VCUarts graduates to be honored in fall alumni award events

VCU School of the Arts alumni will receive two awards this November in recognition of extraordinary achievements in their careers. VCU Alumni’s 10 Under 10 awards will honor Othman Khunji (MFA ’15) on Nov. 2, while Charles Larry Horne (BFA ’69) will be celebrated at the 2019 Alumni Stars ceremony on Nov. 7.

Khunji graduated from VCUarts Qatar with his master’s degree in design studies, and his research on the intersection of Islamic society and design has led to two publications: “RITUALS, Our Past, Present & Future: Glimpses of Islamic Enrichment” and “The Five Pillars of Islam.” His work has been recognized by Harper’s Bazaar, Brown Book and the Saudi-based Design Magazine, and has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world, including venues and conferences in Qatar, Kuwait, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Horne is a graduate of the interior design program and was inducted as a fellow of the American Society of Interior Designers in 2006. After spending the early years of his career working for design firms, he founded his own company, Horne International Designs, in 1982. His clients included Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Saudi royalty. Horne has also devoted part of his profession to historic preservation and he has restored residences in Virginia and North Carolina.

The annual 10 Under 10 awards highlight the work of alumni who graduated in the past decade, while the biennial Alumni Stars event honors a lifetime of service and excellence across a range of professional fields.

VCUarts alumni are also involved in the award ceremonies. Amelia Blair Langford (BFA ’12), a communication arts graduate, designed the artwork that will be given to 10 Under 10 attendees as a gift. The glass award to be given to Alumni Stars was created and designed by Neil Duman (BFA ’77), a graduate of the craft program. In addition, the alumni-led Sweet Potatoes Band will perform at the Alumni Stars reception, featuring music graduates Jonathon Hargrove (BM ’15) and Stephan LaRue (BM ’16) and VCUarts Development Assistant Reyna Pannell.