UB Student-Athlete Receives Furnas Scholarship Award

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- David A. Martinez, a senior management major and soccer player at the University at Buffalo, has received the 1998 C.C. Furnas Scholar-Athlete Award, which will provide him with a stipend to continue his studies in law school next year.

UB President William R. Greiner presented the award to Martinez during a special breakfast ceremony held on May 6.

Established in 1964 by Chancellor Clifford C. Furnas, the prestigious award celebrates the accomplishments of an undergraduate who excels at both academics and athletics.

"As a student and athlete, David Martinez has represented this university with merit and character, truly exemplifying the motto: 'Mens sana in corpore sano' -- a sound mind in a sound body," said Stephen N. Wallace, director of athlete academic services.

Martinez, a University Honors Scholar, is a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society and last year was named to the Academic All-Conference team. He hopes to attend Duke University Law School in the fall.

"I believe that David is the epitome of a successful scholar-athlete. His ability to succeed in both arenas is inspiring," said Nancy G. Lynch, adjunct assistant professor in the School of Management.

A graduate of City Honors High School, Martinez is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Daniel A. Martinez of the West Side of Buffalo.

Furnas, the last chancellor of the private University of Buffalo and the first president of the State University of New York at Buffalo, served as the chief executive officer of UB from 1954 until his retirement in 1966. He had a multi-faceted career as an author, engineer, professor, public speaker and administrator.

Furnas, a college track star, represented Purdue University in the 1920 Olympic Games. He established the C.C. Furnas Scholar-Athlete Award largely because he was honored with the distinguished Big Ten Conference Medal for combined scholarship and athletic prowess when he graduated from Purdue in 1922.