Hillsdale College Dedicates Two Dorms
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College dedicated the Marilyn J. Sohn and Ken and Dean Kirn Residences on Oct. 3. The two dorms are home to women on campus, with Kirn completed in 2018 and Sohn in 2023.
Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn thanked the Sohns and Kirns for their support of Hillsdale College. “I’ve known them both for a long time now. They’ve been friends of the college as long as the writ runs,” Dr. Arnn said.
Sohn is named for longtime supporter of the college Marilyn J. Sohn. Her husband, Kenneth Sohn, wanted to honor his wife of almost 70 years by naming the residence hall after her. The two have six children, and Ken still runs the family business, Sohn Linen Service. With six single occupancy rooms, 25 double occupancy rooms, and bathrooms attached to each, the dorm is home to upperclassmen women. The dorm also boasts a kitchen, four community lounges, a fitness room, and two study rooms.
The Kirn residence is named for Ken and Dean Kirn. The two were avid world travelers. They settled in the Pacific Northwest where they raised two children. Stella Dean Kirn was a volunteer teacher’s aide for disadvantaged students. She also won several awards for her floral arrangements. Ken founded the Columbia Cascade Company, which sells playground equipment and outdoor furnishings. Ken wanted to name the dorm in memory of his late wife, Dean, who passed away in 2021. Kirn Residence features double occupancy rooms, community bathrooms, study spaces, and a café named after Dr. Arnn’s wife, Penny.
During the Dedication, Dean of Women Rebekah Dell spoke on the important role Sohn and Kirn will play in student’s experience at Hillsdale College. “Sohn and Kirn house 112 women. Residence life has become so much on this campus. It provides so much more than a place to reside,” said Dell. “These are homes away from home…these are places where the classroom conversations continue in late night chats and activities, places where deep friendships grow.”
For photos from the event, click here.
For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.