When Steven Schiavone, a junior at Pace University, bypassed his father’s laptop password in seventh grade, he was simply trying to access video games. That moment sparked an interest that would later define his academic and professional path.
“I proudly showed my dad—who happened to be a Senior Vice President of Global Technology at Bank of America.”
Now three years into a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at Pace’s New York City campus, Schiavone has become deeply involved in cybersecurity. He is the incoming president of the university’s Cybersecurity Club and manages operations in the Digital Forensics Lab. As a recipient of the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service, he is preparing for government work after graduation.
Schiavone emphasizes that cybersecurity is no longer optional for organizations or individuals. “It’s 2025. Companies and individuals don’t have a choice about cybersecurity anymore,” he says. With sensitive information like banking details and medical records stored online, security breaches can affect anyone. “Whether or not you have ever touched a keyboard, the security of your data affects your livelihood.”
As captain of the Collegiate Cyber Defense Team within the Cybersecurity Club, Schiavone created an extensive contingency guide to help teammates prepare for competitions against professional hackers working with U.S. government agencies. The CyberCorps scholarship requires recipients to serve in government roles equal to their period of financial aid support—a prospect Schiavone welcomes.
“This opportunity recognizes a dream of mine,” says Steven. “I want to keep these critical systems secure. I want to keep soldiers secure. I want to protect our nation’s infrastructure from hackers that are taking down hospitals and gas pipelines.”
In addition to his focus on modern digital threats, Schiavone volunteers at InfoAge Science and History Museums in Wall, New Jersey, where he maintains one of the Navy’s first digital computers—the UNIVAC 1219 from 1969—which was used aboard ships for missile system management.
His decision to attend Pace University was influenced by family ties—his mother graduated from Pace in 1996—and by its location and faculty expertise.
“Three of my four grandparents came through Ellis Island, and all put down roots here,” he says. “We’re in the capital of the world. Culturally, diplomatically, financially, you name it. Everything happens here.”
Schiavone also credits faculty members with shaping his education: “I talked to people in the Cybersecurity Club and they all seemed very knowledgeable and qualified.” He adds praise for Professor Joe Acampora: “Professor Joe Acampora is probably one of the smartest minds in cybersecurity, and Pace is so lucky to have him.” He also notes Dr. Darren Hayes’ role as Director of Cybersecurity: “And Dr. Darren Hayes, my direct supervisor in the Digital Forensics Lab and Director of Cybersecurity, is incredibly intelligent and well networked.”
“I have these professors who do incredibly meaningful work…”
From early experiments with computer passwords to maintaining Cold War-era technology and leading student teams against cyber threats today, Schiavone’s commitment remains focused on both preserving history and securing digital futures.
