Class of 2021
By Krystal Cantu-Cuate
Technology stands out as one of the most captivating innovations, continually evolving before our eyes, and for Eulises Franco, a 2021 UIW alumnus, technology has always sparked his curiosity. From a young age Franco was fascinated by computers and was driven to learn how they work. His passion for coding and problem-solving led to aspirations of becoming a software developer. Franco’s current role as a Data Analyst at the Bexar County Health Collaborative, a nonprofit organization, was achieved through his dedicated research into artificial intelligence (AI) and his discoveries during his time at UIW. His perseverance has enabled him to create a customer relationship management (CRM) system that keeps his company database updated and easily accessible.
Eulises’ journey with UIW begins in Mexico City, where he spent 12 years of his life before moving to the states. During his senior year, Franco attended his high school’s university fair in the hopes of finding the best fit for his education. Centro Universitario Incarnate Word (CIW) was one of the many participants in the fair, and it was CIW that offered Franco an opportunity to study in Mexico City. CIW does not offer a degree in computer systems, so Franco took it upon himself to book a tour of our Broadway campus, where UIW does offer a degree in computer information systems. It was during this visit that he fell in love with the campus and all the opportunities that UIW Broadway campus had to offer. Soon, Franco would be embarking on his American dream.
When reflecting on his time at UIW, Franco fondly recalled the deep friendships he formed and the influential faculty members who shaped his journey. UIW helped Franco improve his social skills, making networking and meeting people (both inside and outside of his regular environment) much easier. Additionally, it was faculty such as Dr. Ronald Washington, Dr. Gonzalo Parra and Dr. Michael Frye who cemented Franco’s love for coding, and his newly sparked interest in AI. AI and the advent of ChatGPT prompted Franco to have a significant career shift that drove him away from software development and towards data analysis. In a computer-driven environment, Franco felt UIW equipped him with the knowledge necessary to succeed. In 2021, Franco graduated with his bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems, with a minor in Management Information Systems.
In his spare time, Franco enjoys a good work out, spending time with friends and discussing the future of AI and its potential impact on our lives. Franco also gives back to UIW by helping current students who have similar aspirations. Dr. Michael Frye, one of UIW’s most notable engineering professors recounts his time with Franco, emphasizing that “Eulises has been a valued member of the Autonomous Vehicle Systems (AVS) Lab and sets an example for the current student researchers in the Lab about life after graduation - including attending graduate school and giving back to UIW.”
When it comes to advice for aspiring professionals, Franco believes that everyone should find a personal project that they’re extremely passionate about. Allow yourself to start building that project during your college years. This should allow you to find your classes more engaging, which in turn, motivates you to get better grades. Your project can serve as a stepping stone to securing a great job or even building your own company.