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 2012
BRUCE NEWMAN CREATES A CAMPUS PARADISE AT PRATT
JON MACAPODI
$1 MILLION GIFT EXPANDS IMPROVEMENTS TO CAMPUS
Bruce Newman (B.F.A. Interior Design ’53) at the 125th Anniversary Kickoff
W
hile Pratt celebrates its 125th anniversary, Pratt Trustee and alumnus Bruce Newman (B.F.A. Interior Design ’53) is already picturing the Institute’s 150th. “I’ll be 107, so I’ll be here,” he says. “I’ll see how absolutely exquisite the campus is and think, ‘If Heaven looks like this, I don’t mind going.’”
Enhancing the Pratt campus has been a primary Newman, whose recent $1 million donation to Pratt is just the latest in a series of generous focus for Schutte throughout his tenure as president, gifts he has made to create beautiful and inviting and Newman considers him an inspiration. “I’ve outdoor spaces across the campus, is well on his known Tom for nineteen years and have always way to realizing his dream of making the Institute’s felt that his enormous dedication, energy, drive, Brooklyn home a sanctuary for students and the most and passion for Pratt were contagious to the entire attractive university setting in New York City. From community,” he says. Improving the the Newman Mall I F HEAVE N LO O KS grounds also enhances and Ampitheater, which now features L IKE T H E P RAT T C AMP U S , the learning experience. “Spaces that promote the Bruce M. Newman I D ON ’T MI ND GO ING. student interaction are ’53 Clock dedicated — BRUC E N EW M A N essential for the kind in October 2011 during the Institute’s 125th Anniversary Kickoff, to of creative collaboration that leads our students to the freshly paved North and South Walks, the Pratt innovation,” says Pratt Trustee and alumna Juliana campus today reflects Newman’s lifelong love of Curran Terian (B. Arch. ’90), whose generosity in 2004 and engagement with aesthetics and his belief that helped Pratt merge the Institute’s design disciplines good design is an essential ingredient of life. His at the Juliana Curran Terian Design Center. “By most recent commitment will allow the Institute to fostering campus life and student engagement outside complete important upgrades, including landscaping of the classroom, Bruce is playing a vital part in our the Engineering Quad, restoring the courtyard that interdisciplinary work in the classroom.” Newman also supports Pratt as a means of giving connects Main Building and East Hall, and developing back, a lesson he learned from his father—a Russian an outdoor recreation area for students. “It’s wonderful and personally very gratifying for immigrant who went on to establish one of America’s me to see how much the students enjoy the beautiful foremost decorative arts and antiques emporiums, campus we’ve created through Bruce’s outstanding Newel Art Galleries, where Newman served as support and dedication,” says Pratt President Thomas president for 26 years. “He realized the American F. Schutte. “His continued generosity, enthusiasm, dream and was so grateful to this country; he always support, and involvement are allowing us to create a told us to give back,” says Newman. “Pratt gave a lot to truly world-class campus that reflects the caliber of me, and I’m trying to give back in a way that will touch every Pratt student.” the learning experience we provide our students.”
P
ratt Institute held its inaugural scholarship luncheon on December 9, 2011, at Pratt Manhattan, bringing together 20 donors who have supported endowed scholarships at Pratt and 14 of the Institute’s current and past scholarship recipients who represented programs ranging from Facilities Management and Information and Library Science to Communications Design and Photography. “By helping Pratt attract students who, having already demonstrated the highest level of accomplishment, represent sheer talent, scholarships inspire everyone at Pratt, students and teachers alike, to offer their very best work,” said Bill Hilson, an adjunct professor in Pratt’s Graduate Communications and Package Design department who supports scholarships for students in the department through
The Hilson Family Fund. Emily Hale (B.F.A. Communications Design ’12), recipient of the Herschel Levit Scholarship, also spoke, highlighting how grateful she and her fellow scholarship recipients were for the support they had received. Her sentiments were echoed by luncheon attendee Themba Chirambo (M.S. Facilities Management ’11), recipient of a James W. Atkinson Memorial Scholarship. “Receiving the scholarship, particularly as a foreign student, made me believe in the possibility of getting ahead in my career,” said Chirambo. A native of Zambia, he came to Pratt after earning his undergraduate degree in civil engineering at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia. He is now night facilities manager at the food service, facilities,
JONATHAN WEITZ
PRATT HOSTS FIRST-EVER SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON TO CELEBRATE OUTSTANDING STUDENTS
Left to right: Pratt alumni and scholarship donors Betsy Lewin (B.F.A. Graphic Arts/Illustration ’59) and Ted Lewin (B.F.A. Illustration ’56), Pratt parent and scholarship donor Anastasia Corvo (P ’88), and scholarship recipient Kevin Truong (Photography ’13)
and clothing provider Aramark Corporation, which offered him a position while he was still a graduate student at Pratt.
DEAN'S CORNER THOMAS HANRAHAN, SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE something for society, whether an architectural design, a regional plan, or a building. This culture updates Pratt’s original mission with powerful new computational tools and sophisticated planning and building technologies. With the School’s New York City context and broad commitment and service to urban communities, Pratt architecture students are also immersed in the emerging field of sustainable urbanism, where natural systems and urban communities support and sustain each other. Finally, the School has a thriving research culture that borrows from models more commonly found in science programs at major research universities. This research culture fosters a spirit of collaboration and allows students to better grasp the transdisciplinary future of all of their respective disciplines. Having distinct and real strengths in design, sustainable communities, and research truly differentiates the School and adds depth and diversity to all of its programs.
DIANA PAU
In what areas has the School developed most dramatically over the past five years?
What distinguishes the Pratt Institute School of Architecture from other U.S. architecture schools?
The School provides three important perspectives across nine graduate and undergraduate programs. This multifaceted dimension makes it virtually unique relative to all other architecture schools. The School’s educational culture is first and foremost based upon a commitment to making
Ten years ago there was a major shift in the field toward design and using the tools of design. Over the past five years, we’ve looked closely at how to apply those tools in building and urban planning. We’ve been considering research that can benefit society and cities, and have been asking questions about the future of building and the future of cities. Where would you like to see the School in the next five years?
We will continue to emphasize a transdisciplinary, ecological approach whereby architecture, planning, and construction work together to address some of the major issues facing cities. With that in mind, we are looking to increase our offerings in sustainable urbanism and the connective tissue of cities as well
as specialized practices such as health-care design and management. We would also like to develop a more robust research agenda around new building technologies and materials. What are the School’s greatest opportunities at this time?
Over the last several years, we’ve made enormous progress in expanding our global presence, and now have international study programs on almost every continent. We also host a variety of guests from abroad and work with institutions worldwide to develop their architecture curricula. This global network presents tremendous opportunities for student enrichment by exposing our students to a variety of urban environments. It also gives us the chance to work in cities like Beijing, which are experiencing rapid growth, as well as cities that have not traditionally been served by design. How can individual supporters, especially alumni, play a role in the School of Architecture’s future growth?
As we grow, it’s vital that we support the work of our faculty members and students and expand our facilities. Our generous alumni helped cover the cost of renovating Higgins Hall and, more recently, helped us develop our study abroad programs. Alumni can fund a specific scholarship, support a building campaign, or donate to The Fund for Pratt—School of Architecture, to provide immediate funding for priorities across the School. Every gift makes a tangible difference in our ability to offer the highest quality educational experience to our students. To make a secure online gift to The Fund for Pratt—School of Architecture, visit www.pratt.edu/give. Under “Special Instructions,” indicate that you prefer to direct your gift and select “Fund for Pratt—Architecture.”
THE FUND FOR PRATT
JONATHAN WEITZ
STUDENTS AND ALUMNI CONNECT VIA PHONE-A-THON
Rebekah Mitchell (B. Arch. ’12) at the 2012 Phone-a-Thon call center
M
y goal is ten pledges a night,” said Rebekah Mitchell (B. Arch. ’12), a student caller for Pratt’s third annual Phone-a-Thon. Mitchell is one of 28 Pratt student callers who staffed the phones this spring to raise monies for The Fund for Pratt, which supports the Institute’s highest priority areas: innovative programming and curriculum development, study abroad programs, and the financial aid and scholarships that nearly 80 percent of Pratt students receive. Said another student caller, Vanessa Perry (B.F.A. Interior Design ’12), “It’s great to hear how the campus has changed over the years. One alumna remembers when Pratt Studios was a shoe factory—and the engineering alums always mention the El.” (The “El,” an elevated train that ran along Grand Avenue, now
Grand Walk, across from the Engineering Quad, was taken down in 1953.) This kind of connection between alumni and current students bridges generational gaps and helps to foster a sense of community, allowing alumni to reconnect with Pratt and to give back to the Institute. Some alumni have told student callers about internships and other professional opportunities— networking that could pay dividends to them after graduation. In terms of raising critical support for Pratt students and programs, the Phone-a-Thon is also a winner. The 2012 drive generated more than $150,000 for The Fund for Pratt from approximately 1,700 donors, among whom were more than 575 alumni and parents making their first gift to the Institute.
INSPIRE
Student callers this year exceeded their goal in making direct contact with thousands of generous alumni and friends of Pratt. “This program has been a wonderful way to reconnect alumni with their alma mater,” said Emily Hashimoto (M.S.L.I.S. ’12), senior alumni outreach officer. “Our student callers have enjoyed talking with alumni about their experiences, and they’ve gained an appreciation of the extensive and dedicated Pratt community that exists beyond the campus gates.” The Fund for Pratt provides unrestricted funds for the Institute’s immediate use in the areas of greatest need. It doesn't take a large gift to make a big difference. Every gift counts. To make a secure online gift to The Fund for Pratt at a level that is meaningful for you, visit www.pratt.edu/give.
PRATT INSTITUTE INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
TODD MICHAEL GALITZ VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT MARA MCGINNIS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS CHARLOTTE SAVIDGE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATIONS ADRIENNE GYONGY COPY EDITOR K.C. TROMMER CONTRIBUTOR 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
FROM POPSICLE STICKS TO POLITICS: SATURDAY ART SCHOOL SPURS CREATIVITY
N
PHOTOS: KEVIN WICK
Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries
Saturday Art School teacher Hannah Brenner-Leonard (B.F.A./M.S. Art and Design Education ’10) and sevenyear-old Willa Johnson
ew York State Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries can scholarships to hundreds of Saturday Art School still recall building a ship from wooden tongue students who are unable to pay the program’s modest depressors as an elementary school participant tuition and has also helped Pratt purchase the varied in Pratt’s Saturday Art School, which offers arts art supplies that help spark the participants’ creativity. instruction to children and families throughout Pratt alumnus Arnold Syrop (B. Arch. ’61), a trustee Brooklyn. “I don’t have very many memories from of The Selz Foundation, says, “The Selz Foundation is my childhood that are as vivid as those that I have delighted to help support Saturday Art School, which of Saturday Art School,” says Jeffries, a Brooklyn plays an essential role in the creative growth of local children and teens.” native who is now Jeffries, who has in the midst of a I DON’T HAVE VERY MANY served since 2007 as U.S. Congressional campaign. “Having MEMORIES FROM MY CHILDHOOD assemblyman for New York State’s 57th District the opportunity to THAT ARE AS VIVID AS THOSE —where Pratt is located— actually construct THAT I HAVE OF SATURDAY recognizes the impact something with ART SCHOOL. Saturday Art School has the direction of the had on his career. “In art teachers that — HAKEEM JEFFRIES public affairs and politics, results in a finished product gave me a sense of accomplishment and a variety of skills are necessary to be successful, possibility. It was a phenomenal experience to have as including the ability to be creative in how you reach out and touch people,” he says. “The creative aspects a child growing up in Brooklyn.” Established in 1897, Saturday Art School of who I am today can certainly be attributed in currently provides classes ranging from Art a meaningful way to my participation in Saturday Foundations to Interactive Media to approximately Art School.” Based on his experience representing Brooklyn 650 Brooklyn children and teens, who are taught by degree candidates in Pratt’s Art and Design Education families as an assemblyman, he can attest to department, which administers the program. The Saturday Art School’s importance. “One of the program has received ongoing support from The biggest complaints I hear from parents is the lack of Selz Foundation, whose generosity has provided opportunities that many public schools provide for arts education and enrichment as a result of budget cuts necessitated by the collapse of the economy,” he says. “Saturday Art School fills an extremely important gap that is invaluable at any time but is particularly important in this difficult fiscal environment.” The generosity of donors like The Selz Foundation helps to ensure that Pratt will continue to fill that gap, and offer fulfilling experiences to Erika Schroeder (M.S. Art and Design Brooklyn youngsters for decades Education ’13) and her class of eight-year-olds to come. in front of their self-portraits
SCHOLARSHIP HELPS PAINTER GAIN NEW PERSPECTIVE IN VENICE
Sofía Shaula Reeser del Rio (B.F.A. Painting ’12)
JONATHAN WEITZ
S
ofía Shaula Reeser del Rio (B.F.A. Painting ’12) has long been inspired by Venetian culture and dreamed of visiting the city. In summer 2011, she got her chance when she was awarded a Jacques and Natasha Gelman Trust Scholarship that allowed her to spend six weeks painting and immersing herself in art history with the Pratt in Venice program. Established in 2001 by the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Trust, the endowed scholarship supports undergraduate studio arts students. Students of Mexican and Latin American descent are the preferred recipients of the scholarship. The Gelman Trust recently made a generous gift to Pratt to increase the size of the scholarship endowment, ensuring that it will continue to provide meaningful awards to deserving students like Reeser del Rio. “As part of its mission to develop the next generation of artists, the Trust is proud to extend its support for exceptional students at Pratt,” said Trust administrator Janet Neschis. The scholarship was Reeser del Rio’s passport to the living classroom that is Venice. “Every day was a learning field trip,” she said, reflecting on the opportunities she had to study the works of the Old Masters up close and compare her understanding of contemporary art with the work of Bellini, Canaletto, Tintoretto, and Titian. “The effort and time they invested in their art inspires me and reminds me that all accomplishments are achieved through hard work—a lesson I learned at Pratt,” she said.
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 year marks the 125th anniversary of Pratt Institute’s founding in 1887. As you will see from the stories in this issue, donors like you have played an important
Mark your calendar for these exciting upcoming events and activities for Pratt alumni and friends:
role in the Institute’s long history of creativity and innovation. Please join us to celebrate this momentous year in
9.2 9.12
Pratt’s history and all that the Pratt
Alumni Day Pratt Institute Brooklyn Campus
community has achieved together.
For information, visit www.pratt.edu/125
Best wishes for an enjoyable summer. Sincerely,
10.15 .12
125th ANNIVERSARY Gala Waldorf=Astoria Hotel
Thomas F. Schutte
301 Park Avenue, New York, NY
President
For information, visit www.pratt.edu/125gala
planned giving Faculty Member Bequest to Foster Young Talent
jonathan weitz
A
s a teacher, I love being able to share my knowledge and experience to cultivate talented artists,” says Visiting Associate Professor David Mattingly, who teaches digital matte painting in the Department of Digital Arts. To nurture Pratt digital arts students’ creativity in perpetuity, he and his wife, Cathleen Visiting Associate Professor of Digital Arts Cogswell, have made a bequest to and scholarship donor David Mattingly establish a digital matte painting endowed scholarship, which will provide one full tuition scholarship each year to an outstanding undergraduate digital design student with financial need. Mattingly’s 30 years of experience in special effects include heading Walt Disney Studios’ matte department, where he oversaw the creation of effects that combine painted imagery with live action plates. Use of the technique dates back to classic early films such as Citizen Kane and The Wizard of Oz, and the field, which has been revolutionized by advances in computer technology, is growing. “I may be the only person my students ever meet who started in the pre-digital era and [who painted] on glass,” he says. “I love sharing the history of the craft with them.” Gifts like Mattingly’s help shape Pratt’s future, and this particular bequest reflects the joy he finds in teaching and in seeing his students go on to successful careers at leading special effects houses. The generosity of Mattingly’s own mentors is never far from his mind. “When I teach,” he says, “I draw on all they taught me, and pass on time-honored techniques and skills. By setting up this scholarship, I am honoring and preserving that teaching legacy.”
To learn how you can create a legacy at Pratt that provides for the future of the Institute and its students, visit www.pratt.edu/planned_giving, or contact us by phone at 718-3994296, or email at plannedgiving@pratt.edu.
The Renaissance Society The Renaissance Society is the honor society for donors who have pledged their commitment to Pratt Institute through a planned gift. We gratefully recognize the following members of Pratt’s Renaissance Society: Donald M. Axleroad ’56
Lois Lazarus
Nicholas Battis ’89
David B. Mattingly
Laura Bohn Design Associates
Angie Mills ’50
Melinda Brisben Robertina M. Campbell ’66
Annemarie P. Morris in memory of George W. Morris ’43
Victor Carnuccio ’79
Isabel Morton
James M. Casker ’67
Bruce M. Newman ’53 (Lifetime Trustee) & Judith Newman
Virginia Chakejian ’62 Gerardo Contreras & Ruth Contreras Ronald H. DeLuca ’49 & Lois H. DeLuca MaryEllen Dohrs ’50 Richard W. Eiger ’55 (Trustee) & Ruth Eiger Mildred M. Fatovic ’72 Arnold A. Friedmann ’53 & Susi Friedmann Edward M. Giordano Jr. ’85 Mary E. Kelly ’61 Judith Kingsley Lawrence R. Koltnow ’66 & Emily Numeroff Koltnow ’64 Rachael Krinsky
Michael C. Pyatok ’66 Jean Raper & John A. A. Raper ’52 Martin E. Rich AIA ’63 & Donna Rich Adeline Sadowski ’57 David Saylor ’69 Thomas F. Schutte (President) & Tess L. Schutte Timothy D. Stoddard ’56 Patricia Dedula Stokes ’68 & Ronald Romano Fern Tiger ’67 Robert H. Welz ’51 & Mary Louise Welz Anonymous (5)
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.