Fueled by Determination:
Class of 2025

Hines graduates overcome the odds in resilient pursuit of education

by Stephen Schad • May 28, 2025

On May 8, the University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design celebrated the Class of 2025 – 195 graduates whose academic experience is defined by resilience and adaptability. Many of these students started their academic journeys under unexpected circumstances at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging stronger and more prepared to tackle the demands of their future professional careers. As they close this transformative chapter, several graduates reflect on their unique experiences, offering insight and inspiration to those who follow in their footsteps.

Imran Ahmed

Bachelor of Architecture

Initially, on a path to study engineering, Imran Ahmed began his college journey at the University of Texas at Austin, where a transformative architecture course sparked a deep appreciation for design’s emotional and spatial impact. He soon shifted course, transferring to the Hines College, where he immersed himself in studio culture, mastering tools like Rhino, Adobe Illustrator, and Revit. A pivotal study abroad experience in Japan expanded his worldview, teaching him that architecture is not bound by tradition but guided by context, culture, and community. His design for a mosque in Tokyo’s Edogawa Park exemplified his thoughtful and inclusive approach to design. Now preparing to pursue licensure in Texas, he reflects with gratitude on a journey fueled by curiosity, resilience, and unwavering support from faculty who believed in his potential.

Isabel Albuquerque

Bachelor of Architecture

Born and raised in London with Portuguese roots, Isabel Albuquerque never imagined becoming an architect — in fact, she once thought the profession was reserved for elite creatives in black turtlenecks and fancy glasses. After her twin sister received a full ride to Rice University, she took a leap of faith and applied to the University of Houston, where the diverse, hands-on architecture program felt like the right fit. As a first-generation international student navigating college applications during the pandemic, the road was anything but easy, yet she found her footing through community, curiosity, and resilience. A life-changing study abroad trip to Japan deepened Isabel’s understanding of architecture as a tool for cultural connection, and the support of her loved ones helped her push through the most difficult moments. Today, she knows that architects aren’t meant to fit a mold — and in embracing her own path, she’s found power in being exactly who she is.

Natalie Arroyo

Master of Architecture

Natalie Arroyo grew up with a creative spirit and a mother who always thought Natalie would pursue a future in architecture. After becoming the first in their family to leave home for college and earning an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University, she returned to Houston for graduate school at the University of Houston. As a first-generation student, the journey was not without challenges, but family remained the driving force behind every milestone. At the Hines College, the diversity of the student body and the support of faculty helped reignite her passion for design and deepen her commitment to human-centered architecture. Six years after entering her first studio, Natalie graduates with the same sense of purpose and excitement for what lies ahead.

Lené Fourie

Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture

Originally from South Africa, Lené Fourie is proud to be the first in her family to graduate from university — a milestone marking both personal achievement and family legacy. Her global travels sparked an early appreciation for how design shapes human experience, eventually leading her to pursue her passion for interior architecture. After relocating to Houston in 2020, she found her academic home at the Hines College. Though the journey included cultural transitions and academic challenges, Lené embraced each obstacle with resilience, finding her creative voice along the way. She graduates not only with a degree, but with a renewed purpose to design spaces that impact lives and tell meaningful stories.

Litzy Garcia

Bachelor of Architecture

Born in Tamaulipas, Mexico, and raised in Conroe, Texas, Litzy Garcia discovered a passion for architecture early on — as a way to express imagination, reshape space, and give voice to communities often left out of the blueprint. As a first-generation college student, immigrant, and DACA recipient, the path to a degree was far from easy, filled with long commutes, multiple jobs, and the weight of generational sacrifice. At the University of Houston, she found not only a diverse community that expanded her perspective but also faculty who pushed her to grow as both a designer and a person. Now, as Litzy prepares to graduate, she does so with immense pride and purpose, heading to Harvard Graduate School of Design to pursue a master’s degree in advanced placement of landscape architecture. Her journey stands as both a tribute to her family and a promise to use design as a tool for service, healing, and equity.

Eriberto Luna Rojo

Bachelor of Architecture

Eriberto Luna Rojo discovered his passion for architecture while assisting his father with masonry work, captivated by the drawings that guided their work. Pursuing this calling at the University of Houston felt like a natural step, offering a strong curriculum and the chance to grow professionally in the city he calls home. Starting college amid the pandemic, Eriberto navigated the challenges of remote learning and forged lasting friendships despite the constraints of a then virtual world. He expanded his perspective through the Latinos in Architecture mentorship program, firm tours, and international travel, while also giving back by encouraging future designers. As a proud first-generation graduate, Eriberto reflects with gratitude on a journey defined by resilience, community, and an unwavering belief in the power of persistence — ¡Sí se puede!

Angela Altamirano Sanchez

Bachelor of Architecture

Raised in Oaxaca, Mexico, by two civil engineer parents, Angela Altamirano Sanchez grew up immersed in construction but was drawn instead to the creative world of art and design. Choosing architecture over engineering was a leap of faith that led to unexpected growth, even as her college journey began during the isolating early days of the pandemic. While navigating personal hardships — including serious family illnesses and the loss of her grandmother — she found strength in studio culture, supportive professors, and close friendships. Balancing school, work, and life on her own pushed her to her limits, but she persisted through every challenge. As she graduates, Angela reflects with pride on her resilience and the person she has become.

David Schuman

Master of Architecture

For Dave Schuman, pursuing a Master of Architecture at the University of Houston marks the fulfillment of a long-delayed dream. Though he originally set out to study architecture as an undergraduate, life’s practical demands led him to a career in engineering — a path that never quieted his creative longing. Years later, inspired by President Kennedy’s words about choosing goals "not because they are easy, but because they are hard," Dave returned to his original passion with renewed purpose. His journey has been enriched by sharing it with his son Alex, a fellow Hines College graduate, and by the profound sense of belonging he found at the College — where each morning’s commute felt like coming home. As he moves forward into this next chapter, Dave carries with him not only a new career path, but also the gratitude, wisdom, and spirit to stay, as Bob Dylan sings, “forever young.”

Dana Shnoudi

Master of Architecture

Born and raised in Amman, Jordan, Dana Shnoudi was inspired by the city’s blend of ancient heritage and contemporary design. Her passion for art and space-making began in childhood and deepened through interior design work, where close collaboration with architects sparked her desire to shape environments at a larger scale. Drawn to the University of Houston for its NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture program and diverse, supportive community, she embraced the challenge of moving across the world to pursue her dream. While adjusting to a new culture and navigating life far from family was difficult, she found strength through her design work — especially in a design-build studio where she saw her ideas come to life through hands-on construction. The journey was far from easy, but with resilience, community, and a drive to create meaningful spaces, she now proudly celebrates the milestone of graduation.

David Andres Vargas

Bachelor of Architecture

Originally from Colombia, David Vargas (at right) began his architectural studies at San Antonio Community College, where he was introduced to the foundational principles of the field through intensive hand drafting. When he transferred to the University of Houston, an initial misplacement nearly set him back to the first year despite having completed four studios and two technology courses. Determined to prove his readiness, David presented his work, earned his rightful place in the third year, and quickly adapted from hand drafting to digital tools — with many late nights and the help of his peers. Though a transfer credit error in his final year forced him to take on an unexpected 24-hour course load, David remained committed to his goal and proudly joins the Class of 2025.