Metropolitan Institute of Design Graduates First Universal Feng Shui Class

June 14, 2010 - PRLog -- Syosset, NY – June 14, 2010 – The Metropolitan Institute of Design—MiD announced today that the first-year students of the Universal Feng Shui Certification Training Program have completed their studies and graduated on the evening of June 9, 2010.  This is the only Feng Shui Certificate program to be licensed by the New York State Department of Education.  

The commencement began with opening remarks from Anthony Maceli, president of MiD, who was accompanied by Lisa Arato, Feng Shui director, followed by the Feng Shui program faculty members: Christine A. Bushell; Maureen K. Calamia; and Karen Lynn Ferraro.  The graduation ceremony took place at the scenic Hillcrest Manor Inn of Northport, NY.  Special guest, Pamela Laurence, Executive Director and educator of the first Feng Shui program at MiD, founded in 1995, and attended the commencement to address the graduates.  Pamela was instrumental in starting one of the first licensed schools to offer Feng Shui in this country and did so at MiD.  With over thirty years of experience in teaching self-improvement through art and self-expression, yoga, meditation, and interior design, Pamela continues to bring Feng Shui to the world.  Through her own practice, educational programs and as a columnist for House Magazine and Vermont HomeStyles – she writes about home design from a holistic and personal perspective. Pamela’s mother, Helen Marchesano, holds the position of Executive Director Emeritus at MiD.

The Universal Feng Shui Program curriculum began in with its first weekend intensive in October 2009 and spanned nine months of extensive studies, mentorship and experiential opportunities for learning and becoming certified in the practice of Feng Shui—taught by the MiD Feng Shui faculty members and selected guest speakers who are renowned experts in Feng Shui.  Some of this year’s guest speakers were also in attendance including: Ann Bingley-Gallops; R.D. Chin; and Rosalie Prinzivalli, Chair of the International Feng Shui Guild.

Feng Shui is a tool for healing and balancing one's life. As such it works well with the interior and exterior design arts. The Teaching of Feng Shui is an oral teaching from teacher to student.  Feng Shui is the venerable Chinese Art of Placement and Design.  It originated in Asia over 5,000 years ago with the objective to create homes and businesses that would not only comfortably house the occupants but also support their goals, bring good health and prosperity as well.

This new Universal Feng Shui Program has been aptly named—as it incorporates teachings from a variety of recognized Feng Shui schools such as: BTB Feng Shui, Form, Compass and others.  The three primary faculty members each bring their unique specialties while ensuring continuity of Feng Shui throughout the entire program.

“We are proud of our Feng Shui faculty—Christine A. Bushell, Maureen K. Calamia and Karen Lynn Ferraro—who created the Universal Feng Shui Program to bring it into our MiD curriculum,” says Anthony Maceli, President of MiD and Lisa Arato, Feng Shui Coordinator.  They are highly respected professionals in their field and we are excited about what they have done throughout this new Universal Feng Shui program. The graduates: Deborah M. Batterson; Pamela A. Gilbert; Effie G. Kapasakis; Sandra Lynn Orofino; and Nancy Mai Kay Farrago are evidence of the program’s success.  We wish them congratulations as they begin their new journey.”

Special events and workshops are scheduled at the Metropolitan Institute of Design—a wonderful opportunity to meet the MiD staff and instructors, and to learn more about all of the programs at the institute:

The next 2010-2011 Universal Feng Shui Weekend Program begins October 23rd & 24th – one weekend per month through June 4th & 5th in 2011.  Take the entire program for your Feng Shui certification or select specific weekend programs of interest!

To register or for more information please call 516.845.4033 or email larato@met-design.com

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The Metropolitan Institute is located in Syosset, New York. Throughout the years, design professionals, art historians and architects have taught and lectured at the Metropolitan Institute of Design. The school has experts to serve as instructors and lecturers in their areas of specialization. The Metropolitan Institute of Design faculty work as practicing designers in addition to being educators, authors, consultants and active members of professional design organizations, adding their knowledge and expertise to the school’s curriculum and giving students special insights into the practice of their chosen field. The Metropolitan Institute of Design Faculty is chosen on the basis of their ability to teach combined with their design expertise. They maintain an atmosphere of enthusiasm and creativity.