Hillsdale Blog

Studying Spanish Abroad: Hillsdale’s Students Love the Experience

With so many classes to take and activities to participate in on campus, many Hillsdale students are hesitant to study abroad. But for those who make the commitment, the rewards are immense and the experiences unforgettable.

Truth Hunter: How Studying Literature Helps Luke Hollister as an Investment Advisor

Luke Hollister, ’24, has a decidedly different and completely Hillsdalian approach to his work at Innovest, an investment advisory firm specializing in faith-based investing, in Denver, Colorado. An associate consultant, Hollister uses his liberal arts background to communicate effectively and truthfully with clients on financial planning.

Hometown Hillsdale: Ron Budd, ’82

Ron Budd, ’82, enjoyed growing up in small-town Hillsdale, Michigan. The born-and-raised Hillsdalian came to Hillsdale College on the Bernard L. Davis Scholarship. Not having a connection to the College while growing up, Ron said the school has become near and dear to him.

Wildest Dreams Indeed

It is the most wonderful time of the year at Hillsdale College. The sun is bright, the trees on the south lawn are at their apex, and students are back to campus to begin another academic year. This year, we welcomed the Class of 2030. Their arrival also triggered a startling realization for one alumni.

Hillsdale or Bust

Kyle Fleck, ’26, started his shooting career at Hillsdale College with a bang. During his freshman season on the Chargers shotgun team, Fleck went on an “unstoppable” run, hitting 399 out of 400 clay targets over separate skeet competitions. Now, he has a role in product marketing, managing the marketing efforts of the Halter Shooting Sports Education Center among other College priorities.

Prepared for the Medical Field: Julia Callahan, ’19

From a young age, Julia Formentin Callahan, ’19, MSN, FNP-BC, knew she wanted a career in the medical field. Hillsdale College doesn’t have a pre-med major, but that didn’t deter Julia. In fact, Julia believes that her Hillsdale education prepared her better for her post-graduate degree than that of her classmates who attended colleges with pre-med majors.

Hometown Hillsdale: Lee Moriarty Tonnies, ’75

Lee had a simple yet transformative path to Hillsdale College. Hailing from the small town of Milford, New Hampshire, Hillsdale felt a little like home. She and her family appreciated the friendliness of Hillsdale, and not much has changed since that visit.

Where Did the Summer Go?

Summers are the busiest time of year for some Hillsdale staff. The great news is that the Alumni Office is working 12 months a year to engage and inform our approximately 18,000 living alumni. Make it a priority to engage with the College this year. Homecoming is a great way to do that, and those dates are October 9-10.

Fit-First Approach: Bock Has Made London Home

Kate Bock, ’15, found her right fit at Hillsdale College. Now, she is helping international students discover their best higher education paths. As founder of Archer Franklin and managing partner of The Child’s Office in London, England, Bock advises clients on higher education strategy and guides them through the college and university admissions process.

No Regrets: 1955 Football Team United in Turning Down Tangerine Bowl Bid

The 1955 Hillsdale College football team finished the regular season 9-0 and dominated the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. In fact, the Dales were being considered for a New Year’s Day bowl game in Orlando, Florida. However, there was one huge caveat.

Longshot Leaders: Shea Ruddy and Jacob Vance go from Overlooked to Undeniable for Hillsdale College Football

After three seasons on the field for the Hillsdale College football team, the importance of Shea Ruddy and Jacob Vance to the Chargers is easy to see. Ruddy and Vance have achieved tremendous success as individuals at Hillsdale, but for their final season in 2026, both players have just one goal in mind—to bring home the team’s first championship since 2018.

Special Season: 1985 National Champions Gather for 40th Reunion

When the 1985 Hillsdale Chargers took to the football field, the team knew the season was going to be special. That season, the Chargers celebrated 11 victories. Ironically, the biggest celebration did not come after a win, but a tie. Several teammates returned to Hillsdale during Homecoming Weekend 2025 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of that national championship team.