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The Daily Hub

A roundup of ideas and projects from around the Institute

  • Suzanne Vanderbilt, BID ‘55, was featured for her design work at GM. “Suzanne was inspired by an instructor at Pratt Institute to pursue automotive design,” writes Jonathan Lopez. “She became one of the so-called Damsels of Design, working alongside several other women to create a variety of iconic pieces of GM design work.” 

  • Marilyn Nance, BFA Communications Design (Graphic Design) ’76, headlined “The Fabric of Courage,” a multidisciplinary arts exhibition that celebrated the historic Festival of Arts and Culture, or FESTAC ’77. “While serving as the photographer for the US contingent of the North American delegation, Nance documented more than 1,500 images, which has become one of the most comprehensive photographic accounts of FESTAC 77.” 

  • Preservation manager at the Weeksville Heritage Center, Zulmilena Then, BArch ’09, was interviewed for Black Enterprise about Brooklyn’s Weeksville houses. “Growing up in Brooklyn, I didn’t know about Weeksville until I was an adult,” Then said. “These buildings are an anchor to our people and connection to … our past. [They] add to the pride that one feels about the neighborhood itself.”

  • Sylvia Morse, senior program manager for research and policy, has been awarded the prestigious Global Exchange Fellowship with Urban Design Forum. The group of housing policy researchers, tenant advocates, architects, and other experts will explore what lessons NYC can learn from across the world to tackle our housing crisis. 

  • Joan Semmel, BFA Art Teacher Education ’63; MFA ’72, was interviewed for Apollo Magazine’s “In the studio with…” series. “I don’t have a schedule,” said Semmel, “that’s one of the nice things about being an artist—so if I don’t feel like working, I don’t. But most of the time I do.” Semmel was also featured in Martin CID Magazine.

More Pratt Institute News

A close-up image of a person reclining against a green pillow, wearing a dark sweater. A decorative brooch featuring metallic gold and turquoise leaves and flowers is attached to the sweater. The person's hand, adorned with a ring, rests near the brooch. The background consists of a patterned rug.

Wearable Memories

Students transform personal memories into handmade, one-of-a-kind brooches in a junior jewelry studio.
Three individuals are shown in a collage. On the left, a person with long, braided hair, wearing large glasses and a red coat, smiles in front of green plants. In the middle, a person with a short beard and a wide smile, dressed in a light blue sweater over a white collared shirt, stands against a brown brick wall. On the right, a person with shoulder-length dark hair and glasses smiles brightly, wearing a black top, with a soft gray background.

Three Outstanding Graduates to be Honored at Pratt’s 2026 Alumni Achievement Awards

From Pratt Institute News

Pratt Institute alumni Nanette Carter, Vann Graves, and Lian Farhi will be honored for their creative and professional accomplishments.

Leading by Example

From Pratt Institute News

Spencer Giuliano, BArch ’26, thrives on the soccer field and in the studio, all while helping fellow student-athletes balance the demands of both worlds.