Since middle school, incoming freshman Robbie Schumacher has been passionate about designing structures and playing football.

This fall, he is pursuing both passions at the University of New Hampshire as a member of the football team and student in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering.

Schumacher is part of a record-setting class within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences that welcomes 578 new students this fall, including 70 in the Department of Civil Engineering. The record-setting class is 10 percent larger than the previous record class last fall.

Schumacher got a head start on his fellow classmates in getting acclimated to UNH thanks to three weeks of grueling football practices in preparation for the team’s season opener at San Jose State University on September 3. Most of his fellow classmates arrive on August 28 during first year student move-in day.

The transition from high school to college football training camp was an adjustment for Schumacher, but he is happy with his progress to date.

“I have begun to adapt and am working hard every day to be the best I can be and help my team in any way possible,” said Schumacher, a defensive end. “As the fall approaches, I am looking forward to new friendships and the new people I am going to meet.”

A native of East Fishkill, N.Y., Schumacher won multiple football awards as a junior and senior while playing for John Jay High School. His interest in UNH piqued after receiving a phone call from the football program. Upon exploring academic options at UNH, Schumacher learned he could pursue both passions at the University.

“Once I began to research UNH, I fell in love with it,” he said. “So far, UNH has been a truly exciting experience and I can’t wait to see what is in store.”

Schumacher said he plans to complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree in civil engineering at UNH.

“After receiving my degrees, I want to begin a career as a professional civil engineer designing structures and hopefully making a visible, lasting impact on the world around me,” he said.

Written By Brooks Payette, Communications/Outreach Coordinator
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences