Panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline set the backdrop as members of the Pratt community gathered at Manhattan Penthouse, steps away from Pratt Manhattan on 14th Street, for the annual Alumni Achievement Awards to honor the creative and professional accomplishments of distinguished alumni.
This year’s ceremony honored three alumni whose work reflects the breadth of Pratt’s impact: artist Nanette Carter, MFA Fine Arts ’78; designer and educator Vann Graves, MS Communications Design ’96; and urban planner Lian Farhi, MS City and Regional Planning ’16.
The luncheon also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the class of 1976, whose members brought an enthusiastic camaraderie to the gathering. Little groups formed during the cocktail reception as attendees caught up with old friends and made new connections. During lunch, graduates from across disciplines shared stories and career advice with their tablemates, offering a glimpse into the varied paths that alumni have taken.
The awards ceremony was emceed by 2018 Alumni Achievement Award winner Mahogany L. Browne, MFA Writing ’16. President Frances Bronet welcomed everyone and congratulated the award recipients. In her remarks, she reflected on the value of a Pratt education and the creativity and critical thinking skills alumni bring to their work, as well as the impact that they have in the creative economy both in New York and around the world.
Chair of the Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment (GCPE) Courtney Knapp introduced Lian Farhi, recipient of the Rising Star Award, recognizing her work as an urban planner improving the quality of life for New Yorkers. Farhi reflected on the pivotal role Pratt faculty played in shaping her career path, recalling how GCPE Professor John Shapiro first introduced her to the field, and Mike Flynn, MS City and Regional Planning ’06 and 2013 Alumni Achievement Awardee, provided her with crucial mentorship over the years.
“During my second semester, my advisor, David Burney, connected me with the director of the Public Space Unit in New York City for an internship opportunity,” she said. “In my perspective, this is a moment that changed my professional life to focus on street design and the public realm.”
Vann Graves received the Impact Award in recognition of his distinguished career as a designer and educator. Presented by Chair of Graduate Communications Design Gaia Hwang, the award celebrated Graves’ contributions to the design field as well as his commitment to supporting future generations of designers.
Graves noted how meaningful it was to meet a Pratt alum who benefited from a scholarship he helped establish.
“She walked in and shared with me that a scholarship that I helped bring to Pratt allowed her to then continue her education as well as her career,” he said.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Nanette Carter, an artist whose decades-long career has shaped both contemporary art and arts education. Chair of Fine Arts Jane South praised Carter for sustaining a life of artistic practice while also influencing generations of students as an educator for more than two decades at Pratt, and for “showing us what it is to sustain a life as an artist—and doing it with grace and generosity.”
Carter reflected on the lifelong journey that began with childhood creativity.
“It is a joy and honor to be recognized for a lifetime of work, and I say a lifetime because I began to draw and create collages on my bed at the age of seven,” she said. “In this time where civility is on the wane, it is so powerful to see the community come together to honor and award three alumni for years of productivity.”
The three recipients each received an exclusive pin designed in the kitbash style by Ben Cohen, BFA Fine Arts (Jewelry) ’19. As the afternoon concluded, many alumni lingered to continue conversations with classmates, new friends, and Pratt staff and faculty. President Bronet encouraged attendees to extend the afternoon by visiting the RugLife exhibition currently on view at the Pratt Manhattan Gallery.
Events like the Alumni Achievement Awards serve as one of the many ways graduates remain connected to the Pratt community long after they leave campus. To support Pratt and initiatives across the Institute, make a gift toward The Fund for Pratt.