Monica VanDerWeide Archives

Truth Hunter: How Studying Literature Helps Luke Hollister as an Investment Advisor

Luke Hollister, ’24, has a decidedly different and completely Hillsdalian approach to his work at Innovest, an investment advisory firm specializing in faith-based investing, in Denver, Colorado. An associate consultant, Hollister uses his liberal arts background to communicate effectively and truthfully with clients on financial planning.

When Work is Play: Kyle Gross Guides Hillsdale Softball to Success

A popular saying goes, “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” For Head Softball Coach Kyle Gross, that sentiment rings true as he comes off one of the most successful seasons ever in program history and enters his eighth season at the helm.

Find Your Strength: Emma Ruhlman’s Breakout Basketball Season

From a freshman on the bench to a starting senior, Emma Ruhlman has truly blossomed during her years as a Charger. During her junior year, she had found her strength, earning a spot in the starting lineup and helping the Chargers to their best season in 16 years.

A Teacher First: The Pool is Kurt Kirner’s Classroom

The Chargers Swimming program has been doing things the right way during Kirner’s nearly two decades at the helm of the program, consistently finishing as a team near the top of the G-MAC—including a “title wave” of conference championships from 2020-2022—and garnering numerous individual honors as well.

Passport to Play: International Students Find Land of Opportunity at Hillsdale

They come to Hillsdale from distant lands, drawn by the same qualities that attract American student-athletes to Hillsdale: an excellent education plus the chance to compete at a high level with scholarship support. Hillsdale’s international student-athletes have found that and more—while also adjusting to life in small-town America.

Four “Brawny Lads” and a Boat: The Four Oarsmen Bring Hillsdale National Acclaim

In 1879, four young men from Hillsdale decided to form the Hillsdale Rowing Club and pursue the gentlemen’s sport of rowing. These four, three of whom had attended Hillsdale College in the early 1870s, comprised the rowing team that would catapult Hillsdale into the national spotlight with three National American Amateur Rowing Championships titles.

Elise Mason: Developing Character in the Classroom and the Pool

Elise Mason, ’25, came to Hillsdale College, where she not only splashed her way into the record books as one of the school’s outstanding distance swimmers, but also grew in heart and mind as she prepared for a career in teaching.

From Middle Distance to Mayo: Nicole Marshall, ’25

Nicole Marshall realized she could get the best of both academics and athletics at Hillsdale College—as well as incredible research opportunities and a caring community. Participating on the track team not only provided Nicole a social outlet, but a structure and balance that helped her succeed in the classroom.

Marine Veteran Greg Whalen: Afghanistan Deployment Inspires Budding Music Career

As a Marine Corps veteran, Greg Whalen, a 2017 Hillsdale Academy graduate and soon-to-be Hillsdale College graduate, has life experiences that very few of his fellow students share. Whalen is sharing his stories and talents with an ever-growing audience with the release of his EP, American Deployed.

Hillsdale Academy Family Trades Chicagoland for Rural Michigan: A Fantastic Leap of Faith

Admiring Hillsdale College and Hillsdale Academy from afar, Dan and Rae Anne wistfully thought about sending their two sons to the Academy. When two openings became available, the family’s transition to the school was far better than they ever could have imagined, and they have only gained from the experience.

From Homeschool to the Big Red Bus: Family Finds “Gem” in Hillsdale Academy

The Perrys were ready to send their oldest child to high school after he completed eighth grade in their K-8 classical homeschool cooperative. Distance didn’t keep the Perrys from attending Hillsdale Academy because “God provided completely.”

Taking His Best Shot: Army Veteran Joseph Grohs Leads on Action Shooting Team

Coming to Hillsdale after more than a decade of service in the U.S. Army, Joseph Grohs, ’26, wanted to be sure that his four years of college were well spent. Now halfway through his college career, Grohs is grateful for his time spent as a student and as a member of the College’s action shooting team.