introduction
Pace University was founded in 1906 and has locations in and around New York City and Westchester, New York. Pace is a nationally ranked university with seven schools and colleges that provide students with more than 50 cutting-edge centers, institutes, labs, and clinics. Over 14,000 graduate and undergraduate students attend Pace University annually, and all 50 states are represented in the student population.
the challenge
Pace University has been standardized on Crestron technology throughout their campuses but was looking to upgrade their offerings to further elevate the experience on campus to provide the best of the best for students and faculty. Pace is constantly evolving to stay on the pulse of what’s next while also ensuring their systems are intuitive for students and faculty.
the solution
George Chacko is senior director of academic and classroom technology at Pace. Chacko and the entire Information Technology Services (ITS) team had developed a technology standard across the different learning spaces with a consistent look-and-feel driven by a Crestron touch screen on the podium. No matter the learning space, faculty know what to expect when they enter a room and understand the resources available to them. With a consistent user interface in place, the ITS team has leveraged the DM NVX® AV-over-IP technology platform and Intelligent Video offerings from Crestron to evolve the technical capabilities across campus.
the technology
Faculty and staff recognize that each classroom has a certain level of technology, which means they know what to expect in each space and can plan their activities around it. Classroom capacities range from 30 to 120 people; each has a podium touch screen for controlling and managing in-room technology. From the Crestron touch screen, instructors can select their source whether that is their own laptop, the dedicated PC, or the board capture. Crestron AirMedia® wireless presentation systems offer another avenue for students and professors to share content easily.
Faculty can also leverage Crestron Flex for Zoom Rooms® video conferencing in these spaces when necessary for hybrid learning or bringing guest speakers into the lesson plan. Over 150 Crestron Flex systems have been implemented across campus to support this learning model. The UC platform has been essential for effortlessly connecting in-person and virtual participants, ensuring classes and meetings can continue without disruption.
As part of their mission to evolve, Chacko and the ITS team recently introduced Crestron 1 Beyond cameras in their study rooms and classrooms to improve the learning experience. Some faculty teach remotely from one campus but have students attend class together and in person from another campus. In these lecture halls, the Crestron 1 Beyond cameras help capture the experiences of the students so that the professor can properly engage with the group, regardless of the physical distance between them. The 1 Beyond intelligent video solutions are also leveraged in divisible training and event spaces which makes it possible to broadcast events and presentations as they occur.
Pace University recognized the need for a substantial investment in its learning spaces, which would not only provide a one-time benefit but would also be refreshed regularly and grow as students' learning styles evolved. Crestron technology was able to help bridge the gap between students, faculty, and hybrid learning. Pace implemented Crestron DM NVX AV-over-IP technology as a scalable and reliable solution that could be implemented across all of their campus locations in large classroom and event spaces. Crestron DM NVX technology powers digital signage displays, updated frequently with the latest campus announcements to keep students and faculty informed.
the results
With Crestron technology in place, there is no downtime when teaching starts. The faculty and staff love having a standardized approach to the technology on campus, especially as they juggle teaching from different locations throughout the week. Pace University has put in ample effort to create an environment where all students and professionals can feel they are getting the best experience with leading-edge technology that supports their day-to-day learning.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
