Hillsdale Blog

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.

“In the Blood”: Ardith Straight Shea Has Had an Impressive Career in Teaching

Ardith Straight Shea, ’86, knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a teacher. With both of her parents, Arlo, ’57, and Judith, ’60, career educators, she decided she wanted to follow in their footsteps.

What’s Inside a College Backpack

From headphones to snacks to a small pink elephant, here’s everything you’ll find in my backpack on a typical school day.

Math and History Lead Victor Joecks to Journalism Career

Joecks’s classes at Hillsdale College sparked an interest in writing that became his professional career—even though he’d long considered writing his weakest skill.

College Life Is Unpredictable–And That’s Okay

Here’s how to remain open to new adventures you could never have imagined and rise to a challenge you haven’t even discovered yet.

Get in the (Mental) Game: Rob Pike Helps Improve Athletes’ Mindsets

There’s plenty of training resources and options for athletes to improve their physical performance. However, Rob Pike, ’92, has established a company that helps athletes raise their mental game.

Your First Hillsdale Adventure: New Student Orientation Debrief

The day has finally arrived… your first day of college! Before you can jump right into your Western Heritage class, there are a couple of things you have to do first. Here is a run-down of New Student Orientation.

Taking His Best Shot: Army Veteran Joseph Grohs Leads on Action Shooting Team

Coming to Hillsdale after more than a decade of service in the U.S. Army, Joseph Grohs, ’26, wanted to be sure that his four years of college were well spent. Now halfway through his college career, Grohs is grateful for his time spent as a student and as a member of the College’s action shooting team.

Engineering and Hillsdale: Domenic DiGiovanni’s Formula for Success

Physics “just clicked” with Domenic DiGiovanni, ’14. Even though Hillsdale College doesn’t offer an engineering major, Domenic knew he wanted an engineering career. Coming to Hillsdale didn’t hinder his engineering aspirations.

Five Reasons I Loved My Semester as a Hillsdale Student in D.C.

Thomas Smith, ’26, spent the spring 2024 semester as an intern for Speaker of the House Mike Johnson through the Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program (WHIP). He shares about his experience and encourages other Hillsdale students to consider WHIP as well.