Remember Where You Come From

For Alyse Bender Hoffer (’08, ’11), Northern Kentucky University is home. 

The second-generation attorney, who is a Partner with Frost Brown Todd LLP's Real Estate Practice Group in Cincinnati, grew up on campus. She watched her dad become an active NKU alumnus—attending basketball games, participating in homecoming activities, and serving on numerous NKU boards and committees. 

That’s why, when she was considering colleges to attend, NKU was her top choice. 

When she began her freshman year as a double major in political science and speech communication, Hoffer jumped in with both feet. 

“I was an active undergraduate student,” she says. “My job in undergrad was being involved.”

Hoffer joined Delta Gamma Fraternity, the Northern Kentucky Leadership Institute, the Student Alumni Association and the Student Government Association (SGA), among many other organizations.

During her senior year, she proudly served as president of SGA as well as Student Regent on the university’s Board of Regents. When she completed her undergraduate degrees, summa cum laude, in 2008, there was no question about next steps. 

“My plan was always to go to law school and follow in my dad’s steps,” she says. “I couldn’t imagine going to law school anywhere else.”

While she attended law school at NKU’s Salmon P. Chase College of Law, Hoffer was a member of the Salmon P. Chase Inns of Court and Chase’s National Arbitration Team for two years while graduating magna cum laude. 

Since 2011, Hoffer has consistently been an active alumna and participated in many boards and councils. She is currently the vice president of NKU’s Alumni Board of Directors. She served on the NKU College of Informatics Alumni Council from 2016-20.  She was also a founding member of the NKU Young Alumni Council, serving from 2012-16 and as president from 2015-16.  

“I credit much of my success to NKU and the opportunities and challenges it provided me. The university gave a lot to me, so giving back of my time, talent and treasure is fulfilling,” she says. “NKU is home to me. It’s in my blood. It’s always held a special place in my heart, and now that I have two children of my own, I share my love of NKU with them.”

Hoffer is also passionate about serving her community. She is currently on the board of Welcome House (board president from 2021-23) and is a member of the United Way Emerging Leaders Group. 

And her passion hasn’t gone unnoticed. She was the recipient of the NKU Outstanding Young Alumnus Award in 2020 for her community engagement, and she was recently recognized as one of Cincinnati Business Courier’s “Forty Under 40.” 

This Saturday, she’ll speak to the Class of 2023 as they embark on a new adventure. Her advice for them? Be open to new opportunities and embrace the unknown. But more importantly, don’t forget where you started. 

“I hope the Class of 2023 remembers the role NKU played in their success as they embark on their next steps,” she says. “It’s important to remember where you came from and the people who helped you along the way. None of us are successful solely on our own. I wish the Class of 2023 much success. Don’t forget to be grateful, give back and pay it forward as you start your new journey.”