MSU architecture senior 1 of 10 earning national scholarship
Contact: Christie McNeal
STARKVILLE, Miss.—A Mississippi State architecture student is one of 10 students from across the nation receiving a 2025 Gensler Opportunity Micro Scholarship.
Arturo Hernandez of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, said he is honored to be a recipient of a scholarship given by one of the world’s largest architectural firms that helps break down the financial barriers to entering the profession.
“It also shows there are people in this world who want to invest in students who have a different way of thinking in design,” the fifth-year senior student said. “I feel like I carry a responsibility to represent my culture and my identity in this profession, and I believe winning the scholarship does allow me to be that person.”
Jassen Callender, director and F.L. Crane Professor in MSU’s School of Architecture, said Hernandez’s achievement “speaks volumes about his talent, work ethic and the values he upholds.”
“This scholarship is awarded through a highly selective process and is a prestigious recognition of Arturo’s design talent, professionalism and commitment to design excellence,” said Associate Professor Silvina Lopez Barrera.
Hernandez said he applied for scholarship because he appreciates the principles Gensler integrates into its design process.
“Gensler emphasizes resiliency, sustainability and innovation through collaboration in design,” he said. “The company is very human-centric when it comes to design. It designs for people and finds the value of the communities to create some connection to the people who it is building projects for. I love that because I believe community does have a big role in design and the decisions when it comes to designing.”
Hernandez is in his final year of study in Jackson, where he will complete his capstone thesis project. After graduation, he plans to continue his studies with a master’s degree in urban design and hopes to advocate for sustainability by earning his LEED Green Associate certification.
MSU’s School of Architecture offers the state’s only professional architecture degree accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. Learn more at www.caad.msstate.edu.
Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.