The achievement of a university degree represents a transformative intersection of personal ambition and institutional support, a reality that is particularly evident as Pace University celebrates its 120th anniversary during the 2026 commencement season. This year, the university has curated an exceptional roster of honorees and speakers who embody the core philosophy of Opportunitas, a Latin term that has served as the institution’s guiding motto since its founding. By selecting individuals who have reached the pinnacle of journalism, law, medicine, and social entrepreneurship, the university is not merely hosting a graduation ceremony but is instead providing its students with a living blueprint for professional and civic excellence. The festivities are meticulously structured to take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, a venue that matches the grand scale of this academic milestone. As thousands of students prepare to transition from the classroom to the workforce, the presence of these distinguished figures serves to reinforce the idea that a Pace education is a powerful engine for social mobility and leadership. This year’s ceremonies reflect a deep-seated commitment to celebrating the diverse backgrounds of the student body while highlighting the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have on the fabric of American society.
To accommodate the significant number of graduates and ensure a personalized experience for each school, the 2026 commencement has been organized into a two-day event that distinguishes between undergraduate and graduate achievements. Wednesday, May 20, is designated as Undergraduate Day, featuring a centralized ceremony in the afternoon that serves as a collective celebration of the foundational years of higher education. This structure allows for various departmental ceremonies to take place throughout the day, giving individual colleges the space to recognize specific academic accomplishments. On the following day, Thursday, May 21, the focus shifts to Graduate Day, where those receiving master’s and doctoral degrees are honored for their specialized expertise and advanced research. By utilizing the expansive facilities of the National Tennis Center, the university ensures that family members and friends can participate in a dignified and memorable environment. This logistical precision mirrors the university’s broader academic approach, which balances the intimacy of specialized programs with the vast resources of a major New York institution. Each element of the ceremony is designed to signify the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, providing a high-profile platform where the achievements of the Class of 2026 are rightfully placed at the center of the regional conversation.
Media Leadership and Judicial Excellence
The selection of Lester Holt as the keynote speaker for the undergraduate ceremony brings a sense of gravity and journalistic integrity to the 2026 proceedings. As the anchor and managing editor of “NBC Nightly News” and the host of “Dateline NBC,” Holt has navigated the complexities of global events with a level of professionalism that has made him one of the most trusted figures in American media. During the ceremony, he will be presented with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, a recognition of his decades-long career spent informing the public during some of the most challenging moments in recent history. His work is characterized by a relentless pursuit of the truth, often involving first-hand reporting from conflict zones and sites of national significance. For the graduates, Holt’s presence is a reminder that in an era often defined by fragmented information and rapid digital shifts, the core values of accuracy and persistence remain indispensable. His career trajectory serves as a masterclass in how to maintain public trust while managing the immense responsibilities that come with a platform of national influence. By listening to a leader who has moderated the most-watched presidential debate in history, students are encouraged to consider their own roles as informed citizens and future leaders in their respective fields.
Justice Francesca E. Connolly provides a different but equally vital perspective on professional excellence, particularly for those entering the legal and public service sectors. A 1982 graduate of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Justice Connolly’s return to her alma mater to receive an honorary Doctor of Laws is a full-circle moment that highlights the long-term value of a Pace degree. She holds the historic distinction of being the first alumna from the law school to be appointed to the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, Second Judicial Department. Her career is a testament to the power of steady advancement within the judiciary, having served as a town justice in Ossining and a State Supreme Court justice before reaching the Constitutional Bench. Her participation in the ceremony underscores the university’s deep connections to the New York legal landscape and its role in shaping the minds that interpret and uphold the rule of law. For the law students in attendance, Justice Connolly represents the tangible possibility of reaching the highest echelons of the state’s legal system through dedication and ethical practice. Her address is expected to bridge the gap between theoretical legal education and the practical realities of high-stakes judicial decision-making, offering a roadmap for how to navigate the complexities of modern litigation and public service.
Pioneers in Public Health and Community Advocacy
The 2026 commencement also places a significant spotlight on the healthcare industry, reflecting the vital importance of medical leadership in urban environments like New York City. Dr. Mitchell Katz, the President and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, will be honored for his transformative work in managing the nation’s largest municipal healthcare system. His leadership was particularly visible during the intense pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, where he steered a vast network of hospitals and clinics through an unprecedented public health crisis. Beyond crisis management, Dr. Katz is widely recognized for his commitment to health equity, specifically through the implementation of the NYC Care program, which has provided medical access to over 100,000 previously uninsured residents. By receiving an honorary degree, Dr. Katz is celebrated not just as an administrator, but as a visionary who believes that quality healthcare is a fundamental right rather than a privilege. His presence provides the Class of 2026 with a deep understanding of how large-scale policy decisions can be leveraged to improve the lives of millions, particularly the most vulnerable populations who rely on public health infrastructure for their daily survival.
In a powerful pairing of healthcare leaders, Judith M. Watson, the CEO of Westchester Community Health Center and a 1994 alumna, will also address the graduates. Her professional journey is an inspiring narrative of social mobility and resilience, starting from her arrival in the United States from Jamaica and her service in the U.S. Army. Watson rose through the ranks of her organization from an entry-level position to the top executive role, a path that uniquely qualifies her to speak on the importance of grassroots community advocacy. Her work focuses on delivering high-quality, comprehensive medical services to underserved and marginalized communities, ensuring that the benefits of modern medicine reach those who are often overlooked by traditional systems. By honoring Watson, Pace University reinforces its commitment to the immigrant experience and the military veteran community, two groups that are central to the university’s identity. Her story serves as a profound example of how individual grit, combined with a specialized education, can lead to a career defined by meaningful service and systemic impact. Together with Dr. Katz, Watson offers a holistic view of the healthcare sector that encourages students to look beyond the clinical setting and consider the broader social and economic factors that influence public well-being.
Innovation Across Media, Business, and Social Impact
The university’s dedication to fostering diverse and often non-traditional career paths is perfectly illustrated by the inclusion of Pedro Rivera and Peter Muller in the 2026 honoree list. Pedro Rivera, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and a 2012 graduate of the university, will speak to those receiving degrees in the arts, sciences, and education. His career as a reporter for WABC has seen him covering some of the most significant and often tragic news events of the decade, from the aftermath of school shootings to major political shifts. Beyond his reporting, Rivera’s leadership within the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and his work with the Afro-Latino Task Force highlight a career-long dedication to ensuring that media representation reflects the diversity of the audiences it serves. His participation provides a modern perspective on the evolving nature of storytelling and the ethical responsibilities of those who hold a microphone in the public square. For the graduates of the Dyson College and the School of Education, Rivera represents the successful fusion of academic training and professional activism, demonstrating that one can be both a successful practitioner and a vocal advocate for systemic change within their industry.
The theme of multidisciplinary success is further expanded by Peter Muller, the founder and CEO of PDT Partners, who will address the business and technology schools. Muller is a unique figure in the world of finance, known for his pioneering work in quantitative investment and algorithmic trading. However, his profile extends far beyond the boardroom; he is also a published crossword puzzle creator for the New York Times, an accomplished musician, and a dedicated philanthropist. His presence at the ceremony encourages graduates to reject the notion that they must be confined to a single professional identity. By excelling in both the highly technical world of math-driven finance and the creative realms of music and puzzles, Muller proves that a well-rounded education can lead to a rich and varied professional life. For students from the Lubin School of Business and the Seidenberg School of Computer Science, his address serves as a call to integrate their technical skills with their personal passions. This approach to career building is increasingly relevant in a global economy that values adaptability and cross-disciplinary thinking. Muller’s career suggests that the most innovative solutions often come from those who are able to draw connections between seemingly disparate fields, a lesson that is essential for the incoming workforce.
Actionable Outcomes and the Future of Leadership
The 2026 commencement concludes with a powerful emphasis on social responsibility through the presentation of the Opportunitas in Action Award to Cedric Bobo, the founder of Project Destined. This award is specifically designed to recognize individuals who have moved beyond their own personal success to create concrete pathways for others to follow. Bobo, a former investment banker, has used his expertise to build a platform that provides financial literacy and real estate training to over 30,000 students from underserved backgrounds. His work is a direct application of the “pay it forward” mentality, demonstrating that professional achievement is most meaningful when it is used to dismantle barriers to entry for the next generation. For the Class of 2026, Bobo’s work serves as a practical example of how to leverage corporate skills for social good. The takeaway for graduates is clear: the technical knowledge gained during their time at Pace should not only be used for personal advancement but should also be viewed as a tool for community empowerment. This focus on social entrepreneurship provides a modern context for the university’s mission, showing that the principles of equity and opportunity are not just academic concepts but are active goals that require intentional effort.
As the ceremony ends and graduates move into their professional lives, the collective insights from this diverse group of honorees offer several actionable themes. First, there is a clear mandate for integrity and truth-seeking, as modeled by the journalists and judicial leaders present. Second, the healthcare and community leaders emphasize that professional expertise must always be tempered with empathy and a focus on the underserved. Third, the multidisciplinary success of the business honorees suggests that graduates should remain lifelong learners, constantly seeking to expand their horizons beyond their primary field of study. Finally, the social impact award highlights the importance of mentorship and the responsibility of the successful to create opportunities for those coming behind them. These are not just abstract ideas but are practical strategies for navigating a complex global landscape. The 2026 ceremonies successfully move the conversation forward from academic completion to societal contribution, equipping the Class of 2026 with the psychological and professional tools needed to lead with purpose and resilience. In doing so, Pace University reinforces its status as a vital New York institution that prepares its students to be both successful professionals and engaged, ethical citizens.
