Three classes of NYSID graduates received the wisdom of honorary doctorate recipients Jennifer Graham ’85 (BFA) & John Edelman.

On Wednesday, May 25, 2022, the New York School of Interior Design honored the Classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022 with a traditional Commencement ceremony at 92NY’s Kaufmann Concert Hall. In the aftermath of years of pandemic lockdown, this year’s ceremony felt extraordinary. Alumni who didn’t get to graduate in person were invited back to have the experience. The auditorium buzzed with excitement as a band played “Pomp and Circumstance” and the 119 graduates found their seats. 

NYSID president David Sprouls said, “I am joyous because, for the first time since 2019, I am once again standing in this magnificent auditorium, facing all of you who, with unwavering dedication and drive, have maintained your focus on a life goal throughout the most difficult collective time in recent history.” Shane Curnutt (BFA) and Laura Lindsay (MFA1) were selected by their peers to speak at Commencement. 

Honorary Doctorate Recipients 

President Sprouls bestowed honorary doctorates upon two designers who significantly impacted the industry and the discipline, alumna Jennifer Graham ’85 (BFA) and John Edelman, who will be awarded NYSID’s 2023 Kravet Design Industry Leadership Award at the Gala on April 11. 

Graham is a principal at Perkins&Will. She is known not only for her management of enormous workplace projects, but also for giving back. She has led the company’s Social Purpose Initiative since 2016. (The SRI groups provide pro-bono services to nonprofits). Graham is also co-leader of Perkins&Will’s New York Office JEDI (Justice, Equity & Inclusion) Initiative. She is a member of NYSID’s DEI Commission. She said, “As designers, we have the power to change people’s lives through design. We must think ‘design for all.’ Design to create a special place … where people have a sense of belonging and can be their best selves.” 

Edelman is the CEO and president of Heller, sits on the Chilewich Board of Directors, and serves as executive chairman of Crypton Fabrics. He’s celebrated for transforming a once-troubled retailer, Design Within Reach, into the world leader in authentic modern design. Among the many pieces of advice Edelman bestowed was, “Whoever asks the most questions wins. It’s your job to learn everything you can about the customer. You’re their therapist. . . It’s your job to make their life better, but it has to be the life they want; it can’t be the life you want them to have. It’s learning about people up front that will lead you to success.” 

2021/22 Student & Faculty Achievement Awards 

Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs Ellen Fisher announced the winners of the student and faculty achievement awards. The 2022 winners were: 

The Chairman’s Award 

Alexis George (BFA) 

Sheng-Wei Yang aka Wilson Yang (MFA1) 

Wun Jin Hwang (MFA2) 

Ana Blanc Verna Award for Excellence in Interior Design 

Janice Julianti (BFA) 

The Alumni Award for Service to the College 

Shane Curnutt (BFA) 

Rishae Rucker (MFA1) 

The Robert Herring Travel Prize 

Nicole Lockley (BFA) 

Brianna Thompson (MFA1) 

The Breger Faculty Achievement Award 

Warren Ashworth