Hillsdale Blog

Why WHIP? Do It for the People

Grace Canlas, ’27, can confidently say her semester on the Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program (WHIP) was one of the best she has ever had at Hillsdale College. This is part one of a three-part series explaining why you should spend a semester on WHIP during your time at Hillsdale College.

Leading at Home, Learning on Campus: Parenting in Grad School

Some undergrad Hillsdale students look to begin graduate school after they leave campus. But for many of Hillsdale’s graduate students, the transition was not immediate. A handful of residential grad students have not only begun careers, but many also started raising children. Here’s how they juggle it all.

Capital Gains: Hillsdale Students take on Mock Trial in D.C.

Six members of Mock Trial were part of the fall 2025 WHIP class, and they stayed actively involved with the program, competing at a difficult tournament during the busy D.C. semester.

No Requirement: How Faith Flourishes on Hillsdale’s Campus

At Hillsdale, students are not required to sign a statement of faith or attend chapel services. This is why it’s a good thing.

A Hillsdale Love Story: Reed and Natalie Kent Lawe, ’21, ’22

Reed and Natalie Kent Lawe, ’21, ’22, met well before either one of them attended a class at Hillsdale College. Growing up as neighbors in the bedroom community of Ave Maria, Florida, the now-married couple reflects on their unique paths to the College.

A Hillsdale Love Story: Ryan and Louise Henne Wood, ’01, ’02

They took completely different paths to Hillsdale College. One was a self-described academic underachiever, while the other never attended a traditional high school and completed her diploma overseas. Somehow, Ryan and Louise Henne Wood, ’01, ’02, both found their way to Hillsdale, where they eventually found each other.

A New Reason to Support the College

On April 15, the Alumni Office is hosting its first Alumni Day of Giving event. Over a 24-hour period (and well before that), the Alumni Office will promote more than a dozen College programs, clubs, and organizations that want to partner with Alumni to raise money for their causes.

Hometown Hillsdale: Roni Roth Avra, ’12

Growing up in Hillsdale, Michigan, didn’t deter Roni Roth Avra, ’12, from wanting to attend the college in her own backyard. Navigating several interests in college led her to a veterinary career as Dr. Roni Roth at Northside Veterinary Hospital right here in her hometown.

Where Students Become Rock Stars: Hillsdale’s Culture of Live Music

Hillsdale students may roam the library and classroom by day, but on weekend nights, you can find a different side to them in house backyards and venue stages. They are where different student bands unite all sides of campus with live music with genres unique to each band.

Good Fit: Gucciardo Chooses Hillsdale First, Tennis Second

Steve Gucciardo, ’89, thought the Hillsdale College tennis program was a good fit when he was deciding on a college. However, he liked the school even more, which is why he spurned a scholarship offer from a NCAA Division I university to become a Charger. And he does not regret that decision one bit.

Best-Case Scenario: Hackman Heffner Grateful for Family, Hillsdale

As a high school standout from the northern suburbs of Chicago, Sarah Hackman Heffner, ’23, was recruited to play tennis at Hillsdale. Her twin brother, Brian Hackman, ’23, was also a tennis standout. The coaches were able to persuade the twins to make Hillsdale “a package deal.”

Designing Woman: Sarah Klopfer Supervises Creative Design at ESPN

Klopfer, ’16, credits her Hillsdale experiences leading her to some amazing post-graduation career opportunities. She has gone from designing media guide graphics for Hillsdale College Athletics to working for the top sports media company in the world.