CADC Graduates Reflect on Auburn Journey
A much-anticipated milestone is on the horizon for more than 200 students in the Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC) as the university gears up to host its spring commencement ceremonies this weekend.
Auburn will confer more than 5,000 degrees—the largest graduating class in the university’s history—across eight ceremonies from Friday, May 3 to Monday, May 6.
As the semester draws to a close, nine of CADC’s newest graduates reflect on the pivotal moments, invaluable lessons and cherished experiences that have defined their Auburn journey.
Meet CADC’s Class of 2024!
Leonard Jefferson — Architecture
HOMETOWN
Montgomery, Alabama
WHY I CHOSE AUBURN ARCHITECTURE
The program provides a balanced and thorough education, multitude of travel opportunities and tight-knit culture. Attending Auburn allowed me to stay close to home while simultaneously attending one of the best Architecture schools in the country.
AWARDS/RECOGNITION RECEIVED
– 2024 President’s Award
– 2023 CADC Outstanding Student of the Year in Architecture
– 2023 Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition (second place, group project)
– 2023 Writing Book Award
– 2021 Alabama Forestry Student Design Competition (Wood Comp) (student’s choice first place)
– Dean’s List
PLANS AFTER GRADUATION
HASTINGS Architecture (Nashville, Tennessee); pursuing architectural license and LEED certification
Annika Olson — Architecture/Interior Architecture
HOMETOWN
Dallas, Texas
WHY I CHOSE AUBURN ARCHITECTURE/INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
I toured Auburn after one of my high school friends came here, then did the Auburn Architecture summer camp and it made me want to come to Auburn!
FAVORITE MEMORY OF AUBURN ARCHITECTURE/INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
During a trip to Chicago last summer with my thesis studio, we enjoyed exploring the rich architectural landscape of Chicago on a riverboat tour and tried a Chicago-style hot dog at a Cubs game.
Sophia Velezis — Building Science
HOMETOWN
Birmingham, Alabama
WHY I CHOSE AUBURN BUILDING SCIENCE
I took a campus tour and fell in love with the entire atmosphere of Auburn. I am a people person and a problem solver, so Building Science was right up my alley. It really combined everything I enjoy into one major, and I have never looked back. The people are what have made Auburn feel like home and there’s truly no place quite as special.
FAVORITE MEMORY OF AUBURN BUILDING SCIENCE
One of the coolest memories I have was the chance to study abroad in England, France, Belgium and the Netherlands in May of 2023. We were in London during the coronation—a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
PLANS AFTER GRADUATION
Brasfield & Gorrie (Nashville, Tennessee)
Zachary Kalish — Environmental Design
HOMETOWN
Tupelo, Mississippi
WHY I CHOSE AUBURN ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
I loved the fact that Auburn was a big school with a small-town feel. I originally chose to attend for Industrial Design but changed my major to Environmental Design because it enabled me to learn design on an interdisciplinary level.
PLANS AFTER GRADUATION
ExpoDisplays (Trussville, Alabama)
Ethan Shapiro — Graphic Design
HOMETOWN
West Palm Beach, Florida
WHY I CHOSE AUBURN GRAPHIC DESIGN
The minute I stepped foot onto campus for a tour, I knew I was home. I always wanted to pursue a creative field that made a difference in the world, and Graphic Design is the perfect melting pot of creativity, problem solving and purpose.
FAVORITE PART OF AUBURN GRAPHIC DESIGN
The community is like nothing I have ever felt before. Everyone has helped me grow in some way, and I couldn’t be more thankful for every single person.
PLANS AFTER GRADUATION
Summit Athletic Media (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Hannah Blanding — Industrial Design
HOMETOWN
Decatur, Alabama
WHY I CHOSE AUBURN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
Both my grandparents are Industrial Designers in Japan and have always shared their love for creativity and art with me. Following along in their footsteps just always felt right. Auburn Industrial Design excited me because of the dedication they have to teach you everything you need to know. From holding a pencil to crafting beautifully designed products, you can learn everything here. I am the third of my siblings to attend Auburn so we have a bit of a family tie.
FAVORITE PART OF AUBURN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
The collaborative studio environment has fostered many relationships over the years and has given me lifelong friends, all of whom have played a huge role in furthering my design education.
Maggie Brand — Master of Landscape Architecture
HOMETOWN
Camden, Alabama
WHY I CHOSE AUBURN MLA
I grew up in a big Auburn family and loved visiting campus as a kid. By the time I was choosing a college, Auburn felt like a great fit for me. While in Auburn’s undergraduate ENVD program, I was introduced to Landscape Architecture in a class taught by Assistant Professor Kelly Homan. This was my first exposure to the complexities of designing landscapes, and I was hooked from that point forward.
FAVORITE PART OF AUBURN MLA
Fieldwork! Whether measuring and drawing sections at the Mary Olive Thomas Demonstration Forest or exploring cities across the United States, fieldwork has been filled with lots of learning and great fun.
AWARDS/RECOGNITION RECEIVED
– 2023 CADC Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year in Landscape Architecture
– Landscape Architecture Foundation Olmsted Scholar Nominee
– Semifinalist for Fulbright’s Open Study/Research Award to the Republic of Georgia (2024–2025)
Musahib Ali — Master of Building Construction
HOMETOWN
Kohat, Pakistan
WHY I CHOSE AUBURN MBC
My affinity for Auburn University began long before setting foot in the United States. The university’s reputation, its culturally rich campus life, the warmth of its community, and not least, its celebrated football spirit, were aspects I had come to admire from afar. My decision was driven by the MBC program’s prestigious standing as the second oldest and one of the most respected programs globally in this discipline.
AWARDS/RECOGNITION RECEIVED
– Sigma Lambda Chi
Martell Armstrong — Master of Real Estate Development
HOMETOWN
Elgin, Illinois
FAVORITE PART OF AUBURN MRED
The overall professional experience of my cohort is pretty extensive and covers various aspects of development—from construction and underwriting to project management and finance. It was great to learn from others and gain insight to their respective expertise. I am moved by the lasting, life-long friendships that have been created as a result of our shared experiences.
AWARDS/RECOGNITION RECEIVED
– Honor Society
– Dean’s List
PLANS AFTER GRADUATION
I plan to use my knowledge and skill sets to build more affordable housing and will stay involved with the MRED program and the Auburn Alumni Association.