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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

Designing Digital Interfaces for Real-World Clients

Graduate student Shreesa Shrestha, MSIXD ’26, is making the most of every opportunity at Pratt as she balances client projects, community-building initiatives, and a prestigious Product Design Fellowship at The Museum of Modern Art.

Architecture Students Make Strong Debut at Design Competition

From Pratt Institute News

The Pratt team earned national recognition and the honorable mention award for a project centered on food, culture, and connection in Kansas City.

Celebrating Creative Legends

From Pratt Institute News

Legends 2025 raised vital funds for student scholarships and honored distinguished creative icons Jeremy Scott and Mavis Wiggins, with awards presented by Heidi Klum and Cindy Allen.