Dietrich Balsbaugh

Welcome to AJ’s Café

One of the more iconic places for students to gather, AJ’s Café has a little bit of everything. From good food to study sessions, it’s one of the best spots to see daily Hillsdale community in action.

All Will Be Received: Off-Campus Life at Hillsdale

“There is someone right here who knows you more than you do, who is making room on the couch, who is fixing a meal, who is putting on your favorite record, who is listening intently to what you have to say, who is standing there with you… This is where you belong.” —Sufjan Stevens, Michigan

As Flies to Wanton Boys

When registration week rolls around, students scramble to figure out which classes they want to take and how to manage their schedules in the upcoming semester. Thankfully, there are a few tricks to making registration a little easier.

Oh what a Lovely Day! Adventures in a Chrysler

When a semester starts to wind down, students from far away suddenly realize that they have to get home! There are few things that build stronger friendships between odd assortments of students than a good ole’ Hillsdale carpool. This is the tale of the Great Minnesota Caravan.

Hillsdale’s Own Heorot

Hillsdale’s dining hall is a place where leisure, friendship, and thought come together to bring vitality to our community of learners—not unlike Hrothgar’s great hall in Beowulf.

The Weight of Education

A liberal arts education is more than simply a core curriculum. It is an education in the questions that burden the hearts of every human being.

Will the Circle Be Unbroken

The orchestra, choir, and jazz bands are thrilling to listen to and help us unwind from the stress of daily work, but the friend down the hall with a guitar and some basic chords can also unite an entire evening.

Let The Boys Play

Sometimes the men of Hillsdale just need to unwind a bit and fight a good old-fashioned naval battle.

Why I Chose Hillsdale: The Power of Paradox

The more I study, the more I realize the world doesn’t make sense. But at the same time, it is packed with so much meaning that it demands my attention. This is the paradox of my college decision.

Hillsdale’s Tall Tales

When you come to Hillsdale, you are entering a story. Many years’ worth of quirky traditions and legends serve to unite us throughout our college days, as we too leave our mark.

The night is clear, listen…

I arrive home late after treading the length of campus. I climb into bed exhausted but filled with the sights and sounds of Hillsdale and a clearer appreciation of all it has to offer.