Edward J. Mortola facts for kids

Edward Joseph Mortola (born February 5, 1917 – died October 21, 2002) was an important American leader in education. He was the president of Pace University in New York from 1960 to 1984. He then became the chancellor. Edward Mortola was the third president of Pace. He helped it grow from a small business school in Lower Manhattan into one of the largest independent universities in the United States. The university's main campus is now at One Pace Plaza, right across from City Hall.

Early Life and World War II Service

Edward Mortola was born in New York City. He went to Regis High School. After that, he studied at Fordham University. He earned his first degree in mathematics in 1938. He then got a master's degree in administration in 1941.

During World War II, Mortola served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. He taught at Columbia University's Midshipmen's School. Later, he directed a division of the U.S. Armed Forces Institute in Madison, Wisconsin. He reached the rank of lieutenant commander before leaving the Navy. After the war, he finished his Ph.D. in education at Fordham in 1946. He also taught mathematics at Cooper Union.

Leading Pace University's Growth

In 1947, when he was 30, Edward Mortola joined Pace Institute. Pace was started in 1906 by brothers Homer Pace and Charles Ashford Pace. Mortola quickly moved up at Pace. He became dean in 1949. In 1950, he was promoted to provost, and then to vice president in 1954.

In December 1960, Edward Mortola became the president of Pace. He served in this role for 24 years until 1984. After that, he became the university's chancellor. He continued to serve as a trustee for the rest of his life.

Expanding Pace's Campuses and Programs

During Mortola's time as president, Pace grew a lot. It added many new courses and degree programs. In 1963, a second campus opened in Pleasantville, Westchester County.

In 1966, Mortola led the start of building a new main campus in New York City. This big new building in the Civic Center area opened in 1969. In 1973, under his leadership, Pace College became Pace University. This meant it could offer even more advanced degrees.

When Mortola joined Pace in 1947, it had about 5,651 students. By the end of his time as president, Pace University had around 30,000 students. These included full-time and part-time students. New schools were created for subjects like liberal arts, education, nursing, computer science, and law. Pace also opened centers for working professionals and retirees.

Mortola also helped open two more campuses in Westchester County. One was in White Plains in 1975. The other was in Briarcliff in 1977.

In 1983, the library on the Pleasantville campus was named the Edward & Doris Mortola Library. This honored his and his wife's contributions.

Continued Service and Legacy

Even after retiring, Edward Mortola stayed involved with Pace. He said he wanted to be remembered as someone who cared deeply about Pace. He felt he had many friends there and that his life spent on the institution was worthwhile.

Edward Mortola passed away on October 21, 2002, at his home in Rye. He was 85 years old. He had been married to Doris Slater Mortola for 61 years. They had two daughters, Doreen and Elaine. Pace University planned a celebration for his 100th birthday in 2017 at the Mortola Library.