Solena Martinez Aleman was named the recipient of the prestigious Wiley Lin Hurie Memorial Award on Wednesday at the University of the Ozarks’ 67th annual Honors Day ceremony.
The Hurie Award is presented to the outstanding senior in the graduating class as voted on by the faculty. It is named in honor of the long-time president of the University and is the highest honor given to an Ozarks student. (Aleman is pictured receiving the award from University President Richard Dunsworth).
Aleman, a health science and business administration major from Leon, Nicaragua, was also named the Outstanding Student in Health Science. She will graduate on May 11 with the highest of honors, Summa Cum Laude (3.85 grade point average or higher).
Aleman, a Walton International Scholar, said she remembers arriving at Ozarks in the fall of 2020.
“I came two weeks late to school because there were no flights available due to Covid-19,” Aleman said. “I was afraid, but also excited to start this new chapter in my life. I did not know what to expect, and I did not know anyone. However, soon I got to meet my friends and new family for the next four years at Ozarks.”
Aleman, who earned minors in economics and political science, said she chose her areas of study for various reasons.
“Since I was in ninth grade, I knew I wanted to study business administration because it includes numbers,” she said. “Later on, I figured business administration was not only about that, but it is the foundation to expand to other areas such as economics, management, finance, or data analytics. As a result, to complement my business degree I opted for a minor in economics. Furthermore, I believe in social justice and decided to learn more about society through political science. Health science is a different story. I grew up listening to my mother’s stories about helping people through medicine. I have always been curious about how the body functions, adapts and recovers. Yet, it was not until I came to the U.S. to pursue my business degree that I got immersed in the world of health sciences, specifically exercise science, and fell in love with it. Both degrees complement each other. Health Science is a broad area of study, and thus, I can implement some of the knowledge gained in business. I want to further my education in exercise physiology, and in the future, I want to use research to improve the quality of life in my community.”
Aleman said working with her health science professor and advisor, Dr. Piroska Boros, helped her hone in on her career ambitions.
“Research with Dr. Boros gave me a new perspective on what path I want to follow, a career in academia,” Aleman said. “Her classes and the research experience with her helped me to find my passion and purpose. Thanks to her, I have grown a lot as a student and a person. She helped me to transform dreams into reality. She has been so supportive during my four years at Ozarks. In the future, I would love to conduct my own research.”
While at Ozarks, Aleman decided to get outside of her comfort zone and join the women’s cross country and track teams, where she was a four-time academic all-conference selection.
“I had never run before coming to college,” she said. “It was a new experience for me, but I am grateful to the sport, my coaches, and my teammates who helped me be a better athlete and person. Moreover, by being exposed to sports, I was able to relate to what I was learning in the classroom for my health science major.”
Aleman said being awarded the Walton Scholarship is one of the best things that has happened to her.
“It reminds me that dreams can become a reality with dedication,” she said. “I always knew I wanted to study in the U.S. and when I found out about the Walton Scholarship, I was determined to get it. I applied and did not get it the first time. I was frustrated, but I prayed, trusted God, and did not give up. I applied a second time and got it. The Walton Scholarship and the University of the Ozarks helped me to find my passion and purpose. I hope I use my passion to contribute to the development of my country.”
She hardly recognizes the frightened young lady that first arrived at Ozarks in the fall of 2020.
“I have become so much more independent and confident,” she said. “When I first came, I was afraid to participate in the classroom, but as time passed by it became natural for me to talk to my professors. My friends have shown me the meaning of true friendship. Sports and intramurals have been part of my every day and have taught me a lot that I can apply to my life — patience, perseverance, and gratitude. My coaches and professors always encourage me to follow my aspirations and not give up. I will miss my friends, who have become my family away from home, and my professors, who helped me to grow during these four years.”
Topics: About, Academics, Business Administration, Health Science