LETTER FROM THE DEAN: THE FRANKE HONORS COLLEGE — WHAT A YEAR IT'S BEEN!
Franke Dean, Dr. Terry Hunt
We have reached the end of another academic year, and this one is particularly special to reflect upon. Last October, we announced the naming of the W.A. Franke Honors College at our Family Weekend Celebration. The naming of the college kicks off what I believe is the most significant and exciting chapter in our history. The Franke Family’s gift benefits our exceptional students and faculty, funding scholarships that have an emphasis on underrepresented and first-generation students. The gift also supports study abroad programs, recognition of faculty excellence, and much-needed housing awards.
Providing access and removing barriers for students has always been a top priority for the College and the Franke gift is having an immediate effect. In this newsletter, you will meet one of the first Franke Honors Scholar recipients, Emma Collette Harbour. Her story shows the lasting changes scholarships make in the lives of our talented and deserving students.
We also hope you enjoy our Alumni Spotlight, featuring the impressive and important work of Honors alumna Pauline Koelbl. She is the founder and managing director of ShEquity, and a Fulbright Scholar. Her work with women entrepreneurs in Africa, promoting access and addressing issues of climate change and gender bias, is truly inspirational. It also showcases the incredible work our alumni are doing not just locally, but globally.
Speaking of our alumni, we are always looking for ways to build meaningful relationships with our alumni and students. We invite you to learn more about how you can get involved and volunteer with the Franke Honors College. It’s a terrific way to give back with your time and share your valuable experiences and expertise with our students.
It is with great pride that we recognize the extraordinary educational journey of our dedicated and hardworking students. On May 12 at the McKale Center, we celebrated the second class to graduate as W.A Franke Honors students since winter 2021. We were also excited to have a very special convocation speaker joining us for this year’s ceremony, Mayor Regina Romero. Mayor Romero is the first-ever female and first-ever Latina mayor of Tucson. As a child of immigrants, she is a champion for issues such as climate change, affordable housing, immigrant and workers' rights, and access to a high-quality education. We were honored to have her as our keynote speaker, sharing her journey and wisdom with our graduates who are now members of a very distinguished group, Franke Honors alumni!
As many of you may have heard, I will be transitioning into a faculty position in the School of Anthropology on July 1, 2022. I am certainly proud of all that we have accomplished in transforming the Franke Honors College during my tenure as Dean. Franke Honors Associate Dean, Dr. John Pollard will serve as interim dean. I'm grateful for his willingness to lead through this period of transition and know the college will be in good hands. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of the Franke Honors College. It is amazing to see the impact that each of us can have on these scholars' undergraduate experiences. I am incredibly proud to have been part of the W.A. Franke Honors College journey, and I know that the college's brightest days are still ahead.
Warm regards,
Franke Dean, Dr. Terry Hunt