Hillsdale College Blake Center Hosts Dinner
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College’s Blake Center for Faith and Freedom in Somers, Connecticut, hosted a dinner and art exhibition on Aug. 11. More than 450 people attended the event, which included a discussion panel and remarks on education and politics by Senior Journalism Fellow Mollie Hemingway and Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn.
“The events we host here at the Blake Center provide attendees with the opportunity to learn about faith, freedom, and the things that make them possible,” said Labin Duke, executive director of the Blake Center. “Events like this one play an important part in emphasizing the connection between the Western theological and intellectual traditions.”
Assistant Provost for K-12 Education Kathleen O’Toole joined Dean of Graduate School of Classical Education Daniel Coupland and Founder of Iliad Athletics Patrick Whalen for a panel, titled “Reviving American K-12 Classical Education.”
“The good news that I have to share with you is that this approach to education is doable by any student in America and is currently happening in Hillsdale affiliated schools and other excellent schools across the country, no matter the background that these kids come from,” said O’Toole. “We’re on the verge of remembering something, which we should have known all along. That’s the good news.”
Following dinner, Hemingway gave a speech on “Media and Politics.” “There is actually no contradiction between being a defender of the free press and a critic of what a failed press does with that freedom,” Hemingway said. “That’s true of all people who abuse our natural rights. They become a threat to our culture of liberty. If you improperly exercise a right, if you abuse our natural rights, whether it’s self-defense or freedom of speech or freedom of religion, you actually become a threat to our culture of liberty.”
Dr. Arnn also gave remarks, discussing the importance of teachers and education. “Teachers have been demoted. The growth since the year 2000, there are 7.5 % more students in public schools, there are 8.5 % more teachers, and there are 92% more administrators,” said Arnn. “Now, those administrators have something in common. They never go in a classroom.”
For photos of the event, click here.
For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.