FRANKE HONORS LAUNCHES PODCAST, 'IT'S AN HONOR'

From new names and buildings to innovative programming that engages with the grand challenges of our day, the W.A. Franke Honors College has a history of facing change head on, and embracing it.  

We Evolve 

Change is inevitable, so at the Franke Honors College we intentionally structured our values around it. We Seek, We Connect, We Create, We Evolve, and We Celebrate. Without change, and the challenges it sometimes presents, there is no growth. Without evolution, we don’t have much to celebrate.  

During the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Franke Honors speaker series Big Ideas Grand Challenges (BIGC) was a success, as it offered virtual ways for students, staff, faculty, and the broader community to connect and explore topics related to current issues. 

As our world has evolved its rhythms in the last few years, the college has sought new ways of bringing people together around crucial topics. Franke Honors Seminars, the Common Reading program, and, of course, our courses all aim to do this. Now we are launching a new platform to help share engaging conversations that spark growth—our very first podcast.  

So, why a podcast? 

One of the unique aspects of the Honors Village is in-house access to one of the University’s iCourse Digital Makers Spaces. The Digital Makers Space is open to all students, staff, and faculty at the University of Arizona, and has equipment such as 4k industry standard video cameras, LED lighting, greenscreen, and microphones, as well as a RodeCaster Pro integrated studio specifically for podcasting. 

Franke Honors Interim Dean John Pollard has been the leading visionary behind the creation of the podcast, and his interest in having these conversations stems from the greater mission and values that guide W.A. Franke Honors College.  

“I want to have dynamic conversations,” said Pollard. “We have access to so many brilliant minds that are connected to the University of Arizona community, I want to hear their stories.” 

“It’s an Honor” will be a platform for critical thinking, examining the areas where ideas rub against each other. Guests will engage in bold discussion that fosters understanding, empathy, and growth. The podcast will explore different perspectives, therefore enhancing our own. 

“We’re going to learn,” stressed Pollard. Although the podcast might sometimes cover topics that people disagree about, the goal is to strive towards learning and interdisciplinary thinking, rather than debating to win a side.  

Embracing change, literally 

Speaking of change, it is only fitting that our first guest be an expert in an area that speaks so well to the heart of this podcast. Dave Franke is the Principal of Franke & Co., and along with the rest of the Franke family, is known for philanthropy, including the impactful gift that made us the W.A. Franke Honors College. Dave is Chair of the NAU Foundation Board, and serves in many other leadership roles and supports a variety of community efforts across the country. In this inaugural episode of “It’s an Honor”, John and Dave dissect change in its many forms—from change in higher education and business to relationships and technology. 

Check out the first episode of "It's an Honor" below: