As founding director of the Arizona Humanities Council, Lorraine W. Frank provided vision, encouragement, and administrative skills that enabled the funding of millions of dollars in history projects from Nogales to Kingman, and from Jerome to Bisbee.

At lecture series throughout the state, thousands of Arizona citizens were exposed to subjects ranging from the role of women in the West to the traditions and culture of Mexico's Dia de los Muertos.  Participants brought documentary films, oral histories, round-table discussions, slide presentations, and more to audiences state-wide.   Indian tribes receive support from the Arizona Humanities Council to explore and disseminate information about their histories and traditional teachings.  These events and opportunities comprise a portion of the rich historical legacy Mrs. Frank has given to the state.

Her tenure with the Arizona Humanities Council was but one aspect of Mrs. Frank's continued interest in the history and the people who live and work in Arizona.  For more than thirty years, she has worked in the non-profit sector on projects to obtain aid for the disenfranchised, to create educational opportunities and social services for all minorities, and to better the lives of Arizona's migrant workers.

Lorraine Frank has been honored with the Distinguished Service Achievement Award and an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters from Arizona State University.  She holds an honorary doctorate of Humanities from the University of Arizona, and has been given special recognition by Senator Dennis DeConcini, who placed "The Contributions of Lorraine W. Frank" into the Congressional Record.  Upon her retirement, Governor Rose Mofford proclaimed  September 16, 1989 as Lorraine W. Frank Day.