Victoria DeFrancesco Soto is Dean of the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas and is also a political analyst for NBC News and Telemundo. In this episode, Victoria breaks down public service and what it looks like across disciplines, the power of frustration in enacting change and helping her advance to where she is today, her parallel career in public service and political analysis in the media, how her lived experience informs her nuanced approach to analysis in issues such as border policy, and more. 

Dimitri Ververelli graduated with Honors in Aerospace Engineering in 2011. He currently works as a flight test engineer at Pax River Naval Air Station in Maryland, and, for the last few years, has been working toward getting his masters degree at the University of Arizona. Dimitri is extremely passionate about flying and hopes to one day achieve his dream of becoming a NASA astronaut. He was recently interviewed and featured in our fall Alumni and Friends Newsletter.

Pearl and Precious Craig are Franke Honors alumnas both entering into their third year as Doctor of Pharmacy Candidates at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy. Throughout their time in Honors, both Pearl and Precious were recipients of numerous accolades and awards from both in and outside of the University. Now, as pharmacy students, these sisters are initiating positive change through an organization they co-founded together in the School of Pharmacy.

Did you know there are scholarships supported by the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships for alumni to pursue graduate school, teaching, or research in the US and abroad? The Franke Honors College values our ongoing connection to our alumni, and we enthusiastically encourage their continued scholarly endeavors.

Spring brings many things and one of the most exciting is the promise of our Franke Honors graduating class of 2023! This graduating class becomes part of a proud and growing group of alumni here at the Franke Honors College. Like so many of you, our young alumni take with them their hopes and dreams to give back and make a difference in this world.

Emily Chavez is a University of Arizona alumni (BS in Business Management and Entrepreneurship, 2015) and the Founder and CEO of Joyful Jobs, a recruiting agency that helps small businesses and nonprofits with hiring for various job types and seniority levels. She is a wife, mom, and foster mom, and is hooked on business ownership! Emily’s goal is to own multiple businesses by age 40, including a nonprofit involving horses and at-risk populations. Along the way, she hopes to support and inspire other young people (especially working moms) to pursue their own dreams.  

The W.A. Franke Honors College acknowledged Chair Shelly Lowe as the 2022-23 Alumni of the Year, one of her numerous accomplishments, at a reception preceding the University of Arizona Alumni of the Year luncheon. Interim Dean Pollard congratulated Lowe, and presented her with an award for her significant contributions and accomplishments that embody the mission of the W.A. Franke Honors College.