Hillsdale Blog

Hometown Hillsdale: Stephanie Umphress Maxwell, ’96

Growing up in Mount Blanchard, Ohio, Stephanie Umphress Maxwell, ’96, knew nothing about Hillsdale College. That changed when she attended a Summit Ministries camp in Colorado at age 16. In 1992, Stephanie made her way to Hillsdale, and still calls Hillsdale home today.

Trip of a Lifetime

Eighty-something alumni and friends took a leap of faith to make the very first Alumni Europe Tour from June 4-14, 2026. The 10-day pilgrimage was truly a lifelong learning experience, with a lot of fun and food along the way.

Rhodes to Success: Former Track and Field Standout Now Leads His Own Teams

Albert Rhodes, ’93, has had to clear many hurdles in his professional career. He credits his time as a standout student-athlete on the Hillsdale College men’s track and field team for helping him manage his career path.

Quite a Run: Former Charger Champion Crosses Career Finish Line

Jeff Doyle, ’76, and the Hillsdale College men’s cross country team had quite a run during the 1970s. In fact, the Chargers were NAIA District 23 champions three consecutive years. At the recent 50/60-Year Reunion, Doyle was able to reminisce with former teammates Tim Karas, ’76, and Bill Henshaw, ’76.

Career in Corrections: Poindexter a Criminal Justice Innovator

Former President George W. Bush first coined the phrase “compassionate conservative.” Blake Poindexter, ’89, practiced his own version as a longtime executive director of Wells County Community Corrections in his hometown of Bluffton, Indiana.

Don’t Take Hillsdale for Granted

Forbes Magazine has given Hillsdale an “A+” financial rating. We are blessed to be alumni at an institution that truly tries to do everything the right way. And the mission that was formed in 1844 remains intact to this day.

Ace in the Hole: Golf Both Personal and Professional for Moyer

For most of his life, Mark Moyer, ’73, has had a personal and professional relationship with the game of golf. He was a member of the Hillsdale College men’s golf team, and worked in media sales for Golf Digest for 15 years. Now retired, Moyer continues his 60-plus-year “lifelong passion.”

Mission Fit: Rodgers Brings Career Experience to Alma Mater

In describing men’s tennis at Hillsdale College in the late 1990s, Matt Rodgers, ’00, said his team could be summed up in one word: Underdogs. However, Rodgers said the Chargers thrived on being underestimated.

Lane and Kendall After Dark: Classrooms Never Close at Hillsdale College

The party doesn’t end in Lane or Kendall Hall when professors go home for the day. The buildings remain open for students to use, leading to a vibrant evening classroom culture.

When Work is Play: Kyle Gross Guides Hillsdale Softball to Success

A popular saying goes, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” For Head Softball Coach Kyle Gross, that sentiment rings true as he comes off one of the most successful seasons ever in program history and enters his eighth season at the helm.

Best of Both Worlds: Academics, Shooting a Perfect Combo for Lieske

Being first comes naturally for Drew Lieske, ’18. As a member of the fledgling Hillsdale College shotgun team, Lieske won an individual ACUI Collegiate National Championship and was a member of four ACUI national champion teams as a Charger. The competitive fires still burn for Lieske, but now as a businessman and entrepreneur.

Want to Start a Small Business?

Starting a business isn’t just for post-grad entrepreneurs. With the Kehoe Fellowship for Entrepreneurial Excellence, any student can turn their business ideas into functioning ventures.