Dismuke, Dunbar Selected as 2025 Stephen Martin Scholars

NEW ORLEANS – Tulane University Athletics announced today that Alyssa Dismuke and Zander Dunbar are the 2025 recipients of the Stephen Martin Scholars.

The Stephen Martin Scholars honors Stephen Martin, who broke the color barrier in the Southeastern Conference when he played his first baseball contest for Tulane in 1965. Prospective candidates for the honor represent the highest level of character and leadership skills while being academically driven and civic-minded – all characteristics that teammates used to describe Stephen Martin.

"We are delighted to honor Alyssa and Zander as this year's Stephen Martin Scholars," said Ben Weiner Director of Athletics Chair David Harris. "Their dedication to leadership and community engagement reflects the core values that Mr. Martin exemplified through his impactful contributions. We are proud to have them serve as shining representatives of the Green Wave."

Dismuke, a senior from Bastrop, LA, embodies the spirit of the Stephen Martin Scholars through her leadership, academic drive, and commitment to community service. As a Political Science major and a thrower on Tulane's Track and Field team, she skillfully balances rigorous academics and athletics while making meaningful contributions to campus and the broader community.

Active on campus, Dismuke serves as President of emPOWERed, a student-athlete focus group, and as Culture and Relations Chair for the SAAC executive board, advocating for student-athletes and advancing leadership initiatives. She also holds roles on the American SAAC executive board as Coordinator for Leadership Engagement and is a student-athlete representative on the Leadership & Engagement Committee. She supports service projects such as MLK Day, holiday gift drives, and community outreach efforts.

Beyond athletics, Dismuke interns with the Center for Public Service, aiding community outreach initiatives, and works as a Community Engagement Advocate, facilitating workshops to develop intercultural and global leadership skills among students. She is a member of Phi Alpha Delta and Pi Sigma Alpha, further demonstrating her dedication to leadership and civic engagement. Her extensive community involvement includes leading school supply drives in the Lower Ninth Ward as a Unit Lead for Outreach Tulane and supporting case resolution at the Jones Law Group.

Dunbar, a senior from New Orleans, also exemplifies the qualities of a Stephen Martin Scholar through his academic excellence, athletic achievement, and dedication to community service. As a double major in Political Science and Sociology and a Posse Foundation Scholar, he has demonstrated strong leadership both on and off the track.

Also a member of emPOWERed, Dunbar notably won the 800 meters at the 2024 American Outdoor Championships and set the school's indoor 800-meter record of 1:50.38 with a third-place finish at the Vanderbilt Invitational in January. He has served as the Men's Track & Field representative for SAAC.

Deeply engaged in the New Orleans community, Dunbar mentors youth through Son of a Saint, where he was also the keynote speaker at their 2023 Gala. He volunteers as a coach for Live Oak, a nonprofit dedicated to youth leadership development. Dunbar actively participates in campus service events, including Tulane's MLK Day of Service, and volunteers at Animal Rescue New Orleans, Second Harvest, and holiday gift drives. His character, leadership, and civic commitment embody the enduring legacy of the Stephen Martin Scholars.

Dismuke and Dunbar will be recognized by the Martin Family at Thursday's football game versus East Carolina in Yulman Stadium.

In a joint statement, the duo shared, "Being recognized as Stephen Martin Scholars is a tremendous honor, and we are proud to be part of the esteemed group of previous recipients. Stephen Martin's impactful legacy extends beyond Tulane to the entire New Orleans community, inspiring countless individuals. We are grateful for the opportunity to uphold and continue his inspiring legacy as members of the Green Wave."

Martin and his wife, Brigid Cheri Martin, also a Tulane graduate, were married for 43 years and the couple had three children, Stephen Jr., Nicole and Dana. Stephen Jr. and Dana each earned their college degrees from Tulane.

Born November 2, 1946, Martin was a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, earning his bachelor's degree in Latin from Tulane in 1968 before earning his master's in business administration at his alma mater in 1973.

He served his country in the United States Army and retired as the Chief Financial Officer for Tuskegee University in 2012.

For more information on how to make a gift in honor of the Stephen Martin Scholars Award Program, please visit GreenWaveClub.com or call the Green Wave Club at (504) 865-5356.

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Dismuke, Dunbar Selected as 2025 Stephen Martin Scholars

Players Mentioned

Alyssa Dismuke

Zander Dunbar

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