Image Three Franke Honors Students to be Recognized for Prestigious Awards at University of Arizona Commencement Today Three Franke Honors students will be recognized during the University of Arizona Commencement for their extraordinary accomplishments in and out of the classroom. The university's 161st Commencement ceremony will be held at Arizona Stadium on May 16 at 7:30 p.m. Nominated by faculty and peers, this year's student award winners were selected based on their determination, notable achievements and positive contributions to their families and communities. Read more
Image It's an Honor | Microprocessing and the Mind: Evolving Ideas in Embedded Intelligence with Computing Pioneer Bill Mensch Tuesday In this episode, microprocessor legend Bill Mensch joins the show to reflect on a lifetime of innovation—from designing the Motorola 6800 and co-developing the 6502 processor to shaping the field of embedded intelligence. In this wide-ranging conversation, Mensch explores the future of conscious technology, shares insights from his own AI model, and discusses how philosophy, religion, and science converge around ideas of intelligence and self-awareness. Touching on everything from the Super Nintendo to the GAIA conference and the BCII dual degree at the W.A. Franke Honors College, this episode bridges hardware, humanity, and the pursuit of lifelong learning. Read more
Image 2025 Franke Honors Pinnacle Awardees April 29, 2025 Last week, the W.A. Franke Honors College hosted its annual research presentation symposium, Franke Honors Pinnacle. Nearly 100 Franke Honors students presented their work at Pinnacle, showcasing diverse research projects that they have been working on throughout the year. Outstanding research is acknowledged with financial awards for Quest projects, senior thesis work, exploratory mini grants, and other special projects. Read more
Image Franke Honors Student Ojas Sanghi Named 2025 Truman Scholar April 21, 2025 University of Arizona junior Ojas Sanghi is one of 53 college students named a 2025 Truman Scholar. Every year, the prestigious award is given to several dozen students intending to enter government work or public service. Read more
Image It's an Honor: The Impact of Emerging Technologies in Telling Underrepresented Stories, with Digital Humanities Director Dr. Bryan Carter April 10, 2025 In this episode, Dr. Bryan Carter, Director of the Center for Digital Humanities, professor of Africana Studies at The University of Arizona, and an expert in virtual environments, joins us to explore the intersection of AI, XR, and digital storytelling in education. Read more
Image Franke Honors Students Present at the Society for Applied Anthropology Conference April 8, 2025 On March 21, three Franke Honors College students presented their research at the Society for Applied Anthropology's annual meeting "Revitalizing Applied Anthropology" in Portland, Oregon. The panel, "Bridging Divides: Power, Ethics, and Engagement With the Criminal Legal System," was organized by Dr. Victor Braitberg, Associate Professor of Practice at the W.A. Franke College, and Dr. Robin Reineke, Assistant Professor in the School of Anthropology and Southwest Center. Read more
Image Community Engagement with the Franke Honors Ambassadors April 8, 2025 The Franke Honors Ambassadors are forging impactful partnerships through service and fundraising. Read more
Image Spring Alumni Spotlight - Abbie and Buzzi Shindler April 8, 2025 Franke Honors Alumni, Abbie and Buzzi Shindler ‘96 met at the University of Arizona in 1992 and look back on their college experience as the best four years of their lives. Read more
Image It's an Honor: The Future of Higher Ed: Innovation, Experiential Learning, and Leadership with Eller Dean Dr. Karthik Kannan March 18, 2025 On this episode of It's an Honor, Franke Dean Dr. John Pollard sits down with University of Arizona, Eller College of Management Dean Dr. Karthik Kannan to explore the future of higher education, from the rise of AI and transdisciplinary learning to the increasing global connectivity reshaping academia and industry. Read more
Image W.A. Franke Honors Alumni Bat-Orgil Bat-Erdene Receives Schwarzman Scholarship March 4, 2025 W.A. Franke Honors College Alumni Bat-Orgil Bat-Erdene has been named the University of Arizona's first Schwarzman Scholar. One of the world's most distinguished graduate fellowships, the Schwarzman Scholars Program supports scholars from around the world for a one-year master’s in global affairs at Beijing’s Tsinghua University. Read more