White & Blue Weekend Continues to Make History

Written by Doug Goodnough

“You should have been a history major.”

Those were the last words Dr. John Willson uttered as he ushered me on stage to receive my English degree from Hillsdale College in May 1990.

More than 32 years later, as I sat in a modern, third-floor classroom of Lane Hall, history (literally) repeated itself. Dr. Willson was back at the podium, delivering an enthralling lecture on immigration in the United States. The 82-year-old was one of several retired faculty members who went “back to class” as part of the second annual White & Blue Reunion Weekend from May 19-22.

There are many unique elements to this four-day extravaganza featuring a nonstop schedule on campus. Many alumni said the faculty lectures “reconnected” them to Hillsdale.

I agree. Dr. Willson was one of the faculty members who I venerated during my time on campus. Being able to experience his “master” class was one of the thrills of the weekend. And there were many. Let me walk you through some of the highlights:

If you’ve been away from campus for a while, you may not know about Hayden Park. But you should. This hidden gem just down the road from the Slayton Arboretum was the stage for Thursday’s opening reception, which included a pizza party, “drive-in” movie, and bonfire. Laid out much like a metro park, this space features sand volleyball courts and a driving range, and will be the future home of the track and field program. Speaking of track and field, retired coach Bill Lundberg greeted alumni and showed off his office/museum in the Hayden Clubhouse, which features artifacts from his coaching past.
Friday’s Alumni Awards ceremony always represents the best the College has to offer. The award-winners came from all walks of life, from novelists to entrepreneurs to health care and finance leaders. In fact, one honoree, author Amy Lutz Bartol, ’94, explained in her acceptance speech that her first book, Inescapable, was based on Hillsdale College. Hillsdale President Dr. Larry Arnn was so impressed, he bought the book and went on stage to read an excerpt from it at the end of the ceremony.
The key word in White & Blue Reunion Weekend is “reunion.” The Class of 2002 had a group back on campus to celebrate their 20th reunion. Former roommates Jim Higginbottom, Philip Vickers, and Dallas Senters returned for the reunion weekend. Higginbottom came to the inaugural event last year and urged his classmates to attend this year for their reunion. “It is not as hyped up as Homecoming,” said Higginbottom, who attended with his wife. “You get to do stuff with the faculty. You get to do a little bit of everything. (You can) talk, socialize, and have it all condensed into one weekend.” Senters agreed the event is optimized for alumni reunions. “And the dorms are open, and that allows (the College) to provide housing.”
Speaking of housing, alumni and their families had a chance to stay in the residence halls over the four-day event. Senters, who hails from Greenfield, Indiana, said that was key for him attending. “It’s great to have a very close base to change clothes, get your sleep, and come back and be with your people.” Vickers, who came from Aledo, Texas, said it was the first time he was back on campus in more than 15 years. He said a lot has changed, but getting a chance to go to class with his former professors was the “one constant.” The trio also took full advantage of the wine tasting and cigar bar during “Quadapalooza.”
Professor Peter Jennings had a standing-room-only audience for his compelling Civil War presentation. He said approximately 500 Hillsdale College students participated in the Civil War—more than any other college. In fact, 53 Hillsdale students fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, and three even received the Congressional Medal of Honor. The Civil War monument in the shadow of Central Hall reminds visitors of the sacrifice Hillsdale College made to the “War Between the States.”
Want more proof that White & Blue Weekend is a can’t-miss event? Let Matthew Taylor, ’09, of Alexandria, Virginia, make the argument: “Our whole family had a glorious weekend. We plan to make this weekend a regular part of our annual calendar. Our boys asked at the end of the weekend how three days could go so quickly and asked to stay for 35 more. Of course I explained they had a chance to come back on their own when they are 18.”

See you next year!

Doug Goodnough, ’90, is Hillsdale’s new director of Alumni Marketing. He’s looking forward to connecting with fellow alumni in new and wonderful ways.

Published in June 2022