Hillsdale Alumni Newsletter Archives

Coming Full Circle: Lucas Miller, ’01, Builds a Life and Ministry in Hillsdale

In many ways, Lucas has come full circle to where he was as a Hillsdale student in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Now a husband, father, and pastor, Lucas is enjoying the same opportunities he had as a student with many of the same people and also sharing those opportunities and relationships with his family.

Something to Prove: Mark Flood, ’78, Finds Success at Hillsdale

Hailing from his tiny Upper Peninsula hometown of Crystal Falls, Michigan, Mark Flood, ’78, earned his way onto the football field, eventually finishing his athletic career as a two-sport standout at Hillsdale College.

Hometown Hillsdale: Matt Patillo, ’10: A Divinely Inspired Activity Center for the Hillsdale Community

The love for community, growth, and wellness runs deep for Matt Patillo, ’10. The former Charger football player recently opened The Well, a divinely inspired activity center. For Matt and his family, The Well is an opportunity to foster love and wellness in the Hillsdale community.

Serving Up Success

Kim Argiri-Slone, ’90, reflects on her time as a four-year starter Charger volleyball player. Recently, she was inducted into the Macomb County Coaches Hall of Fame, and has celebrated 600 career coaching victories.

Lesson Learned: Dennis Hrcka, ’70, Uses Second Chance to Become Proud Graduate of Hillsdale College

Basketball gave Dennis Hrcka a second chance to complete his college academic and athletic career. The now 77-year-old retired elementary school teacher and principal said he is grateful for the opportunity to call Hillsdale his alma mater.

Loving Today’s and Yesterday’s Hillsdale

Doug Goodnough, ’90: “I continue to be amazed that Hillsdale is remarkably similar to the institution I attended more than 30 years ago. The focus on academic rigor, as well as the many traditions and ideals that were in place when I was a student, remain.”

A Passion for Lifelong Learning: Erin Valdez, ’01

“My interest in education public policy goes back to our family having to follow legislation that had a direct impact on our lives. It’s why I do the work I do now.” For Erin Valdez, ’01, learning has always been an important part of her life. From humble beginnings to a career in education public policy, her upbringing has shaped her passions and career.

A Valuable “Experience”

Current students who want to learn more about life, careers, and internships have a unique opportunity to experience nationwide in-person networking events with alumni through the “Experience,” supported by the Career Services and Alumni Office.

Life in the Lions’ Pride with Elizabeth Laux, ’19

From the sidelines of Hillsdale’s Muddy Waters Stadium to Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, Elizabath Laux, ’19, has made professional football her career.

War and the Human Condition

The new Center for Military History and Grand Strategy focuses on preparedness and understanding. Dr. Edward Gutiérrez, the director of the new initiative, says studying the history of warfare and the human condition can better prepare the world to handle, and possibly avoid, future conflicts.

Hometown Hillsdale: John Gadwood, ’92: Chief Anesthetist

“It’s small, it’s quaint, it’s safe. It’s a great place to raise a family. Once you get to know (people), you get to be lifelong buddies with a lot of these people.” As the chief anesthetist at Hillsdale Hospital, John Gadwood, ’92, said he is doing what he loves—in the community that he loves.

Going the Distance

Although Paul Aufdemberge, ’87, had competed in just one year of track and field in high school, he was able to earn a running scholarship to Hillsdale College. He remains the Hillsdale record-holder in the indoor 3,000 and 5,000 meters and the outdoor 5,000 and 10,000. After an impressive running career, he still stays connected with the sport of running.