Lily Quinsenberry
Designing Her Future: Lily Quinsenberry’s Architectural Journey at Marywood
For Lily Quinsenberry ’29, an architecture major at Marywood University, choosing the right college came down to two key elements: “The architecture program and the campus.” From the moment she arrived, those qualities confirmed she had found a place where her creativity and ambitions could thrive.
Financial support has played a critical role in making her Marywood education possible. “Yes, I do receive financial aid, and without it I would not be able to afford college,” Lily shares. That support has allowed her to fully focus on her studies and take advantage of the opportunities offered within the architecture program.
Already in her first year, Lily has achieved notable success. One of her proudest accomplishments is winning both the Studio Award and the Leporello Award during her first semester in the first-year architecture program—an achievement that reflects her dedication, talent, and strong work ethic. Along the way, she has also learned more about herself as a student. “I have learned what works best for me in terms of when I am the most productive,” she says, a lesson that has helped her manage the rigorous demands of architecture coursework.
Beyond academics, Lily has found empowerment through the connections she has built on campus. “I have made a great group of friends who have helped me through stress and cheered me on in my successes,” she says, emphasizing the importance of community and support. She stays actively involved by participating in architecture-related extracurricular programs to network and grow professionally, and she also works as a work-study student in the Alumni Office.
Looking ahead, Lily has big dreams. “My dream for the future is to be head of a prestigious architecture firm, design buildings that become well known, win awards for my work, and be able to travel,” she shares. Marywood’s architecture program, hands-on learning environment, and supportive campus community are helping her take meaningful steps toward those goals.
When reflecting on the impact of Marywood’s donors, Lily expresses deep gratitude. She recalls discovering the university while searching for top architecture programs and experiencing a moment of clarity upon visiting campus. “The first time I stepped foot on campus, I walked into the Center for Architectural Studies and immediately fell in love—it was one of those moments where everything fell into place,” she says. She credits donor-funded scholarships with making her education possible and hopes to give back one day. “I will when I’m able because I recognize that it is because of other people’s generosity that I can afford college.”
As Lily looks ahead to Commencement, she already knows how that moment will feel. “Enormous pride.”