NEW YORK, N.Y. – Pace University is proud to announce that Jesse Bodony, Director of Esports, has been honored as the Esports Program Director of the Year at the inaugural Scholars Awards. This recognition comes as a testament to his unparalleled commitment and innovative leadership in the field of collegiate esports.
Under Bodony's direction, the Pace Esports Program has soared to impressive heights, being voted the No. 1 program in the nation in this year. His approach has expanded the program to include 135 esports players across 25 teams with an additional 800+ community gamers, making it one of the largest in the country. Under his leadership, the teams have secured multiple conference championships, cementing the university's reputation as a powerhouse in collegiate esports.
In addition to his role at Pace, Bodony has been instrumental in shaping the broader esports landscape. His recent appointment as the Co-Executive Director of VOICE (Voice of Intercollegiate Esports) reflects his commitment to the growth and integrity of collegiate esports on a national scale.
Bodony is also a prolific thought leader in the esports community. His articles, such as "Money, Power, College Esports: The Economic Undercurrents of Collegiate Gaming", offer insightful analyses and perspectives on the complexities and evolving nature of collegiate esports. His work continues to influence the discourse around the integration and recognition of esports within academic institutions.
"Jesse's remarkable achievements and his dedication to advancing collegiate esports are truly inspiring," said Mark Brown, Athletics Director. "This award is a fitting recognition of his hard work and the positive impact he has made on our students and the broader esports community."
Pace University remains committed to supporting innovative programs like esports that provide diverse and inclusive opportunities for student engagement and success.
For more information about Pace University's esports program, please visit www.paceuesports.com.
ABOUT PACE UNIVERSITY
Pace University has a proud history of preparing its diverse student body for a lifetime of professional success as a result of its unique program that combines rigorous academics and real-world experiences. Pace is ranked the #1 private, four-year college in the nation for upward economic mobility by Harvard University's Opportunity Insights, evidence of the transformative education the University provides. From its beginnings as an accounting school in 1906, Pace has grown to three campuses, enrolling 13,000 students in bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in more than 150 majors and programs, across a range of disciplines: arts, sciences, business, health care, technology, law, education, and more. The university also has one of the most competitive performing arts programs in the country. Pace has a signature, newly renovated campus in New York City, located in the heart of vibrant Lower Manhattan, next to Wall Street and City Hall, and two campuses in Westchester County, New York: a 200-acre picturesque Pleasantville Campus and the Elisabeth Haub School of Law in White Plains. Follow us on Twitter or on the Pace News website
ABOUT PACE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Pace University Athletics is a member of NCAA Division II, competing within the Northeast-10 Conference (NE10). Pace Athletics sponsors 15 intercollegiate sports, along with cheer and dance teams and a Pep Band. Known as the Setters, Pace's official mascot is known as T-Bone. In 2020-21, Pace student-athletes posted a cumulative grade point average of 3.45. Additionally, a total of 307 Setters were selected to the NE10's Academic Honor Roll following the spring 2021 semester. All of Pace's teams in action in 2020-21 made the NE10 Conference postseason championships.
ABOUT THE SCHOLARS AWARDS
The Scholars, presented by MEGA, the creators of The Esports Awards, is a premier collegiate gaming awards ceremony dedicated to celebrating the achievements of the student esports community. The Scholars aims to provide a platform for academic recognition in competitive gaming across various educational levels and programs. It marks an evolution from the collegiate categories introduced at The Esports Awards in 2020, reflecting the growing importance and influence of the collegiate esports scene. This event offers a unique chance for students, faculty, and industry professionals to unite, share insights, and foster pathways for careers in gaming, underscoring the commitment to nurture and expand the collegiate esports landscape.
