Lucia Gaudiano’s ’26 Creative Journey at TCU
When Lucia Gaudiano ’26 left Panama City to attend TCU, she hoped to find a place where her love of art, architecture and culture could grow. What she didn’t expect was just how quickly campus would feel like home or how many opportunities would shape her into the designer, creator and leader she is today.
Discovering Her Path in Design
Lucia’s interest in design began unexpectedly in an advance placement (AP) art history class that opened her eyes to world architecture. That spark eventually guided her toward interior design, a field she says feels like the perfect fit.
As an interior design and art history student, she’s now deeply involved in both disciplines, even working as a TCU Galleries attendant to stay close to the art world she loves.
Bringing Panamanian Culture into Her Work
Panama’s vibrant architectural landscape continues to shape Lucia’s creative approach. From historic homes in the Casco Viejo district to modern skyscrapers, the mix of traditional and contemporary architecture inspires her designs and fuels her belief in adaptability and community-centered spaces.
“I always stay connected to the visuals of home,” she says. “They guide my process no matter where I am.”
Achievement, Opportunity and a Growing Network
This year, Lucia earned the prestigious NEWH (National Hospitality Industry Network) Scholarship, a major recognition in the hospitality
design industry. The award has connected her with designers across Dallas–Fort Worth
and affirmed her growing confidence as a creative professional.
“It is a great honor,” she says. “[Receiving this scholarship] is a tangible recognition of my projects and ability as a designer, and it has definitely encouraged me to continue what I'm doing with design.”
Rock the Casa: Latin Music on KTCU
Despite being far from home, Lucia has found meaningful ways to stay connected to her roots, including Rock the Casa, her KTCU radio show celebrating indie and alternative Latin American music.
“When I came to the US, and even back home, I realized that a lot of people weren't familiar with indie and alternative artists that were coming out of Latin America. I was always fascinated by college radio, and once I joined KTCU and was encouraged to have my own specialty show. I was thrilled to share an aspect of Latin American music I'm so passionate about. I believe indie artists coming out of Latin America have a ton of untapped potential, and new artists emerge every day. It's wonderful to share something that I love so deeply as music, especially when it is tied to my culture.”
Combined with strong friendships, inspiring courses and her family’s TCU legacy, she’s built a life that balances her roots at home with a sense of belonging on campus.
A Future of Possibility
As she looks toward graduation, Lucia hopes to open her own interior design practice and one day, her own gallery.
For international students considering TCU, her message is simple:
“There’s a place for you here. This community is welcoming, supportive and full of opportunity. Coming here has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Lucia’s journey shows how creativity grows at TCU and how students from around the world help shape a campus that is vibrant, connected and full of possibility.