Saint Mary’s College Celebrates Dedication of the Prikkel Advising, Career, and Experience (PACE) Center
Today, Saint Mary’s College celebrated the dedication and ribbon-cutting of the multimillion dollar Prikkel Advising, Career, and Experience (PACE) Center, a transformative new hub for advising, career development, and experiential learning that is now open to students.
“The PACE Center represents a bold and deeply mission-driven investment in our students,” said Saint Mary’s College President Katie Conboy. “This space brings together advising, experiential learning, and career development in a way that reflects how students actually grow — through reflection, exploration, and meaningful relationships. It allows us to meet students where they are and walk alongside them as they prepare for lives of purpose, leadership, and impact.”
The PACE Center was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of Jennifer Mathile Prikkel ’95, Patrick Prikkel, and their family, whose transformational gift helped establish the Center and advance the College’s commitment to student success. Jennifer Mathile Prikkel, a member of the Saint Mary’s College Board of Trustees, serves as tri-chair of the Ring Out Ring True Comprehensive Campaign. She earned her degree in religious studies from Saint Mary’s in 1995.
“Saint Mary’s shaped who I am — not just professionally, but as a person,” Jen Prikkel said. “Patrick and I believe deeply in the potential of these students, and we wanted to help create a place where they feel supported, challenged, and empowered to imagine what’s possible. The PACE Center reflects the values that drew me to Saint Mary’s and the confidence it gave me to pursue a meaningful life and career.”
Located in a newly renovated wing of Le Mans Hall, the PACE Center reflects several years of intentional planning and community collaboration to strengthen how the College supports students as they discern academic pathways and prepare for life after graduation. The Center is accessible through Reignbeaux Lounge as well as a new exterior entrance on the north side of Le Mans Hall.
The PACE Center serves as Saint Mary’s central home for advising, career integration, and applied learning. Through individualized support and robust programming, students are guided to identify their strengths and passions, explore career paths, connect with alumnae mentors, and plan internships and hands-on learning experiences that align academic study with professional and vocational goals.
For students, the Center has already become a vital resource.
“Having everything in one place will make such a difference,” said Leylany Rivera ’28, a Saint Mary’s political science major who plans to use the PACE Center to gain access to even more alumnae connections. “I’ve been able to talk through my major and explore internships through the current career services office, but having even more resources available through the PACE Center will help connect me with alumnae with greater ease. It will be a great way to feel more supported as I select my career path.”
The PACE Center plays a critical role in delivering on the promise of the Avenue Experience—Saint Mary’s four-year developmental framework designed to prepare students for career success and whole-life flourishing.
The Center's career team will be led by a Dean of Career Integration, a new leadership role that strengthens coordination and collaboration around career readiness across campus. When hired, the dean will oversee initiatives including employer and community partnerships, internship and work-based learning opportunities, collaboration with Advancement and Alumnae Relations, and the development of experiences that connect academic learning with professional pathways.
The PACE Center offers a range of resources and services, including experiential learning opportunities, year-round professional advising, lifetime career support, alumnae mentoring through The Bridge Mentoring Program, and dedicated spaces for interviews, workshops, and events.
The dedication of the Prikkel Advising, Career, and Experience Center marks a significant milestone in Saint Mary’s continued investment in student formation and outcomes—and stands as a lasting testament to the Prikkel family’s belief in the promise and potential of Saint Mary’s students.
January 23, 2026