Profiles

Blaise Kavanagh
Recipient, Pratt Patrons Scholarship

Blaise Kavanagh, BFA Fashion Design '06, has many reasons to thank Suzanne Mados, a loyal friend of Pratt who generously supported the last two years of Blaise's education through a Patrons Scholarship.

Blaise was among the most talented students in Pratt's fashion department, and he has always acknowledged the wealth of opportunities afforded him there. Professionally, Blaise recently joined the staff of Bill Blass, a position he coveted since graduating from Pratt. Blaise has always considered Bill Blass among his greatest inspirations, and he hopes to reinvigorate the iconic namesake founder's label by putting a modern twist on the design philosophy he feels he shares with the late Mr. Blass.

Commenting on the impact of the Patrons Scholarship, Blaise said, "Mrs. Mados' generosity continues to humble me to this day. She lifted an enormous burden from my shoulders, which allowed me the freedom to grow unrestricted as an artist. I am forever indebted to her encouragement and support."

In an effort to give back, Blaise remains active in the Pratt community. In February 2009, he participated in the Fashion Roundtable, an event at Pratt's Manhattan campus where design professionals in various industries mentor current Pratt students in how to incorporate themselves into the design careers they seek upon graduation.

Chanice Greenberg
Recipient, Michael Mahoney Writer's Fund Award

When Chanice Greenberg of Great Neck, NY decided to attend school for writing, she didn't know what to expect. Writing was something she did on her own for fun, but she was ready to take it further and see how it could develop into something more. She wanted to be part of a community where writers could learn how to grow and she chose Pratt Institute. It turned out to be an excellent decision. The writing program has given her both structure and flexibility and has exposed her to expert, creative instruction and thoughtful critiques from her peers and professors.

Chanice also has the distinction of being named a recipient of the Michael Mahoney Writer's Fund Award. This award was created by members of the Mahoney family in memory of Michael Mahoney, a former Pratt student, and supports individuals in Pratt's writing program. One of two exceptional writers to receive this notable award, Chanice is very grateful for the help it provides in offsetting her tuition costs.

Chanice sees the award as a form of recognition for her hard work. "It's nice to know that my work is appreciated. Not only did the award make me feel good, but it helped me want to keep improving and trying new things. I'm very thankful to the Mahoney Family."

Chanice has enjoyed much success during her time at Pratt and has held internships in public relations, publications, and editing at A Public Space magazine in Brooklyn and the Studio Museum in Harlem. Acknowledging the wonderful support of the Mahoney Family and her rewarding time thus far at Pratt, Chanice said she knows she will be able to achieve the writing goals she has set for herself. "My experience here has been outstanding. I can honestly say that I've come a long way in my writing ability since starting at Pratt."

Charlotte Meyer
Recipient, Anthony Gennarelli Memorial Sculpture Award

Through the generosity of Alba Gennarelli, who established the Anthony Gennarelli Memorial Sculpture Award in memory of her late husband, Charlotte Meyer, MFA Sculpture '09, was able to expand her craft in Italy through the Pratt in Venice Program.

Charlotte wanted to participate in this intensive six-week summer program to study sculpture and other techniques of Venetian art on site. Unable to finance the trip on her own, she was fortunate to receive the Anthony Gennarelli Memorial Sculpture Award, which allowed her to take advantage of this study abroad experience. Charlotte is very grateful to the Gennarelli family for making it possible for her to add another valuable dimension to her fine arts education.

Charlotte shares much in common with Anthony Gennarelli, who was an accomplished sculptor and had a background in textiles. She has worked in embroidery for several years. As a sculptor, she uses scale, concept, and subtlety of form to alter perception, engage the body, and encourage consciousness of our relation to space.

After returning from Italy, Charlotte showcased her work, as part of her thesis project, in an exhibition on Pratt's Brooklyn campus. The Anthony Gennarelli Memorial Sculpture Award enabled her to add this unique experience to her resume, giving Charlotte an advantage over her peers upon entering the professional world after graduation.