In this episode of The Honors Lounge, hosts Ben and Adelle take center stage for a candid conversation about their own journeys through the W.A. Franke Honors College and the University of Arizona. They share how they found their place on campus, reflecting on the clubs, programs, and communities that shaped their experiences—from honoraries and Franke Honors Ambassadors to the PATH Mentoring Program and the Wall Street Scholars Program.

Throughout the episode, Ben and Adelle discuss the value of interdisciplinary involvement, the importance of saying yes to new opportunities, and how trying unfamiliar activities can redefine your college path. They offer insight into a variety of organizations across campus, giving listeners a window into the many ways students can build community, develop leadership skills, and expand their horizons.

The conversation wraps up with a round of lighthearted, rapid-fire questions, offering a fun glimpse into their personalities and the shared experiences that have defined their time at the U of A and Franke Honors.

In this episode of The Honors Lounge, our hosts dive into all things Homecoming with special guest Yazin Hindosh, a senior W.A. Franke Honors student and pre-med major. Yazin shares his journey through four years at the University of Arizona—from his involvement in numerous clubs and organizations to his current role in the Bobcat Senior Honorary, one of the university’s most storied traditions. 

The conversation explores the significance of Homecoming not only for students and alumni, but for the greater Tucson community. Yazin offers an inside look at what goes into planning the weeklong celebration, highlighting the Bobcats’ integral role in coordinating major events, including the lighting of “A” Mountain, the crowning of Homecoming royalty, and orchestrating the homecoming olympics. 

The episode wraps up with a round of rapid-fire questions, giving listeners a chance to get to know Yazin beyond his campus involvements and leadership roles.

In this episode of The Honors Lounge, our hosts dig into Tucson’s rich gastronomic scene with a special father-son duo: Felipe Garcia, CEO of Visit Tucson, and his son Felipe Garcia Jr., a W.A. Franke Honors College student double majoring in Political Science and Creative Intelligence and Innovation — and a student regent on the Arizona Board of Regents. 

Together, they bring a dynamic mix of professional insight and student perspective to a conversation that celebrates food, culture, and community. From highlighting some of their favorite local restaurants and hidden gems to exploring Tucson’s identity as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the Garcias share what makes the city’s culinary and cultural landscape so unique—both locally and globally. 

You can also follow their culinary adventures on Instagram at @thehyggefoodie, where they continue showcasing the flavors and stories that make Tucson a world-class food destination.

In this episode of The Honors Lounge, our hosts explore the world of study abroad at the University of Arizona and within the W.A. Franke Honors College. They’re joined by U of A Study Abroad Coordinator Sam Cox, who shares insights from his own international experiences and offers guidance on the wide range of global programs available to students. Franke Honors student Taylor Raney also joins the conversation to reflect on her recent experience in Greece through the Franke Honors Study Abroad program. Together, they discuss the opportunities, challenges, and life-changing impact of studying abroad—offering valuable advice for anyone considering taking their education beyond borders. 

Additional Resources:

For more information about all University of Arizona study abroad programs, visit the U of A Study Abroad website. 

Discover your next destination at the upcoming fair on October 29th! Meet advisors, explore program options, and find the perfect fit for your goals. For more information, visit the U of A Study Abroad Fair. 

Learn more about this signature Honors experience, W.A. Franke Honors College Greece Study Abroad Program. Applications open October 29th. 

For general information about W.A. Franke-specific scholarships, visit the Franke Honors College Study Abroad Scholarship webpage. To learn more about specific scholarships and requirements, email our Assistant Director of Internal Scholarships, Angie Valdez.

There are so many scholarship opportunities available for students. Check out this helpful infographic of available scholarships only for Franke Honors Students. 

In this episode of The Honors Lounge, we welcome a new host, Adelle Nkeze, a junior at the W.A. Franke Honors College. Adelle joins the team just in time for Family Weekend, bringing along Franke Honors senior Aruna Shrestha for a fun and thoughtful conversation about traditions, campus life, and what makes this annual event special for students and families alike. Aruna reflects on her Family Weekend experiences the last 4 years and shares her favorite parts of life at the University of Arizona, offering insight into Tucson’s vibrant food scene, the importance of finding community on campus, and even debating the age-old question: Is cereal a soup?

Episode Links:
The University of Arizona Family Weekend
Bobcat Senior Honorary 

The conversation with Franke Dean John Pollard continues in this follow-up episode of The Honors Lounge. Our hosts share additional highlights from their interview with the dean, along with their own reflections on what stood out most. From extra stories to added insights, this episode offers a closer look at both Dean Pollard’s journey and the hosts’ takeaways from their time with him. 

In this episode of The Honors Lounge, our hosts sit down with W.A. Franke Honors College Franke Dean, Dr. John Pollard for a wide-ranging conversation. They dive into his background and career as an educator, explore some of his personal hobbies, including music and mountain biking, and even throw in a round of quickfire questions. From leadership insights to lighthearted moments, this episode is all about getting to know the Dean and hearing his perspective on all things Franke.

In the first episode of The Honors Lounge, meet the hosts and get a feel for what this podcast is all about. They talk through their own journeys at the University of Arizona, what it means to be a Franke Honors student, and how experiences can vary from year to year. This episode is all about helping you get familiar with the show and giving you an honest look at life in Honors—what to expect, what to look forward to, and why The Honors Lounge will be a useful resource during your time at UA.