Virtue and Valor
The Official Blog of Hillsdale College
Is Hillsdale Worth It?
For Carissa Nisly, ’26, Hillsdale College is located over 20 hours from her home in Florida. At first, she wondered if Hillsdale was worth the distance. In Carissa’s words: Heed the call. Take the step. Make the leap (or drive). Hillsdale is worth it, so go all in.
Read More about Is Hillsdale Worth It?From the Golden State to Golden Opportunities: Hillsdale was the Right Choice
There was no single reason that brought Vivian Turnbull, ’25, to Hillsdale College. Rather, it was a series of interactions and open doors. Although it was hard for her to venture across the country, she feels so blessed that, because there is so much––and so many people—to love here, it will be even harder to leave.
Read More about From the Golden State to Golden Opportunities: Hillsdale was the Right ChoiceHome Sweet Houston or Home Sweet Hillsdale?
Caleb Bigler, ’25, isn’t sure if Houston or Hillsdale resonates more now that he has spent the better part of three years living in Michigan as a student. On his journey from Houston to Hillsdale, it’s clear that Hillsdale College has truly become his home away from home.
Read More about Home Sweet Houston or Home Sweet Hillsdale?Perfect Pairing: Prelude Wines Is a Family Affair for the Gandees
When it comes to wine, Charles, ’07, and Megan Mahan Gandee, ’09, make a perfect pairing.
The couple, along with Megan’s sister Erin, ’05, and brother-in-law Nick Hasulak, have joined forces to start Prelude Wines, based in northern Virginia.
Homecoming 2024: Be Like Tom Lorkowski
For 42 years, Tom Lorkowski has made it a priority to come back to his alma mater. If you’re on the fence about attending Homecoming 2024, which is scheduled for October 11-12, here’s some good advice: be like Tom Lorkowski.
Read More about Homecoming 2024: Be Like Tom LorkowskiThe 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.
Read More about The Family Business: Teacher Gretchen Birzer Follows Parents’ ExampleHillsdale 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.
Read More about Hillsdale Academy Family Trades Chicagoland for Rural Michigan: A Fantastic Leap of FaithHow 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.
Read More about How to Take Notes You’ll Actually ReviewEmily Holewczynski: Finding Resilience through Writing
Despite a damaging chronic illness, Holewczynski has pursued her dreams of raising a family and becoming a freelance writer.
Read More about Emily Holewczynski: Finding Resilience through WritingFrom 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.”
Read More about From Homeschool to the Big Red Bus: Family Finds “Gem” in Hillsdale Academy10,000-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.
Read More about 10,000-Foot View: Former GLIAC Champion Still Competing as an Athletic Director, Triathlete, and MomHometown 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.
Read More about Hometown Hillsdale: Heather Tritchka, ’98