Inspire t h e g i v i n g n e w s l e t t e r o f p r at t i n s t i t u t e Spring / Summer 2013
Conrad Milster Creates Endowed Scholarship at Pratt Gift To Benefit Industrial Design Students
Peter Tannenbaum
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Pratt Institute Chief Engineer Conrad Milster
onrad Milster has spent virtually his entire adult In 1965, Milster became chief engineer of Pratt’s life at Pratt. What began as a visit to see the power plant—the oldest steam-generating plant of its power plant’s nineteeth-century steam engines turned kind in the Northeastern United States. As such, the selfinto a career as one of only four chief engineers in the trained engineer oversees the operations and planning Institute’s 125-year history. Milster has long since of an intricate system that affects the entire Brooklyn made his mark on the Pratt community by running campus. He also serves as the conservator of the engine the power plant, which supplies heat for the entire room, which now functions primarily as a rare showcase for machinery from the Brooklyn campus and is a “Pr att i s o ur life. An d 1900s in its original source of fascination for i f a n o r ga n izatio n nineteeth-century students, faculty, staff, location. At the time, and visitors. Now he’s p r ov i d e s yo u r the engines represented extending his impact l i v e l i h o o d, it sho u ld cutting-edge technology, through a generous gift b e a two -way street.” and Pratt was eager to to create the Phyllis –Conrad Milster display its technological and Conrad Milster Endowed Scholarship, which will provide scholarships prowess, which included electric lights. in perpetuity to students in Pratt’s Industrial Design “This was part of the philosophy that engineering was going to make the world better for us,” said Milster. program. The scholarship is named for Milster and his late Today, design and design thinking also play that wife, Phyllis, who began working in Pratt’s purchasing role, becoming as essential to business and marketplace division in the late 1960s after she and Milster married. success as they are to communications and products. She later moved over to the Institute’s facilities Given Pratt’s leadership in design and design education, Milster’s scholarship will help ensure that the most management office, from which she retired in 2004. A native of Astoria, Queens, Milster first visited talented students have the opportunity to obtain the Pratt in 1958 at the suggestion of his Long Island highest-quality education—regardless of their financial City High School machine shop teacher, Jacob backgrounds. Grathwohl, who also taught in the Institute’s industrial For Milster, the gift is a way to pay tribute to his engineering program. Milster returned the following wife and to give back to the organization that has come day to photograph the steam engines and met the to define his life, as it has for so many faculty and staff chief engineer, who had an opening for a mechanic. “I members. “Pratt is our life. And if an organization thought it would be interesting for a couple of years,” provides your livelihood, it should be a two-way street,” he said. recalled Milster. “And I never left.”
INNOVATION FUND SPURS NEW THINKING Seed grants to support faculty/staff projects
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hat could you do with $20,000? That’s the the fields of art, design, and philanthropy, who will question Pratt Institute is asking faculty and recommend the most innovative projects to President staff across the campus this year with the launch of the Schutte for his final selection. Award announcements Innovation Fund, a new initiative developed from the will be made in the spring, and the call for proposals has already generated Strategic Plan that will “ Th e I nnovat i o n F un d 17 strong applications provide seed funding in the first round. for groundbreaking encou r age s fac ulty a n d “The Innovation faculty and staff staf f to ta k e r i s ks a n d Fund encourages projects. exp er i m en t w i th i d e as .” faculty and staff to take With $100,000 –Peter Barna risks and experiment in funds allocated to the Innovation Fund for 2013, the Institute plans to with ideas that could pave the way to new research, award a minimum of five grants this year. Proposals programs, or course offerings that reach the entire will be reviewed and scored by a panel of leaders in Pratt community,” said Peter Barna, Provost. To that
end, the Fund also aims to promote cross-disciplinary projects and faculty collaborations, as well as projects that have the potential to attract future philanthropic or government support. “The quality and range of the proposals submitted thus far is very impressive, and includes some imaginative partnerships across academic disciplines,” said Todd Galitz, vice president for Institutional Advancement. “These proposals really speak to the caliber of our faculty and the important work they are doing at Pratt. I’m confident that many of these projects will attract additional support from foundations and other private funding sources beyond the initial seed support that the Innovation Fund provides.”
Provost’s Corner with Peter Barna forums to consider complex and contradictory ideas, from which emerged nuggets of opportunity: the “priorities.”
renÉ pÉrez
With the new strategic plan in place, Pratt aims to enrich the academic experience through greater cultural and technological innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, theoretical and applied research, and educational efficiency. What are some of the advances Pratt is planning in these areas?
The Pratt Board of Trustees recently approved a five-year strategic plan for Pratt. How were the Institute’s academic priorities through 2017 determined?
Pratt used an iterative interdisciplinary process, involving faculty, students, and staff at multiple levels from multiple disciplines to illuminate the central themes and aspirational dreams of the entire Pratt community. Roundtables with undergraduate and graduate students, student focus groups, and special sessions of the Faculty Senate provided
In concert with the challenges our alumni will face globally, Pratt plans to enhance its interdisciplinary labs and centers for cutting-edge student and faculty research in sustainability, cultural and social engagement, digital technology, smart materials, data visualization, and projects at the intersection of art and science. To enhance our alumni’s leadership potential, we are developing certificate programs in consultancy business practices, entrepreneurial business creation, social/ new media marketing/communications, global networks, and sustainability practices. We will also continue to build our traditional academic capacity and dialogue, around Pratt’s core competencies in art, design, architecture, and information science through new offerings and/or degree programs in performance studies, creative writing, media studies, communications, and package design, among others. What role will facilities on Pratt’s Brooklyn and Manhattan campuses play in helping to fulfill the strategic plan?
As the space for interaction, the campuses and their facilities are essential. The studio model that is a hallmark of a Pratt education is very space intensive. Studios build ideas, insights, and relationships far
beyond those engendered by a traditional classroom education. We plan to develop a number of new facilities, including sound stages and editing suites to bolster our film and video program, ground floor galleries at Pratt Manhattan for student and professional work, offices and studios for Pratt’s new interdisciplinary centers and labs, and a community commons where students and faculty can work and share ideas across disciplines. How will these advances further distinguish Pratt from its peers?
With the breadth and depth of its academic offerings, Pratt has a unique opportunity to lead as a cultural innovator among its peers. The initiatives the Institute is undertaking as part of the strategic plan will bolster Pratt’s role as one of the most robust arts-centered transformative communities in the world, and will attract students, alumni, faculty, and thought leaders from across the country and around the globe. How can individual supporters, particularly alumni, help Pratt to realize these plans?
Giving to The Fund for Pratt, which provides immediate resources for the Institute’s current key priorities, is an excellent way to help Pratt prepare for the future while maintaining excellence today. Annual contributions—of any size—provide an essential foundation for daily operations, and a base of support that helps fund scholarships, faculty research, curriculum development, study abroad programs, and maintenance of the campuses and facilities. The assurance provided by ongoing annual gifts allows Pratt to focus on raising endowment funds to realize the Institute’s most ambitious goals. Supporting The Fund for Pratt allows us to offer a superlative education to current students while laying the groundwork for the future.
the fund for pratt
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heodore Liebman, FAIA (B.Arch. ’62) always wanted to be an architect, and he credits Pratt Institute with allowing him to turn his passion into a successful career. “I arrived on the Brooklyn campus an eager child and left a professional adult,” says Liebman. Now he and his wife, Nina, dedicated contributors to The Fund for Pratt, are serving as the first-ever co-chairs of the Institute’s Leadership Societies, which recognize Pratt’s most generous and loyal supporters. Liebman, who is a principal at Perkins Eastman, one of the largest architecture firms in New York City with 13 offices worldwide, believes the Institute’s practical approach was essential to his career, which spans more than 40 years and included affordable housing and neighborhood development projects across the Unites States and around the world for organizations including the Harvard Institute for International Development and The Liebman Melting Partnership (TLMP), the architecture practice he co-founded. “Pratt fosters a hands-on attitude that allows alumni to jump into any situation they have to tackle without hesitation. For me, working in Iran in the 1970s and Russia in the 1990s, this was invaluable,” says Liebman, who continues his international work at Perkins Eastman, which TLMP joined in 2007. Nina Liebman, a vice president of the Corcoran Group, has also had a long career in international development as a consultant for World Bank–funded projects in
Russia and as an Eisenhower Fellow in Argentina. The Liebmans were also inspired to co-chair Pratt’s Leadership Societies by Pratt President Thomas F. Schutte and his wife, Tess, and Liebman’s friend and former Pratt roommate Trustee Robert Siegel (B.Arch. ’62), and his wife, Hazel. The latter have given generously to The Fund for Pratt and other key initiatives for more than 20 years. “A great deal of the excitement at Pratt is due to Tom and Tess Schutte,” says Liebman. “Pratt has grown immensely and the campus has become a wonderful outdoor art museum and the buildings a laboratory of creativity.” To Liebman, the Institute’s success reflects the success of its alumni, and he encourages them to support their alma mater: “If Pratt played a meaningful role in our lives, now is our time to give future generations the same opportunity.”
inspire
Peter Tannenbaum
Liebmans Take the Lead for Pratt
Theodore and Nina Liebman
The Fund for Pratt provides unrestricted funds for the Institute’s immediate use in the areas of greatest need. Pratt’s Leadership Societies acknowledge annual Fund for Pratt gifts of $1,000. For more information visit www.pratt. edu/leadershipsocieties. pratt institute Institutional Advancement Office of Communications
Todd Michael Galitz Vice President for institutional advancement Emily Moqtaderi executive director, campaign and major gifts Mara McGinnis Executive Director of Communications Charlotte Savidge Associate Director of Development Communications Inspire is a twice-yearly newsletter for donors and friends of Pratt. Please direct questions and comments to inspire@pratt.edu or call Institutional Advancement at 718-636-3537.
impact of giving
Joshua Wong
Joshua Wong
Chasing the Dream: Why Scholarships Matter
Kevin Truong (B.F.A. Photography ’13) speaking at Pratt Institute’s 125th Anniversary Gala
Pratt students and scholarship recipients at the 125th Anniversary Gala
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ratt’s 125th Anniversary Gala on October 15, 2012, raised a record-breaking “I’ve received so much support from Pratt—moral, mental, financial. I’ve $1,070,000 to support student scholarships. That night, more than 500 guests received nearly $100,000 in scholarships from Pratt through the Pratt Grant, the were moved by the remarks of the evening’s student speaker, Kevin Truong (B.F.A. Presidential Merit Scholarship, the Henry Wolf Scholarship, and the Steve Horn Art and Design award. That’s a lot of money. You want to believe that when you’re Photography ’13): chasing your dream the last thing you should “Thirty years ago I was born in a refugee worry about is how to pay for the dream, but to camp in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. My mom It 's q u ite amazing to th ink was a refugee from Vietnam, and while abo u t th e wo rld I was bo rn be very honest, it’s usually the first thing you worry about. pregnant with me, she escaped Vietnam in a in to —th at o f a refu gee—an d “But Pratt and the people who support Pratt fishing boat with my two young sisters. It’s th e wo rld I live in now— have helped ease that burden, and because of quite amazing to think about the world I was attend ing o ne o f th e fine st that, here I am, about to graduate and take the born into—that of a refugee—and the world I live in now—attending one of the finest art a rt s ch o o ls in th e wo rld in next steps in living my dream of being that grand photographer in New York City. schools in the world in New York City. The two Ne w Yo rk City. “As I prepare for that I’m committed to two worlds are so far removed from each other –KEVIN TRuONG things: 1) Working hard to show that all the you almost think it’s impossible to experience support I’ve received is merited; and 2) Saying thank you at every opportunity I both firsthand, but I know you can because I have. “I try to think about this a lot because my path to Pratt hasn’t been easy and get. “So tonight, from the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you to all of you. hasn’t been straight. But what I found when I got here was a place full of dreamers: people who really have a passion, a talent, a drive; people who are really trying to I wouldn’t be here if not for the scholarships I’ve received from Pratt. We don’t build a life and career out of doing what they truly love—as an architect, painter, always get to say thank you, and you don’t always get to hear thank you, but I know the appreciation is always there. illustrator, or in my case, photographer. “That’s not easy. Chasing your dream means taking a huge risk. But Pratt “Because I know first-hand that just because a kid is born in a refugee camp has not only provided me with an education and tools to technically tackle that in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with nothing but his mom and his two sisters, that challenge, but also a community of like-minded individuals and a network of doesn’t mean that kid doesn’t have the potential to do great things. All that kid support, in my classmates and professors, that has helped me develop the mindset needs, all I’ve ever needed, was the opportunity. Because of people like you, I’ve been given that opportunity. So thank you.” that not only am I pursuing my dream, but I’m living it.
Peter Tannenbaum
Pratt Scholarship Donors and Recipients Meet at Second Annual Scholarship Luncheon
Casey Daurio (B.I.D. ’13), David Saylor (M.I.D. ’69), and Hannah Shaffer (B.I.D. ’13)
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ratt scholarship donors had an opportunity to meet some of the outstanding beneficiaries of their generosity on November 30, 2012, at Pratt’s second annual scholarship luncheon. The luncheon, which was held at Pratt Manhattan, was also attended by several current scholarship recipients in the Institute’s architecture, communications design, design, fine arts, industrial design, interior design, and photography programs.
President Thomas F. Schutte gave welcoming remarks, thanking donors and reminding the attendees of the vital need for scholarships, which dramatically reduce the amount of debt students incur in pursuit of higher education. Trustee and parent David O. Pratt, whose family has supported several scholarships at the Institute, also spoke, noting that, by allowing Pratt to attract the most talented students, the awards raise the bar for the entire campus community. “I know from my daughter’s experience, Pratt students work very hard,” he added. "They are also extremely dedicated to their studies and their craft. And they sincerely wish to make a difference in the world. As such, they truly deserve the support, recognition, and encouragement that scholarships provide.” Speaking on behalf of Pratt scholarship recipients, Casey Daurio (B.I.D. ’13) told the guests, “Studying at Pratt has opened up my eyes to so many possibilities. Here I realized that if you worked hard you could do whatever you want to do. The faculty and staff here are passionate and insightful and have changed my life.” Daurio, Hannah Shaffer (B.I.D. ’13), and Katherine Plunkett (M.S. Interior Design ’13) were among this year’s recipients of the David Saylor Scholarship for Design, and had the opportunity to get to know their benefactor during the luncheon. “Meeting Casey, Hannah, and Katherine was tremendously rewarding,” said David Saylor (M.I.D. ’69). “I established the scholarship to help talented students obtain the best possible education, as my parents did for me. I’m delighted to know that it is making a real difference in students’ lives.”
i nspire p r at t i n st i t u t e 2 0 0 w i l lo u g h by av e . b r o o k ly n , n y 1 1 2 0 5
you're invited!
Dear Friends, This issue of Inspire highlights a top priority for Pratt: student scholarships. I am deeply grateful to all of Pratt’s scholarship donors for making it possible for the most talented and dedicated students to pursue their academic and creative goals at the Institute. I hope you will join us on Thursday, April 25, for the
2013 PRATT INSTITUTE FASHION SHOW + COCKTAIL BENEFIT honoring THOM BROWNE THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013
2013 Pratt Fashion Show and Cocktail Benefit, which raises scholarship funds
6 PM FASHION SHOW + AWARD PRESENTATION
for the Institute’s fashion design students.
Center548, 548 West 22nd Street, New York City
Thank you very much for your support!
7:30 PM COCKTAIL BENEFIT
Sincerely,
The Top of The Standard, 848 Washington Street, New York City
Thomas F. Schutte
INFO + TICKETS: www.pratt.edu/fashionshow
President
planned giving Leverage Your Giving Before Your Golden Years
Peter Tannenbaum
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iven the state of the economy, financial planning is essential for adults at every age. “People often think of planned giving as including a charity in their will,” says Drew Babitts, Pratt’s new major and planned gifts officer. “But, the earlier people start thinking about planned giving, the more options they’ll Drew Babitts have to leverage their gift.” One option for people in their 30s and 40s is a whole life insurance policy, which can nearly double the amount of your charitable gift at no extra cost. For example, suppose you are 35 and give $2,000 to Pratt every year for 30 years for a total gift of $60,000. If you took out a $100,000 whole life insurance policy and named Pratt Institute the owner and beneficiary, Pratt would pay the $1,500 annual premium on the policy out of your $2,000 gift and would contribute the
remaining $500 to a Pratt fund of your choosing. After 30 years, the insurance policy could be worth $100,000, making your total gift to Pratt $115,000 or more instead of the $60,000 contributed outright. You can also transfer ownership of an existing whole life insurance policy to Pratt and receive a tax deduction on the policy’s cash value. Just remember to transfer the ownership directly with your insurance carrier, rather than cashing in the policy and giving the proceeds to Pratt. “There are so many ways to make an impact through a planned gift,” adds Babitts. “I welcome the opportunity to meet with alumni and friends interested in exploring the best options for them that will also benefit Pratt.” To learn more about benefiting from this and other gift planning options at Pratt, contact Drew Babitts at plannedgiving@pratt.edu or 718-399-4296. Please be assured that all conversations will be held in confidence. Prospective donors are advised to seek guidance from their personal tax advisors.
The Renaissance Society The Renaissance Society recognizes donors who have pledged their commitment to Pratt Institute with a planned gift. We gratefully recognize the following members of Pratt’s Renaissance Society: Janet M. Anderson ’60
MaryEllen Dohrs ’50
Jisun Kim ’98
Donald M. Axleroad ’56
Richard W. Eiger ’55 (Trustee) & Ruth Eiger
Judith Kingsley
Laura J. Bohn ’77 & Richard C. Fiore Sr.
Mildred M. Fatovic ’72
Lawrence R. Koltnow ’66 & Emily Numeroff Koltnow ’64
Melinda Brisben
Jean S. Floon ’42
Rachael Krinsky
Robertina M. Campbell ’66
Arnold A. Friedmann ’53 & Susi Friedmann
Elizabeth J. Kuhn ’42
John L. Morrow Jr. ’48 & Helen C. Morrow Isabel Morton Bruce M. Newman ’53 (Lifetime Trustee) & Judith Newman
Adeline Sadowski ’57 David Saylor ’69 Thomas F. Schutte & Tess L. Schutte Timothy D. Stoddard ’56
Lois Lazarus
Kevin J. O'Mara ’72 & Joan H. O'Mara
Patricia Dedula Stokes ’68 & Ronald Romano
Constance B. Gee ’79 & E. G. Gee
David B. Mattingly
Mike Pratt
Fern Tiger ’67
Carl J. Mays ’48
Michael C. Pyatok ’66
Estate of Hugo H. Todebush
Edward M. Giordano Jr. ’85
Angie Mills ’50
Jean Raper
Ernestine T. L. Vallen ’54
Virginia Chakejian ’62
Deming P. Holleran & Romer Holleran
Philip R. Monaghan ’79
Layton L. Register
Gerardo Contreras & Ruth Contreras
Robert H. Welz ’51 & Mary Louise Welz
Parthasarathy Iyengar ’68 & Sashikala Iyengar
Martin E. Rich AIA ’63 & Donna Rich
Millicent C. Wettstein
Ronald H. DeLuca ’49 & Lois H. DeLuca
Mary E. Kelly ’61
Annemarie P. Morris in memory of George W. Morris ’43
Neil E. Campbell ’69 & Barbara Campbell Victor Carnuccio ’79 James M. Casker ’67
Louise C. Rust ’56 & Herbert H. Rust DDS
Anonymous (7)
If you have included Pratt in your gift planning and are not listed here, please email plannedgiving@pratt.edu and we will add your name to the next published list.