Rodrigo Rivera, a civil engineering student in the University of Georgia College of Engineering, has been named a Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Scholar. According to the HSF, the distinction of HSF Scholar means Rivera is among the best and brightest Latino students in the country.

Rivera, a senior from Dacula, will receive a scholarship of up to $5,000. In addition, HSF Scholars are eligible to receive other benefits, such as mentoring, academic support and career-related services.

“When I was in grade school I was always fascinated by skyscrapers and bridges,” said Rivera, who plans to pursue a career in structural engineering following graduation. “Once I started looking at colleges I looked into different fields that would allow me to have a career in designing building and working with skyscrapers and I found civil engineering.”

Rivera is active in several college organizations including the American Society of Civil Engineers and Theta Tau, an engineering honor society.

“Coming to UGA and being a part of the College of Engineering has be one of the best decisions. I’m excited to be one of the first classes to graduate from the college of engineering and make history. The students and professors here are so involved in the college and I think that’s what makes it feel like home.”