Alumni Newsletter Archives

Legendary Lloyd Bond’s Hillsdale Journey

Hillsdale alumnus Lloyd Bond, ‘64, says he never regretted turning down Stanford and Harvard for Hillsdale. On his way to Stanford, he received a call from Hillsdale that changed his trajectory in his education, professional career, and life.

Laying the Cornerstone

Fireworks, backyard barbecues, and parades characterize modern-day American Independence Day celebrations. But one particular Independence Day at Hillsdale College attracted thousands of people from miles around as they commemorated the laying of the cornerstone for the first building on the new campus rising from the pasture up the hill.

‘Neath Banners of White and Blue

For the first time ever, Hillsdale College hosted the White and Blue Alumni Weekend in late May. Alumni were welcomed back to campus to honor the achievements of four Alumni Award recipients and to catch up on the happenings of the school they love. A weekend of celebration, festivities, camaraderie, and reunion, White and Blue Weekend is sure to become a Hillsdale tradition.

Northern Exposure: Spencer Stegenga’s Ventures in the Vineyard

For decades, northwestern Michigan has been a mecca for ski lovers, cherry lovers, and fall color seekers. In more recent years, the region has gained fame for another industry—winemaking. For 30 years, Spencer Stegenga, ’95, and his family have been at the forefront of this industry, uncorking the secrets of the vine for a growing national audience to enjoy.

Using Science for Justice

Crime is gruesome and prevalent. How can a Hillsdale education give you the support you need when you’re at the scene of a crime, and how can your Hillsdale experiences prepare you for what comes next back at the lab? Alumna Danielle Wilhelmsen walks us through a day in the life of a Forensic Scientist DNA Analyst.

The Commencement Daisy Chain Tradition

Commencement traditions come and go at Hillsdale as circumstances, facilities, and class sizes change through the years. One tradition—the Daisy Chain—has long been out of practice but was a popular and beloved part of Commencement in the first half of the 20th century.

Taking to the Azure Skies: How a Hillsdale Math Degree Jumpstarted a Career in Aerospace Engineering

Looking for a career in aerospace engineering? Find out how a Hillsdale Math Degree can land you a job at the world’s largest aerospace company.

Civil War Veteran Asher LaFleur: The “Bravest of the Brave”

LaFleur was a student at Hillsdale College when the Civil War broke out. Like so many of his fellow classmates, he traded his books for a military uniform and went to fight for the Union cause. In fact, during the Civil War, more than 400 Hillsdale men enlisted in the Union Army, a higher percentage than any other western non-military college.

Shedding Light on Dark Matter: Jamin Rager, ’13

Jamin Rager, ’13, knew since high school that he would major in physics and mathematics. At Hillsdale, he hit the ground running with his major classes.

Hillsdale Students Take to the Airwaves on Radio Free Hillsdale

WRFH Radio Free Hillsdale is much more than a small room tucked away in the Knorr Student Center, or a part of the College’s journalism program.

Their Time to Shine: Students Rally to Save the Clocktower

For nearly 150 years, Hillsdale College’s iconic clocktower has risen high above the surrounding countryside pointing to an azure sky, as beautifully stated in our alma mater, “White and Blue.” But did you know there was a time when our clocktower was in danger of being lost?

The Heartbeat of the Community: Jeremiah Hodshire Leads Hillsdale Hospital

In a year when health care and hospitals have dominated the national conversation, ’99 Alum Jeremiah “JJ” Hodshire’s love of the Hillsdale community has motivated him to work tirelessly to bring attention to the importance of rural hospitals.