Alumni Newsletter Archives

Going the Distance

Although Paul Aufdemberge, ’87, had competed in just one year of track and field in high school, he was able to earn a running scholarship to Hillsdale College. He remains the Hillsdale record-holder in the indoor 3,000 and 5,000 meters and the outdoor 5,000 and 10,000. After an impressive running career, he still stays connected with the sport of running.

Supreme Assignment

During the past two decades, the College has had six graduates serve as clerks to the nation’s highest court. Add three more to that total, as Elliot Gaiser, ’12, Garrett West, ’15, and Manuel Valle, ’11, recently completed their terms in Washington, D.C. Gaiser and West were back on campus to start the academic year, teaching a course titled “Constitutional Interpretation” and also speaking at a Federalist Society event.

Down on the Earl Farm: Nourishing the Community, One Cow at a Time

Brent Earl, ’89, had no intention of making farming his career, but in 2001, the Earl family decided to move back to the family farm and raise their family. For more than 20 years, the Earls have embraced the farm experience with a passion to give back to their community.

Remembering Pat Riepma, ’83

As Homecoming approaches, reflect on what Hillsdale College means to you. For Doug Goodnough, ’90, it’s people like coach Pat Riepma, ’83, who pushed him to be a better person both on and off the field.

Hometown Hillsdale: Bess Cozby McAllister, ’10: Freelance Editor

Bess McAllister, ’10, left Hillsdale College soon after graduation to pursue a career in editing and publishing in New York City. She spent nine years in the Big Apple working for a publisher, but has since returned to Hillsdale with her husband, Dr. Blake McAllister, and is currently working on an adult historical fantasy novel.

Hometown Hillsdale: Kevin Walton, ’94: Walton Chiropractic

Dr. Kevin Walton, ’94, the owner of Walton Chiropractic in Hillsdale loves the small-town life and believes the environment that people choose to live in helps make them who they are. That’s why he chose to work and live close to Hillsdale College.

The Alumni National Tour Kicks Off in Ohio

The 2022-2023 Hillsdale College Alumni National Tour is off and running, and three July events in Ohio kicked off the schedule. The Alumni team visited Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, with more than 100 alumni gathering at the events.

Student Health and Fitness Initiative to Begin This Fall

Hillsdale College is committed to developing students’ strength and resilience in mind, body, and soul. Sometimes the busyness of academic pursuits can result in neglecting physical well-being, but College leadership is taking a proactive approach by launching a campus-wide health and fitness initiative.

Setting Sail with Emma McCormick: The 5-to-9 Life

Emma McCormick, ’19, balances work on shore and on the water. After discovering sailing in Detroit, Michigan, she decided the 5-to-9 life in sunny Florida was just for her.

A Project of Passion

With a passion for educating, Dr. Elizabeth Edwards Spalding, ’88, researched, curated, and established the new Victims of Communism Museum in Washington, D.C. The approximately $40 million endeavor was dedicated on June 8 and opened to the public on June 13.

Hometown Hillsdale: Mary Jo Dunlap, ’89: Local Restauranteur

Mary Jo Dunlap, ’89, took a chance on buying and renovating an old, rundown building in the heart of Pittsford, MI. She took her love of cooking and business, and created a recipe for a successful 31-plus-year restaurant.

Giving It My Best Shot

The phrase “giving it my best shot” recently took on a new meaning when Doug Goodnough, ’90, visited the Halter Shooting Sports Education Center for the very first time. His first experience at the Halter Center was a memorable one – and he even hit a few clay targets.