Lloyd Shubert wants fewer students to share in the struggles he faced while an architecture major at Mississippi State University.
Shubert was born in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and graduated high school in 1976. He received a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Technology from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1980 before graduating from the accelerated studies program out of the School of Architecture at Mississippi State University in 1984.
The first in his family to earn a college degree, Shubert said his parents were very hardworking and supportive but didn’t have a lot of extra money to give.
“They kept my car running, helped financially when they had a little extra and were always there for me in everything I wanted to pursue,” he said.
So, in addition to savings from previous summer jobs and student loans, Shubert worked through college as a night radio operator for MSU campus security to help with expenses. He felt he had to miss out on some of the opportunities available for travel that some of his peers had, and he had to get creative when it came to supplies needed for architecture models and projects.
“Instead of relying on the campus bookstore, I’d go scavenge for things I could use,” he said. “I’d find branches that looked like little trees and other free items.”
After college Shubert moved to Dallas where he put his design skills to work at a small architecture firm and later an interior design firm before switching to the construction side to work at a friend’s company. Eventually, he took a leap and started his own business, Pinnacle Marble and Granite.
“I was scared of failure but took the leap, and with the contacts I had made in my architecture and construction jobs, the company took off,” he said. “I think the Mississippi State School of Architecture gave me the confidence to make that move.”
Shubert’s success has now allowed him to travel often. His first trip to Paris came two years after graduation after he had saved enough funds.
“I just fell in love with the city, the country and the continent,” he said.
He’s since been to Paris 11 more times; travelled around Europe; and he hopes to go to Spain, Portugal, and a stopover in Paris soon.
“Travel just opens your mind as an architect and a human being,” he said, adding that he hopes to use his success to help more students get that experience.
He established both The Shubert Endowed Travel Award in the School of Architecture and The Lloyd Shubert Excellence Endowment in the School of Architecture as “a way to assist financially disadvantaged students, people like me who just need a little help.”
The travel award will go directly to architecture students to support travel expenses, and the excellence fund can be used to help students with other needs, such as buying computers, software or materials for models.
“My high school French teacher introduced me to travel outside of the United States by telling us stories of her travels throughout France,” Shubert said. “At MSU, Professor Michael Fazio, a founding faculty member of the School of Architecture, taught architectural history and continued to stoke the fires of my urge to travel to see the architectural wonders he presented in detail. My travel scholarship is meant to get students travelling to see architecture and culture in ways you cannot understand from photos and books.”
In addition to financial support, Shubert had some advice to share with students throughout their journey.
He emphasized that high school students who are looking into architecture programs should pay attention to class sizes and student-to-professor ratios.
“The smaller classes at MSU are great,” he said. “You really get to know the professors, and I think they really care about what they are doing and what they are trying to instill in you.”
Further, he encouraged current students to enjoy their college years.
“Take the time to look around and enjoy Mississippi State; that’s a beautiful campus you want to experience while there, not just as an alumnus returning in 40 years.”
And, finally, he said those who are stepping out into their careers should follow their passions.
“What are you interested in?” he said. “Look for a firm that will allow you to be your best, and if your passions change, don’t be afraid to switch paths. Life is sweet when you enjoy what you are doing.”