Hillsdale Blog

Strength Through a Setback: Anna Chellman Perseveres

Anna Chellman, ’26, has learned through softball that commitment to excellence takes diligence, even when a possible career-ending injury seems to crush years of dedication. She’s no stranger to commitment, challenges, and success. It’s evidence of “doing hard things,” all while keeping her team’s best interest in mind.

Triple Threat, No Regrets: Marilyn Popplewell Excels in Three Sports

Excelling at one sport in college is a dream come true for most athletes. Marilyn Popplewell, ’25, made the most of her final school year, making a huge impact in three different sports—volleyball, basketball, and track and field—to become Hillsdale’s first true three-sport athlete in more than two decades.

Determined to Finish: Paige Howell O’Leary Overcomes Serious Injury to Complete Degree

A summer trip up north changed everything for Paige Howell O’Leary, ’93. She sustained a serious head injury that ended her playing career as a member of the Chargers women’s basketball team. In fact, her doctors recommended that she leave school. She refused and persevered.

The Ripple Effect

Have you ever thought about the impact Hillsdale’s alumni have on the world? Doug Goodnough, ’90, continues to marvel at Hillsdale College alumni who are creating that ripple effect in their communities.

Polling Pioneer: Roy Wetzel, ’56, Revolutionized NBC News’ Election Coverage

Wetzel may have retired from NBC News more than 37 years ago, but his passion for broadcasting and politics remains. The 90-year-old who has worked with television news legends such as John Chancellor, David Brinkley, and Tom Brokaw began his career in broadcast news as a student at Hillsdale College.

Bringing Out the Best: Homan Succeeds in Basketball and Business

Tim Homan, ’08, earned first team all-conference honors and became one of the leading scorers in the GLIAC. He remains the most accurate career three-point shooter in program history and finished with more than 1,400 career points. Homan adopted his former coach’s philosophy of team and energy when he started his business, Stealth Arms.

Far From Basic Training: Sports Medicine and Performance Team Recognized as Conference’s Best

Tyler Cortright leads a team that includes a head trainer, athletic trainers, a head strength and conditioning coach, and medical director. They are all part of the team that keeps the Chargers in peak physical condition in all 14 of Hillsdale’s varsity sports.

On the Ball: Super Sophomore Trio Brings Chargers Golf to the Forefront

The first month of college for a freshman is supposed to be a time of transition and adjustment to new responsibilities and a new life. It’s not usually a time to be bringing home trophies. However, a trio of precocious men’s golfers at Hillsdale College—Oliver Marshall, Ryan O’Rourke, and Robert Thompson—defied the odds.

Hometown Hillsdale: Stacy Vondra, ’95

Education and learning have always been a constant for Stacy Bryan Vondra. So has Hillsdale College. From head teacher to director at Mary Randall Preschool, to speech pathologist for the Branch County ISD, students have remained at the heart of it all for Stacy.

A Wild Ride: Lundberg Retires After 40 Years at Hillsdale College

Ask Bill Lundberg to sum up his 40 years at Hillsdale College, and he is at a loss for words. After spending his first 27 years as a head coach for the men’s cross country and track and field programs and more than a decade as the head of the Hillsdale College Wellness Initiative, Lundberg retired from the College in May.

How Do I Love English?

When Faith Senne, ’27, first registered for Great Books II, she was interested in pursuing an English major or minor because of Dr. Justin Jackson’s Great Books I, but she didn’t think she would end up doing it. Because of poetry and Great Books II, she changed her mind pretty quickly, thanks to Dr. Benedict Whalen.

Classically Connected: Pursuing Virtue at Hillsdale College and Its K-12 Schools

Hillsdale College’s influence on K-12 students around the country has spread the importance of critical thinking in students and tradition in education. For Adam Robbins, ’27, his K-12 education gave him insight into many subjects and histories, but most importantly, it gave him the ability to think freely and rise to self-government.