Lincoln (Neb.) - Aug. 16, 2001 - Steven Sherwood of St. Edward is the first recipient of the Flaherty/Kiernan Memorial Scholarship for construction management and architectural engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The scholarship fund was recently established by Marvin Flaherty of Seattle, Wash. His gift of nearly $62,000 to the University of Nebraska Foundation honors both his mother's side of the family, the Kiernans, and his father's side, the Flahertys, many of whom lived around St. Edward.
Sherwood said he was pleased when he learned at his graduation from St. Edward High School that he had been selected for the scholarship. "This scholarship will definitely help me, and it's great that Mr. Flaherty wants to support students from this area," he said. Sherwood plans to major in architectural engineering.
Sherwood said he chose to study architecture because building and designing have been his lifelong interests. "I've always been interested in the building process and how buildings work," he said. He said his career goal is to become an architect so he can express his creative ability.
"I would like this scholarship to be a legacy to my family and their ancestors," Flaherty said. "Many of the Kiernans and Flahertys resided in the area beginning in 1872. For over 100 years, my ancestors contributed significantly to the area." Flaherty said his family members were involved in farming, politics, business and supporting the construction of Catholic churches in the area.
Flaherty said he also hopes the scholarship may entice people already working in the construction or architecture field to obtain a degree at UNL - the training and credentials that may help them advance their career. The annual award is approximately $3,000 and is available to both non-traditional and traditional students from the St. Edward area.
Flaherty's career included several years in real estate development. Prior to his retirement, he was professor and chairman of the construction management department at the University of Washington in Seattle.
The University of Nebraska Foundation is a nonprofit corporation
supplementing support for students, faculty, facilities and programs at
the University of Nebraska's four campuses through gifts from alumni,
friends, corporations and other foundations.
For questions regarding these releases, contact:
tsimons1@unl.edu
(402) 472-8514, Fax: (402) 472-7825