Hillsdale Alumni Newsletter Archives

Hometown Hillsdale: Ron Budd, ’82

Ron Budd, ’82, enjoyed growing up in small-town Hillsdale, Michigan. The born-and-raised Hillsdalian came to Hillsdale College on the Bernard L. Davis Scholarship. Not having a connection to the College while growing up, Ron said the school has become near and dear to him.

Wildest Dreams Indeed

It is the most wonderful time of the year at Hillsdale College. The sun is bright, the trees on the south lawn are at their apex, and students are back to campus to begin another academic year. This year, we welcomed the Class of 2030. Their arrival also triggered a startling realization for one alumni.

Hillsdale or Bust

Kyle Fleck, ’26, started his shooting career at Hillsdale College with a bang. During his freshman season on the Chargers shotgun team, Fleck went on an “unstoppable” run, hitting 399 out of 400 clay targets over separate skeet competitions. Now, he has a role in product marketing, managing the marketing efforts of the Halter Shooting Sports Education Center among other College priorities.

Hometown Hillsdale: Lee Moriarty Tonnies, ’75

Lee had a simple yet transformative path to Hillsdale College. Hailing from the small town of Milford, New Hampshire, Hillsdale felt a little like home. She and her family appreciated the friendliness of Hillsdale, and not much has changed since that visit.

Where Did the Summer Go?

Summers are the busiest time of year for some Hillsdale staff. The great news is that the Alumni Office is working 12 months a year to engage and inform our approximately 18,000 living alumni. Make it a priority to engage with the College this year. Homecoming is a great way to do that, and those dates are October 9-10.

Fit-First Approach: Bock Has Made London Home

Kate Bock, ’15, found her right fit at Hillsdale College. Now, she is helping international students discover their best higher education paths. As founder of Archer Franklin and managing partner of The Child’s Office in London, England, Bock advises clients on higher education strategy and guides them through the college and university admissions process.

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.

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.

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.