Pace University has a longstanding tradition of attracting students from the Caribbean, with many alumni maintaining close connections long after graduation. Three such graduates—Joseph Benfield (’91), Kathy-Ann Edwards (’93), and Franklyn Smith (’89)—have shared how their experiences at Pace shaped their personal and professional lives.
The trio, who became friends during their studies, are part of a larger network of Caribbean alumni who have supported each other through cultural transitions, academic challenges, and career milestones. They attribute much of their success to the supportive community they found at Pace.
“The Caribbean Pace Community has been absolutely instrumental,” said Kathy-Ann Edwards. “We’ve made each other the people we are today. If I had to rewrite our story, I wouldn’t write it any other way.”
Each alumnus took a unique path to Pace’s New York City campus. Edwards was encouraged by her high school guidance counselor in Trinidad; Benfield came from Guyana with limited funds, referred by a cousin who had succeeded at CBS; Smith worked for three years in Antigua before enrolling, seeking value for his savings. Despite different backgrounds, all described the adjustment as significant but noted that the presence of fellow Caribbean students provided comfort and familiarity.
“We all basically started from nothing,” Franklyn Smith said. “But there were so many Caribbean students at Pace who were behind us… Once I got to Pace, with our Caribbean folks, I was comfortable.”
“That was our family in the United States,” added Joseph Benfield. “I worked full-time and went to school full-time, but meeting these people at Pace, getting involved with organizations like the Caribbean Student Association, that was hugely important… It felt like home.”
Support from student organizations such as the Caribbean Student Association and National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), along with faculty mentors including Emeritus Professor Rudy Jacob and Professor John Aheto, helped them excel academically in accounting at the Lubin School of Business.
The university administration also played a role by connecting them to financial aid resources necessary for completing their degrees. All three passed their CPA exams on their first attempt—a feat echoed by many classmates.
“There were probably 25 people who all passed the exam on the first try in my class,” Smith recalled. “We were well, well prepared by Pace.”
After graduation, Smith joined PwC—one of the Big Four accounting firms—and later became a partner before retiring after 32 years. Edwards is now a trust solutions partner at PwC and serves as a mentor; Benfield returned to the Caribbean after six years at PwC New York and has held executive roles including CFO positions in banking and international sporting events.
“The opportunities we had at Pace put a lot of tools in our toolkit,” said Edwards. “It taught us how to survive and thrive in corporate America… Those experiences prepared us well for where we landed.”
In 2024, these alumni established the Legacy of the Island Scholarship Sponsored by Pace Caribbean Alumni to support business students with financial need who have an interest in Black or Caribbean culture. This initiative builds on their history of volunteerism and advocacy for future generations.
“This University did everything for me,” Smith said. “It’s done so much for all of us… I always want to help make someone else’s life just a little easier while supporting the University as well.”
“I can’t imagine my life without the circle of friends I met at Pace,” Benfield added. “We support one another… For me, it’s about paying it forward.”
For more information about supporting this scholarship fund, interested parties are encouraged to contact Carmen Santos-Robson.
