Opportunity awaits within these walls. Pace University stands as a testament to ambition and growth. Brothers Homer and Charles Pace founded it in 1906. They envisioned a school focused on accountancy and business.
Initially, they named it Pace Institute. With a loan of $600, they rented a classroom in the New York Tribune Building. That location is now One Pace Plaza. Their first class had just 13 students. The Pace brothers expanded nationwide. They offered courses in several U.S. cities. Their accounting course became standardized. It was available in many locations. Concerned about quality control, they refocused on New York in the 1920s.
After the founders passed, Robert S. Pace became president. In 1947, Pace Institute gained college status. The college bought its first building in 1951. It was located at 41 Park Row in Lower Manhattan. This building once housed The New York Times.
In 1966, ground was broken for the One Pace Plaza Civic Center complex. Vice President Hubert Humphrey and Mayor John Lindsay attended. The former New York Tribune Building was demolished for this project. Pace College achieved university status in 1973.
Pace University has grown into a multi-campus institution. It has locations in New York City and Westchester County. The university includes several schools and colleges. These include Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and the Lubin School of Business. Also, there is the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.
Pace offers about 100 majors. It has bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. The Actors Studio Drama School offers a Master of Fine Arts in acting. It is home to the Inside the Actors Studio television show.
On September 11, 2001, Pace University was near Ground Zero. The university lost four students and over 40 alumni. The New York City campus became a triage center. Debris covered the area. Pace lost the entire 55th floor in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Today, a memorial honors those lost on all three campuses.
In 2006, Pace celebrated its centennial. Former President Bill Clinton received an honorary degree. Maya Angelou also visited during the celebration.
A $190 million renovation known as the Master Plan began in 2017. Phase 1 included One Pace Plaza and 41 Park Row. It was completed in 2019.
Pace University’s New York City campus is in the Civic Center of Lower Manhattan. It is near Wall Street and the World Trade Center. One Pace Plaza houses classrooms and administrative offices. 41 Park Row houses the student newspaper and faculty offices.
Pace University continues to evolve. It provides opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. It prepares them for successful careers.