By Stella Katsipoutis-Varkanis
Photo by: Christine Butler
Amy Herman ’88—founder and president of The Art of Perception Inc., a New York-based organization that conducts professional development courses to leaders around the world, including at NATO, the French National Police, and Doctors Without Borders—will deliver the keynote speech for Lafayette’s 189th Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2024 on May 19.
“I am delighted to welcome Amy home as our Commencement speaker,” says Nicole Hurd, president of Lafayette College. “Her ability to use art as a common language to help the world’s most influential institutions harness their potential—and change the lens through which they see their roles—is truly extraordinary. We cannot wait to have her back on campus to give our graduates a powerful new perspective as they embark on their bright futures.”
It was during her days as an international affairs major at Lafayette, where she also studied art history, that Herman “discovered something in my liberal arts education I wouldn’t have otherwise: how powerful art is,” she says. “Now, I teach others how to look at art as data they’ve never seen before, ask questions, and use the power of perception to bring a fresh set of eyes to what they do every day.”
For 16 years, Herman has provided leadership training to top officers in the United States military, law enforcement, medicine, education, and industry. Her innovative, interactive pedagogy—which uses artwork as a means to challenge people to change how they see things, make keener observations, and tactfully glean information from any situation to more effectively perform their jobs.
Herman, who authored Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life and Fixed: How to Perfect the Fine Art of Problem Solving, previously was the head of education for 10 years at The Frick Collection, where she oversaw educational collaborations and community initiatives. An art historian and attorney, Herman is a member of the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Bars.
Herman holds a Juris Doctor degree from the National Law Center at George Washington University, and a Master of Arts in art history from Hunter College.
“My flight left Easton 35 years ago, and despite delays, missed connections, and fierce turbulence, my education showed me how to meet the world head-on. As a result, my destinations have been beyond my wildest imagination,” Herman says. “It will be my distinct honor to land the plane back in Easton to help guide the Class of 2024 as they pack their bags, fasten their seatbelts, and prepare for takeoff.”
