Pratt Fetes Distinguished Graduates at 2014 Alumni Achievement Awards

L-R (top to bottom): Jennifer Wen Ma, Laura Bohn, Adam Selman, Bruce Newman, Goulda Downer, Albert Konetzni

On March 20, the Pratt Institute 2014 Alumni Achievement Awards will be presented to six 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.

 “This is an excellent opportunity to not only honor esteemed alumni, but highlight important role models for our current students,” said Michael Sclafani, director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. 

This year, Alumni Achievement Awards will be presented to:

• Laura Bohn (B.F.A. Interior Design ’77), Distinguished Career Award, for creating work that resonates with Pratt’s values of aesthetic judgment, professional knowledge, collaborative skill, and technical expertise. Bohn is a member of the Interior Design Hall of Fame.

• Goulda Downer (B.S. Nutrition & Dietetics ’84), Community Commitment Award, for her outstanding and significant contributions to society through her professional involvement in strengthening the Human Immunodeficiency Virus clinical workforce across the country.

• Albert Konetzni (Certified Illustrator ’35), Lifetime Achievement Award, for living Pratt’s values of aesthetic judgment, professional knowledge, collaborative skill, and technical expertise and making lasting contributions to society. Konetzni served as longtime art director at Disney.

• Bruce Newman (B.F.A. Interior Design ’53), Distinguished Service Award, for his tireless professional activity, philanthropic support, and service that has made outstanding and significant contributions to the Institute. Newman, a Trustee Emeritus, is responsible for initiating and supporting a multi-year campus beautification project, which has included brick-paved pathways and landscaping projects.

• Adam Selman (B.F.A. Fashion Design ’04), Early Career Award, for his work as a designer and stylist to pop superstars—including Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Britney Spears—which has earned him distinction in the early stages of his career while demonstrating tremendous future potential.

• Jennifer Wen Ma (M.F.A. Fine Arts’99), International Career Award, for her work as an award-winning international artist who lives Pratt’s values of aesthetic judgment, professional knowledge, collaborative skill, and technical expertise to making lasting contributions to society. Wen Ma was chief designer for visual and special effects at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Text: Ruth Samuelson
Photo of Adam Selman: Kevin Tachman