Hillsdale Blog

End of an Era: Keith Otterbein’s 22 Years at the Helm of Chargers Football

As a player, assistant coach, and longtime head coach of Hillsdale College football for the better part of five decades, Keith Otterbein, ’79, had a successful run. He left an impressive legacy and led a program that consistently found success while fully honoring Hillsdale’s demanding expectations for both academic success and high character.

The Myanmar Mission: Erin Foley Works to Keep Refugee Families Together Through the Gospel

For more than a decade, Erin Foley, ’05, has been bringing hope, resources, and the Gospel to the people of Southeast Asia, including the last eight years in Myanmar.

Hometown Hillsdale: Joe Williamson, ’03

As a student-athlete, Joe Williamson, learned both physical and mental disciplines on and off the football field. Joe has shared and applied the lifelong disciplines he learned at Hillsdale in his current roles as math teacher and head varsity football coach at Hillsdale High School.

Master Planner: Noyes Retires After 30-Year Transportation Career

Growing up in suburban Chicago, Thomas Noyes, ’86, was fascinated with the railroad. He would often dream of working for one. While that dream of having a career riding the rails did not materialize, his career path did take him to the transportation industry.

Having a Ball on the Alumni National Tour

The fall semester means new beginnings, including classes, football season, and the start of the 2025-26 Alumni National Tour. This year, the Alumni Office has more than 20 events scheduled in 15 states and Washington, D.C.

Perfect Job: Corbin Returns to a New but Familiar Role at the College

Josh Corbin, ’25, has competed at the highest levels of competition as a member of the Hillsdale College Shotgun Team. As a four-time All-American, he was a member of Team USA and had a chance to travel the world to compete. Now, he is content helping other Chargers have the same experience.

Forward Down the Field: Isaac TeSlaa Becomes a Detroit Lion

What started as a childhood dream for Isaac TeSlaa is now a reality for the former Chargers standout, who will soon be going forward down the field, watching the blue and silver wave. And it’s just the beginning for TeSlaa.

Savor Your ‘Two Plays’: Mike Harner, ’82

His varsity football career at Hillsdale College was a total of two plays. And although he went on to carve out a career as a college golfer and eventually a 20-year stint as a helicopter pilot commander in the U.S. Navy, Mike Harner said those two plays still shaped his thinking as a senior leader at Hillsdale College.

What Really Matters: Diane Taylor Philipp, ’82

Hillsdale College Athletics tremendously impacted Diane Taylor Philipp after she served nearly two decades as a Hall-of-Fame track and field and cross country coach. Those experiences, including coaching the Chargers to multiple championships and many former and current All-American and Olympic-caliber athletes, have guided her in her current role as Hillsdale’s vice president for Student Affairs.

At the Starting Line: Rich Péwé, ’88

A member of several championship teams, Rich Péwé, had a standout running career for the Chargers, and was known as a model of consistency, a tireless worker, and a valued teammate. Many years later, as the College’s Chief Administrative Officer, he is known for many of those same qualities as he goes about his daily duties as a senior leader.

Difference Maker: Cassandra Cole Muscat Helped Begin Hillsdale’s Volleyball Winning Tradition

Cassandra Cole Muscat, ’00, was there from the beginning. As a member of Hillsdale College Head Volleyball Coach Chris Gravel’s first recruiting class, she was a part of the program’s revival, and treasured her Hillsdale experience.

The Man and the Mission: John Cervini, ’74

The man who arrived at Hillsdale College more than 50 years ago as a football prospect from Long Island, New York, has stayed to carve out a career as a relentless, tireless, passionate, and uber-successful fundraiser for his alma mater. He’s John Cervini, ’74: The man and the mission.