Hillsdale College Remembers Trustee Emeritus J. Eric Plym
Dedicated Hillsdale friend passed away after many years of service to the college
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College is saddened by the passing of alumnus and long-time friend and supporter of the college, J. Eric Plym. Plym, who served on the college’s Board of Trustees for more than 30 years, died on January 1, 2023, at 81 years old.
“Eric Plym was a great friend to the college for many years. He was dedicated to furthering the mission and work of the college” said Rich Péwé, chief administrative officer of Hillsdale College. “We offer our deepest condolences to his family.”
Plym joined the Hillsdale College Board of Trustees in 1988. He served as the vice chairman of the academic and student affairs committee for 16 years. Over the course of his tenure, Hillsdale College grew in both stability and prominence, a testament to the college’s board and Plym’s participation in it.
In addition to the time and prudent leadership he gave to Hillsdale College, Plym was also a generous financial supporter of the institution. In 2004, he provided a leadership gift to build and maintain the Plym Residence Village at the Hillsdale’s Gordon Biological Station in Luther, Michigan, where students have the opportunity to spend a summer conducting scientific research with members of the Hillsdale College faculty. He also supported the George Roche Sports Complex, football program, athletic scholarships, and general operations at the college. “He will be missed by all of us here at Hillsdale College,” said Péwé.
After graduating from Hillsdale College in 1963, Plym ran Star Publishing, a family-owned business consisting of a daily newspaper, printing company, and radio station.
To view his obituary, click here.