Senior Success: Architect, Student-Athlete Sydne Nance Joins Studio 1200
Sydne Nance's journey from NJIT architectural summer camp to track star to chapter president to professional designer was fueled by the confidence she gained through the university's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).
Nance, an Albert Dorman Honors scholar of Westampton, New Jersey, will start full-time at Studio 1200 after graduation, a Short Hills-based interior design firm founded in 2006 that takes on a variety of projects ranging from small residential to large hotel renovations. Nance has been serving as an architectural intern at Studio 1200 since August, gaining valuable work experience in her final year at NJIT.
A summer pre-college program sparked her interest. It was back in 2016 that Nance was first exposed to the Hillier College of Architecture and Design (HCAD) and its studio environment in a comprehensive summer program, a longtime HCAD offering. The immersive, residential summer camp brings high school students to campus to explore architecture, interior design, industrial design or digital design — all disciplines offered in HCAD.
“I knew right then that I wanted to do architecture,” recalled Nance who lauded Darius Sollohub, an HCAD faculty member since 1995, instructor in her summer program, and recipient of The Van Houten Award for Excellence in Teaching.
She excelled academically. With a mountain of memories to pick and choose from as her favorite, one that sticks out was her third-year project designing an early childhood education center. This studio allowed her to be conceptual and creative, and her project was invited to participate at Super Jury — an advanced critique session recognizing some of the most accomplished projects in the college.
The EOP prepared her. With a taste of the studio life offered at NJIT, Nance enrolled to begin in the fall of 2017, but not before taking part in NJIT’s Educational Opportunity Program. The EOP has become synonymous with success at NJIT — the rigorous pre-freshman summer academic enrichment program prepares students for their first semester of college, and beyond. Most students refer to it as “boot camp.”
“It was hectic over the past five years, I was able to manage it because I was an EOP student,” said Nance. “It was a huge help for time management, it was a springboard for my college career.”
Nance’s involvement in EOP didn’t stop there. For the next two years she rejoined as a tutor, helping students who may not have otherwise had the chance to discover the architecture discipline.
“It was really fun and helped me,” Nance explained. “When you teach someone something, it confirms your knowledge of a subject. It helped me master concepts and techniques I learned the first two years.”
Nance broadened her involvement on campus. In addition to her tutoring efforts, Nance also joined several other organizations, the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA). The AIAS is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization dedicated to advancing leadership, design, and service among architecture students, and Nance served as chapter president during her senior year. The AIAS allows Nance and others to meet and network with architecture students from across the world.
Becoming a member of AKA, the first intercollegiate historically Black sorority, is a lifelong commitment, Nance explained. She looks forward to joining the graduate chapter, ensuring her contributions to the community remain uninterrupted.
Athletics was another boost. Strict academic discipline and preparation are necessary keys to succeed, especially as a student-athlete, as is the case for Nance. A NCAA Division I track and field athlete for all five years, Nance competed in a number of events, including the 400-meter dash, 4x100 and 4x400, and has earned medals along the way.
Moving forward and giving back. As Nance moves on to the next chapter of her life, she is excited to travel more, and her penchant for helping others will continue, too. Whether it’s through her sorority, tutoring services or with athletics.
“I hope to find opportunities to coach track and field at a younger level, whether it be through track clubs or a high school program. I want to give back to the next generation in the same way all of my coaches have done for me over the years.”