My Honorary Degree of Doctor of Fine Arts!
I am so proud and happy to report that I recently received an honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts from the New York School of Interior Design (NYSID). NYSID was founded in 1916 and it remains today, New York’s only private, not-for-profit college devoted exclusively to interior design. It’s guiding principle is that the interior design profession assumes an important role in ensuring that these spaces are beautiful, functional, healthy, safe, and built in a socially and environmentally conscientious way. Many extraordinary designers have passed through this prestigious school’s doors and I was so thrilled to be notified that I was chosen, along with three other distinguished individuals, as a recipient of an honorary degree at NYSID’s ninety-fifth commencement exercises, recognizing my influence and contributions to the word of entertaining and style.
1 Friday, May 18th, marked the 95th commencement exercises of the New York School of Interior Design. (NYSID)
2 A photo with Dr. Patricia Sovern, Chair, NYSID Board of Trustees
3 With Elliot Greene, Board of Trustees for NYSID
4 Here I am with Margaret Russell, Editor-in-Chief of Architectural Digest, who was also the recipient of an honorary degree.
5 My friend, Jill Dienst, of Dienst + Dotter Antiques, is on the Board of Trustees for the school and I helped her affix her mortarboard.
6 Jill and I were ready for the ceremony!
7 With Susan Nagle, Board of Trustees for NYSID
8 John Saladino, the renowned architect and interior designer, was also the recipient of an honorary degree.
9 The processional
10 The designer, Alexa Hampton, is on the Board of Trustees for the school. I've known Alexa since she was a little girl!
11 With my fellow honorees! We were all so proud.
12 NYSID's 2012 recipients of honorary degrees - Amy Lau, who also delivered the commencement address, Margaret Russell, John Saladino, and myself
13 With David Sprouls, Acting President & Executive Vice President of NYSID
14 A closeup of his medallion
15 Michael Graves, who was the recipient of an honorary doctorate from NYSID last year, designed this Presidential Medallion.
16 The processional
17 The commencement ceremony was held in the beautiful Allen Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
18 The Allen room is based on the design of a Greek amphitheater. This dramatic wall of glass measures 50'x90' and overlooks Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
19 Sitting with my fellow honorees
20 Acting President David Sprouls shared his remarks with the class and attendees.
21 Proud family and friends gathered for the occasion.
22 The graduating students were called up by department.
23 Amy Lau, the designer and founder of Amy Lau Studio, delivered the commencement speech.
24 John Saladino shared some sage advice with the graduating class.
25 Jill introduced me.
26 And I received my honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts.
27 I spoke a few words congratulating the graduates. I told them that helping people to make their homes, their work spaces, and in turn their lives more functional and more beautiful is truly a meaningful endeavor!
28 Pilar Guzman, Editor-in-Chief of Martha Stewart Living, and David Ong, Deputy Design Director at MSLO came to the commencement.
29 The graduates were all so happy!
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Congratulations Martha!
Posted by: Chris | May 29th, 2012 at 1:04 am
Good morning Martha! So thrilled and happy to read your post. Congratulations and wishing you great success xo
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | May 29th, 2012 at 1:40 am
Hi, Martha,
Congratulations! You are most deserving!
Posted by: Bobbie | May 29th, 2012 at 2:52 am
Congratulations on recognition of your many endeavors teaching meaningful LIVING. Just wondering if NYSID Alumni are aware of all the promotion you have given NYC these any years. Thanx for wonderful photos of great event.
Posted by: ann | May 29th, 2012 at 4:07 am
Seriously cool - especially the connection with Michael Graves!
Posted by: Karen | May 29th, 2012 at 6:15 am
The Allen Room is amazing.... could sit there for hours just taking in the view. You get invited to the most amazing places. Congratulations on your honor.
Posted by: Susan | May 29th, 2012 at 6:29 am
Congratulations Martha on your honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts from NYSID!
Posted by: Cindy F | May 29th, 2012 at 7:47 am
I congratulate you. It amazes me how organizing spaces really is influenced by seasons! I hope the three day weekend was enjoyable. I gardened and re-organized space. What a hot weekend in the Philadelphia region.
Posted by: Teresa Touey | May 29th, 2012 at 7:50 am
Martha,
I'm so excited for you on your degree! Congrats! Thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | May 29th, 2012 at 9:07 am
Of all the lovely outfits you've been wearing lately, this one is the best! A well deserved honor for you. Congratulations!
Posted by: Sequana | May 29th, 2012 at 9:31 am
Hi Martha, WOW! I am so thrilled that you were honored by the fabulous NYSID and received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Fine Arts! You certainly deserved this, Martha, for all of the fantastic art projects that you have provided for all of us to enjoy over the years! I love all of these photos and comments about this latest event and you look so happy and wonderful in your graduating outfit! I agree with you that the Allen Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center was a beautiful place for the commencement and your award! I love that dramatic wall of glass and the view was terrific! Love photo#26 with your wonderful smile! Thanks so much for sharing this awesome blog! Hope you had fun in Maine over the long weekend and hope you have arrived safely at Marrakech, Morocco today! Hope you have a great time there! Off to see The Daily Wag where F,S,&GK are with Uncle Carlos to feed the chickens! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | May 29th, 2012 at 9:34 am
Hi Martha,
People don’t say “what would Martha do” just for the heck of it! I doubt there is anyone anywhere who hasn’t been influenced by your style in one way or another. I’ve liked your style ever since I bought your Good Things book. I just had to see who this Martha Stewart was. Anyway, you set the trend, you hold the patterns and anytime you receive a much deserved award, I am as happy for you as you are. Congratulations from yet another avid fan - you look good in a cap and gown. Trish
Posted by: Trish | May 29th, 2012 at 10:45 am
Congratulations Martha! Lovely to have this award bestowed on you. Your home decor skills are timeless and we can all implement components of what you suggest/teach in our homes.
Posted by: Sherey | May 29th, 2012 at 11:48 am
Congratulations ! I am a fan, you have my respect and admiration. I am encouraged by you. I try to exercise and work out even with arthritis. I tell myself if Martha can then I can. Thank you.
Posted by: Evelyn Bowen | May 29th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
WELL DESERVED!!!!!! President's Medal next.....we'll start the twitter till it grows to a rumble!!!!! then a shout......!!!!!
Posted by: memoir | May 29th, 2012 at 5:58 pm
Martha, how absolutely wonderful. No one deserves this honor more than you. Congratulations!!
Posted by: Tina | May 29th, 2012 at 8:19 pm
Congrats, Martha! You go girl! You are an inspiration.
Posted by: Karen Voss | May 29th, 2012 at 10:56 pm
Congratualtions Martha Stewart, PhD! And well deserved! As you so comprehensively know, Prof. Stewart, the art and interior design of our living, personal, public spaces most certainly influences the larger cultural attitudes in addition to setting the atmosphere of "home."
A Tribute FYI to you: Years ago I visited a home devoid of all furnishings, everything sold to cover cost of an emergency. However, in that very clean, empty house, in what had been the living room, on a small packing crate there was a glass jar filled to overflowing with local wildflowers. The mother commented--"especially when life has trouble, it is so important for my children have at least one beautiful thing to see in their home. I learned that from Martha Stewart."
So, you influence the whole world in more ways than any of us can imagine, dear wise and courageous Prof. Stewart! Thank you!
Posted by: Martha | May 29th, 2012 at 11:56 pm
Congratulations Mum, you made it and you are a role model. God bless
Posted by: Rita Kodji | May 30th, 2012 at 1:32 am
Congratulations Martha on your PHD - WOW
I am probably a relative of yours.
My beloved Mother was Stella Ruszkowski born in Jersey City.
Married Leonard Celauro, also from Jersey City who is my father
Marcella Johnston
Posted by: Marcella Johnston | May 30th, 2012 at 7:25 am
Congratulations Martha. I could not think of a more worthy recipient. You have added such a lot with advice and ideas to the joy of others.
Posted by: Lynne Wiley | May 30th, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Fantastic! You deserve every award you recieve.
Posted by: Anna | May 31st, 2012 at 6:06 pm
im curious where you got the idea for your Nov 2011 cover
Posted by: jennifer s | May 31st, 2012 at 10:41 pm