Ad Alumna, Gabrielle Sanchez, Shares Life-changing Effect of Hopp Scholarship
By: Molly Roberts
Gabrielle Sanchez’s educational journey started at St. Clair County Community College. Despite facing an initial denial from Michigan State University, she chanced a slim 10% acceptance through an appeal and successfully secured admission. This pivotal moment ignited a flame in Sanchez to embrace every opportunity that came her way, setting the stage for a resilient and transformative academic path.
After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in advertising management with minors in public relations and entrepreneurship and innovation from MSU in December 2022, Sanchez is now making her mark in the field. She says that receiving the William J. Hopp Endowed Scholarship in the spring of 2022 was a highlight of her college career.
Established in honor of his late father, The William J. Hopp Endowed Scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving MSU Advertising Major. This scholarship covers tuition and fees for up to 15 credits over two semesters, which not only eases potential financial stress, but also creates new connections for those who win.
Sanchez says she applied for the scholarship on a whim. After being told by her peers and professors she should go for it, she finally gave in; with little hope of receiving the award.
“I applied for it last second, I was like I don’t know if I’m going to get this but, I’m just going to try…I didn’t have a lot of confidence in myself, so I submitted it and decided to go on Spring Break with a few of my friends. Then I got this email saying I won. I thought ‘What!?’ so I looked it over again and said, ‘I just won,’” Sanchez said.
She says networking and being able to learn, ask questions and take advice from her benefactor, Hopp, is something for which she is forever grateful.
In fall 2023, Sanchez wrapped up her work as an apprentice for Identity, a Detroit PR firm whose focus is to help clients in the digital sphere. Sanchez worked on a variety of the agency’s clients in hospitality, automotive, attractions, technology, education, retail and restaurants, professional services, nonprofits, and real estate.
“In my role as an apprentice, I helped and supported the digital team by creating social media content which followed each client’s mission and values in order to see growth in data and metrics,” said Sanchez.
Sanchez says she continues to be grateful for all the resources at MSU. She also encourages ADPR students to go after new experiences and opportunities.
For more information about The William J. Hopp Endowed Scholarship, please visit https://comartsci.msu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/student/adpr-william-j-hopp-scholarlship-form.pdf, Learn more about Hopp on The Brief at https://thebrief.adv.msu.edu/2019/11/05/a-devoted-alumnus-a-faculty-fellow-and-a-full-ride-scholarship/.