On March 26, the Pratt Institute 2015 Alumni Achievement Awards will be presented to seven accomplished alumni at a private luncheon held in Manhattan.
The awards recognize outstanding graduates who have distinguished themselves in their fields, who have earned a high degree of respect among their colleagues and in the general community, and whose impact has been felt on a regional, national, or international level. The award winners were chosen by a committee of similarly accomplished professionals—most past Alumni Achievement Award honorees—who reviewed all nominations received.
“These awards provide an important opportunity to recognize the remarkable talent and accomplishments of Pratt alumni. Seeing the achievements of award winners at different stages of their careers is a valuable source of inspiration for today’s students,” said Michael Sclafani, director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving.
This year, Alumni Achievement Awards will be presented to:
Jun Aizaki (B.Arch.’96), International Career Achievement Award, for his work as an award-winning architect who lives Pratt’s values of aesthetic judgment, professional knowledge, collaborative skill, and technical expertise to make lasting contributions to society.
Robert Beach (B.Arch.’81), Community Commitment Award, for outstanding and significant contributions to society through his professional involvement in architectural projects that enhance the quality of life and future of the communities they serve.
Kristina Drury (M.I.D. ’09), Early Career Award, for her award-winning work as a social entrepreneur, designer, and educator that has earned her distinction in the early stages of her career while demonstrating tremendous future potential.
Norman James (B.I.D.’56), Career Achievement Award, for living Pratt’s values of aesthetic judgment, professional knowledge, collaborative skill, and technical expertise and making lasting contributions to society. James, a designer and engineer for more than 50 years, has collaborated on the design of widely used machines and integral systems including the lunar wheel and drive systems that went to the moon.
Brad Lander (M.S. City and Regional Planning ’98), Distinguished Service Award, for his tireless professional activities and service that have made outstanding and significant contributions to the Institute. Lander, the New York City Council Member for Brooklyn’s 39th District since 2009, formerly directed the Pratt Center for Community Development and the Fifth Avenue Committee.
Barbara Nessim (B.F.A. Illustration ’60), Lifetime Achievement Award, for her lasting contributions as an internationally renowned artist, illustrator, and educator and for inspiring others to strive for excellence through her more than five-decade-long career. Her work is part of many private and public collections, including those of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.
Duke Riley (M.F.A. Sculpture ’06), Mid-Career Achievement Award, for his significant accomplishments as a widely recognized artist and creator, which have earned the respect of his peers. Riley’s Those About to Die Salute You won second place in the International Association of Art Critics’ competition for Best Project in a Public Space 2010.
To learn more about the 2015 Alumni Achievement Award winners, click here.
Photos (left to right, top to bottom): Kristina Drury (courtesy of Camille Tokerud); Jun Aizaki (courtesy of Adam Krause); Norman James (courtesy of Norman James); Barbara Nessim (courtesy of Barbara Nessim); Robert Beach (courtesy of Matt C. Beach); Duke Riley (courtesy of Kitty Joe Saint-Marie); Brad Lander (courtesy of the Office of New York City Council Member Brad Lander)