Denise Healey Marchand Interior Design ’71
Teachable Moments
“My favorite professors were Irene Gregg (Art History), Stanley Barrows, Martin Zelnik, and Julius Panero (all Interior Design). They prepared me for an illustrious career in interior design as I didn’t even know what a scale ruler or a T-square was when I walked in the door. It was all quick wit in the business of design!”
The unique bond between a professor and a student can last a lifetime. Here, alumni reminisce about faculty members whose lessons still resonate
Catherine Sisto Fagbeyiro Interior Design ’03, Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design ’96 “In his later years, Martin Pegler dragged us around the Met, and in our early 20s we could hardly keep up!”
Helene Schoenfeld Arancon Packaging Design ’84 “Laszlo Roth, the founder of the Packaging Design Department, was an amazing professor and mentor. I have thought of him often throughout my career, especially my years as vice president of creative services for toy companies. The great Laszlo Roth and George Wybenga were the authors of the packaging design books that my team used as a bible when researching unique packaging dielines.”
Mitchell Au Fashion Design ’02 “Steven Stipelman told me that I needed to trust myself and not constantly seek approval when it came to my fashion illustration. It’s funny how those same words apply to everything, especially in a world of social media.”
2016
Mary Badenhop Fashion Illustration ’75 “Alvin Pimsler helped me grow as an artist and as a person. I really looked up to him. I was only 20 years old and I was frightened that I wouldn’t be a great artist. Mr. Pimsler was always so encouraging and taught me to have confidence in whatever I’m creating.
Lisa Engel Lowell Patternmaking ’92 “Harry Greenberg, my grading professor, really cared about us. If you missed a class, he would call you to make sure you were OK.” 16 Winter 2020
Jacqueline Kline International Trade and Marketing ’17 Summer photography class in Florence with Professor Ron Amato.
“After FIT, I spent many years as a fashion illustrator and later went on to start my own business, Pipsqueak Productions. Mr. Pimsler regularly invited me to speak at his classes about how I’ve grown as an artist and a business owner. He passed away in 2015. I’m grateful to FIT for introducing me to this wonderful professor!”
