Conrad and The Steamplant from Dustin Cohen on Vimeo.
Brooklyn’s Pratt Institute originated in 1887 with programs primarily in engineering, architecture, and fine arts. Comprising five schools, the Institute is primarily known for its highly ranked programs in architecture, interior design, and industrial design.
—
Founded by wealthy industrialist Charles Pratt who never had the opportunity to attend college himself, the Institute has always provided the opportunity for working men and women to better their lives through affordable education.
One of the more remarkable aspects of the college was the fact that it was one of the first colleges in the country open to all people, regardless of class, color, and gender.
In the early years, the Institute’s mission was to offer education to those who never had it offered to them before. Pratt sought to teach people skills that would allow them to be successful and work their way up the economic ladder. Graduates of the school were taught to become engineers, mechanics, and technicians. The Pratt Institute motto is “Be true to your work, and your work will be true to you.”
Conrad Milster is Pratt Institute’s chief engineer. He has worked in the Institute’s power plant nearly his entire adult life. Starting as a mechanic in 1958, he later became one of only four chief engineers in the plant’s 127-year history, taking over the official duties in 1965. He’s been there ever since.
For the last six decades, Conrad—now 79 years old—has lovingly maintained the nineteenth century steam engines that provide heat and hot water to Pratt’s campus.
“We have our hands full,” Conrad says. “If the plant stops in the winter, Pratt stops.”
In addition, Conrad is the person behind the infamous “Pratt Cats,” the 12-14 felines that wander the campus and call the steam plant home, like Conrad himself.
It’s good to belong, to have a place—even a steam plant—to call home.
by Skippy Massey
This post originally appeared at the Humboldt Sentinel. Reprinted with permission.
—