Ceema Sheikha, a first-year Master of Architecture student, has been named the fifth recipient of the Hartshorne and Plunkard Fellowship. The fellowship seeks to broaden access to the architectural profession. The fellow receives significant tuition support for up to three years of graduate study, a paid internship at Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture (HPA), and academic and professional mentoring.
Ceema earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois Chicago, where she developed her understanding of architecture as something that intersects with culture and identity. Born in Arkansas to parents who came to the US from Syria, Ceema moved to Chicago five years ago. Her interest in architecture was fostered by her connection to Syria and the recognition of the ways in which her culture and background often conflicted with where she lived. She says, “The realization of architecture as an intentional tool to craft the way we live weighed on me.” Ceema believes that the stories of underrepresented communities can be told with thoughtful architecture and design. “Architecture spurs from a process that is tangled and collaborative, and is the basis of a creative society that is inclusive of many approaches to design. I hope to always carry this sentiment with me as I continue in my career path, whether it be in community work, in the office, or in conversations with strangers.”
The 2025-2026 academic year marks the fifth year of the Hartshorne and Plunkard Fellowship. The award was initiated and funded by School of Architecture alumni Ray Hartshorne and Jim Plunkard, who established HPA in 1987. The school is grateful for the significant impact of their generosity as they continue to be valuable collaborators with the School of Architecture.
Reflecting on the Fellowship’s fifth year, Interim Director of the School of Architecture David Brown shares, “We continue to be grateful for the Hartshorne and Plunkard Fellowship. The opportunities the fellowship provides have enabled us to attract and retain outstanding students, like Ceema, who are often choosing between a number of schools around the country and UIC.”
Ceema adds, “I am very grateful to everyone at HPA for this wonderful opportunity, and for being so willing to welcome and mentor me as I partake in this fellowship. To be part of a community of such thoughtful and dedicated architects and designers is an invaluable learning experience.”
For more information, visit the fellowship page on our website.
Photo by Aliya Perez.