Doug Goodnough Archives

Walk-On to Start-Up: Van Meter Finds Success in Medical Sales, Entrepreneurship

Dave Van Meter, ’91, used his gritty, hard-nosed playing style on the Chargers basketball court. It was those qualities, as well as what he learned off the court at Hillsdale, that have helped propel him into a successful career in medical sales and entrepreneurship.

Package Deal: Nikki Wustman Now an HR ‘Coach’ with Nissan Motor Corp.

After Nikki Wustman, ’07, played a basketball career that had her make the all-conference team three times, including first-team honors in 2005-2006, Wustman said she is grateful for her Hillsdale experience.

Kelsey Gomberg’s Career Combines Teaching and Her Love of Swimming

Kelsey Gomberg, ’10, knew she wanted to swim in college. Gomberg swam the 100- and 200-meter butterfly events and was named a tri-captain during her senior year. Having fun while working hard is a theme that Gomberg has carried into her professional life as a senior training facilitator at the Big Blue Swim School in the Chicago area.

Charging into March Madness: Former Chargers Make Their Mark in NCAA Tournament

If you ever wondered how Hillsdale College’s motto of “Strength Rejoices in the Challenge” translates to athletics, look no further than Jack Gohlke, ’22. For a couple of days, the Hillsdale grad took over March Madness, otherwise known as the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament.

Ongoing Involvement: Former Healthcare CEO Mark Taylor Remains Engaged with Alma Mater

Mark Taylor, ’74, has had a long and distinguished career as a healthcare administrator, including the role of CEO at several large healthcare organizations. During his time at Hillsdale, he made connections at Hillsdale Hospital, that eventually affected his future career path.

A Passion for Policy: Cassidy Syftestad Klutts’s Mission to Advance Classical Education

To say Cassidy Syftestad Klutts, ’18, is passionate about education is an understatement. After graduating with a degree in American Studies, Klutts is completing her doctoral studies in education reform. Klutts is excited about the future, especially advancing Hillsdale’s K-12 Program.

Front and Center: Jim Beley Directs Legislative Affairs for Congressman Matt Gaetz

For Jim Beley, ’10, a career in politics is a chance to be a part of history. The former director of Presidential Writers under former President Donald Trump helped write, edit, and direct policy, proclamations, and other personal presidential communications from 2017-2020.

Charge On: Rediscovering Hillsdale’s Fight Song

After some conversation and consternation, “Charge On!” was declared the official winner of Hillsdale’s fight song. Written by a man named Jerry H. Bilik, it apparently debuted during the 1968 football season when the “Dales” officially became the “Chargers.”

Driven to Succeed: Kraig Heeter Advances Career in Industrial Real Estate

After a successful collegiate golf career, Kraig Heeter, ’01, became a professional after graduating from Hillsdale College and played in California’s Pepsi Tour. However, he ultimately decided to take on a career in industrial real estate.

Holding Court: Jerry Hewitt Helped Hillsdale Restart Men’s Tennis

When Hillsdale College decided to restart men’s tennis as a collegiate sport in 2015-16, Jerry Hewitt, ’19, was the very first recruit to commit to the Chargers. By the time Hewitt graduated, he had helped build the Chargers into a championship program.

Judge of Character: Eric Tamashasky Works to Improve Justice System

Eric Tamashasky, ’96, the former prosecuting attorney and current magistrate judge for the St. Joseph County Superior Court in Indiana has found his legal career in law enforcement and the justice system far more enriching than his original plan.

Fresh Fingers: Piano Teacher Cate Larsen Bryan is Impacting Iowa

Cate Larsen Bryan, ’06, lets her “fingers do the walking.” Playing and teaching piano isn’t just an interest or a career for the Iowa native, but a way of life.