Statement on the Death of Distinguished Alumnus Adé Hogue ’12

The Graphic Design program, the Department of Art & Art History, and the College of Arts + Architecture wish to express our sorrow for the death of alumnus Broderick Adé Hogue (BFA 2012). Adé was struck by a vehicle on October 27 in Chicago while training for an upcoming cycling race. He was taken to the hospital, but doctors were unable to revive him from his coma. He passed away on October 30, 2021.

Adé Hogue created a significant record of achievement despite his young age. Upon graduation, he moved immediately to Chicago and began an ambitious career in design and advertising. While working with an impressive roster of national clients, Adé established himself as a dynamic talent in lettering design and hand-created type. He exhibited his work in gallery shows dedicated to lettering and typography and was committed to developing his craft in a wide range of media. He became a sought after speaker and presented at invited AIGA lectures, design conferences and the national AdobeMAX conference in 2018. He wielded his virtuosity and growing influence as a voice for social justice, which included his most recent efforts to diversify the cycling community in his home city.

In 2015, Adé was selected by PRINT magazine, a leading publication in the profession of graphic design, as one of “15 creatives under 30 who are shaping tomorrow’s design landscape.” In 2018, he received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Arts + Architecture.

While he continued to reach new career heights, Adé always made time to connect with communities, share his knowledge, and impact young designers and artists. He taught part-time in the design program at DePaul University and hosted workshops and community gatherings for interested designers and creatives. He was a frequent guest of the Graphic Design program at UNC Charlotte, giving generously of his time to teach and inspire the next generation of students.

His warmth and enthusiasm were infectious; his visits are remembered for their wonderful good humor and laughter. Through all of the impressive accolades and recognition he received, Adé stayed the same humble, funny guy whether he was giving a speech to a national conference or sitting in a classroom with first-year design students.

He had so much more to accomplish, but he will always remain an inspiration. He will be dearly missed.