NEW YORK, N.Y. – On Friday, April 21, the Pace University LGBTQA and Social Justice Center hosted their fifth annual Lavender Awards Ceremony to recognize Pace University students, staff, faculty, and alumni who have made lasting contributions to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally community at the Bianco Room at One Pace Plaza. The Pace Department of Athletics and Recreation was named Department of the Year at the Lavender Awards in recognition of the department's extraordinary level of support to the LGBTQA+ campus community, including Pace's LGBTQ Pride Hoops Night, held on Dec. 7, 2016.
"Our department is honored the university has chosen to acknowledge our efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all citizens of the Pace community," said Director of Athletics
Mark R. Brown. "Our first Pace Pride game was created by our senior athletic staff shortly after the Orlando tragedy in an attempt to show members of the Pace LGBTQ community that they are appreciated, supported and valued."
Pride Hoops Night was a night to recognize and show appreciation for LGBTQ students, faculty and staff in the Pace community. The first 300 fans in attendance for Pride Hoops Night received special edition Pride Hoops Night t-shirts featuring a rainbow Pace logo. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales went to benefit the Center Lane LGBTQ Youth and Community Education Center of Westchester, Westchester's only LGBTQ youth and community education center.
Halftime featured a drag performance, as well as a special community service award presented to Pace alumnus and LGBTQ activist Anthony Nicodemo '05 for all of his efforts both in Westchester and nationwide to promote a culture of acceptance and understanding.
Numerous organizations were in attendance co-sponsoring the event including the LGBTQA Center, Multicultural Affairs and Diversity Programs, Pride @ Pace, The Loft LGBTQ Community Center, Jacob Burns Film Center, and Center Lane LGBTQ Youth and community Education Center.
About Pace University Athletics
Pace University is an NCAA Division II member of the Northeast-10 Conference that sponsors 14 intercollegiate sports. In the Fall 2017 semester, 72 percent of Pace student-athletes achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and eight teams have been honored with the NE10 Team Excellence Award since 2011. Pace teams have made 13 NCAA appearances since 2011. In 2015-16, the department unveiled a multi-million dollar facility upgrade that includes two new turf fields. In addition, the new state-of-the-art 14,010 square foot Ianniello Field House recently opened with new locker rooms, new strength and conditioning facilities and a sports medicine component.
For all information regarding Pace University Athletics log on to
www.PaceUAthletics.com and follow Pace Athletics on Facebook (
T-Bone, Official Mascot of Pace University Athletics), Twitter (
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