Hundreds Help Kick Off Pratt's 125th Anniversary Celebration Year

See highlights from the 125th Anniversary Kickoff Weekend!

More than 1,200 alumni, students, families, and friends gathered at the Brooklyn Campus October 1 and 2 to launch 16 months of celebrating Pratt’s 125th anniversary.

The 125th Anniversary Kickoff Weekend was timed to coincide with the first day the Institute held classes on October 17, 1887. Twelve anniversary banners, honoring the 12 students who attended that first day, will remain suspended over Myrtle Avenue for the next 16 months.  

“I haven’t been back since I graduated,” said Janine Manheim (B.F.A. Comm-D ’83), “I thought I’d see what’s going on, and it’s pretty great.”

The day of events featured open studios, tours, workshops in such skills as figure-drawing and pigment-making, along with lectures and exhibitions. Two dedication ceremonies honored generous alumni, including interior design alumna Hiroko Nakamoto whose gift supported improvements to Grand Walk, and trustee Bruce Newman (B.F.A. Interior Design ’53) who designed and donated a sculptural clock on campus.

The formal kickoff on Saturday evening—marked by music and dancing under the stars and a concert by the indie band Phantograms—was followed on Sunday by Pratt’s traditional President’s Brunch.

“It’s been great,” said Paul Morgan (B.F.A. Fashion Design ’90). “I went to three different events, and I continue to be impressed with all the improvements and enhancements on campus.”

Text: Adrienne Gyongy
Video: Jonathan Weitz, Corey Richardson, Cameron Frittz

Comments

[John F]

I was a little disapointed that there were were no t shirts,hats,sweats available with the 125th logo just that somewhat lame shirt in the main tent. Also the fact that the library was closed Saturday morning which was a place I spent many,many hours studying since we were 4 to an apartment at Willoughby.
I haven't been back since 72. Knew about the Engineering school had been closed, but sad to visit anyway. Never heard an explination, assume it was $ related. The campus is beautiful as well as the new building.
Enjoyed the visit never the less.
The neighborhood is wonderful, I really enjoyed walking around. Not the war zone it was in the 60's. The new Erik's is good as well.

[Gateway Editors]

Thank you kindly for your feedback and comments. Pratt will be working to make 125th Anniversary apparel available to the Pratt community in the near future. An Alumni Relations Officer would be happy to schedule a tour of the Pratt Library, should you be available in the coming weeks. Please contact alumni@pratt.edu to schedule a tour or for any additional information that was not provided at the 125th Anniversary Kickoff. Thank you for your consideration and again for your attendance at Pratt's celebratory Kickoff event!