Elizabeth Walpole Hofmeister spent most of her career as a journalist reporting on some of the most important economic and social issues in the nation. While her talent was honed during years of experience in Washington, D.C., she credits Keystone College for providing the initial building blocks that led to her success.
Growing up in nearby Dimock, Pa., Elizabeth, known as Liz, chose to attend what was then Keystone Junior College upon graduating from Elk Lake High School. After obtaining her associate degree with a concentration in political science in 1966, she continued her studies at American University in Washington, D.C., graduating with a degree in international relations in 1968. She then obtained a master’s degree in journalism from The Ohio State University in 1972.
Liz pursued a journalism career as a reporter/editor with the Bureau of National Affairs, a specialized information service headquartered in Washington that publishes newsletters and other communications on a range of law and public policy issues. On the staff of the Daily Labor Report, Liz covered labor and employee relations issues and their impact on businesses and workers.
“Our publication provided information critical to businesses, labor unions and others involved with labor and employment,” she said. “I was able to combine my interest in government and politics and my desire to be a journalist as we covered many of the key labor issues of the day.”
Liz remained at the Daily Labor Report for nearly 23 years before taking an editorial position with the Friends Committee on National Legislation, a religious lobby organization which advocates for legislation addressing such Quaker concerns for reduced military spending, nuclear disarmament, economic and social justice, and environmental sustainability. She remained with FCNL as a managing editor of its monthly newsletter for five years before retiring and living in nearby Maryland.
As she looks back on a satisfying career, Liz credits her education at Keystone for providing the critical foundation that would lead to a satisfying long-term journalism career.
“My time at Keystone was an important first step for what would follow later in my life,” she said. “I had some excellent professors who cared about me and helped guide me as I planned to continue my academic pursuits.”
Liz has remained in contact with Keystone and is a member of the Evergreen Society in recognition for her planned-giving initiatives in support of the College.
“I think it’s important to make college education affordable and available to students from rural areas similar to where I grew up,” Liz said. “I hope my gift to Keystone will in some way continue to make that possible.”
