A passion for science, a commitment to service, and the support of mentors and loved ones have helped IU Fort Wayne student Toriano Franklin Jr. earn one of the campus’s highest honors.
Franklin, who will graduate this May with a degree in Health Science, was recently named IU Fort Wayne’s Chancellor’s Scholar, an award recognizing the top students in each school based on their academic achievements, leadership, and service.
“My first reaction to learning about receiving the Chancellor’s Scholar was excitement and surprise that I had been nominated for anything, let alone actually winning it,” Franklin said. “The opportunity to be recognized for my achievements and experiences over the last three to four years is very important to me because it shows that the time and effort that I put in has paid off and has not gone unnoticed.”
His academic journey has been shaped by a fascination with the physical sciences and a desire to improve healthcare outcomes.
“The inspiration behind my pursuit of a degree in Health Science was my personal love for the physical sciences — biology, chemistry, microbiology, ecology — and how they can make an impact on the health and livelihood of people around the world,” Franklin said. “My goal is to find the best ways to connect environmental sciences with the various branches of human healthcare and the advancement of technology.”
While balancing full-time work with his studies, Franklin remained involved on campus through organizations including the American Medical Student Association and the Health Student Association, where he has served as Professional Development Chair for more than six months. Off campus, he worked at a Community Health Center helping improve access to healthcare for underserved populations across Fort Wayne.
“I thankfully have been able to do what I can to ensure that I try everything within my power to provide as much access to healthcare as I can,” he said.
Franklin’s dedication to academics, leadership, and service reflects the mission of IU Fort Wayne, said Dr. Deborah Garrison, inaugural vice chancellor and dean.
“Toriano represents the kind of student leader we are proud to celebrate at IU Fort Wayne,” Garrison said. “He has combined academic excellence with a deep commitment to improving the health and well-being of others. Students like Toriano are helping shape the future of healthcare in our region and beyond.”
Franklin credits much of his success to the encouragement of faculty mentor Professor Carly Bennett, who supported him after he transferred to IU Fort Wayne from Purdue University.
“She has been a key part of my journey ever since the first day of my IU classes after transferring from Purdue,” Franklin said. “She has been there to encourage me to be better every day and find new ways to challenge myself. She believed in me and my intelligence from the beginning, and I truly appreciate her for that.”
Bennett said Franklin’s growth, resilience, and drive to succeed have made him deserving of the recognition.
“From the moment Toriano joined IU Fort Wayne, he consistently demonstrated curiosity, determination, and a strong desire to learn,” Bennett said. “He pushes himself academically while also supporting others around him. Watching his confidence grow throughout his journey has been incredibly rewarding.”
Like many students, Franklin faced moments of self-doubt during college but credits his support system for helping him persevere.
“My family has truly stopped at nothing to make sure that I have the smoothest experience imaginable in college,” Franklin said. “My fiancée has been possibly the most important part of my journey. She has helped me realize that success is not just based on chasing grades and studying constantly, but also having someone there to support and encourage you.”
As a transfer student, Franklin said IU Fort Wayne quickly became a welcoming community where he felt encouraged to grow academically and personally.
“The IU community overall has been amazing,” Franklin said. “The faculty and staff have been nothing less than fantastic for me since enrolling here. I really could not ask for a more uplifting and diverse community to be a part of. I hope to continue to be a part of the IU community as I go on to higher education.”