Pace Law Advocacy Program Celebrates its Successes at 2022 Gavel Gala Fundraiser
The Pace Law Advocacy Program held its 2nd biennial Gavel Gala on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at Surf Club on the Sound, a picturesque venue in New Rochelle, NY. More than 200 students, coaches, alumni and friends attended the elegant affair and enjoyed the chance to reconnect in person while celebrating the program’s past, present, and recent successes. In addition to a series of awards and top placements in national advocacy competitions throughout the year, the program was recently ranked 26th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, taking its place once again among the top 15% of advocacy programs in the country.
“This year’s Gavel Gala exceeded our expectation in attendance and fundraising,” said Professor Louis V. Fasulo, Director of Advocacy Programs. “It’s truly a great Pace community event which illuminates the best of our program and raises significant funds for us to continue to provide opportunities to students as we develop their advocacy skills. My pride in our Program is clearly shared by so many and that is so rewarding.”
Making up for lost time, the Gavel Gala honored many distinguished alumni, coaches, faculty and students who have contributed to the program’s success over the past two years. Alumni who have made an impact in their fields and the Pace Law Advocacy Program were honored with Rising Stars Awards in the Public and Government Sector as well as the Private Sector. Outstanding alumni coaches were honored with the Loretta Musial Service Award. The Alex Gastman Coach’s Award, created in memory of Alumnus Alexander Gastman ’11, was presented to several Haub Law faculty and coaches who supported students in their success. Several 3L students received awards for their leadership and excellence in advocacy.
Special recognition was also given to Alumnus Judge Delores Brathwaite who received the Unsung Hero Award and to Antonio Soares, former Educational Media Manager at the Law School, who played an invaluable role in helping the Pace Law Advocacy team transition to competing and hosting virtual events during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2022 Gavel Gala was a success in raising vital funds to support the Pace Advocacy Program thanks to sponsors Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP and Fasulo, Braverman & DiMaggio, LLP as well as the program's Fundraising and Alumni Relations Directors Alanna Mecca and Dounea Elbroji, and other student leaders, who showed their skills in organizing a fun and successful evening. Proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships, a silent auction, wine pull and other fundraising efforts will help to cover competition fees, travel and expenses for the law school’s student team to compete both nationally and internationally in the coming year.
2022 HONOREES
UNSUNG HERO AWARD
Judge Delores Brathwaite
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Antonio Soares
THE LORETTA MUSIAL SERVICE AWARD
Jared J. Hatcliffe, Esq.
Jordan Montoya, Esq.
PUBLIC & GOVERNMENT SECTOR RISING STARS
Vittoria Fiorenza, Esq.
Brad Gorson, Esq.
Aharon Diaz, Esq.
Catherine Gonzalez, Esq.
MAJ. Matthew A. Pellegrine, Esq.
Danielle Reddan, Esq.
PRIVATE SECTOR RISING STARS
John Astarita, Esq.
Jonathan Engel, Esq.
Kristin Carroll, Esq.
Kenneth Calvey, Esq.
Cassidy Crough, Esq.
Arthur J. Muller III, Esq.
THE ALEX GASTMAN COACH'S AWARD
Jennifer Arlin, Esq.
Betty Lawrence Lewis, Esq.
Linda Maria Wayner, Esq.
Arthur J. Muller III, Esq.
Pernell Telfort, Esq.
MICHELLE SIMON LEADERSHIP AWARD
Mattison Stewart (3L)
KEITH SULLIVAN AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ADVOCACY
Regina Rubino (3L)
Angelo Spedafino (3L)
Kye Shah (3L)
Michaela Petersen (3L)
Mattison Stewart (3L)
Read more about the 2022 Gavel Gala Honorees
View photos from the 2022 Gavel Gala
