Stephanie Gordon 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.

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.

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.

Engineering and Hillsdale: Domenic DiGiovanni’s Formula for Success

Physics “just clicked” with Domenic DiGiovanni, ’14. Even though Hillsdale College doesn’t offer an engineering major, Domenic knew he wanted an engineering career. Coming to Hillsdale didn’t hinder his engineering aspirations.

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.

Shotgun Triumphs: Kyle Luttig’s American Trap Success

Kyle Luttig, ’17, began shooting American Trap through 4-H at a young age. He joined the Chargers shotgun team as a freshman, and remained undefeated all four years at Hillsdale.

Love, Loyalty, and Imagination: How American Studies Shaped Michael Lucchese

It was Dr. Nathan Schlueter’s introductory philosophy class that made Michael Lucchese, ’18, reconsider his ambitions. Who knew Plato and Socrates would change Michael’s entire future? Michael didn’t.

Hometown Hillsdale: Scott Phillips, ’77

Not every “Hometown Hillsdale” alum grows up in Hillsdale’s very own Broadlawn on Hillsdale Street. Scott Phillips, ’77, is the youngest son of former Hillsdale College President J. Donald Phillips. Hillsdale will always be his home.

Aiming High: Zechariah Steiger’s Growth Through Action Shooting

Zechariah Steiger’s path to Hillsdale wasn’t traditional. He served in the United States Army for four years, and came to Hillsdale’s campus in 2020. An accomplished action shooting athlete, Zechariah is grateful for the Freedom Scholarship and the opportunity to experience shooting sports at the collegiate level.

Hometown Hillsdale: Jan Brodbeck, ’67

Small-town living, with an emphasis on community and giving back, has made calling Hillsdale home a joy to Jan Brodbeck and and her husband, former Board of Trustees Chairman William “Bill” Brodbeck, ’66.

Hometown Hillsdale: Dylan Strehle, ’19

It was the people, the College’s core virtues, and his twin brother that led Dylan Strehle, ’19, to Hillsdale College. Now, Dylan calls Hillsdale home with his wife, Abby, ’19, saying even if they win the lottery, they’re going to stick around Hillsdale for as long as they can.

Hometown Hillsdale: Kathy Petersen, ’95

Kathy Petersen, ’95, is serving the Hillsdale community in more ways than one. After obtaining several nursing degrees, Kathy works as a local FNP-C, and is raising eight children with her husband, Dean of Men Aaron Petersen, ’96, in their beloved Hillsdale.