Support for the Performing Arts Leads to Impactful Gift

For most of her career, Joy Yagman worked for government social service agencies focused on the senior population.

When she neared retirement age, Joy, a neighbor to Pace University’s downtown Manhattan campus, joined Pace’s Active Retirement Community (PARC).

Designed for individuals 55 years and older, this group offers innovative programs and dynamic lectures that allow participants to meet new people and share ideas and knowledge. It also provides access to Pace University’s Downtown Computer Lab and intergenerational technology assistance.

Joy quickly became friendly with PARC’s program coordinator at the time and even filled in for him a couple times. When he retired, Joy applied for the position and took the reins, serving as program coordinator for the next five and a half years.

Today, even though she’s no longer at the helm of PARC, she remains involved.

“I’ve always felt an affinity to Pace,” she said. “I feel a personal connection to the college.”

Joy knows that Pace’s students and all those who live in the area count on the university to help build a sense of belonging, welcoming people into the growing Downtown community.

As Joy was deciding how best to structure her estate to build on her legacy and support the causes she cared deeply, she decided to include the new Sands College of Performing Arts.

Joy is deeply interested in dance and musical performances, so helping Pace carry on its own tradition is important to her.

“They’ve done so much for me, so I feel like I’m returning the favor,” she said.

Ultimately, Joy hopes her giving benefits a wide swath of people.

“A university not only supports its students but also serves as an anchor in our community. Pace is helping the entire neighborhood thrive and remain vibrant,” she said.

Donor support of programs like the Sands College of Performing Arts is incredibly important, as it makes an impact on our students and our surrounding community. If you’d like to learn more about how you can help, contact Marc Potolsky, Director of Planned Giving, at 212-346-1619 or mpotolsky@pace.edu.