UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS STUDENT WINS NATIONAL AWARD

FAYETTEVILLE - University of Arkansas student Daniel Hazman was awarded one of only 50 Exceptional Student Fellowships given nationwide by the State Farm Foundation.

"I am not at all surprised that Daniel has been recognized in this way," said Norma A. Mendoza, marketing and transportation assistant professor. "He is an outstanding and ambitious student who works extremely hard toward his goals. I am convinced that he will continue to receive recognition and praise throughout his career."

The senior business economics major and former Chancellor's Scholar from Fort Smith will receive $3,000 as well as a grant of $250 to his nominating institution. David Thach, an economics major and former Sturgis Fellow, was the last student to receive the State Farm Exceptional Student Fellowship. He graduated Summa Cum Laude last year and is now working for a consulting firm and plans to pursue an MBA.

The State Farm Foundation fellowship is awarded to outstanding students majoring in business-related fields who have taken the time and initiative in contributing back to their communities.

Hazman said he credits his being selected by positively influencing society through his involvement in Students In Free Enterprise, Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, Alpha Kappa Psi national business fraternity, Golden Key International Honor Society, and Fort Smith Youth Volunteer Council, among others.

"When some people think about the world of business, they conjure up images of deception and corruption for gain," Hazman said. "However, many times people forget how businesses, especially those that are firm in their character and integrity, can positively influence the society."

Hazman also organized, with the help of his Latin American team, Business Basics in Spanish, teaching the local Hispanic community how to start small businesses. He also coordinated the Christmas gift box drive by uniting numerous organizations on campus to give Christmas gifts to underprivileged children in the Fayetteville area.

He is currently pursuing successfully his dual degree in International Business and Accounting and a double minor in Spanish and Mathematics with high hopes for the future, with an immediate future plan of learning Portuguese in Brasil for a semester, graduating from the

U of A and then working for an international company.

"His academic performance in our college has been exceptional," said John Norwood, associate professor of accounting. "He is currently listed as a double major in economics and accounting, but his interests are so diverse and his curiosity so intense that I am sure he would elect to major in each and every one of our disciplines if he could."

And scholarships and awards have not only helped build Hazman's resume but also given him an opportunity to begin business training overseas, preparing him for a job in international business.

"The opportunities for studying abroad the U of A offered me will be a great asset for my field of business in the future," he said. "This (past) summer I was in four different continents, and my involvement in different organizations should help me become a better mentor and leader by building healthy, meaningful relationships with people."

Hazman says his experience in the various organizations has not only better prepared him but also helped him realize the need to help others.

"Along with my education and career, my future plans include working with troubled youth," he said. "I am committed to becoming a mentor to those who lack a role model. Even now I am involved in mentoring four students in my Chi Alpha friendship group, and leaders in spiritual, educational and personal development are mentoring me as well."

Hazman admits that the education and experience he has gained at the U of A could not have been replicated anywhere else, and his leadership positions in Chi Alpha, Alpha Kappa Psi and Volunteer Council have helped build trust by achieving results, always with integrity; something he said every employer puts high on its list when hiring.

"I believe that knowing how to build trust is essential in order to realize my dreams, and taking part in extracurricular activities and community service should refine my ability to build that trust," he said. "By being involved, I have learned to appreciate the uniqueness of every individual and to value different cultures. I am convinced that these qualities are priceless and irreplaceable that I could have only achieved at this university."