Hillsdale Alumni Newsletter Archives

Hometown Hillsdale: Jaminda Springer, ’95

For as long as she can remember, Jaminda Britt Springer, ’95, desired to have a large family and work with children in an educational setting. Today, Jaminda is living her childhood dream as the director of her own school, Hillsdale Classical, while enjoying all Hillsdale has to offer with her family.

Rolling With the Punches: Career Shift Has Worked Well for Tomasic

Kristen Tomasic, ’08, wasn’t aware of the Hillsdale College motto, “Strength Rejoices in the Challenge,” when she arrived on campus as a freshman tennis recruit. However, she has certainly personified that saying since her graduation.

How Can You Help Hillsdale?

From the Chi Omega Centennial Celebration to the Phi Sig Pavilion dedication, Homecoming 2024 was a fruitful success, with more than 1,000 alumni and their guests returning to campus.

Hometown Hillsdale: Dean Melchi, ’74

After spending several years in different areas of the United States, the small-town life called Dean Melchi, ’74, and his wife Kathryn, ’76, back to Hillsdale nearly a decade ago. Together, they enjoy being involved in campus activities, the Hillsdale community, and the Halter Shooting Sports Center.

Perfect Pairing: Prelude Wines Is a Family Affair for the Gandees

When it comes to wine, Charles, ’07, and Megan Mahan Gandee, ’09, make a perfect pairing.
The couple, along with Megan’s sister Erin, ’05, and brother-in-law Nick Hasulak, have joined forces to start Prelude Wines, based in northern Virginia.

Homecoming 2024: Be Like Tom Lorkowski

For 42 years, Tom Lorkowski has made it a priority to come back to his alma mater. If you’re on the fence about attending Homecoming 2024, which is scheduled for October 11-12, here’s some good advice: be like Tom Lorkowski.

Hometown Hillsdale: Heather Tritchka, ’98

Venturing all the way from sunny Southern California to Hillsdale, Michigan, Tritchka came to Hillsdale College to prepare for her future as a surgeon. Although she had every intention to attend medical school, Heather has become a notable professional artist in the Hillsdale community.

Remembering Rocco: Pickleball Social Honors Alumnus

It is a vital part of the Alumni Relations Office’s job to help its approximately 17,000 living alumni cherish memories that are sometimes decades old or assist in making new ones, especially when it comes to Hillsdale College. Recently, alumni came together who want to do just that through a new event: the Rocco Abessinio Memorial Pickleball Social.

Life In the Fast Lane: Merkel Builds Career in Motor Sports Through Relationships

When Pete Merkel, ’92, started his career in motor sports at the grassroots level. From a maintenance internship at Michigan International Speedway, to working for the Dale Earnhardt race team, to starting his own business, Pete has lived his life in the fast lane.

Making Waves: Julie Hooton Rejoins Alumni Board, Continues to Assist Hydroplane Racing Team

Julie Hooton, ’80, and her husband, Mark, ’81, are both retired from their jobs, but continue their work in hydroplane racing. Recently, Julie expanded her commitments and rejoined the Hillsdale Alumni Association Board in July 2024.

Hometown Hillsdale: Caitlyn Grace, ’12

It’s Caitlyn’s humble beginning in small-town Hillsdale that paved the way for her successful performing arts career and unforgettable experiences, ultimately bringing her back home to Hillsdale to share her wisdom with others in the community.

Something Big: Observations from White & Blue Weekend

If you’re asking, “What is White & Blue Weekend?” you’re missing out on something big and getting bigger. In fact, we had more than 500 people attend this year’s event—which was held June 27-30, 2024, on campus.