Hillsdale College Seniors Commissioned By U.S. Marine Corps
Three 2018 graduates join armed services
Hillsdale, Mich. – Hillsdale College congratulates three graduates on their commissions from the U.S. Marine Corps, received as part of the college’s commencement activities on May 12, 2018.
“We’re proud to see these students dedicating themselves to the protection of the freedoms and values we hold dear,” said associate dean of men Jeffery Rogers. “We wish them God’s speed as they leave Hillsdale and begin their careers serving on the tip of the sphere with the United States Marine Corps, and we are thankful for their willingness to serve their country through military service.”
Jean Pendergrass was one of the graduates who was commissioned. She graduated from Hillsdale College with a degree in mathematics. She came to Hillsdale from Rancho Santa Margarita, California, and during her time on campus was involved with Hillsdale College Security, Young Americans for Freedom, the Shooting Sports Club, community service organization A Few Good Men, cross country and soccer clubs, and PRAXIS Political Economy Club. Since 2008, she has worked with the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary’s Civil Air Patrol. She graduated from USMC Officer Candidates School and received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.
“I wanted to join the Marines because at Hillsdale, we learn a lot about the good, true and beautiful,” said Pendergrass. “But the reason we have the privilege to do that is because we have a free country with armed forces protecting it. I felt it was a duty to serve and help protect that for future generations.”
Another graduate, Santiago Quintana, graduated from Hillsdale with a degree in economics and minor in English. He came to Hillsdale from Solana Beach, California, and while on campus he was involved in Phi Sigma Tau, track and field, and cross country and worked at the call center. He received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.