The free tuition for a semester presentation includes (from left) Grey Dawg; Dylan Chambers, president of the SIU Dawg Pound; Miriamm Martinez of Chicago and Paul Frazier, vice chancellor for anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. (Photo provided)
November 21, 2023
Chicago radiologic sciences student wins free SIU tuition for a semester
CARBONDALE, Ill. — It’s not often that a fun evening at a basketball game with friends turns into a free semester of college, but that’s exactly what happened to Southern Illinois University Carbondale student Miriamm Martinez.
The sophomore radiologic sciences major from the Rogers Park area of Chicago was chosen at random Nov. 17 as the winner of free tuition for the spring semester when more than 2,000 SIU students attended the men’s basketball game to see the Salukis defeat Queens University of Charlotte 91-68.
“When I realized that the numbers matched my ticket, I turned to my friends, Christine and Mikayla, and they yelled in excitement, urging me to get up and claim the free tuition!” Martinez said. “I feel very lucky and in complete shock about winning free tuition. When I got home after the game, I called my family and told them not to worry about tuition for next semester.”
Passion is health care
Martinez is a graduate of Niles North High School in Skokie, Illinois, where she transferred during her sophomore year, joining the girls swim team and developing a passion for health care.
At SIU, she is involved in Scanning Salukis, a registered student organization, where she enjoys connecting with other students in the sonography program. She is also active with the campus Latino/Hispanic organizations.
“It brings a sense of familiarity and reminds me of home,” Martinez said.
She plans to graduate from SIU with a double major in radiologic sciences and health care management and return to work in the Chicago neighborhoods she grew up in, sharing her knowledge and expertise there.
The drawing for free tuition was part of a Pack the Pound promotion, open to all students and organized by the Dawg Pound, a registered student organization that supports Saluki athletics.