Doug Goodnough Archives

Charger Blue to Maize and Blue: Barnett Begins 30th Year at University of Michigan

Jennifer Wallman Barnett, ’93, uses the skills she honed at Hillsdale College, both in the classroom and on the court. The senior class salutatorian who majored in accounting used her expertise in finance to rise to the chief administrator of the Psychology Department at the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.

Driving Force: Former GLIAC Medalist Finds Faith, Academic Rigor at Hillsdale

Golf is what brought Joel Pietila, ’19, to Hillsdale College, but the academic experience is what kept him there. The former men’s golfer is now a financial planner for the Bahnsen Group in the Phoenix, Arizona, area.

“Good People”: Sarah Grunert Sobieszczanski Remains Close to Hillsdale Classmates

Hillsdale College is just “good people.” That’s the impression Sarah Grunert Sobieszczanski, ’16, formed of her alma mater. The former four-time all-conference performer (twice honorable mention, twice second team) said her Hillsdale experience has not stopped since graduating.

First of His Kind: Former All-American Cain Remains Connected with Baseball Program

A standout high school catcher, Tim Cain, ’85, received a postcard addressed to him from then-Hillsdale College baseball coach Marc Comstock, ’76. A week later, Cain visited campus, and the rest was history.

The Hillsdale College Alumni Dozen

With the start of the new year, senior director of Alumni Marketing Doug Goodnough, ’90, likes to reflect back on the year that has been. Here are the 12 interesting alumni he met for the first time over the course of 2024 (in no particular order or ranking).

May by the Bay: Becoming a Physician

Veteran David May graduated from Hillsdale College in 1988 with his degree in political economy, but went on to become a physician. Despite not taking a political economics career path, May still values his Hillsdale education.

In the Moment: Heaton a Key Piece of a Special 2006 Season

Becky Grzegorski Heaton, ’07, knew she was good enough to play college volleyball. What she didn’t realize was just how good she could be. Hillsdale College and Head Coach Chris Gravel helped get the most out of Heaton’s talent.

Still Giving Back: Kellogg’s Involvement in Community Remains Strong

Mark Kellogg, ’82, has always been involved in his community. From his upbringing in Coldwater, Michigan, to his time on the Hillsdale College campus, and over his 35-plus year career as an attorney in the Lansing area, Kellogg believes in giving back.

What Does It Mean to Be an Alumnus/Alumna of Hillsdale College?

The 1844 Society aims to connect and engage both students and alumni. Thanks to some local alumni participation, the 1844 Society provides unique experiences for its student members. A recent Continued Conversations event was hosted by Nate Stewart, ’95.

Back in Iraq: Anna Cannon in Her Second Year Teaching in the Middle East

Anna Cannon, ’22, considers teaching her mission. After graduating from Hillsdale College, she taught at a public charter school in the Bronx, New York, but she was hungry for more. Now in her second year with Mar Qardakh, Cannon said she is enjoying the experience immensely.

Raising the Bar: McHugh’s Obsession to Excel Continues Past Hillsdale

Jim McHugh, ’94, said the key to becoming a successful high jumper is “90 percent in the approach.” The two-time former NAIA indoor national champion and All-American said that formula applies to life as well.

Career in Control: Jennifer Carlson Blood Finds Niche in Dental Accounting

Jennifer Carlson Blood, ’07, was part of a seven-player recruiting class for Hillsdale College women’s basketball heading into the 2003-2004 season. Although Blood’s freshman season had Hillsdale take a step back in the win column, the final three seasons were winning ones for the Chargers.