Outstanding Graduate Gabrielle Hofer drawn to design, journalism and diversifying her industry

Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2021 graduates.

Gabrielle Hofer enjoys solving design challenges using creative solutions. This mindset led her to pursue multiple interests at Arizona State University and a dual degree path in graphic information technology at The Polytechnic School, one of the seven Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at ASU, and journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

“With a background in both design and journalism, I can approach my work with a mindset and skills that differ from any of my peers,” Hofer says.

The Impact Award recipient and Outstanding Graduate loses hours working on designs and animations, and she says that “being able to present what I’ve spent hours, days or even months working on is the coolest feeling. It’s amazing to be able to say, ‘Yeah, I made that.’”

Hofer’s talents were recognized throughout her time at ASU. She received the New American University President’s Award and took various first-place honors at the GIT Awards. She was also a Hearst Journalism Awards Picture Story/Series Competition finalist.

Along with excelling academically, Hofer spent many hours perfecting her art outside of the classroom. She was a grader, notetaker and teaching assistant as well as a graphic designer for the Sun Devil Fitness Complex at the Downtown Phoenix campus and a photo editor for Downtown Devil.

Hofer also volunteered with the not-for-profit organization Heroes United AZ and nonprofit organization Put on a Cape: A Foundation for Hope for two years. At Heroes United AZ, she volunteered to dress up as heroes for fundraisers, hospital visits and other events. 

“Working with this group was a dream come true,” Hofer says. “I’ve always wanted to be a Disney princess and bring that same sort of magic to life for children, and this was my opportunity to do that.” 

Hofer also photographed events for Heroes United AZ and says, “It was magical to witness kids meet their heroes, and seeing them light up at the sight of you was always worth it.”

Following graduation, it’s important for Hofer, who identifies as queer, to diversify her industry.

“My successes don’t signify a be-all-end-all solution, but I am a start,” Hofer says. “There are countless more who deserve to be similarly uplifted and supported.”