Stephanie Gordon Archives

Hometown Hillsdale: Ron Budd, ’82

Ron Budd, ’82, enjoyed growing up in small-town Hillsdale, Michigan. The born-and-raised Hillsdalian came to Hillsdale College on the Bernard L. Davis Scholarship. Not having a connection to the College while growing up, Ron said the school has become near and dear to him.

Prepared for the Medical Field: Julia Callahan, ’19

From a young age, Julia Formentin Callahan, ’19, MSN, FNP-BC, knew she wanted a career in the medical field. Hillsdale College doesn’t have a pre-med major, but that didn’t deter Julia. In fact, Julia believes that her Hillsdale education prepared her better for her post-graduate degree than that of her classmates who attended colleges with pre-med majors.

Hometown Hillsdale: Lee Moriarty Tonnies, ’75

Lee had a simple yet transformative path to Hillsdale College. Hailing from the small town of Milford, New Hampshire, Hillsdale felt a little like home. She and her family appreciated the friendliness of Hillsdale, and not much has changed since that visit.

Hometown Hillsdale: Stephanie Umphress Maxwell, ’96

Growing up in Mount Blanchard, Ohio, Stephanie Umphress Maxwell, ’96, knew nothing about Hillsdale College. That changed when she attended a Summit Ministries camp in Colorado at age 16. In 1992, Stephanie made her way to Hillsdale, and still calls Hillsdale home today.

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.

Don’t Neglect the Gift: Legacy in the Roberts Sisters’ Strides

Not everyone considers running a gift, but for the Roberts family, it is the gift that keeps on giving. Anna, ’26, Megan, ’27, Caroline, ’29, are carrying the family legacy forward, running their own races at their own paces for the Chargers.

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.

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.

Hometown Hillsdale: Roni Roth Avra, ’12

Growing up in Hillsdale, Michigan, didn’t deter Roni Roth Avra, ’12, from wanting to attend the college in her own backyard. Navigating several interests in college led her to a veterinary career as Dr. Roni Roth at Northside Veterinary Hospital right here in her hometown.

Hometown Hillsdale: Nathaniel Stewart, ’95

Nathaniel “Nate” Stewart’s path has unfolded through transformative moments shaped by family, education, career endeavors, and art. For the Stewarts, the move to Hillsdale is more than a relocation—it’s the last stop and one that feels full circle.

Strength Through a Setback: Anna Chellman Perseveres

Anna Chellman, ’26, has learned through softball that commitment to excellence takes diligence, even when a possible career-ending injury seems to crush years of dedication. She’s no stranger to commitment, challenges, and success. It’s evidence of “doing hard things,” all while keeping her team’s best interest in mind.

Hometown Hillsdale: Stacy Vondra, ’95

Education and learning have always been a constant for Stacy Bryan Vondra. So has Hillsdale College. From head teacher to director at Mary Randall Preschool, to speech pathologist for the Branch County ISD, students have remained at the heart of it all for Stacy.