September 2024

The Family Business: Teacher Gretchen Birzer Follows Parents’ Example

Taking classes from both her parents, discovering the classical education minor, and meeting the classical school where she’d one day teach were highlights of Birzer’s college experience.

Hillsdale Academy Family Trades Chicagoland for Rural Michigan: A Fantastic Leap of Faith

Admiring Hillsdale College and Hillsdale Academy from afar, Dan and Rae Anne wistfully thought about sending their two sons to the Academy. When two openings became available, the family’s transition to the school was far better than they ever could have imagined, and they have only gained from the experience.

How to Take Notes You’ll Actually Review

Legible, organized notes mean more information retained in class and less time spent studying. Plus, you may find yourself getting better grades. If you want to read a novel and get eight hours of sleep the night before midterms—and feel good about it, too—this is how it’s done.

Emily Holewczynski: Finding Resilience through Writing

Despite a damaging chronic illness, Holewczynski has pursued her dreams of raising a family and becoming a freelance writer.

From Homeschool to the Big Red Bus: Family Finds “Gem” in Hillsdale Academy

The Perrys were ready to send their oldest child to high school after he completed eighth grade in their K-8 classical homeschool cooperative. Distance didn’t keep the Perrys from attending Hillsdale Academy because “God provided completely.”

10,000-Foot View: Former GLIAC Champion Still Competing as an Athletic Director, Triathlete, and Mom

Amy Sayers Peters, ’01, was a state champion track and cross country runner and a standout swimmer. So why not do both in college? When Hillsdale College offered her that opportunity, she took it. More than 20 years later, Peters is still competing in triathlons and Ironman competitions.

Hometown Hillsdale: Heather Tritchka, ’98

Venturing all the way from sunny Southern California to Hillsdale, Michigan, Tritchka came to Hillsdale College to prepare for her future as a surgeon. Although she had every intention to attend medical school, Heather has become a notable professional artist in the Hillsdale community.

Remembering Rocco: Pickleball Social Honors Alumnus

It is a vital part of the Alumni Relations Office’s job to help its approximately 17,000 living alumni cherish memories that are sometimes decades old or assist in making new ones, especially when it comes to Hillsdale College. Recently, alumni came together who want to do just that through a new event: the Rocco Abessinio Memorial Pickleball Social.

Life In the Fast Lane: Merkel Builds Career in Motor Sports Through Relationships

When Pete Merkel, ’92, started his career in motor sports at the grassroots level. From a maintenance internship at Michigan International Speedway, to working for the Dale Earnhardt race team, to starting his own business, Pete has lived his life in the fast lane.

Making Waves: Julie Hooton Rejoins Alumni Board, Continues to Assist Hydroplane Racing Team

Julie Hooton, ’80, and her husband, Mark, ’81, are both retired from their jobs, but continue their work in hydroplane racing. Recently, Julie expanded her commitments and rejoined the Hillsdale Alumni Association Board in July 2024.