Ono Receives Honorary Degree From Pratt Institute

Addressing the 1,337 new graduates of Brooklyn’s famed Pratt Institute, Yoko Ono urged the former students to “keep their sanity” during the school’s 125th commencement event.

Widow of Beatle member John Lennon, Ono was one of four cultural role models granted honorary degrees during graduation exercises held on Friday at New York’s Radio City Music Hall.

The singer, artist and political activist declared that, “My life was art, and art was my life.”

Also receiving degrees with Ono were Michael Kimmelman, New York Times architecture critic, who gave the commencement address; Arnold Lehman, director of the Brooklyn Museum; and designer Karim Rashid.

Pratt is known for its industrial design and architecture programs.