In a packed room on Monday night at Parsons School of Design, the 10th Annual Lifetime Achievement Awards celebrated lifetimes of dedication, innovation, and leadership within the lighting industry. This year’s honorees represented a diverse group of pioneers, educators, and innovators who have made significant contributions to lighting and touched the lives of many in the process.
Ann Schiffers – A Journey of Passion and Mentorship
The evening kicked off with a heartfelt introduction by Carrie Hawley as she presented the first honoree, Ann Schiffers. “My friend, my mentor, my colleague, my partner in crime,” said Hawley as she recounted their shared experiences working together, including the time they shared a cubicle at HLB, with Carrie serving as Ann’s first lighting design assistant.
In her speech, Ann reminisced about “stumbling into an architectural lighting class and falling in love.” She shared fond memories of her mentors as she emphasized the importance of those relationships, encouraging everyone to “pass on what we love to the next generation.” #blessed
Glenn Shrum – A Visionary in Education and Design
Francesca Bastianini took the stage next to introduce Glenn Shrum, a “friend, mentor, colleague, and educator.” She spoke of his unwavering dedication to education and how he ensures others see themselves reflected in their work. “It’s not a stagnant thing – you continue to grow and evolve with the communities you design for,” she said about Glenn.
Glenn took the podium, noting, “This award caused me to reflect, which is great, because typically I just seek the next challenge.” Upon reflecting, he credited much of his success to collaboration, sharing his gratitude for his opportunities to teach and lead and noting the importance of using lighting to change the world for the better.
Josh Barnes – The Innovator Behind LexaLite
The next honoree, Josh Barnes, was represented by his son, Tom Barnes, who spoke about his father’s contributions to the industry through the founding and growth of LexaLite. Josh’s career took unexpected turns, from studying marine architecture to his first job at an injection molding company in Detroit. It was here that he realized Lexan® could be a perfect solution for lighting, and his innovations played a crucial role in shaping modern lighting products.
Francesca Bettridge – A Zealot for Architectural Lighting Design
Stephen Bernstein had the honor of introducing Francesca Bettridge, praising her as one of Manhattan’s finest, with a career that began at Hunter High School and then Barnard College. Her passion for lighting design was palpable as she described herself as a “zealot of architectural lighting design.” In recounting her career, she shared recalled an early demonstration of LEDs from a Hewlett Packard engineer. She knew in that moment that the future of lighting had arrived.
With fearlessness and passion, she has embarked on countless memorable projects throughout her career – the New York City skyline stands as a testament to her legacy.
Bob Preston – Lighting Professional of the First Order
Known for his extensive knowledge and commitment to lighting education, Bob Preston has helped countless professionals advance in their careers, making a lasting impact on the lives of those around him. Through his leadership, Preston has elevated industry standards and inspired lighting professionals throughout the industry.
He has pioneered Sonepar’s lighting education program, a first-class curriculum helping to grow the next generation of Lifetime Achievement Award winners.
Helen Diemer – A Collaborator and Visionary
Michael Barber took the stage on behalf of Helen Diemer, recalling her early inspirations from lighting educators at Penn State. From her work at HLB and Cosentini, among others, to her leadership at The Lighting Practice in Philadelphia, Helen’s career has been a testament to collaboration and the elevation of those around her. Helen is especially proud of her tenure as President of IALD, where she emphasized the “International” aspect and helped grow the organization into a global community.
Paul Tarricone – Transforming the World of Lighting Publications
In a touching tribute, Mark Lien spoke on behalf of Paul Tarricone, long time editor of LD+A. Lien recalled the different types of editors he had encountered in his career, describing Paul as distinct from everyone else – he was someone who truly transformed the words of others into something even better. Tarricone’s work has shaped the lighting industry through his insightful publications, always striving to educate and inspire his readers.
Nancy Stathes – A Trailblazer with Patents to Prove It
David Ghatan introduced Nancy Stathes with a sense of reverence, likening her to a “big sister” in the industry. Known for her hands-on approach and numerous patents, Nancy has made significant strides in every company she’s worked with, always prioritizing the company’s involvement in key industry associations like ensuring the IALD LIRC.
Nancy emphasized the importance of supporting others in the industry, recognizing the countless individuals who had worked alongside her throughout her career. “We have a responsibility to give back, and that was clear, because everyone gave to me.”
Stefan Graf – A True Storyteller with Light
Stefan Graf, introduced by John Haser, has his unique ability to tell compelling stories with light. Graf’s career began in the 1970s when he founded Fantasee Lighting, followed by Illuminart in 1986. His original plans of being a rock musician fell by the wayside as his journey led him to stage lighting for rock shows, where his passion for lighting design flourished. He expressed his gratitude for the recognition and the meaningful connections he’s made throughout his career.
Lance Bennett – A Surprise Honoree
The final award of the evening was a surprise recognition for Lance Bennett, presented by Joe Melchiors. “If you meet Lance once, you become a friend for life. No one works harder for our industry,” Melchiors said, encapsulating Bennett’s tireless dedication to the lighting community.
With gratitude radiating from his face, Lance was put on the spot, giving an acceptance speech he hadn’t prepare for. He reiterated the message that had echoed throughout the night – a lifetime achievement award is only made possible by the many friends and colleagues he has worked with throughout the years.
This year’s awards were not only a celebration of individual achievements but a testament to the collaborative spirit and shared passion that continues to drive the lighting industry forward. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees!
A special thank you to this year’s host, Parsons School of design, and this year’s generous sponsor, QTL, for making this event possible.