John Lucas, senior university relations specialist for University Communications at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Amanda is a throwback to a different era in newspapers, back to the time when rival city papers were scrapping each day to out-report, out-hustle and one-up each other in their pages each morning. A similar situation still exists at UW-Madison, one of the only universities in the country to have two daily campus newspapers. As campus editor for the Daily Cardinal, Amanda is one of the hardest working editors for the smaller, sometimes struggling paper — sort of a Chicago Sun-Times to the mammoth Badger Herald’s Chicago Tribune. The Cardinal has a smaller staff, smaller news hole and its writers are all volunteers.  Despite these limitations, Amanda has been dogged in her pursuit of campus news. She has broken countless stories on campus, including ones that have been chased by state and national reporters. She’s done this all with a pleasant demeanor.

Jill Klosterman, editor-in-chief for The Daily Cardinal

Amanda broke the "Show and Blow" story at UW-Madison. "Show and Blow" is the UW Athletic Department's policy of making marked students (those who have been kicked out of a home football game) take breathalyzer tests before entering the stadium. It was implemented in fall 2007 and provoked a great deal of controversy among the student body. I think this story inspired Amanda to dig deep into university politics.

Moreover, journalists have a reputation of being gritty and fierce, but Amanda takes a very unique approach — she establishes confidence with her sources and builds on these relationships to dig up great stories. She is unique because she inspires trust in those with whom she works, rather than being antagonistic.

Jillian Levy, outgoing news editor and incoming copy chief for The Daily Cardinal

My favorite memory of Amanda has to be from the news conference at which Chancellor John Wiley announced his resignation. Amanda's reaction was priceless. She was all at once, excited, upset and sad. Excited because she was the Campus Editor and it was the biggest story of the year. Upset and sad because she was a very big fan of Wiley and his term as chancellor meant a lot to her. She covered the story, from the announcement of the Chancellor Search and Screen Committee, to last week's reveal of the four finalists. Amanda is really looking forward to coming back next semester as my replacement News Editor and continuing her coverage of the Chancellor Replacement Series.

Lexie Clinton, former news editor at the Daily Cardinal

Amanda Hoffstrom is the hardest-working student journalist I know. She is serious about every second she puts into reporting, whether it be sifting through a 100-page court document or communicating with her staff of writers. She is the best natural combination of friendliness and tenacity.

Source | The Daily Cardinal
Badger football game days may be synonymous with tailgating, but a new “Show and Blow” program through the Offices of the Dean of Students may end some students’ early-morning drinking parties.

Source | The Daily Cardinal
Although responding to an emergency is important, a year after the Virginia Tech tragedy UW-Madison officials said prevention is a crucial part of preparation.

Source | The Daily Cardinal
On the final day of its series on the UW-Madison chancellor search, The Daily Cardinal interviews outgoing Chancellor John Wiley on his experiences at UW-Madison and his thoughts on the search for his replacement.

Source | The Daily Cardinal
UW-Madison community members joined classmates and family members of Brittany Zimmermann at a memorial vigil Sunday to remember a woman who was “always smiling.”