Hillsdale Alumni Newsletter Archives

Hometown Hillsdale: Nolan Sullivan, ’22

Nolan didn’t intend to go to Hillsdale College. The Hillsdale native and Hillsdale Academy grad thought he would leave his hometown to experience life beyond its familiarity. Nolan feels “blessed beyond belief” that he attended Hillsdale College and still calls Hillsdale home.

A Month in the Life of the Alumni Office

It’s always a busy time on campus during the academic year. April is an especially hectic time, when students and faculty are rushing to the finish line. The Alumni Office is running a race of its own, trying to host current events and plan for future ones all at the same time. Here’s what a “typical” month looks like for the alumni team.

Dual Allegiances: Parr Has a Special Relationship with Hillsdale, Northwood

Brian Parr, ’76, came back to work for the College in admissions and fundraising after graduating. It was that experience that helped propel him to a career in higher education. Returning to Hillsdale’s campus as part of the 50/60-Year Plus Reunion in April of 2026, Parr said he is grateful for his time at Hillsdale.

Hometown Hillsdale: Zoe Hopkins Tracey, ’16

Zoe came to Hillsdale as a motivated student with a passion for swimming. Today, she calls Hillsdale home with her husband, Aaron, ’14, and their growing family. From a standout swimmer for the Chargers to a coach to a jewelry designer, Zoe’s path continues to evolve with the same passion and creativity.

Hillsdale from an Alumni Perspective

When Doug Goodnough, ’90, started his role at the College, one of his priorities was to talk about Hillsdale from an alumni perspective. Whether it was people, places, or things, being able to provide alumni a glimpse into the College has been one of the most rewarding areas of his job. In some small way, he hopes this blog has helped that effort.

Lone Star Lawyer: Tira Jones Holcomb Wears Many Hats

Tira Jones Holcomb, ’95, wears many hats. Lawyer, wife, mother, elected official, part-time rancher, and budding golfer. Being from Texas, those hats happen to be Stetsons. At age 12, the Lubbock native knew a legal career was what she wanted, and attending Hillsdale College was part of that plan.

Excel-ing at His Career: Mount Thriving as a LinkedIn Learning Instructor

George Mount, ’10, is a teacher, but he does not have a classroom. At least not in the traditional sense. However, he has more than 400,000 “students” throughout the country in various careers and professions. What binds them all together is Microsoft Excel.

Hometown Hillsdale: Colleen Vogt, ’90

Colleen Colosimo Vogt knew from a young age that she wanted to work in a school setting. Education, learning, and athletics were her passions, and they ultimately led her to Hillsdale College. Colleen leads Will Carleton Academy in Hillsdale and has been at the helm from the very beginning.

Four Years and Counting

Four years. A lot can happen during that time. It certainly has for Doug Goodnough, ’90. Heading into Year 5 of his role at the College, he’s excited to see the growing Alumni Office in action.

The Hard Things: Muellers Carve Out Community Life in Colorado

“Family, church, and local community” was the mantra of longtime (and now retired) Hillsdale College history professor John Willson. Paul and Kathryn Williams Mueller, ’09, ’09, are living that reality in the remote mining town of Leadville, Colorado, nestled in the Rocky Mountains.

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.