10/13/2026
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT - Blake Sostrin is an Honors Biology student at the University of Arkansas, where he maintains a 4.0 GPA and expects to graduate in May 2028. Originally focused on a path to medical school, Blake has used his college experience to explore a broader range of interests in science, medicine, leadership, and professional development.
At Arkansas, Blake has completed more than 250 hours of undergraduate food science research while pursuing physician-shadowing experiences in pathology, family medicine, orthopedic surgery, and sports medicine. He has also emerged as a campus leader through Sigma Phi Epsilon, serving as Vice President of the SigEp Learning Community and helping lead academic and professional-development programming for a chapter of nearly 300 students. His work has included collaborating with university faculty and administrators and helping develop an alumni mentorship and internship program.
Blake credits Haas Hall with preparing him to embrace both challenge and opportunity. Academically, the school taught him to work through difficult material, ask questions, advocate for himself, and hold himself to a high standard. His experience playing soccer at Haas Hall was equally meaningful, teaching him teamwork, balance, and the importance of making room for the interests and relationships that enrich life beyond academics.
Most importantly, Blake remembers teachers and coaches who invested in him as a person, not simply as a student or athlete. As he takes on leadership and mentorship roles of his own, he strives to provide that same encouragement to others.
Whether his future ultimately leads to medicine, science, business, or a combination of those interests, Blake believes Haas Hall gave him the academic foundation, confidence, and curiosity to continue challenging himself and pursue opportunities wherever they may lead.
