Pace University has won the 22nd Annual College Fed Challenge, securing its sixth national title in the competition. The event, hosted by the Federal Reserve, saw participation from 139 schools across 36 states, making it one of the largest in the challenge’s history.
The Pace team emerged from a competitive New York regional bracket, where it outperformed New York University, Columbia University, and Rutgers University to claim a regional championship and advance to nationals. At the national level, Pace faced programs including Harvard College, Princeton University, University of Miami, University of Virginia, and University of Michigan. In the final round, Pace was named national champion. Harvard placed second and UCLA finished third. Honorable mentions went to the University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, and Davidson College.
This win adds to previous national championships for Pace in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021.
“This national championship is an extraordinary achievement for Pace University,” said Marvin Krislov, president of Pace University. “Our students demonstrated remarkable analytical skill, teamwork, and professionalism throughout the competition, and their success on the national stage reflects the strength of our academic programs and the power of experiential learning at Pace. We’re also deeply grateful to the dedicated faculty and staff whose mentorship and support made this success possible.”
The team consisted of students from economics-related programs: Suraj Sharma ’26 (captain), Giancarlo Raspanti ’26 (co-captain), Brooklyn Bynum ’26 (co-captain), Gianna Beck ’28, Emina Bogdanovic ’28, Sheira Dery ’27, Gunnar Freeman ’26, Grace McGrath ’26, Oliver Ng ’27, Khan Mamatov ’27, Laura Melo ’27, Kristina Nasteva ’26, Harvey Nguyen ’26 and Alexander Tuosto ’26.
Preparation for the competition involved economic research as well as mock presentations and intensive Q&A sessions with faculty advisers. Team captain Suraj Sharma commented on what this accomplishment meant for him and his teammates: “Representing Pace University at the Federal Reserve and competing against the strongest economics programs in the country to win the national title for a record-breaking sixth time is something our whole team is incredibly proud of,” Sharma said. “This win is proof of the promise of opportunity Pace made to us years ago.”
Brooklyn Bynum reflected on how participating in the challenge helped personal growth: “The Fed Challenge pushed all of us to grow in ways we never expected — as economists, as teammates and as leaders,” said Bynum. “Competing on the national stage and winning the title was unforgettable, and I’m grateful for the chance to represent Pace alongside such a dedicated and talented team.”
Giancarlo Raspanti noted how working together improved both skills and relationships within their group: “The competition strengthened both our analytical ability and the bonds we made with each other,” said Raspanti. “This isn’t just a team; it’s a family. Presenting alongside them in a national championship win is an honor I am truly grateful for.”
Faculty advisers Gregory Colman (Ph.D.) and Mark Weinstock (CBE) guided students through every stage. Colman praised their commitment: “It’s a great achievement and a tribute to the hard work that the students put in, and I could not be prouder of them.” Weinstock highlighted student performance during questioning: “Our students excelled in the Q&A, demonstrating the depth of their understanding of the U.S. economy and monetary policy.”
Experiential learning plays an important role within Pace’s economics department through activities like Fed Challenge participation. Alumni have gone on to secure roles at organizations such as JPMorgan Chase & Co., Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Citibank NA., or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Many alumni return as mentors for current competitors.
Women represented half this year’s roster—a continuation of efforts by department leadership to foster women leaders in economics.
Anna Shostya (Ph.D.), chair of economics at Pace Dyson College said: “Winning two consecutive regional competitions and then capturing the national title is a clear testament to our students’ exceptional abilities and dedication,” said Anna Shostya. “Their success reflects not only their hard work and deep economic knowledge but also the unwavering commitment of our faculty coaches…who prepare and mentor our students year after year.”
Earlier this year John Williams—president at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York—visited campus after being invited by Fed Challenge team captains.
Pace University’s Dyson College offers over 50 programs spanning arts/humanities; natural/social sciences; pre-professional areas; internships; cooperative education; hands-on experiences; career/graduate/professional preparation.
Since its founding in 1906 Pace has offered bachelor’s/master’s/doctoral degrees through seven colleges/schools on campuses located both within New York City proper plus Westchester County.
