Pratt Institute Planning

This year, Pratt Institute's planning program celebrates its 50th year. On May 14th and 15th 2010, the Host and Welcome Committee members invite you to celebrate the program’s successes and honor the individuals who made the program what it is today.

Former Chairpersons, alumni, current students, new graduates, faculty, and community partners will spend a fun and engaging weekend celebrating the work of Ron Shiffman and the program’s eleven past chairs, and participating in lively, cross-generational dialogue. We will also host a panel discussion moderated by a special guest, urban critic and author (most recently of The Battle for Gotham: New York in the Shadow of Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs) Roberta Brandes Gratz. You will also have an opportunity to view the innovative work of our current students.

We begin Friday evening with a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m., where you can mingle with students and catch up with old friends. Saturday morning starts with continental breakfast and remarks from Ron Shiffman, Pratt Center for Community Development Director Adam Friedman, and City Councilmember Brad Lander. It continues with roundtables then a panel discussion of the future of New York. Next, learn how we are adding to the dynamism of the Planning program with an interdisciplinary alliance, entitled Programs for Sustainable Planning and Development (PSPD). After lunch, join us for an optional tour of local public art and commercial revitalization efforts, including the Myrtle Windows Gallery and the SONYA Open Studio Stroll; or take a stroll through the main campus’s sculpture park.

We hope you are able to help us continue the impact of the program into the future. To make your tax-deductible contribution online, visit http://www.pratt.edu/gcpe. To donate by mail: Make checks payable to Pratt Institute, making sure to include “GCPE” in the memo line. Mail to: Pratt Institute, City and Regional Planning Program, 61 St. James Place, Room 206C north, Brooklyn, NY 11238, attention Lacey Tauber, Assistant to the Chair.

For even more impact, become a sustaining “GCPE Partner” by signing up for a recurring gift that provides long-term support of the program. As a GCPE Partner, you will also receive a complimentary copy of Intractable Democracy, a special-edition publication that takes a reflective look at community-based planning as carried out by current and past faculty, students, and alumni. The magazine includes interviews with former Chairpersons of the department. To become a GCPE Partner: Visit http://www.pratt.edu/gcpe.

Please RSVP for the event and the gallery tour by May 5, 2010 to prattplanning@gmail.com or call Lacey Tauber at (718) 399-4340. For updates on the event, visit http://www.pratt.edu/gcpe. Also, send digital photos of your Pratt years to the same address for a slideshow at the event.

Thank you for your time and support, and we look forward to seeing you in May.