Hillsdale Blog

Hometown Hillsdale: Dylan Strehle, ’19

It was the people, the College’s core virtues, and his twin brother that led Dylan Strehle, ’19, to Hillsdale College. Now, Dylan calls Hillsdale home with his wife, Abby, ’19, saying even if they win the lottery, they’re going to stick around Hillsdale for as long as they can.

Kelsey Gomberg’s Career Combines Teaching and Her Love of Swimming

Kelsey Gomberg, ’10, knew she wanted to swim in college. Gomberg swam the 100- and 200-meter butterfly events and was named a tri-captain during her senior year. Having fun while working hard is a theme that Gomberg has carried into her professional life as a senior training facilitator at the Big Blue Swim School in the Chicago area.

Charging into March Madness: Former Chargers Make Their Mark in NCAA Tournament

If you ever wondered how Hillsdale College’s motto of “Strength Rejoices in the Challenge” translates to athletics, look no further than Jack Gohlke, ’22. For a couple of days, the Hillsdale grad took over March Madness, otherwise known as the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament.

A Road Less Traveled: Dr. Carl Young’s Path to the Classics

Each professor has taken their own path to arrive at Hillsdale College. One such professor, Dr. Carl Young, has gone on his own extraordinary journey to the classroom and classical texts he now calls home.

Ongoing Involvement: Former Healthcare CEO Mark Taylor Remains Engaged with Alma Mater

Mark Taylor, ’74, has had a long and distinguished career as a healthcare administrator, including the role of CEO at several large healthcare organizations. During his time at Hillsdale, he made connections at Hillsdale Hospital, that eventually affected his future career path.

A Passion for Policy: Cassidy Syftestad Klutts’s Mission to Advance Classical Education

To say Cassidy Syftestad Klutts, ’18, is passionate about education is an understatement. After graduating with a degree in American Studies, Klutts is completing her doctoral studies in education reform. Klutts is excited about the future, especially advancing Hillsdale’s K-12 Program.

My First Semester in Sohn, Hillsdale’s New Dorm

From questions about how the stove worked to celebrating birthdays in the dorm common areas, here’s how we’ve made Sohn Residence our new, beloved home.

Study Abroad: Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder,” they say. This is just as true about studying abroad as it is of relationships. Katrin Surkan, ’25, shares her study-abroad experience at Scotland’s University of St. Andrews.

Love at First Sight: Thrifted Treasures Abound in Hillsdale

The great consumerist reversal of our time is that “thrifted” is the new name brand, and the less money you pay for an item, the higher you value it. From finding unique treasures to creating lasting memories, Hillsdale students refine the art and culture of thrifting.

Hometown Hillsdale: Kathy Petersen, ’95

Kathy Petersen, ’95, is serving the Hillsdale community in more ways than one. After obtaining several nursing degrees, Kathy works as a local FNP-C, and is raising eight children with her husband, Dean of Men Aaron Petersen, ’96, in their beloved Hillsdale.

Statesmanship Students Embody ‘Strength Rejoices in the Challenge’

Graduate school at Hillsdale College is always a rigorous adventure, but some students embark on the quest for a graduate degree during demanding seasons of their lives. These students especially embody Hillsdale’s motto that “strength rejoices in the challenge.”

Front and Center: Jim Beley Directs Legislative Affairs for Congressman Matt Gaetz

For Jim Beley, ’10, a career in politics is a chance to be a part of history. The former director of Presidential Writers under former President Donald Trump helped write, edit, and direct policy, proclamations, and other personal presidential communications from 2017-2020.