The Lubin School of Business partners with Pace University’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations to support Lubin’s mission of bringing the boardroom into the classroom through Dean’s Roundtable sessions. During these sessions, alumni reflect on their time at Lubin and share their journey to success with students over Zoom. Once held in person, these sessions went virtual during the pandemic.
James Hickey ’19
James Hickey ’19 stopped by the Dean’s Roundtable to discuss his time at Lubin and to explain why he is so eager to help current students. While discussing his career as a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Hickey credited his success in finance to the Pace community and the help of Pace alumni. “Alumni have been very open to sharing their experiences and helping mold me into the person I am today.” He now finds ways to pay it forward to current Lubin students, whether that’s through mentoring or internships. “If I could help one student a year get an internship, I’m happy.” Hickey stays active in the Pace community by serving on the Pace GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Committee.
Spyro Karetsos ’02
Spyro Karetsos ’02 participated in the December 2022 Dean’s Roundtable and talked about his time at the Lubin School of Business, as well as his role as the Chief Compliance Officer at Google, where he oversees the company’s global compliance and risk programs across all product areas. While working toward his MBA at Lubin, Karetsos was also working full time. “It took me four years to get my MBA degree.” Although he had already completed his undergraduate degree, Karetsos said pursuing an advanced degree was necessary as he worked his way through the Federal Reserve. “I wasn’t just a sponge. I was able to share things that I had insights on,” he explained. “When the class had some insights, I was able to bring them into the office the next day.”
Gloria Greco ’94
Until her recent retirement, Gloria Greco ’94 was a compliance and operational risk executive at Bank of America Corporation, responsible for overseeing both areas for the wealth management businesses, including Bank of America Private Bank and Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. When she visited the virtual Dean’s Roundtable during the spring of 2023, she reflected on her time as a Lubin student at Pace. “One of the things that was so welcoming and great about Pace was there was a recognition of my experience working as part of that educational fulfillment and growth that I would have as an undergraduate student,” she said. Greco also touched on the most important aspects of being a good leader. “You really have to do your best to kind of meet people where they are and understand what makes them tick. Bottom line is treat everyone with respect and take the time to listen.”
Carol Watson ’82
As the Global Chief Inclusion Officer for BCW, Carol Watson ’82 is committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accountability throughout the communications agency. With her background in business, marketing, and advertising—and her knowledge of DEI strategies and solutions—Watson engaged students in a conversation about the importance of knowing a company, its people, and its culture. “You have to really understand the commercial side. You have to understand how the business runs. You have to build some trust with the key business decision makers,” she explained. “You can have the best strategy ever, but if you don’t really understand the culture, you can’t effect change—no matter how right you are.” Toward the end of her discussion, Watson also discussed her passion for music, emphasizing the importance of having an outlet outside of the office.
