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In the Spotlight: Maggie (Slawson) Hoffer ’17

History & American studies major Maggie (Slawson) Hoffer ’17 is proof that at Lycoming College, our graduates use the knowledge and skills they gain to fulfill their career aspirations. Maggie recently accepted her dream job as an archivist with the Pennsylvania State Archives. “Having a diverse education has allowed me to appreciate a lot of subject matters, and in the archival field, you never know what you are going to be dealing with.”

Why did you choose to attend Lycoming College? 

I chose Lycoming for many reasons. When I first stepped on campus, I looked at my mom and said, “This feels like home.” I also knew I wanted to attend a top-notch liberal arts college that allowed me to learn many subjects and eventually granted me several opportunities to further that interest in those areas of study. The small class sizes, well-rounded education, and support from the faculty and staff made Lycoming such a great place.

What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors, or activities while attending Lycoming College? 

I loved all my history classes, especially the classes I took on the Revolutionary War given that’s the timeframe I studied and later completed my capstone and honors thesis in. I was also a teaching assistant for the biology department with Dr. Broussard, and The History of the Dinosaurs will forever be one of my favorite classes taken at Lycoming. I also valued my time working as an archival assistant at the College Archives.

How has your education at Lycoming influenced or helped you in your life and career? 

My education at Lycoming shaped me into a better thinker, a problem solver, and a better researcher and writer. Entering Lycoming, I dreamt of becoming an archivist, but I also really loved the Revolutionary War and everything that was the 18th Century. Lycoming helps its students by encouraging them to apply for top-notch internship and research opportunities and taking them when they get the opportunity, and that’s exactly what I did. I got to experience so many research opportunities that allowed me to focus on my area of study, but it also made me realize there was more to learn and more to study than just that period in general. Having a diverse education has allowed me to appreciate a lot of subject matters, and in the archival field, you never know what you are going to be dealing with.

What are one or two of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from Lycoming in which your education played a role? 

I am a research/reference archivist with the State of Pennsylvania. My focus is Pennsylvania Revolutionary War records, early Pennsylvania land records, and Pennsylvania state hospital records. Becoming an archivist at the Pennsylvania State Archives is a dream come true. It’s incredibly difficult to achieve, but I knew it wouldn’t be impossible if I just focused on accomplishing what I wanted. You need a graduate degree, and you need to complete different exams as well as any prerequisites from the state. It’s not an easy task.

I also hold the position as the registrar for the Cumberland County Daughters of the American Revolution. I am the individual who researchers any potential members’ lineage to prove they are related to a Revolutionary War Patriot. This job is difficult, but given the research I’ve done at Lycoming, it has made me the perfect fit, and I am honored to serve in that role.

On a personal note, Lycoming allowed me to meet my husband, alumnus Curtis Hoffer ’14. Together, we have two children, Carter and Charlotte, and they will forever be my biggest accomplishment in my life. My kids love history, museums, and George Washington, so I think we’re on to something!

How do you give back or engage with Lycoming College? 

I support the College by representing the Class of 2017 at different alumni functions when called upon. I also donate to different academic scholarship funds when the opportunity presents itself.  

 

In the Spotlight recognizes members of our alumni community who are doing great things that have been influenced by their time at Lycoming College. Alumni Spotlight submissions are used at the discretion of the College and may be included in the monthly eNews as space and time permit. To participate, submit an Alumni Spotlight questionnaire.