Boudhoum Family Selected as the 2015 Family of the Year

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The Boudhoum family at the front steps of Old Main, reunited for the first time in nine years.

The 2015 Family of the Year is the Boudhoum family of Agadir, Morocco, who was nominated by Salma Boudhoum, a junior majoring in industrial engineering. The family will be presented with an Arkansas print on the field at half-time of the Arkansas v. Texas Tech game during Family Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 19. They will also receive four tickets to the Chancellor's Box to watch the game, as well as the PorkChop Package that includes entrance into various Family Weekend events. In addition, the family will enjoy dinner with the ASG Executive Officers Friday night.

"This is a unique family that perfectly fits the description of what we look for in a Family of the Year," said Morgan Farmer, ASG vice president. "This is a family that goes above and beyond to support their student during their time at the University of Arkansas. The Boudhoum family has fiercely supported their students from 5,000 miles away. Their story is nothing short of incredible and they are very deserving of this honor." 

Salma served as a Cross Cultural Mentor for three years and is currently president of the International Student Organization. Both of her older brothers, Mohamed Boudhoum and Othman Boudhoum, attended and received their bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Arkansas. The Boudhoum name can be found four times on Senior Walk so far. After graduation her brothers have remained active with University of Arkansas by organizing networking events with students and professionals from Walmart. They also remain active in New International Students Orientation. In addition the Boudhoums have gone to recruit over 16 students from Morocco to attend the University of Arkansas.

The Associated Student Government and Parent & Family Programs sponsor the annual Family of the Year award. The Family of the Year represents the university as the model Razorback family. The model Razorback family exemplifies the Arkansas spirit and provides exceptional support for their students to succeed at the university. The difficult selection of the Honorary Family was tasked to a selection committee consisting of student leaders and staff from across the university. Said one committee member, "This was a difficult selection process. We had other deserving, outstanding families who support their students and the university."

Salma said of her family, "I believe that what makes my family unique is making the University of Arkansas as the family 'unique choice' to pursue education. Financially, supporting three children to go to school and paying international tuition and fees is the biggest support a family can offer to their kids. My parents and siblings have always supported me mentally and financially, and it made a big impact on me and shaping my career. I believe that this will be the perfect celebration of my family members being all together at the same time and same location for the first time in 9 years. I think even though we cannot give back to them all they have done for us and all their sacrifices, this recognition will make them proud parents and happy with their decision to send their three kids to school at the university."

Any questions should be referred to Farmer at asgvp@uark.edu.

The Associated Student Government at the University of Arkansas is a student-led organization that acts as an organized voice for all students and strives to effectively represent student interest.