UVM student Sophia Hoffacker ’17 was recently named as one of 50 recipients of the Udall Scholarship, a prestigious, nationally competitive award for sophomores and juniors who are committed to careers related to environmental or Native American issues. Udall Scholars have demonstrated strong leadership and excellence in the classroom.
Hoffacker was a double major in environmental studies and political science. Through her internship in UVM’s Office of Sustainability, she organized the first annual Student Advocacy and Leadership Summit, a forum for campus leaders from environmental, social justice, professional development, and residential learning groups to come together for a full day of networking, collaboration and growth.
Hoffacker is a member of the steering committee of Student Climate Culture, a group working towards fossil fuel divestment on UVM’s campus. She is quite fervent when discussing what UVM is doing right — and what it could improve upon with regard to responsible energy consumption and socially responsible investments.
Since 2011, Hoffacker has been active in the Sierra Student Coalition, a national network of high school and college students working to protect the environment. She has been a participant in the organization's Summer Grassroots Training program, a trainer, a training director, and now a consultant to the training program directors. The program provides aspiring activists with the tools they need to work toward environmental and social justice.
Hoffacker, who is from the D.C. area, would like to commit her career and future to educating others about the threat of climate change.
"UVM nominated three exceptional students, and we are delighted that Sophia, Jacqui, and Katie were all recognized for their excellence by the Udall Foundation," said Alec Ewald, interim associate dean of the Honors College, who heads the fellowships review committees. "Although we know how good UVM's environmental programs are, it is always nice to have that strength confirmed in a prestigious national competition."Out of the 464 students nominated by universities to participate in the 2015 competition, 50 students were named scholars and 50 students were given honorable mentions. Each scholar receives a $5,000 scholarship, an expenses-paid trip to Tuscon, Ariz. for the Udall Scholar orientation and access to one of the largest networks of environmental leaders in the country.