and advocacy skills over the course of this two-semester class.

What advice do you have for students graduating from law school who want to pursue a career in public service?

Attending Haub Law afforded me the opportunity to pursue a career in public service. I have spent my entire legal career in the public sector and have enjoyed it immensely. I strongly encourage all law students to consider working in public service at some point in their careers, as the work is both important and fulfilling. I also encourage all law students to follow Abraham Lincoln’s sage advice to a young lawyer starting his career. Lincoln – who, interestingly, signed the act of Congress that created the Eastern District of New York in 1865 – told the young lawyer that “the leading rule for the lawyer is diligence. Leave nothing for tomorrow, which can be done today. Never let your correspondence fall behind. Whatever piece of business you have in hand, before stopping, do all the labor pertaining to it which can then be done.” Lincoln added that “work, work, work is the main thing.” Lincoln’s advice is powerful and practical, especially for those considering working in the public interest.

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The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ���ҹ����� is pleased to announce that distinguished alumnus New York City Fire Commissioner Robert S. Tucker will deliver the Law School’s commencement address at its 47th Commencement Ceremony, to be held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens on May 20. Commissioner Tucker will also receive the Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, the highest honor conferred by the Law School, recognizing his lifelong contributions to public service, public safety, and the legal profession.

“Robert S. Tucker has had an illustrious career as a prosecutor and public servant, and in his current position as New York City’s Fire Commissioner,” said Horace E. Anderson Jr., Dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law. “He has made significant contributions to the Law School and the legal profession for three decades. His impact on Haub Law shows in many ways, including as the benefactor of the Robert S. Tucker Prize for Prosecutorial Excellence. His example highlights the opportunities available to those who use their legal education to pursue their passions and make an impact on society. We couldn’t be more pleased that Commissioner Tucker will join us as the Law School’s 2025 Commencement Speaker, imparting his advice to our students as they take the next step in their legal careers.”

"Commissioner Tucker's example highlights the opportunities available to those who use their legal education to pursue their passions and make an impact on society."

Commissioner Tucker, a 1996 graduate of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ���ҹ�����, was sworn in as the 35th Commissioner of the Fire Department of New York City in August 2024. He brought decades of public safety experience to the FDNY, previously serving as a special assistant to the Queens County District Attorney, and then as chairman and CEO of T&M Protection Resources, a globally recognized leader in security solutions and cyber intelligence. As Fire Commissioner, Tucker oversees the day-to-day administration of the agency’s 17,000 employees and a $2 billion budget.

Among his many professional, civic and philanthropic affiliations, Commissioner Tucker serves on the Board of Directors of the FDNY Foundation, and he was an honorary fire commissioner. He also served as a member of the Board of Trustees and treasurer of the New York City Police Foundation and as an honorary police commissioner, as well as past president of the Associated Licensed Detectives of New York state. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of White Plains Hospital and a former member of the Young Presidents’ Organization, Metro Chapter.

Commissioner Tucker served on ���ҹ�����’s Board of Trustees from 2018 until 2024 and has had a deep connection to his alma mater. In 2017, through his generous support, Haub Law established the Robert S. Tucker Prize for Prosecutorial Excellence. This honor is awarded annually to an individual or a group of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field of criminal prosecution and who demonstrate excellence in prosecutorial practice. Honorees are selected by a jury comprised of former prosecutors and faculty members from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law and recognized at a ceremony attended by District Attorneys from across the region and state, civic leaders, members of the judiciary, New York City government and the Haub Law community.

Of the prestigious award, Commissioner Tucker says, “It has been my privilege to recognize outstanding public servants who are committed to pursuing justice with integrity despite the many challenges they are faced with. These individuals are shining examples in our legal system who deserve to be acknowledged for their tireless efforts prosecuting criminals and keeping our communities safe.”

A lifelong New Yorker, Commissioner Tucker grew up in Manhattan chasing fire trucks on his bicycle, as he tells it. He attended George Washington University, then went to Haub Law at night while working as a special assistant to the late Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown. That gave him the opportunity to collaborate with high-level members of the New York City Police Department and the New York City administration, as well as the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service. He is admitted to practice law in the State of New York and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Commissioner Tucker has said his service as Fire Commissioner is the fulfillment of a life-long dream, and an “opportunity to apply so many of the lessons I learned at ���ҹ�����.”

The 2025 Commencement Ceremony for the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ���ҹ����� will be live-streamed at 9:30 a.m. EST on Tuesday, May 20, from Louis Armstrong Stadium, USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y. For more information, visit the Law School’s commencement website.

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ���ҹ����� hosted its 30th Annual Law Leadership Dinner at the Westchester Country Club on Thursday, March 28, 2025, celebrating alumni and friends of the Law School whose achievements and support advance the mission of legal education and enrich the broader legal community.

More than 200 alumni, faculty, students, elected officials, members of the judiciary, and distinguished lawyers attended the celebration, raising vital funds in support of student scholarships, faculty research, and innovative programs at the Law School.

This year, the Law School was proud to recognize three outstanding legal professionals as Law Leadership Award honorees: Paul C. Saunders, Susan E. Galvão ’93, and Vernon J. Brown ’96.

Paul C. Saunders was recognized for his decades of excellence in litigation and his distinguished career at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, where he served as a partner and later as Of Counsel until his retirement in 2014. Mr. Saunders, who holds degrees from Fordham College, Georgetown University Law Center, and NYU, is widely respected for his leadership in the profession and commitment to the advancement of legal standards and ethics.

Susan E. Galvão ’93, Co-Managing Partner at Bleakley Platt and Schmidt, LLP, was honored for her professional accomplishments and continued dedication to Haub Law. A member of the firm’s Executive Committee and a seasoned litigator, Galvão has represented a wide range of corporate and individual clients in state and federal court. She also serves on the Haub Law Board of Visitors, demonstrating her commitment to the next generation of legal professionals.

Vernon J. Brown ’96, founder of V. Brown & Company, was celebrated for his remarkable impact in the entertainment industry and his longstanding service to the Law School. Recognized by Billboard Magazine as one of the “Top Lawyers in the Music Business,” Brown has represented clients including Cash Money Records and managed over $300 million in assets. In addition to his legal and business accomplishments, he has taught entertainment law at Haub Law since 2006 and serves on its Board of Visitors.

"Each of these three honorees has made significant contributions to the Law School over many decades, leaving a lasting impact on generations of lawyers whose lives they’ve touched—often in ways both profound and personal.”

This year’s Law Leadership Dinner was emceed by Amy Divino ’91, co-chair of the Prosecution Practice at Cozen O’Connor. The evening began with remarks from ���ҹ����� President Marvin Krislov, followed by an update from Elisabeth Haub School of Law Dean Horace E. Anderson Jr., who highlighted recent achievements at the Law School. The event not only marked the 30th anniversary of the Law Leadership Dinner but also looked ahead to an even greater milestone—the Law School’s 50th anniversary, just one year away.

“Each of these three honorees has made significant contributions to the Law School over many decades, leaving a lasting impact on generations of lawyers whose lives they’ve touched—often in ways both profound and personal,” said Dean Anderson. “From their dedication in the classroom and their willingness to share expertise and professional connections with our students, to their mentorship, leadership on boards and committees, and generous philanthropic support—they have been steadfast friends of the Law School. As distinguished lawyers and alumni, they not only exemplify the best of our community but have also made a meaningful mark on the broader legal profession.”

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During the dinner, Haub Law also honored three outstanding alumni with the Shining Star Award, which celebrates young alumni who are already making significant contributions to the legal profession and their communities:

Lauren C. Enea ’16, a partner at Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP, who concentrates her practice in elder law, special needs planning, and estate administration. In addition to her client work, Enea has played a key role in the growth of her firm, leading the opening of a second office in Somers, NY.

Monica Lindsay ’19, an associate at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, particularly public company and strategic transactions. Monica has developed a deep expertise in complex corporate matters, advising both domestic and international clients.

Nicolette Pellegrino ’18, Assistant Director of Legal Recruitment at the New York City Law Department, where she supports recruitment, training, and continuing legal education. She previously served as senior counsel in the Law Department’s Special Federal Litigation Division, defending the city in federal civil rights cases.

The 2025 Law Leadership Awards Dinner was made possible in large part to a number of generous sponsors, which you can view in the event program.

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ���ҹ�����’s Black Law Students Association Mock Trial Advocacy Team finished strong in the prestigious 57th Annual Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition. After months of dedicated preparation, the team traveled to Atlanta, Georgia for the Competition, ultimately placing fourth in the nation based on preliminary scores, which propelled them to the competition's quarterfinals where the team finished in the top eight among over twenty competing schools.

The BLSA defense team for the Competition included Ashley Baizas (3L) and Jason Lee (4L), while Julie Bazile (2L) and Andrew Pierre (3L) served as the prosecution. Brianna Pryce, Esq. ‘20 prepared, mentored, and coached the team with Adjunct Professor Betty Lawrence Lewis providing support as well.

“I am proud of the ���ҹ����� Haub BLSA Mock Trial Team,” said BLSA Mock Trial Team Coach Brianna Pryce. “Each student embraced the challenge, honing their skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and legal analysis. Their ability to craft compelling arguments, conduct themselves with poise in the courtroom, and support one another exemplifies their growth—not just as competitors, but as individuals. The countless hours of practice, late nights of research, and tireless dedication to refining their arguments truly paid off.”

Student competitor and BLSA Vice President, Jason Lee (4L), describes participating on the BLSA Mock Trial Team as one of the most transformative decisions of his law school journey. “Through many long nights of preparation and deep commitment to the craft of advocacy, I found my voice — not just as a student, but as a future trial attorney. This experience gave me confidence and reminded me that I can achieve more than I imagined. I am forever grateful to our incredible coaches and to my teammates.”

Leading up to the national competition, the ���ҹ����� Haub BLSA team finished in the top two teams at the regional Constance Baker Motley Mock Trial Competition. At the regional competition, student competitor Julie Bazile (2L) received an individual award for Best Prosecution Advocate.

“I am so proud of our BLSA team, which once again made it to Nationals,” said Professor Louis Fasulo, Director of Advocacy Programs and Professor of Trial Practice. “Led by Coach Brianna Pryce and Professor Betty Lewis, we are clearly one of the strongest competitors year after year. Congratulations to the team, who consistently displayed hard work and strong skills. We all could not be prouder.”

The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ���ҹ�����’s trial advocacy program is consistently ranked among the top institutions by U.S. News and World Report, with the most recent ranking of #13 in the nation, placing it impressively among the top 10% of schools nationwide.

“I’ve got the best of both worlds.”

By day, Jabari Nurse ’26 is a dedicated and accomplished Seidenberg student, majoring in information technology. By night (and early morning, when there is practice) he is an integral member of the ���ҹ����� Men’s Basketball team. As he puts it, he relishes the opportunity to gain a valuable degree in tech while making an impact on the court.

“I knew ���ҹ����� was a great academic school and I know I’ll get a great degree from ���ҹ�����, not to mention the strong sense of community. I feel like I had a great opportunity to excel as a person and a basketball player.”

With a few years of experience under his belt, Jabari has been key in ���ҹ����� basketball’s resurgence. After missing the NCAA tournament last year, the Setters came roaring out the gate with a 15-0 start, made their first-ever appearance in the NE-10 Conference Championship, and earned a berth in the national NCAA tournament. Jabari, a team captain, has started every single game this season, averaging 10.5 points and 5.4 rebounds–not to mention his team-leading 18 blocks and savvy defensive presence, for which he was awarded All-Defensive team honors by the NE-10.

“Jabari is everything we look for in a Men's Basketball student-athlete here at ���ҹ�����,” says head coach Matt Healing. “He was named one of our team captains due to his incredible work ethic both on the court and in the classroom. Jabari is a tremendous player that received all conference honors, but his engaging personality and strong leadership qualities are what really makes him stand out.”

I knew ���ҹ����� was a great academic school and I know I’ll get a great degree from ���ҹ�����, not to mention the strong sense of community. I feel like I had a great opportunity to excel as a person and a basketball player.

With all of his successes on the hardwood, Jabari remains laser-focused on immersing himself in everything that Seidenberg has to offer. Initially deciding between a major in computer science and information technology, he decided on IT in order to get a well-rounded view of the tech world while selecting a concentration in software development to build his coding acumen. He’s particularly enjoyed learning the ins and outs of various coding languages.

“My first python class I took was one of my favorite classes, I really got to dive into coding and programs of my own,” says Jabari. “It inspired me for the future as to what I could do in the future in software development.”

Last summer, Jabari was able to leverage his classroom acumen into practical results, landing an internship at the insurance company Plymouth Rock Assurance in the Boston area. He considers his time at Plymouth Rock to have been extremely beneficial, enabling him to understand how his studies translate into a true business setting.

“It was a great, real-world experience. I was in the office, it was as if I was a full-time employee there. I was able to work through coding errors, help the business, and I worked with the team where I was able to brainstorm how to incorporate AI into the business and improve it. It was cool to see this shift to AI in the business world in real-time.”

Jabari will graduate in 2026. He notes that he’s increasingly interested in the intersection of finance and technology, and is already taking steps to explore career options in fintech and the financial world. As a competitor, Jabari knows that making yourself valuable is a key to success in any life arena, and is exploring potentially earning a master’s degree to further build his skills and become a “dual threat” in the financial technology world.

All in all, Jabari’s drive and dedication has helped him ensure that no matter where he goes in the future, the ball is in his court.