Hillsdale College Remembers Trustee Emeritus David L. Belew
Dedicated Hillsdale friend passed away after many years of service to the College.
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College is saddened by the passing of board member David L. Belew, who served on the College’s board of trustees for 38 years. He passed away at the age of 93.
“We are grateful for his many years of service to the College, and our prayers are with his family.”
“David Belew was a kind and generous man and a longtime friend of Hillsdale,” said Rich Péwé, chief administrative officer of Hillsdale College. “We are grateful for his many years of service to the College, and our prayers are with his family.”

Belew joined the Hillsdale College Board of Trustees in 1981 and served in that capacity until 2020 when he was granted emeritus status. In addition to his leadership of Hillsdale College, Belew was a generous financial supporter of the institution. He and his wife, Marge, were strong advocates of the College’s independence from government funding, contributing primarily to the Independence Fund and the general operations of the College. They also supported the construction of Howard Music Hall, renovations to Broadlawn, and projects of the Women Commissioners, of which Marge was a member.
Belew worked for Becket Paper Company for over thirty years, serving as its president until his retirement in 1992. He served also as chairman of the Text and Cover Paper Manufacturers Group for the American Paper Institute, president of the Paper Makers Advertising Association, and president of the Miami University Pulp and Paper Foundation.
David and Marge were married for 70 years and had two children, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
For a headshot of Mr. Belew, click here.
For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.