Hillsdale College Seniors Commissioned by U.S. Marine Corps
Six 2020 graduates join armed forces
Hillsdale, Mich. — Hillsdale College congratulates six graduates on their commissions from the U.S. Marine Corps. A small ceremony was given on May 9 to celebrate the commissioning, which is normally part of the College’s Commencement ceremony.
Two of the six graduates, 2nd Lieutenants John Ball and Tim Runstadler, were commissioned on the Hillsdale College campus; 2nd Lieutenants John McPherson, Kyle Froisland, Weston Boardman, and Adam Buchmann were commissioned in their hometowns.
Peter Jennings, Hillsdale College Associate Professor of Management, provided an address at the ceremony:
“In a few moments when you swear the Oath, you cross a threshold from citizen to Marine,” said Jennings. “At that moment, your life is radically reoriented: you put off the freedoms of the citizen and you put on the duties of an officer. From that moment, duty is the first loyalty of your life, above all other loyalties, except your duty to God.”
The graduates were as follows:
John Ball of Greenwood, IN, graduated with a degree in history. While at Hillsdale College, he served as creative team leader of the Student Activities Board and participated in the Catholic Society.
Weston Boardman of Gilbert, AZ, graduated summa cum laude with a degree in economics. As a Hillsdale College student, he was a George Washington Fellow; co-founded the Citizens for Self-Governance club; participated in the Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program; and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Epsilon, Pi Sigma Alpha, Phi Alpha Theta, Sigma Chi, and Young Americans for Freedom.
Adam Buchmann of Arvada, CO, graduated cum laude with a degree in politics. While at Hillsdale College, he served as head resident assistant and senior class president. He also participated in Omicron Delta Kappa leadership and service honorary.
Kyle Froisland of Blairstown, NJ, graduated cum laude with degrees in economics and applied mathematics. During his time at Hillsdale College, he was a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon, Praxis, and the Classical Liberals Organization.
John McPherson of Cypress, TX, graduated with a degree in history. While on campus, he participated in Sigma Chi fraternity and Citizens for Self-Governance.
Tim Runstadler of Saline, MI, graduated magna cum laude with degrees in economics and German. During his time on campus, he was a member of Delta Phi Alpha and the Classical Liberals Organization.