Those We Have Lost Archives

Alisa Zamir smiles leaning against and peering through a large red curved sculpture

Pratt Mourns Alisa Zamir, Professor Emerita of Graduate Communications Design

Esteemed Professor Emerita and alumna Alisa Zamir, who taught at Pratt for over half a century, passed away on June 16, 2025.

Those We Have Lost

Pratt Mourns Photographer and Professor Emeritus Paul McDonough

Paul McDonough, professor emeritus and photographer best known for depicting street life in New York City, passed away on March 25, 2025.

Black-and-white image of Dr. Schutte smiling, encircled by fellow leaders and members of the Pratt community

Those We Have Lost

Pratt Remembers President Emeritus Thomas F. Schutte

The Pratt Institute community remembers Dr. Thomas F. Schutte, who served as the 11th president of Pratt Institute from 1993 to 2017.

Six people pose smiling for a photo, with the third from left holding an award

Those We Have Lost

Pratt Mourns Louis Nelson, Industrial Designer and Chair Emeritus of the Rowena Reed Kostellow Scholarship Fund

Louis Nelson, the industrial designer and graphic artist who championed design through his involvement with the Rowena Reed Kostellow Scholarship Fund at Pratt Institute, passed away on December 4, 2024.

Man with white hair and glasses smiling at camera.

Those We Have Lost

Pratt Mourns Retired Longtime Professor and Former Dean of Engineering Richard North

Richard C. North, retired longtime faculty member and dean, a professor in Pratt Institute’s School of Engineering and School of Architecture, passed away on April 23, 2024.

Man with white hair and beard smiles, posed with hands clasped

Those We Have Lost

Pratt Mourns Gus Rohrs, Former Department Chair and Professor of Interior Design

Gustav Werner Rohrs, retired professor of Interior Design at Pratt Institute who also served as department chair during his tenure, passed away on April 2, 2024. He was 92. Rohrs taught at Pratt for 34 years, from his hiring as…

Two people laugh with one another in an office

Those We Have Lost

Pratt Remembers Nadia Merzliakow, Longtime Director of the Office of International Affairs

Nadia Merzliakow, MLS ’74, retired director of the Office of International Affairs, a devoted staff member of Pratt Institute for 30 years, passed away on February 29, 2024. Born on March 19, 1935, she was less than one month shy…

Four adults in business attire pose in front of tall, sculptural red clock

Those We Have Lost

Pratt Institute Mourns Trustee Emeritus Bruce M. Newman ’53

Bruce M. Newman, Trustee Emeritus and alumnus of Pratt Institute, and a devoted longtime supporter of the school, has passed away. Newman’s considerable contributions to the Institute over more than 40 years, as a board member (1983–1996), transformational donor, and…

Smiling person seated cross-legged with T-shirt reading Have Heart

Those We Have Lost

Pratt Mourns Writing Department Community Leader and Mentor

Ryan Thoresen Carson, a beloved member of the Pratt Institute Writing Department community and a Pratt alumnus, tragically died on October 2, 2023. “At Pratt, Ryan looked out for others who were struggling with the transition to college and helped…

Those We Have Lost

Pratt Mourns Former Interior Design Faculty Member Woody Rainey

Woody Rainey, longtime School of Design faculty member, passed away this May. The visiting assistant professor of interior design joined Pratt Institute in 2008 and taught through the fall of 2021. The following was adapted from a remembrance sent to…