By the time she was 10 years old, Tracey Pritulsky, ’82, already knew she wanted to become an interior designer. She spent her childhood rearranging her bedroom and reimagining its décor, inspired by a mother with an eye for aesthetics.
That passion led her to NAU, where she earned her degree in interior design. More than four decades later, she and her husband, Steve Pritulsky, ’83, are helping equip today’s interior design students with the modern technology and collaborative workspace they need to succeed.
Over the years, the couple has established scholarships, helped create the Pritulsky Interior Design and Hotel Learning Lab and, most recently, made a gift to create the Pritulsky Design Lab.
The Pritulskys are being honored with a 2026 President’s Alumni Award from the College of Arts and Letters for their professional accomplishments, service, and support of the Lumberjack community.
The renovated lab features updated technology, collaborative workspaces, new furnishings, and expanded capacity, giving more students access to the tools they use every day. Students began using the Pritulsky Design Lab this fall.
Having watched the program grow in reputation and enrollment while facing limited space and resources, the Pritulskys saw an opportunity to make a lasting difference.
“It felt like a really great way to expand capacity and opportunity for the students and the program,” says Steve.
Tracey believes the new lab will give students access to the software, technology, and workspace they need to develop the skills expected in today’s design profession: “A very significant portion of their time as designers is going to be with software tools,” Tracey says. “I hope when they enter the lab they feel like they have what they need to succeed in the program and in their careers.”
Just as importantly, the Pritulskys hope their philanthropy inspires others to support the program: “It doesn’t have to be a lot,” Tracey says. “But all together, it’s very meaningful.”
