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

Written by Doug Goodnough

Did that question even enter your mind after you walked across the stage with your diploma and exited for the final time as a student?

For most, I’m guessing no.

In fact, the reason the Alumni Office exists is to help our graduates understand how they can continue—and hopefully develop—their relationship with the College during all stages of their lives. A few years ago, we even started a stage that included current students.

The 1844 Society was created to build upon three core pillars: gratitude, stewardship, and service. It aims to connect and engage both students and alumni in the cooperative effort of developing an affinity for and a greater appreciation of the mission of Hillsdale College.

What does that look like for students? By becoming 1844 Society members, they can participate in many campus activities, including ice cream socials, the all-campus Founding Fest, and “Continued Conversations” featuring faculty and staff guest speakers.

Members can also have a direct impact on the selection of the Senior Class Gift, and a distinguished group of senior members are chosen to serve on the Legacy Board to guide and promote the project to their classmates.

In essence, the 1844 Society begins the educational process of helping students eventually become engaged alumni. Having students understand and appreciate what the College and its benefactors have done for them hopefully fosters a “pay it forward” attitude that allows them to continue to further the mission of the College.

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. He moved back to Hillsdale from Washington, D.C., and opened his home to Society members for a unique art critique event. College faculty members Dr. Justin Jackson and Dr. Matthew Gaetano evaluated pieces of art from Stewart’s extensive collection, some of which will be featured in a special exhibition in January at the Fine Arts Building.

And once students become 1844 Society members, they have the option of carrying that membership over as alumni. This provides a continued “bridge” to the College for many young alumni who often are focused on starting their lives and careers and may feel disconnected to Hillsdale.

The Alumni Office is not only about keeping current alumni connected with the College, but through the 1844 Society, also preparing students while they are still on campus. Through those efforts, we hope that current students leave Hillsdale understanding what it means to be an alumnus/alumna.

Doug Goodnough, ’90, is Hillsdale’s director of Alumni Marketing. He enjoys connecting with fellow alumni in new and wonderful ways.

Published in December 2024