Mother and son graduate together from UNF

When Julian Hooks was young, doctors cautioned that as an autistic child he would struggle socially and with expressing himself.

But Julian excelled - in school, in making lifelong friends and he would soon find a way to express himself through art.

This April he will receive a statewide award in recognition of his success as a student. And in May, he graduates from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in drawing and painting.

But Julian won't be the only Hooks graduating in May. His mother, Janelle Hooks is earning her Master of Social Work the same day.

"I wasn't going to go back to school," Janelle said. "When he applied after high school, he told me, 'I think you should do it too.' I just kept going. It's because of him that I'm back."

Her son couldn't be prouder.

"My heart melted seeing her go back to college and now finish her degree," he said.

Close Jacksonville family

Julian was raised in Jacksonville in a supportive household alongside his parents and younger brother.

As a child, Julian gravitated toward creative outlets. In elementary school, he loved dinosaurs and often spent hours drawing the things that fascinated him. Over time, those drawings became a way for him to express his thoughts and emotions.

Rather than struggling socially, Julian found his circle. He's still close with two friends he met in sixth grade, including one who will graduate the same day as him from UNF.

While Julian's artistic interests were growing, Janelle was building a career dedicated to helping others.

For more than two decades, she has worked in the medical field, working as a certified medical assistant across specialties including cardiology, pulmonology, neurology, oncology and primary care at Baptist Health, Mayo Clinic and Ascension, where she currently works. Her work has included everything from coordinating patient care and referrals to advocating for patients navigating complex medical systems.

Those experiences eventually inspired her to pursue social work.

A calling found through service

Though her career had long centered on patient care, Janelle felt drawn to expand the ways she could support individuals and families.

While working to get her bachelor's degree in psychology from UNF, with the intent to become a psychologist, she was introduced to the field of social work while taking Principle of Social Service Provision with Dr. Nikki Runion in UNF's Brooks College of Health. After completing her degree in 2024, she immediately enrolled into UNF's MSW program.

"From the start, I knew Janelle would make an exceptional social worker, and she has more than proven me right," said Runion. "She is one of the most humble, hardworking and caring students I have ever encountered. She has been an amazing addition to the program and social work community, and I cannot wait to call her my colleague."

Completing an MSW degree requires significant dedication. Students complete approximately five courses per semester alongside two internships totaling 900 hours over the two-year program. Janelle met those demands while maintaining employment and raising her family.

During her internships, Janelle supported adults with mental disabilities at L'Arche Jacksonville through art-based therapeutic activities and later worked in hospital-based case management at Ascension, assisting with discharge planning and patient advocacy.

Janelle quickly became known within the program for her commitment to both her studies and her peers. She supported incoming MSW students during orientation, attended every event she could and never missed an office hour.

"As soon as I met my cohort, I knew I had found my place," she said. "I love every single person in my cohort. That sense of connection made all the difference."

Reflecting on her time at UNF, Janelle said the experience reshaped how she sees herself.

"I learned that I'm stronger and smarter than I ever gave myself credit for," she said. "The professors challenged me and pushed me, and I met so many incredible people along the way."

Finding His Voice Through Art

For Julian, UNF became a place of creative discovery and personal growth.

Drawn initially by the University's proximity to home, he also found early support through UNF's THRIVE program, a University program that offers academic support, special-topic courses and mentoring for neurodiverse students. As an autistic student, Julian credits THRIVE with providing a foundation of encouragement and belonging.

"Julian is an incredible student and one of the hardest working students I've had the honor of working with," said Tara Frazier, associate director of THRIVE. "When he first came to UNF, he struggled with self-confidence, but through his dedication and engagement in THRIVE, he has grown tremendously. I am so proud of Julian and cannot imagine a student more deserving of recognition for all he has overcome and accomplished during his time here at UNF."

Art has always been a constant in Julian's life. While he began at UNF studying graphic design, he soon realized the program focused more on market-driven work than creative exploration. That realization led him to fine arts, where he found his niche.

"My style is very experimental," Julian said. "Figurative, symbolic, sometimes creepy or disturbing. I'm not afraid to try new things."

His work often explores themes of identity and autism, an experience deeply personal to him. One of his proudest accomplishments came during a printmaking course last semester, where he created large-scale banners for Blocktober centered on autism and the idea that people on the spectrum should not have to change who they are to fit societal expectations. The work was later exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville.

His artwork has also been showcased at THRIVE conferences, community events and the program's shirt designs for UNF Market Days.

"If you told me when I got into UNF that any artwork I made would be exhibited, I'd call you crazy," he said.

UNF Printmaking professor Sheila Goloborotko witnessed that growth firsthand.

"Julian was a remarkable presence in both my lower- and upper-level courses, consistently excelling in every project he undertook," Goloborotko said. "His work demonstrated clarity, rigor and a deep commitment to growth. His talent and discipline always inspired other students and me. Beyond producing exceptional work, his contributions during peer critiques were thoughtful, articulate and of the highest caliber. He elevated every conversation. I am confident his artistic career will continue to grow and shine."

Julian also credits faculty members including Jacob Wan and Jason John for pushing him outside his comfort zone and encouraging him to believe in his abilities.

In recognition of his achievements and advocacy, Julian will be honored in April with the Patrick Mulvihill Making a Difference Award, an annual statewide recognition presented by the Florida Division on Career Development and Transition. Named in honor of Patrick Mulvihill, the award honors five exemplary individuals, businesses, organizations or agencies across Florida, including one student, who demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting successful transitions for people with disabilities from school to post-school life. Recipients are selected through a rigorous screening rubric and recognized with a commemorative plaque during a conference awards luncheon in Gainesville.

Outside the classroom, Julian also found a community through student organizations such as Anime Club, Spooky Ospreys and the Super Smash Brothers Club.

"Between my professors, my peers and THRIVE, it was an awesome support system," he said. "It helped me professionally and personally. I didn't think I'd make it this far, but I'm happy I did."

Learning Side by Side

Though they pursued different disciplines, mother and son often crossed paths on campus. Between classes, over lunch or while sharing updates about projects and exams.

After graduation, Janelle plans to continue working with Ascension while pursuing licensure as a social worker, focusing on case management and patient advocacy.

Julian envisions a future filled with creative projects, from commissions and exhibitions to conventions and online platforms.