Choosing Franciscan University’s dual-degree Engineering Program was an obvious choice for Brigid Kelly.

“With interests in architecture, construction, and mathematics, I wanted to make sure I applied those skills in my career,” she says.

Today, Brigid puts her interests to work as a facilities engineer for the United States Department of Defense. There, she works with contractors to build parking garages, remodel buildings, install sidewalks to improve equipment transportation, expand electronic display walls, and more.

“Ultimately I chose Franciscan because I wanted to pursue civil engineering,” says Brigid. “It was really amazing that they have this program because there aren’t really a lot of good Catholic schools with this major.”

As an engineering student at Franciscan University, Brigid frequently worked one-on-one with her professors, whether it was receiving guidance in an assignment or in preparing for a phone interview for a scholarship.

“The professors were very dedicated to our success and making sure we learned the material well,” says Brigid. “They were there to help us if we needed it.”

When she wasn’t studying, working on projects, or completing labs, Brigid took advantage of Franciscan University’s rich student life. She was a member of Servants of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Household and a frequent visitor to the Portiuncula Chapel.

“Just having perpetual adoration was awesome—that got me through engineering for sure.”

Brigid also spent a semester abroad in Franciscan University’s Austria Program, with help from an engineering professor.

“It was hard to do with the major, but it was worth it,” says Brigid. “He made it work!”

With financial assistance through the St. Patrick Engineering Scholarship and the Chancellor Scholarship from Franciscan University, Brigid transferred from Franciscan University to the University of Notre Dame to complete her studies. After five years of study, Brigid graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Franciscan University in 2017.