We Celebrate! Franke Honors Spring '26 Convocation Awardees
On May 13 at McKale Memorial Center at ALKEME Arena, the W.A. Franke Honors College will be celebrating the spring graduating class of 2026.
This spring convocation is an especially noteworthy ceremony, as we will be recognizing our largest senior class ever—anticipating 693 students to graduate from the University of Arizona with honors.
Every semester, we acknowledge select students that have exemplified the values of the college; what it means to seek, connect, create, evolve and celebrate, both personally and academically. The Outstanding Senior, Outstanding Transfer, and Dean's Award of Excellence are chosen via nominations from Franke Honors faculty & staff, and are awarded to graduating seniors that have embodied a spirit of inquiry, pursued their passions, and overcome adversity throughout their time in honors. Let's congratulate these students on their incredible accomplishments!
Benjamin Tung
W.A. Franke Honors College Outstanding Senior, 2026
Benjamin Tung, from Glendale, Arizona, is graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Software Engineering as well as the Franke Honors Civic Leadership Certificate. Ben has been deeply involved within the W.A. Franke Honors College serving as Co-President of the Franke Honors Ambassadors, Co-founder of “The Honors Lounge” student-led podcast, project lead and mentor within PATH, and front desk worker. He also played key parts in revitalizing the Ambassador Symposium and bringing Franke Honors to the CIVSA Student Development Institute. Beyond Franke, Ben is a dedicated Wildcat holding membership within Bobcats Senior Honorary, Engineering Student Council, Kappa Sigma, and Bear Down Camp. Across every role he has taken on, Ben has shown a talent for bringing people together and leaving places better than he found them. As he leaves the University of Arizona, he carries with him the experiences, relationships, and sense of purpose that have defined his time as a Wildcat.
Rebecca Ursule
W.A. Franke Honors College Outstanding Transfer Student, 2026
Rebecca Ursule is a Pima Honors transfer student who earned an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Pima Community College and is now a graduating senior at the University of Arizona’s W.A. Franke Honors College, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Marketing. Rebecca has been deeply involved in campus leadership, serving as the founder and president of the UAZ Podcast and as a member of the Undergraduate Advisory Board Cabinet for 2025–2026. She is also engaged in the Tucson community as a member of the Tucson Committee on Foreign Relations and as a board member of Odyssey Storytelling. In addition, Rebecca works with Vertically Integrated Projects as a Program Outreach Office Assistant and participates in the Franke Honors Venture Studio, where she is developing a communication platform. Her experiences reflect a strong commitment to communication, leadership, and community engagement, as well as a passion for creating meaningful connections through media and public discourse. She is passionate about community service, diplomacy and foreign affairs and dedicated to uplifting others and advocating for marginalized communities.
Annika Giphart
W.A. Franke Honors College Dean’s Award of Excellence, 2026
Annika Giphart, from Superior, Colorado is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Medical Sciences with minors in Spanish and Biochemistry. Annika spent her time in the Franke Honors College building connections and contributing to student engagement, leadership, and belonging. Annika has been deeply involved in the Partnerships Through Honors (PATH) Program for the past four years as a mentee, mentor, project lead, and now Student Coordinator of Events and the Project Lead PATHway. Annika has also served as a W.A. Franke Honors Ambassador since her Sophomore year, providing her with the opportunity to share her love for the Franke Honors College. In addition, through her Honors Thesis, she developed a curriculum on the basis that “Food is Medicine for Chronic Disease Prevention” for an after-school gardening program for middle schoolers in South Tucson. She is incredibly excited to continue chronic disease prevention education as a physician. Annika will be attending the College of Medicine - Tucson class of 2031 after a gap year to heal from her knee injury. She hopes to work in pediatrics, educating the future generation on their medical needs and the importance of preventative medicine.