As a University of Texas graduate having earned multiple degrees, Dr. Susana Alemán devoted her entire career to the field of education, touching the lives of many. Her work in secondary and post-secondary education within the public schools offered her the opportunity to work with students in various capacities at Austin ISD, Falfurrias High School, Austin Community College, and the University of Texas. She also contributed a portion of her career to working in the Legal Department of the Texas Education Agency just before landing the role as Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Texas, School of Law.
Serving, not only as the first Hispanic, but also the first female Dean at the university, Dr. Alemán was committed to helping others attain success, and well-known for nurturing lifelong relationships with classmates, students, colleagues, and church members, those she cared for most. – She demonstrated her dedication to philanthropy by organizing the school’s annual Sunflower Ceremony, for which she harvested hundreds of flowers each summer over the course of 20 years. This work allowed her to give back to her community while supporting Mexican American law students. It also earned her the title of “Sunflower Lady.”
Sowing seeds through toilsome work, she endowed a scholarship program (Dean Alemán Sunflower Lawhorn Scholarship) aimed to diversify the law school, through which she was successful at reviving a 100-year-old tradition. Choosing a sunflower, instead of a cap and gown as their crest to represent the school at graduation, Dr. Alemán pinned one on each law student as their name was called overhead.
Commemorating her 40th anniversary as a University of Texas’ scholar, she endowed a second scholarship (Alemán-Wilson Challenge Grant Scholarship) to support Mexican American students from South Texas. When interviewed by the press, Dr. Alemán was asked from where she found her drive to support others; it was in honor of her family who provided crucial support toward her education, she replied. Sharing words of wisdom, she said, “My mother always said, ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way.’ I really believe that.” Dr. Alemán went on to say, “I’m not rich, but it can be done. Everyone can contribute in some way.”
This South Texas native’s generosity continues to grow to this day through her endowments and several other initiatives she developed during her career at the law school. Dr. Alemán’s goodwill inspired others to contribute, and by gaining significant support from the community, they were successful at awarding $12.4 million to support students who may not otherwise have an opportunity to pursuit their dreams through education. Sunflower Lady, your legacy will not be forgotten!
