Hillsdale College Congratulates Alumna Jillian Kay Melchior, Recipient of Tony Blankley Chair for Public Policy and American Exceptionalism

August 8, 2015 – Hillsdale, MI

Hillsdale College is pleased to congratulate alumna Jillian Kay Melchior for being named the 2015-16 Tony Blankley Chair for Public Policy and American Exceptionalism at the Steamboat Institute. The Steamboat Institute announced her the winner on August 4, 2015, citing Melchior’s “impressive work as a journalist,” and that “her reporting from around the globe exemplifies the determination, character and wit that made Tony so special.” Melchior is the second recipient of this award since its inception in 2013.

“It is an immense honor to be awarded this Chair and have the opportunity to promote and build upon the memory of Tony Blankley,” Melchior said. “I’m thrilled about all the adventures in the year ahead as a fellow for the Steamboat Institute.”

Jillian Kay Melchior graduated from Hillsdale College in 2009 with a degree in politics. Currently, Melchior writes for National Review as the Thomas L. Rhodes fellow for the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity and the Independent Women’s Forum covering energy and environmental issues. Other accomplishments include the 2011 Robert Novak fellow for the Philips Foundation and writing for The Wall Street Journal, The Weekly Standard, and Newsweek Japan.

“All of us at Hillsdale College extend our deepest and most gracious congratulations to Jillian for being awarded the Tony Blankley Chair,” said Dr. Matthew Spalding, Associate Vice President and Dean for Hills-dale College in Washington, DC, and board member for the Steamboat Institute. “I am confident that Jillian will make an exceptional fellow at the Steamboat Institute and will strive to honor Tony Blankley’s legacy.”

The Steamboat Institute established the Tony Blankley Chair for Public Policy and American Exceptionalism “to provide high-profile recognition and financial support to emerging conservative thought leaders who share the principles and ideals espoused by the late Tony Blankley and the Steamboat Institute,” including lower taxes, limited government, free market capitalism, individual rights and responsibilities, and strong national defense, according to the Institute’s website.

Selection Committee members for the Tony Blankley Chair include notable public policy figures such as Newt Gingrich (58th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives), Edwin Meese (75th Attorney General of the United States), Callista Gingrich (President of Gingrich Productions), Steve Hofman (Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor), and Tom McDevitt (Chairman of The Washington Times).

The Steamboat Institute will honor Melchior at its 7th Annual Freedom Conference in Steamboat Springs, Colo., on Aug. 28, 2015.

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