Dr. Elizabeth “Betty” Lott was Professor Emerita of Economics and a former chair of the Economics Department at Pace University. She earned her PhD in economics from Columbia University and worked to expand opportunities for men and women in the field. Her research spanned labor economics, economic development, human development, and economic growth. She also helped bring economics and civic engagement into the classroom through a widely used textbook.

Colleagues remember her as a dedicated mentor and a dynamic leader who laid the groundwork for the growth of Pace’s economics program.

The Memorial Scholarship Fund and Award

Pace’s New York Tau chapter of Pi Gamma Mu established the Dr. Elizabeth J. Lott Memorial Scholarship Fund in Economics in 2004–2005. The Dr. Elizabeth Lott Memorial Award in Economics is the highest honor conferred by Pace’s Economics Department.  The award honors Dr. Lott’s  memory by recognizing a graduating economics student who has excelled in the study of economics and demonstrated exceptional leadership during their studies. 

Past Recipients of the Elizabeth Lott Memorial Award

2026: Kristina Nasteva

2025: Viktoriia Yevtushenko

2024: McKenna Moore

2023: Kate Fong

2022: Yuwei Liu

2021: Jelena Goldstein

2019: Marina Isabella Testani

2018: Meghan Seebeger

2017: Lilay Hagos

2016: Ryan Barone

2015: Kelsey Berro

2014: Gerta Gjonaj