When I arrived at Hillsdale College as a freshman in 1962, I had never seen the campus. In fact, I had not heard of Hillsdale until late in my senior year of high school, when my parents happened to have dinner with then vice president Larry Taylor and several students. Enthusiasm for the College and its mission quickly took hold of my parents and, through them, me. My expectations were not disappointed.

Attending Hillsdale was the best decision of my life, besides marrying my wife, whom I met there. All three of our daughters graduated from Hillsdale, as did two of their husbands. Now, since 2003, I have had the privilege of serving as Chairman of the College’s Board of Trustees. Our family is proud to have been a part of this noble institution. We have cause to be excited about being involved in its future.

Hillsdale’s Founders Campaign continues to be successful. Goals have been met and great things have been accomplished. New buildings have arisen, more scholarships are being provided to students, and the College continues to recruit excellent new faculty. Nevertheless, challenges lie ahead, and as we go forward, new possibilities continue to appear.

We ask for your support in providing for the future of Hillsdale College and an increase in its influence. This institution is unique in its unremitting commitment to its original high mission. It remains loyal to the idea of independence, the principles of human liberty, the liberal arts, and the heritage of Western and American civilization. And there is still much work to be done to preserve this bastion for the benefit of our children, grandchildren, and the generations to follow.

Together we have an opportunity not only to ensure the continued success of Hillsdale College, but, by doing so, to counteract the forces that seek to undermine the Constitution and the principles of our country’s founding. By helping Hillsdale College, you will, quite literally, be defending and perpetuating the foundations of our great country.

I hope you can join us in the continuation of the Founders Campaign.

William J. Brodbeck, ’66