Donor Support Powers Student Success in Architectural Engineering

By Lily Dohmen ’27

As a graduate student studying architectural engineering at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Hannah Serhan knew pursuing her master’s degree would be difficult. Between advanced coursework and her year-long team design capstone project, the time commitment alone felt overwhelming.

That is why receiving support through the UNL Grenville K. Yuill Memorial Masters of Architectural Engineering Scholarship Fund made an immediate difference for her.

“It’s taken a huge weight off my shoulders,” Serhan said. “Not having to stress about paying for school has allowed me to focus more on my classes and the things I actually enjoy learning.”

That shift in focus allowed her to fully invest in her capstone experience, which is one of the most intensive parts of the program. Her team recently placed first in an international competition, an achievement she credits in part to having the time and flexibility to dedicate to the project.

“Because I am not constantly worried about working to pay for school, I have been able to really focus on my team project,” Serhan said.

Serhan was drawn to UNL’s architectural engineering program for its strong industry connections and hands-on opportunities, including the ability to work while completing her degree. Now specializing in lighting design, she hopes to create spaces that are not only functional but also thoughtful and inclusive.

As a graduate student studying architectural engineering at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Hannah Serhan knew pursuing her master’s degree would be difficult. Between advanced coursework and her year-long team design capstone project, the time commitment alone felt overwhelming.

That is why receiving support through the UNL Grenville K. Yuill Memorial Masters of Architectural Engineering Scholarship Fund made an immediate difference for her.

“It’s taken a huge weight off my shoulders,” Serhan said. “Not having to stress about paying for school has allowed me to focus more on my classes and the things I actually enjoy learning.”

That shift in focus allowed her to fully invest in her capstone experience, which is one of the most intensive parts of the program. Her team recently placed first in an international competition, an achievement she credits in part to having the time and flexibility to dedicate to the project.

“Because I am not constantly worried about working to pay for school, I have been able to really focus on my team project,” Serhan said.

Serhan was drawn to UNL’s architectural engineering program for its strong industry connections and hands-on opportunities, including the ability to work while completing her degree. Now specializing in lighting design, she hopes to create spaces that are not only functional but also thoughtful and inclusive.

As a graduate student studying architectural engineering at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Hannah Serhan knew pursuing her master’s degree would be difficult. Between advanced coursework and her year-long team design capstone project, the time commitment alone felt overwhelming.

That is why receiving support through the UNL Grenville K. Yuill Memorial Masters of Architectural Engineering Scholarship Fund made an immediate difference for her.

“It’s taken a huge weight off my shoulders,” Serhan said. “Not having to stress about paying for school has allowed me to focus more on my classes and the things I actually enjoy learning.”

That shift in focus allowed her to fully invest in her capstone experience, which is one of the most intensive parts of the program. Her team recently placed first in an international competition, an achievement she credits in part to having the time and flexibility to dedicate to the project.

“Because I am not constantly worried about working to pay for school, I have been able to really focus on my team project,” Serhan said.

Serhan was drawn to UNL’s architectural engineering program for its strong industry connections and hands-on opportunities, including the ability to work while completing her degree. Now specializing in lighting design, she hopes to create spaces that are not only functional but also thoughtful and inclusive.

For both students, the impact of scholarship goes beyond financial support. It has given them the time, confidence and space to fully commit to their education.

As they look ahead, both are focused on making meaningful contributions to their field, whether through designing more inclusive environments or continuing to grow professionally and pursue licensure.

Their paths may look different, but they share the impact of donor support.

“Their support is helping me move closer to my goals,” Easley said. “I do not think donors always realize how many students are impacted, but it is a lot.”