Ambler Health and Wellness Center
Serving students, faculty, and staff with medical and mental health services.
One of the oldest buildings on the College’s campus, the Health and Wellness Center is home to providing medical and mental health services. Judge William E. Ambler, a Hillsdale alumnus and trustee, donated the building to the College in 1919. After housing the home economics department and former College President William G. Spencer, the building became a health center in 1967, a project funded by the Women Commissioners. The Center has a nurse available daily, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A doctor from Hillsdale Hospital is available from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. five days a week along with chiropractic, strength training, and nutritionist services. The Center has six counselors ready to provide counseling services to students and staff alike.
Address
183 Hillsdale Street
Hillsdale, MI 49242
Hours
LIMITED HOURS: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m to 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 to 4:00 p.m.
School Year: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Contact
History
The Ambler House was built by Esbon Blackmar, who donated the land for Hillsdale College. Originally, the house served as a restaurant and an inn.
Its collegiate history began in 1919, when Judge William E. Ambler, a Hillsdale alumnus and trustee, donated it to the College. A committee decided it would house the home economics department. Christened “The Ambler House,” it soon became the scene of many dinners, parties, banquets, and style shows. In 1920, Judge Ambler donated a piano, pictures, and books, and he later gave one thousand dollars for additional equipment.
Hillsdale’s home economics department boasted many successful graduates, including Esther Branch, nationally known cooking expert and food demonstrator; Grace Van Aken Burns, national president of the American Home Economics Association; and Marian Willoughby, assistant professor of textiles and clothing at Purdue University.
From 1927 until 1932, Ambler House was the home of Hillsdale College President William G. Spencer. It returned to housing home economics and hosting social events until the discontinuation of the home economics department.
The Ambler House was converted into a health center in 1967, a project funded by the Women Commissioners. From 1999 to 2012, the building also housed the Sigma Alpha Iota women’s music fraternity.
