We Celebrate! Franke Honors Spring '24 Convocation Awardees

Catherine Broski, a senior from Goodyear, Arizona is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Bachelor of Science in Geography, and also carries Spanish and Thematic Minors. A Flinn Scholar and active student leader within the Franke Honors College and beyond, Catherine has a commitment to interdisciplinarity and collaboration that underpins her work.  

Catherine is a committed bridge-builder who seeks to connect people and organizations across differences in age, education, and economic status. Her internship with Net Zero Urban Water Research, mentoring role as a Mo’s Policy Scholar through the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, and leadership in the Bio/Diversity Project to equip other college interns doing culturally relevant environmental science outreach to kids in grades six through nine illustrate this commitment.   

A PATH mentor, Catherine also serves as an Arizona Ambassador and a Philanthropy Co-Chair for the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. Her service as a Research Fellow with the Tucson Prosperity Workshop focused on increasing access to clean energy incentives for low-income renters in Pima County. Catherine, who aspires to lead community-engaged, interdisciplinary research, will pursue graduate studies in public policy or geography in the future.   

Justin Begay, a senior from Lake Havasu City, Arizona, is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. A member of the Navajo Nation who transferred to the University of Arizona from Mohave Community College, Justin was named the MCC Most Outstanding Student in 2022 and entered the University of Arizona as a member of the All-Arizona Academic Team. Justin, who began his academic journey late in life, is a first-generation student from a working-class family who has a deep commitment to service and mentorship. This commitment drives his involvement in educational psychology research as a McNair Achievement Scholar, service as a Franke Honors Ambassador and Active Minds participant as well as leadership as President of the Transfer Advisory Board for Students in Franke Honors College.  

A veteran of the United States Navy, Justin was selected as a Gilman Scholar and a Udall Scholar because of his potential to be an excellent ambassador and leader who advocates for underserved populations to have opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute. Justin will enter the PhD program in Educational Psychology at the University of Arizona, strengthening his toolkit for the work he hopes to do in encouraging and mentoring Native American students at the high school and college level.