Doug Goodnough Archives

Small School, Big Difference: Granberry Thrived On and Off the Court at Hillsdale College

For Bill Granberry, ’85, the former standout Hillsdale College men’s basketball player, the small-school environment Hillsdale offered made all the difference both during his time on campus and even after graduation.

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.

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.

10,000-Foot View: Former GLIAC Champion Still Competing as an Athletic Director, Triathlete, and Mom

Amy Sayers Peters, ’01, was a state champion track and cross country runner and a standout swimmer. So why not do both in college? When Hillsdale College offered her that opportunity, she took it. More than 20 years later, Peters is still competing in triathlons and Ironman competitions.

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.

“In the Blood”: Ardith Straight Shea Has Had an Impressive Career in Teaching

Ardith Straight Shea, ’86, knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a teacher. With both of her parents, Arlo, ’57, and Judith, ’60, career educators, she decided she wanted to follow in their footsteps.

Get in the (Mental) Game: Rob Pike Helps Improve Athletes’ Mindsets

There’s plenty of training resources and options for athletes to improve their physical performance. However, Rob Pike, ’92, has established a company that helps athletes raise their mental game.

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.