Collegian 01.22.2025

Arnn buys ‘a robot you can ride’

By Catherine Maxwell News Editor

When Hillsdale College

President Larry Arnn graduated high school, his dad gave him “an old, used Dodge Dart.” On the last day of Christmas break, he bought a Tesla Cybertruck.

“It’s a robot you can ride,” Arnn said. “Rides like a dream.”

Arnn said he has driven the Cybertruck around campus and to the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

But he said the car self-drove to Ann Arbor “without making a mistake.”

“When you’re in a parking lot, the empty spaces come up, and you touch one of them, and it will parallel park or back in perpendicular, as the case may be,” Arnn said. “Isn’t that ridiculous?”

When this reporter rode in the Cybertruck with Arnn, the snow interfered with the self-parking. But the self-driving truck navigated hairpin turns, stopped at stop signs, and avoided pedestrians and other cars.

Arnn said he saw the Cybertruck’s introduction in 2019, when a video went viral of Tes-

CA fire: from flight to fight

By Avedis Maljanian Collegian Freelancer

ALTADENA, Calif.—My family’s phones screamed with alerts at about 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7: The nearby Eaton fire required the immediate evacuation of our Altadena neighborhood. We’re used to wildfires in California and our neighborhood is often afflicted by the foul smell of smoke, but this night was different from anything we’d seen before — and it would change our lives forever. We initially assumed the message to be a precaution. When we saw the flames racing toward us from the mountains above our neighborhood, however, we realized the fire was more dangerous than we’d thought.

Inside the house, chaos reigned. My mother dashed around and grabbed old pictures of me and my siblings, wailing about saving her babies. My sister threw clothes into a suitcase, wondering aloud what someone packs in this situation. My

father collected important documents. My 88-year-old grandfather stumbled around his room in shock. I packed some clothes, spare batteries, and emergency food for myself and the family, then helped my grandfather pack his own clothes and pictures of my late grandmother. After 30 minutes, we left the house in three cars, with my sister at the head and me driving my grandfather at the rear. Gridlocked traffic inched south, cars raced north. Triple-digit wind gusts, collapsed power lines and trees, and minimal visibility added to the peril of the drive. My family was driving to our pastor’s house, but at their advice, I left the convoy to head to a friend’s house. As I drove onto the freeway, we got stuck behind a massive car crash. A vehicle in the traffic jam stalled in front of us, hampered by a fire truck responding to the crashed vehicles.

la CEO Elon Musk accidentally smashing the truck’s supposedly unbreakable windows.

But Arnn said he “was charmed by it.”

The truck is the type of vehicle one might drive on Mars, Arnn said. Falling somewhere between a rocket and a pickup, “it’s like a Modernist house suddenly appearing in a neighborhood of neo-Colonial mini-mansions,” said Wall Street Journal Auto Columnist Dan Neil. The angular frame and stainless steel body disguise an almost-indestructible undercarriage and an engine that hits

60 mph in under three seconds, according to Tesla.

“I got to looking them up and reading about them for sport, and I ran across the claim that an electric motor is more efficient converting energy to force than an internal combustion engine, and significantly more,” Arnn said. “And if that’s true — and I checked around and think it’s true — then it’s got an enormous advantage.”

He said the truck drives well thanks to its tight, back-wheelpowered turns. All of the truck’s controls are in the rectangular steering wheel and the large, iPad-like screen. The truck comes with side and rear-view mirrors, which are detachable. So far, Arnn has kept them on.

“These have to be there for regulatory reasons,” Arnn said. “It’s not legal to sell a car without them, but it’s legal to drive a car without them. So Musk leaves it up to you.”

Dog Mode keeps the truck at a comfortable temperature for a pet, and Camp Mode lets the truck power utilities, such as a tent that fits in the truck bed.

“I think it won’t power the food truck, because I think there’s not quite enough amps, but I’m gonna test it,” Arnn said. Arnn said although he knew he wanted one, it wasn’t until he received a referral with a slight discount that he “took a notion” and bought one.

Will Dunham ’07, senior vice president at the American Investment Council, accompanied Arnn to pick up the Cybertruck in Bloomfield Hills, near Detroit.

“We usually get coffee when I’m in town — once a student of Dr. Arnn, always a student — but this is what he happened to be doing, so I did it with him,” Dunham said.

He said the truck is so quiet on the inside that it’s easy to forget how loud it actually is.

“The Cybertruck is like a zen garden on the inside and an urban-warfare tank on the outside,” Dunham said. “It makes sense, on a lot of levels, that Dr. Arnn would be attracted to a giant, polarizing gadget made up of elemental shapes and materials.”

tank on the outside.”

Arnn said he admires Musk as well as the Cybertruck.

“I know Elon Musk a little bit, and I think he’s really odd and great in some important ways, maybe a little crazy,” Arnn said. “He always over-promises and then delivers more than others.”

By Thomas McKenna City news Editor

The city council voted to hold an August special election for mayor even as Acting Mayor Joshua Paladino said the move likely breaks the city charter’s rules for filling vacancies.

“There is no possible interpretation where this is a regular election. I’m sorry. I don’t see it at all. I’m pretty sure we just violated the charter,” Paladino ’18 said immediately after the 6-2 vote Tuesday night, with Councilman Jacob Bruns (Ward 1) and Matt Bentley (Ward 2) in the minority. Despite his misgivings, Paladino voted in favor of the motion. He said in an interview last week he did not want to appear to be avoiding an election.

“I’m happy to stand for an election,” Paladino said. The city charter states midterm vacancies should be filled at the “next regular state election” — the 2026 statewide elections, according to Paladino.

See Arnn

Arnn said he “was charmed by” the Cybertruck. Catherine Maxwell | Collegian

Trump supporters and security line the streets of D.C.

Kamden Mulder | Collegian

Mock trial sweeps spring invitational

Students to attend March for Life

By Michaela Estruth Senior Editor

By Zachary Chen Assistant Editor

The Hillsdale Mock Trial B team swept the Hoosier Hoedown with a perfect record of 8-0 at University of Indiana last weekend.

According to sophomore Miriam Ahern and junior Chloe Noller, Hillsdale won all four of the weekend’s rounds 2-0 against the University of Illinois-Chicago, the University of Dayton, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Wheaton College A Team.

“If this is our baseline, we’re just really excited about what it can mean for us in the future,” Noller said. “The team performs really well together. They’re very cohesive. They all seem very cool and calm under pressure, which is essential to mock trial.”

Sophomore and team captain Ty Tomasoski said the team put out an excellent performance under an unusually short deadline.

“I think we had a week of writing and then a week to memorize, which was short even by very competitive standards,” Tomasoski said. “So it was really neat to see that everyone had their material down and it was performed well in the round. I think that really sets us up to do well at regionals.”

According to Ahern and Tomasoski, Noller won a 16rank outstanding witness award, while junior and team captain Valerie Check received both a 16-rank outstanding witness award and a 19-rank outstanding attorney award.

Arnn said he met Musk at the White House at the beginning of the first Trump administration. Arnn had been talking to former Hillsdale students, and Musk had asked who they were.

“I said, ‘I work in the best college in America, and these are my kids,’” Arnn recalled. “And he said, ‘They don’t look like kids to me.’ And I said, ‘To you, sir, they are authorities. To me, they are kids.’”

Musk “liked that,” Arnn said, and after a brief conversation, Musk invited Arnn to visit Tesla. Both Arnn and his wife, Penny, went.

“You’ve got to be fascinated with that guy,” Arnn said. “He’s a force of nature. He wants to go to Mars. And he thinks that if you can use AI and get out in space, you can figure out the meaning of the universe, which I think is not exactly the way you go about doing that.”

Arnn compared him to J. D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie, who both invented “great industry.”

“I admire him,” Arnn said. “There’s some things he seems to think that I don’t agree with. But who cares? He’s an interesting guy, but I like the Cybertruck.” Musk will not be the 2025 commencement speaker, Arnn said.

The number of students planning to attend the March for Life this Friday surged to 89 from 55 in December, after Hillsdale College for Life received additional funding.

“By attending the march, we are commemorating the many lives lost to the horrors of abortion, and we are showing our support for the beautiful movement that works tirelessly to make abortion unthinkable and unlawful,” said Katherine Vander Wall, secretary of HCFL.

“With the role of the states being more important, we are also growing a strong state march for life initiative quickly. However, we will continue to march every January at the national level until a culture of life is restored in the United States of America,” the website states.

Students will leave Thursday night and arrive in D.C. Friday morning. They will have Friday afternoon and most of the day Saturday to explore D.C. before they depart for campus late Saturday afternoon and arrive in Hillsdale early Sunday morning, Vander Wall said.

dent, another from a student and their parents, another from a local pro-life organization, and more from the uncles and extended family of a student,” Marks said in an email to The Collegian.

Vander Wall said this year’s March For Life will be different from previous years because it will begin at the Washington Monument, proceed down Constitution Avenue, and circle around the U.S. Capitol building. Previous marches have passed the Supreme Court, instead of the Capitol.

Both were first-time award winners.

“Their awards were absolutely deserved,” Tomasoski said. “There were a lot of times when both of them have been just so close to an award, so it’s awesome to see them finally get the recognition they deserve, because they’re fantastic competitors.”

According to Tomasoski, the B team now has two weeks until competing at regionals, the first round of competitions whose winners advance to the Opening Round Championship Series. The top six teams from each ORCS across the nation will compete at nationals.

“The 8-0 sweep is important because it means that we were able to put every judge in the round on our side in every round,” Tomasoski said. “That’s crucial, because one ballot can often be the difference between receiving a bid to advance and not getting a bid. ”

The Hillsdale Mock Trial C team also competed over the weekend at the Hoosier Hoedown. The team lost three rounds and won one round, according to sophomore and team captain Ella Lovins.

Lovins said sophomore Hershey Athysivam won a 17-rank outstanding witness award.

“We all saw some amazing things from Hershey, as shown by her award,” Lovins said. “My co-captain Brennan Berryhill had an exceptional weekend, and we have a lot of talented people on this team. I’m really excited to see what they do at regionals.”

Arnn said the Cybertruck’s navigation system automatically includes charging stations in its routes — 10 minutes of charging can add about 50 miles.

But the increase and integration of electric vehicles is “a complex problem,” said Assistant Professor of Physics Michael Tripepi.

“Right now, we don’t have a large infrastructure for electric vehicles,” he said. “Although, surprisingly, this area does have a few charging stations around.”

Tripepi said thanks to the abundance of gas stations, drivers expect to be able to power their vehicles from the East Coast to West Coast.

“It’s hard to say what the solution might be,” he said. “It might be a combination of technologies.”

He said he’s not sure what the future of driving looks like.

“I don’t think we’re going to have gas-powered vehicles forever,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Cybertruck might herald the future of Hillsdale College’s vehicles.

Arnn said the college currently owns about 25-30 vehicles, all of which have to be serviced and taken to the gas station. The Tesla Model Y — which has a lower price tag and similar features to the Cybertruck — might become the school’s go-to car.

“I’m gonna get the guys and the girls to use it for airport

In previous years, about 120 students have joined the trip to Washington, D.C., according to Vander Wall.

The March for Life is an annual pro-life event in which thousands of people have marched against abortion since 1974, following the Supreme Court’s decision to recognize a constitutional right to abortion its Roe v. Wade decision.

While Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned Roe in 2022, the event continues marching to make abortion unthinkable, according to the March for Life website.

Speaker

By Malia Thibado Collegian Reporter

Previous trips have been condensed, and students have had less time to enjoy the city, according to Vander Wall.

In past years, Hillsdale Student Federation has funded the trip with $20,000, but this year it funded $6,000. The remaining funds came from students, parents, and donations, HCFL President Grace Marks said at the pre-trip meeting Jan. 20.

“We are paying with a combination of this $6,000, the money received from each student paying a ticket price, and some generous donations: one from the father of a stu -

Sophomore Jillian Barclay will attend the march for the first time and said she is excited to meet the people who support women and support life.

“I am going to the March for Life to celebrate the work of the people who support pregnant women throughout their pregnancies, to draw attention to the support that is out there, and to recognize the innocent lives that have been lost to abortion,” Barclay said.

Barclay said she is familiar with the pro-life movement from some canvassing work and personal stories.

Junior Andrew Winter said he is excited for the trip with friends and to visit friends currently living in D.C. for the Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program. He said attending the march is an important stance for young men and women to take.

“I have always been so inspired by those signs that say ‘I am the pro-life generation.’ I firmly believe that someday abortion will be outlawed nationwide, and the march is where we begin to realize that goal on the ground, in the trenches,” Winter said. “Going to the march as a college student shows the world that the younger generation still believes abortion is a worldclass evil, and we are going to end it.”

“It broke my heart when I saw a close friend consider an abortion. She eventually decided to keep her baby in the midst of pressure from her family and from her boyfriend at the time,” Barclay said. “These success stories need to be told from those who have experienced this and those close to these women. This is a real issue that college-aged women face, and it’s our job to draw attention to it and support these women.”

to discuss weaponry across history

Professor and author Paul Lockhart will give a public seminar on the evolution of weaponry in military history Thursday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Lane Hall.

Lockhart’s lecture, “Why Historians Ignore Weapons and Why They Shouldn’t,” will be based on his latest book, “Firepower: How Weapons Shaped Warfare.” His talk will explore the role of technological advancements in warfare and how history has been shaped by countries who adapt their weaponry faster than others.

Lockhart has written six books about American and Danish military history, including “Frederik II and the Protestant Cause: Denmark’s Role in the Wars of Religion”

trips to see how they like it,”

Arnn said.

Arnn said when he left the truck at the Detroit airport for five days, it still showed enough charge to make it back to Hillsdale.

“The problem is batteries

and “The Drillmaster of Valley Forge: The Baron de Steuben and the Making of the American Army.”

ies needed to invest more in research and development of newer weapons, change battle strategies, and spend more

“Today, you can’t be an informed voter if you don’t understand our military and therefore our foreign policy.”

“Changes in firearms have changed how people fight wars in fundamental ways,” said David Stewart, professor of history and a faculty member of Hillsdale’s Center for Military History and Strategy. Stewart said as weapons technology advanced, militar-

— range and charging time — but that’s getting faster, and the range is getting longer, and I thought, ‘Electric cars are going to win,’” Arnn said. He said he’s currently saved about $85 by charging the Cybertruck, compared to filling

on training soldiers with new weaponry.

“You don’t understand history if you don’t understand military history,” Stewart said. “Today, you can’t be an informed voter if you don’t understand our military and therefore our foreign policy.”

it with gas, according to the truck’s data.

Sophomore Aaron Grossman said he’s seen Arnn driving around in the truck.

“I think Dr. Arnn should arrive at President’s Ball in his Cybertruck,” Grossman said.

Sophomores Leonard Fitz and Grace Canlas, students of Stewart’s Foundation of Military History II class, said they plan to attend Lockhart’s lecture.

“The thing I’m most looking forward to is not just looking at firepower and how it has influenced warfare in a military sense, but also how it has shaped governments in the West and in the world,” Canlas said. Fritz said he has already read parts of Lockhhart’s book and said he is interested to hear him speak in person.

“Dr. Lockhart seems like a very accomplished historian,” Fritz said. “It should be interesting to hear what he has to say about how really rapid technological advancement happens in a pretty short amount of time.”

Certain students might get a chance to experience the truck for themselves.

“Students who do exceptional deeds and thoughts are going to be given rides in the Cybertruck,” Arnn said.

The Collegian

writing, photography, or videography, please contact Jillian Parks at jparks@hillsdale.edu.

Arnn from A1

The Cybertruck’s sensors pick up humans, animals, and other vehicles. Catherine Maxwell | Collegian

The Mock Trial B Team won all of its rounds. Courtesy | Chloe Noller

Oratory competition to explore ‘Education and the Republic’

By Jillian Parks Editor-in-Chief

Applications for the 25th annual Edward Everett Oratory Competition are due Jan. 24 on the topic “Education and the Republic.” The preliminary competition will take place in mid-February, and the final competition will take place Tuesday, March 4.

“Because of the incoming administration’s interest in changing the landscape of education, there were a couple of education topics in the mix,” Kirsten Kiledal, competition director and professor of rhetoric and media, said. “This one was chosen unanimously after a bit of crafting within the meeting. It was thought to be of central interest to our entire community and was left open enough for the generation of arguments unique to individual speakers.”

The judges this year include President Larry Arnn and Don Tocco. The first place winner will be awarded $3,000, second place will receive $2,000, and third place will receive $1,000 endowed by the Saul N. Silbert Charitable Trust.

“Everett is one of many

public speaking opportunities that has taught me that if I have committed to something, I must see it through no matter what,” last year’s competition winner junior Emily Schutte said. “I am terrified every time I get up in front of people to speak, yet I know I must keep going. I hate it in the moment, but I love it in the end.”

Both Schutte and Kiledal said those interested in applying should remember this is not an essay competition.

“When deciding how to frame your oration, my best advice is to speak from your heart and to tell a story,” Schutte said. “I never expected to place first primarily because my competition consisted of extremely talented, experienced public speakers. I believe what captured the audience and the judges was my use of story and personal experience.”

Kiledal said that while people with more expressly speech-focused majors often succeed, so do students from all parts of campus. Any undergraduate student in good standing can apply, and those interested should email Kiledal at kkiledal@hillsdale.edu.

Hillsdale running club dashes onto campus

By Daniel Johnson Collegian Reporter

After Student Affairs approved the Hillsdale Running Club this semester, leaders of the club will give a presentation to the Student Federation for club funding next week.

“The vision of the club is to foster running and build a running community,” said Associate Professor of Economics Charles Steele, the club’s faculty advisor. “It is for people who are the greatest runners, people who are not runners but would like to try, and everyone in between.”

Junior Katie Edison, the club’s president, said the club hopes to fill a gap between high school and collegiate running.

“As it stands, running is one of the most popular youth sports for boys and girls,” Edison said. “Despite this vast talent pool and interest, less than 5% of high school runners go on to run in college. Looking at the statistics of high school runners, it just makes sense for there to be a space to bring runners together.”

Edison said the club will provide a consistent training plan in addition to racing opportunities.

“We will provide a weekly workout schedule for all abilities, opportunities for road races, track, and cross country in the fall,” Edison said. “Our first race will be the Super 5K in Novi, Michigan, on Super Bowl Sunday.”

Edison said she hopes to hold optional practices Monday through Thursday at 4:15 p.m. and on Saturdays at 9 a.m.

Both Steele and Edison said they hope for the club to be a networking opportunity for runners looking for partners or groups, in addition to a practice schedule and racing opportunities.

“The goal of our club is that even if they can’t make these times, we hope to foster a community where people can meet

By Ameera Wilson Collegian Reporter

Students can become certified Michigan substitute teachers in a workshop held by Career Services Jan. 24.

Career Services will be working with EduStaff, a Michigan-based K-12 substitute staffing agency, to teach and provide the certification for anyone wishing to teach as a substitute in 2025, according to Sharon Rupp, director of employer relations for Career Services.

“EduStaff is conducting the workshop,” Rupp said. “Students are also required to be

fingerprinted to complete the process to be certified.”

Any students who complete the workshop and fingerprinting will be able to act as a substitute teacher anywhere in the state of Michigan, Rupp said.

She said there are several possible benefits to participating in the workshop.

“This is a great opportunity for students as they will get exposure to culture and school environment, develop classroom management and communication skills, including following lesson plans, build confidence and network within the school district for future teaching opportunities,” Rupp said.

Senior Maggie Baldwin, an English major, also said substitute teaching is beneficial for any students who hope to teach.

“I think a substitute teacher will encounter the most difficult parts of teaching, so it’s not for everyone,” Baldwin said. “But for students who know they want to teach, it is a great opportunity to learn the hardest lessons about teaching first, and thus build up valuable experience before they run their own classrooms.”

Rupp said while substitute teaching pays in experience, it is also a great source of income to students.

According to Rupp, there are a few hours of prep work necessary to do prior to the workshop, so it is best if students sign up as soon as possible.

The workshop will take place at 12 p.m. Jan. 24 in the Elizabeth Hoynak Archive Center. Students can register for the event on Handshake.

“Given the college no longer has an accredited teaching program, this provides evidence of the student’s interest in the teaching field and builds skills required to be a teacher,” Rupp said.

ITS installs new campus printers

By Jamie Parsons Collegian reporter

Students and faculty can now use printers that are faster, more reliable, and cheaper, according to Patrick Chartrand, senior director of IT infrastructure and support.

“They don’t break down as often, and the cost for the supplies is considerably less,” Chartrand said of the new Epson brand printers. “We wanted that reliability on campus.”

Over winter break, Information Technologies Services began replacing the Xerox laser printers on campus with Epson Workforce Precision printers with heat-free technology. Chartrand said Hillsdale decided to terminate its lease on the Xerox printers and switch to a new vendor that leases Epson printers instead.

Chartrand said one of the reasons why the Epson printer is

faster and cheaper than its predecessor is because it does not use a drum and fuser to print. The drum is responsible for rolling the toner onto the page, and the fuser is responsible for providing heat and pressure to the drum, allowing the toner to permanently bond with the paper.

Chartrand said the drum and fuser take time and electricity to heat up; therefore, printers without them print faster and use less electricity.

“Epson printers do not have a drum or fuser so there is no waiting period,” Chartrand said. “The other good thing is we don’t have to use electricity to warm them up. This saves us on time and money.”

Chartrand also said the Epson printers charge less for each page that is printed compared to the Xerox printers.

“We get charged for every page that is printed,” Chartrand said “And we pay less for a page

that is printed with the Epson printers.”

Chartrand said ITS has currently installed 40 Epson printers around campus, the library and Career Services office being two of the locations.

“I think the software is definitely a little faster and more consistent,” sophomore and student library worker Charles Taylor said.

Taylor said the only downside to the new printers is students have to connect their personal computer to the printers again.

“We have had some people having trouble with getting connected initially,” Taylor said.

“But once the printers are on their computers, I haven’t really had people come up to me confused about printing.”

up outside club times and run together,” Edison said.

Edison said the club has had an enthusiastic reception, with more than 80 students signed up already. About half of these have racing experience.

Freshman Connor O’Donoghue previously ran cross country in high school and said he wants to keep running in college.

“It’s a really great way to think about things and just clear my head,” O’Donoghue said. “It’s just really helpful for health across the board.”

O’Donoghue said he hopes to prepare for the 25K River Bank Run in Grand Rapids in May.

The club’s leaders and adviser shares this passion for running.

“My sister Brynn and I have been lifelong runners — we love the sport and the community,” Edison said.

For Steele too, running has been an integral part of life.

“Man is the rational animal, but he is also the running animal,” Steele said. “It has taught me how to set goals, how to plan, how to work consistently, how to persevere.”

In addition to practices and races, Edison hopes to integrate the club into campus life.

“We’re also planning social events, educational events, and hoping to work with SAB or the student rec on running-themed events, and volunteering with local youth teams as well,” Edison said.

Edison and Steele both emphasized that the club is open to anyone.

“Distance running is something nearly everyone can do,” Steele said. “If you think you can’t, you can. But you must have the will. We’ll show you the rest.”

Those interested in joining should email Katie Edison at kedison@hillsdale.edu, or connect on Instagram at hillsdale_runningclub.

By Jayden Jelso Collegian Reporter

Metz Culinary Management, the company managing Hillsdale’s dining services, recently changed the oil in its recipes from standard seed oils, such as canola and soybean, to olive and avocado.

Eventually Metz will cook all meals without seed oils, according to Tim Wells, associate vice president for Administrative Affairs. Currently, only J. Clarke’s Grille still uses canola oil to fry foods, but Wells said the plan is to discontinue use of the oil at some point this semester.

“Given the opportunity to increase the quality of the offerings and the fact that many of the recipes currently in place could still be produced with this modification, the viability of pursuing this modification was achievable and sustainable,” Wells said.

Wells said they seek to provide diverse meal options, including healthier ones.

“We have always sought to give a variety of options while pursuing achievable goals when it comes to quality of offering and the quality of components,” Wells said. “This fell in line with that strategy.”

Wells said any potential future changes to the pricing of meal plans would not be related to the new oils.

Sophomore Elijah Ahrens said he is excited about the change.

“I’m excited to see a change toward natural, non-processed ingredients that will greatly benefit our entire student body,” Ahrens said.

Ahrens said he and Konrad Verbaarschott ’24 met with head chef Adam Harvey in the spring of 2024 to discuss the dangers of seed oils. In recent years, many people have grown concerned that seed oils are potentially linked to heart disease and cancer, despite experts claiming that scientific evidence does not support this, according to the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health.

“A good rule of thumb is to take a thing, whether it’s the seed of a grape or the seed of an olive, and say ‘could I naturally get oil out of this thing?’ If you could, it’s probably safe and healthy to cook with that at some level. If you couldn’t, then you ought to look a little deeper into that,” Ahrens said.

Ahrens said he thinks of health as a “tripod” made up of exercise, sleep, and diet.

“The college puts a lot of fo-

“Now that I finally set it up, I am fine with it now,” Andegeko said.

Public Services Librarian Brenna Wade said confusion typically comes with any new technical installment.

“Whenever you get new machines, there is always a learning curve,” Wade said. Andegeko said the previous printer at Career Services was not reliable and she hopes the new printer will be a better alternative.

“The thing with the old printer was that it either worked right away or it never worked,” Andegeko said.

Taylor said he also had trouble with the old printers and has so far enjoyed using the new printers more.

“I support the installation of these new printers all over campus,” Taylor said.

Junior Rotem Andegeko, a coach for Career Services, said the only issue she had with the new printer at Career Services was setting up the device to her computer.

Metz cooks with non-seed oils

cus on trying to get us to have good sleep habits, but something that’s lacking is the actual food we’re eating,” Ahrens said. “We can’t just say, ‘here’s a plate of greens, therefore it’s healthy’ if such greens are cooked in oils or are sprayed with pesticides that harm our bodies. A lot of people think they’re eating healthy when in reality they’re eating food that’s really unhealthy.” Despite the turn toward olive

omore Zac Briley said. “That’s the end goal. If something is fried, it should be in beef tallow and not canola oil.” Most students, however, are excited Metz is taking a step toward healthier meal options.

“We’ve all heard the phrase ‘you are what you eat,” Ahrens said. “There’s much truth to be found in that. You don’t have to become a crunchy homeschool mom overnight, but it’s always

to hit the slopes with ski trip

By Elaine Kutas Collegian Reporter

The Student Activities Board will host its 14th annual ski trip to Bittersweet Ski Resort in Otsego, Michigan, Jan. 25.

“The SAB ski trip was a really wonderful experience when I attended for the first time last year,” sophomore Evelyn Shurtliff said.

SAB provides transportation, gear, and a full day of

skiing and snowboarding for $40 per person. Students can take the provided bus or drive themselves. The day begins with a departure at 7 a.m., and students return to campus by 5 p.m.

“SAB had everything taken care of, so when we got there, we picked up our skis and boots and headed out,” Shurtliff said. Registration for the trip opened Jan. 16, and according to the Jan. 20 Student Activities

Office email, is currently full.

Junior and SAB creative team member Gray Turner said students always highly anticipate the ski trip, especially those not from places with snow.

“I am from Tennessee, so I appreciate this opportunity to experience the snow activities Michigan has to offer while attending school here,” Turner said.

Students don’t need experi-

ence to attend, but Turner said bringing a friend who knows what they’re doing can help.

Shurtliff said attending with her friends created a positive atmosphere for learning to ski for her first time on the slopes.

“I had never been skiing before I attended the trip last year, so I started on the little bunny hills, which was fun,” Shurtliff said. “By the end of the day, I could go down a black diamond.”

Executive Sous Chef Austin Schmitz flips burgers in olive oil. Megan Li | Collegian

Keep US kids out of the gutter

By Michaela Estruth Senior Editor

The Supreme Court will decide by the end of June whether age restrictions on pornography websites violate free speech rights after a Jan. 15 hearing over Texas’s age verification law.

The decision shouldn’t be difficult — in fact, it ought to be one of those no-brainer, unanimous outcomes. Of course, pornography sites should have age restrictions, and they in no way silence free speech. Yet the case has incited more debate than such a clear-cut moral and safety issue should.

Pornography is sexually explicit content — images, videos, or writing — intended to arouse viewers, according to the Institute for Family Studies. Pornography is, by definition, addictive because of its clear purpose to hook viewers and entrap them in the thirst for dopamine hits.

Adolescent exposure to pornography can damage child development, including the acceptance of sexual harassment or activity as a minor, body dissatisfaction, sexual aggression, anxiety, and depression, according to the IFS.

Despite these damaging effects, the IFS reports that 93 percent of boys and 63 percent of girls are exposed to internet pornography as young as age 12.

Protecting children from this obscene online content is the responsibility of parents but requires legal reinforcement. Parents face an impossible task if laws do not enforce age restrictions to access such material. Even the fiercest helicopter mom can’t filter every minute of her child’s screen content. As soon as the child has a phone, parents have surrendered some control. They are trusting other established precautions, on apps and the internet, to keep their children from vile content.

Despite this logical, seemingly universal, hope to protect children, many in America believe such efforts either hinder adult rights or are undependable. In a recent Free Press article, River Page argued that porn is inevitable, that restricting access is equivalent to book bans, and that laws attempting such restrictions are pointless.

“The day an American teenager with a normal IQ can’t access porn on an unfiltered internet connection is the day freedom no longer exists in the United States,” Page said.

Page’s argument presents an oversimplified dichotomy: either citizens have access to everything, or they aren’t free.

But with that reasoning,

By Micah Hart Collegian Reporter

Farewell to high prices at the pump. Farewell to an open southern border that permitted murderers and rapists to flood the country and harm citizens like Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student killed by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. Farewell to chaos abroad that highlighted American weakness.

It’s a new day in America.

Former President Joe Biden should be cautiously applauded for his efforts to unite in his 18-minute farewell address Jan. 15. Americans need unity to move forward. But Biden neither unified nor led during his

Poor leadership cost LA lives

By Lauren Bixler Circulation Manager

American citizens face oppression daily because of simple traffic and moral laws. Porn is “inevitable,” just as murder, car accidents, and sickness are inevitable. This doesn’t mean, however, that nothing should be done. Murder is illegal. Laws set standardized speed limits. Doctors encourage healthy lifestyles. These are all precautions in place to decrease potential harm to Americans. Similar precautions should regulate porn sites.

Companies providing such obscene content should require presentation of federal ID. Requiring proof of age identification for access to explicit material is a reasonable and necessary policy.

Young adults have to provide identification to purchase alcohol, tobacco, and even certain medications. If alcoholic consumption is age-restricted to protect kids, porn access should also be age-restricted.

Page overreacts in his comparison of age restriction to book bans and the “Great Firewall of China” censorship. Enforcing age requirements is not censorship — no adult suffers oppression or limitation. The inconvenience of an extra five minutes to provide legal ID ensures safety, not censorship.

The claim that government limitation of porn is pointless stems from laziness and passivity. Yes, people will break the law. But those laws remain laws. Just because some will violate the laws doesn’t mean the laws are pointless.

Page’s best point in his entire article was his emphasis on familial responsibility.

“The institution most capable of stopping children from viewing pornography is the family: If you don’t want your kid watching porn, don’t give them unlimited access to the internet,” Page said.

The government does have a duty to protect its citizens, which includes sheltering children from damaging and disgusting content, but parents must also be alert and proactive in shielding their children from outright evil.

Phones and internet access are dangerous tools that can quickly turn corrupt. Allowing use of these tools under parental supervision is a natural and logical step in training children how to use tools well and how to avoid the pitfalls along the path.

But the responsibility and enforcement doesn’t end with the parents. The people have given the government authority and power. The government is responsible to use that power to protect children from corruption.

Michaela Estruth is a senior studying history.

time in office. His legacy will be one of confusion, chaos, and cowardice.

Biden had redeeming moments in the speech. He echoed his desire to keep President Donald Trump's team in the loop with the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Biden also talked about how he worked for all Americans. He sounded clear and direct, for once.

Biden can talk about unity all he wants in an attempt to reframe his legacy for the history books, but it’s too late to save a ship that sank years ago. Instead of unity, he leaned into divisive rhetoric by calling Trump supporters “garbage” in October and labeling Trump a threat

formers, which then exploded and sparked fires.

“Because of the high winds, it was like a blowtorch, torching across the land, and winds made it so we couldn’t get air support for a really long time,” Christian said.

I am a Northern California native. Fires rampage through my region during the dry summers every year. For this reason, when the Los Angeles fires broke out on Jan. 7, I thought little of it. Looking at my fire tracker app, I saw the Palisades and Eaton fires at 23,000 and 17,000 acres, which seemed small. The Park Fire, which burned through half a million acres of Northern California a couple months ago, seemed more noteworthy than two “little” fires down in LA. Yet the Park Fire didn’t make national headlines.

Fires in California are not new. Neither are the conditions that create them. But finally the nation is catching onto what many of us in California have known for a long time: Poor leadership and poor policy are destructive. LA’s failures are blatant proof of that. Looking forward, Californians should consider moments like these and ask what leaders they want to protect their communities. Gov. Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass are not the leaders California needs.

No one can deny the treacherous conditions leading up to the fire. The Santa Ana “Devil” winds coming

But these winds were not a surprise to LA officials. They knew what was coming and yet were scrambling when the fires descended. Yes, the treacherous winds were sometimes unpredictable and cannot be controlled by human hands. But human hands can put policies in place to prevent those winds from decimating communities.

California has been plagued by policies that consider the safety and prosperity of the future environment over the safety and needs of people today. Preventable conditions affected the effectiveness of LA firefighters.

The Santa Ynez Reservoir, which holds a supply of 117 million gallons of water for the Pacific Palisades, has been bone dry since Feb. 2024, when it was allegedly closed down for repairs. However, when Free Press reporter Austyn Jeffs visited the reservoir Jan. 10, he saw “no construction materials or vehicles around the reservoir.”

“Firefighters told Austyn that there was no communication from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) about any water supply issues,” Jeffs reported. “Instead, the LAFD had to use water supply from three backup tanks, each holding only about 1 million gallons of water. They blew through it in less than a day.”

Reported by the L.A.

from the California desert, with gusts up to 80 miles per hour, created perfect conditions for wildfires.

Freshman Elizabeth Christian, an LA resident whose home was within three miles of a fire, said the fires were likely a consequence of the Santa Ana winds knocking down power lines and trans-

Times on Jan. 11, Los Angeles DWP general manager Martin Adams claimed the reservoir water would have “helped” but not “saved the day.” However, there’s reason to doubt what he’s saying. If the water indeed would have made a difference, his company and management are the ones to criticize. He has

a conflict of interest.

An additional condition that impacted the effectiveness of the firefighters was their lack of manpower. Between the 2023-24 and 202425 fiscal year, funding for the city’s fire department decreased by $17.6 million. On Dec. 4, just a month before the LA fires broke out, Fire Chief Kristin Crowley sent a memo to Bass noting the “unprecedented operational challenges” the department has faced due to the budget cuts.

“These budgetary reductions have adversely affected the Department’s ability to maintain core operations, such as technology and communication infrastructure, payroll processing, training, fire prevention, and community education,” Crowley wrote. Because of its limited budget, the LA fire department is severely understaffed and under-resourced. As one of the most fire-prone areas of the country, the LAFD has less than one firefighter for every 1,000 residents. This does not meet the demand of those communities. For comparison, cities like Chicago and Dallas have staffing closer to two firefighters per the same number of residents.

For a state that frequently fights fires, one would hope the fire departments and their leadership could preemptively protect our communities. This was clearly not the case this month. The fire department is simply doing its best with the current resources they have, which are minimal due to poor policy. We owe much gratitude to the brave men and women currently fighting the fires, some of whom lost their homes to this disaster.

such devastation might have been avoided. But moving forward, the nation needs to keep a close eye on Newsom and Bass to make sure they’re doing right by Californians.

Mel Gibson, whose Malibu home was destroyed in the fire, said Los Angeleans need to take control of the rebuilding of their communities and distrust the words of Newsom and Bass.

“As a citizen here, Newsom and Bass want us to trust them to reimagine the city, our city, and how they think it should be,” Gibson said in a Jan. 16 interview on the “Arroyo Grande Show.” “Look at what they’ve done so far to this town. You’ve got nothing but rampant crime, acute homelessness, high taxes, mismanagement of water, fires, and we’re supposed to trust them with millions of dollars to remake where we live.”

to democracy on numerous occasions.

“There is no question that the Republican Party today is dominated, driven, and intimidated by Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans, and that is a threat to this country,” Biden said in his September 2022 remarks entitled the “Continued Battle for the Soul of the Nation.”

His farewell speech, which first sounded like a message of unity, quickly reversed as Biden warned against an oligarchy forming in America and the connection of wealth and power, an ironic comment from a career politician who pardoned his son Hunter Dec. 1.

“Today, an oligarchy is

taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power, and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead,” Biden said. His words are not ones of partnership, but of polarization. His speech perfectly encapsulated his presidency — full of talk and little action.

Even the actions he did take, however, never seemed to benefit America. Biden constantly put America last.

Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina Sept. 26, 2024. In December, Fox News reported that Biden had pledged $1 billion in aid to Africa while citizens of North Carolina have still not

Consequently, these fires have leveled parts of one of America’s most prosperous cities to a layer of ash and rubble. As of now, the Palisades and Eaton fires have destroyed over 15,000 structures and taken at least 28 lives. And they’re still burning.

The media can spend all the air time on who’s to blame for these fires, but at this exact moment people are suffering. It’s too late to prevent the Palisades and Eaton fires because they are still ravaging across acres and destroying people’s livelihoods along the way. Instead, we should focus on sending relief to those affected by the fire and make sure that money is spent well.

If reservoirs were full and the fire department had the needed manpower and resources to fight the fires,

My hope is that enough national attention puts the pressure on Newsom and Bass to put ineffective policies aside to prioritize Californians’ safety. As a state, and as a nation, we need to come together and think seriously about who we let run our communities. Californians, and Americans, have an slew of governor and mayoral elections upcoming in 2026. Citizens should recall tragedies such as these fires to inform their vote.

“There’s definitely a lot of rebuilding that needs to be done, but I am seeing a lot of salvation in it and maybe this is the push we need to come together and focus on what is really good,” Christian said. As for now, the fires are not yet out. People are suffering and more will suffer if there is no change in leadership. We can mourn the lives affected while holding righteous anger at the failed leadership of our state. So let us pray for the suffering, focus on rebuilding, and encourage Californians to vote for better leaders.

Lauren Bixler is a sophomore studying politics.

Illustrated by Maggie O’Connor.

received the money needed to completely rebuild. Biden assisted Americans through requesting aid be sent to the affected communities, yet a FEMA administrator indicated that $40 billion more would be needed in addition to its 2025 budget request to fulfill the need and help the community.

Rather than filling this void, Biden handed over significant funds around the globe throughout his presidency, and in this case, to Africa. Apparently, building back better meant foreign nations and their people.

His policies did not make America safer or better off. A prime example is the botched Afghanistan withdrawal Au-

gust 26, 2021, when 13 American service members died and 45 were injured. America looked vulnerable, not victorious. The nation sent a message in November. Biden and the Left’s vision for America failed the American people, our allies, and the future of this country and her people. Trump has a mandate to govern well.

Micah Hart is a senior studying politics.

Opinions

The Collegian Weekly

The opinion of the Collegian editorial staff

Editor-in-Chief | Jillian Parks

Managing Editor | Isaac Green

Senior Editor | Michaela Estruth

Outreach Director | Olivia Pero

Design Editor | Ally Hall

News Editor | Catherine Maxwell

Opinions Editor | Caroline Kurt

City News Editor | Thomas McKenna

Sports Editor | Jacob Beckwith

Culture Editor | Colman Rowan

Features Editor | Kamden Mulder

Social Media Assistant | Sam Otting

Circulation Manager | Lauren Bixler

Assistant Editors | Megan Li | Tayte Christensen | Christina Lewis | Alessia Sandala | Zachary Chen | Eleanor Whitaker | Anna Broussard | Ellie Fromm | Ty Ruddy

Ad Manager | Nathan Stanish Puzzle Editor | Matthew Tolbert

Illustrator | Maggie O’Connor

Faculty Advisers | John J. Miller | Maria Servold

Online : www.hillsdalecollegian.com (517) 607-2415 The editors welcome Letters to the Editor but reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity, length, and style. Letters should be 450 words or less and include your name and number. Send submissions to the Opinions Editor at ckurt@hillsdale.edu before Saturday at 3 p.m.

Dear Collegian,

Strength rejoices in the challenge — especially on a Manning Friday night

I could still recite the Apostles’ Creed on my second try, so I probably wasn’t drunk, strictly speaking.

It’s me again, Joseph Oldsboy. A gang of my friends dragged me off to a Manning Street party last weekend, but it’s OK because I went to confession afterward.

You see, I’d been raised different. In my family, we know that some things are sins. And, while we are Irish, drinking is still kinda — well, let’s just say my old uncle Alan is still banned from family reunions.

I brought a lot of those assumptions into my life at Hillsdale — I’m not claiming to be holier than the Sigma Chi passed out on the floor whom I stumbled over last night, but I’ve intentionally spent more of my time pursuing Truth, Beauty, and Goodness at Olds Glow than I have interacting with frat guys.

The party I was at last weekend, though, challenged my assumptions about frat culture, parties, and manliness. I learned so much at my Manning Street party — maybe even more than I did in Logic and Rhetoric. Could it be (to paraphrase Aristotle) that man is a party animal?

To begin with, I’d been denigrating cigarettes for years for silly reasons like them giving you nicotine stains, terrible breath, and 12 types of cancer at once. But my friends at Manning Street reminded me of one little thing I’d missed all those years: It’s incredibly cool.

Similarly, I’d always thought Manning Street parties were places of sinful debauchery, rampant inebriation, and wild bacchantry. I was wrong — though, surprisingly, it seems like asking that Chi O to swing dance might have been a bit of a faux pas.

Sure, there might have been a couple of guys taking naps in slightly weird

positions in various corners of the room. Sure, the karaoke might have been a little slurred. Sure, I might have had to explain Diocletian’s 4th century economic reforms at least four times to some Kappa. But that doesn’t mean that all of the Manning Street stereotypes are true.

Think of it as a place to test your limits and assert your Hillsdalian virtues by rejoicing in the challenge of talking to new people, listening to music you didn’t know people still liked or remembered, or a little innocent kegstanding. Remember that excellence requires adversity — like the adversity of having to push away your fourth cold ‘un because you’re getting into it over supralapsarianism with a Calvinist by the bonfire.

Though I may never end up a party animal, and Mu Alpha is about as wild as I’ll ever get in terms of frats, I just want my fellow fundies to know. Parties aren’t all about drinking — there’s also smoking. And Ke$ha. So much Ke$ha. You don’t need to dance if you don’t want to, as long as you make sure to hide way back in the shadows.

I’ll always be an Olds boy (it runs in the family), but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the endeavors of my brothers in the Lord on the Manning Street circuit. Don’t knock the party life until you’ve knocked one back with the boys.

Joseph P. Oldsboy is a freshman. He hopes to graduate with a double-major in Olds and Aristotelian Ethics with a headache from Manning Street.

This piece was edited by Zack Chen.

City News is

Almost every student driving to campus from downtown takes the shortcut to Hillsdale Street from Broad Street, veering right by the parked police cars to avoid two hairpin turns and a traffic light. A new city proposal would close the shortcut.

You may have missed this proposed change unless you read the City News section last week. It’s possible, as a student, you don’t think it has anything to do with you. But news in the city should matter to readers on campus. Students drive, and 75% of

your business, too

Hillsdale’s roads are in “failing condition,” according to City Engineer Kristin Bauer. This affects students in more ways than dealing with potholes on dilapidated roads. Special assessment districts designate roads for repair and charge homeowners on the street about $5,000 each. City politics may start to matter to students if the rent for their off-campus house goes up to help landlords fund these assessments.

Students want to stay safe. The county jail is so overcrowded that it releases

inmates every week, as the City News section reported last semester. The acting mayor told The Collegian he wants to build housing for the homeless on the outskirts of town. This news should matter to students who walk home late at night.

Students shop in town. The City News section heralded the coming of Ethan’s Donut Factory, St. Joe’s Pizza, and Meijer well before their openings.

Many students voted in city council races last November when they registered

with their Hillsdale address. Did they know who stood for what? The City News section conducted a wide-ranging Q&A on particular issues that matter to students and residents: roads, homelessness, and the city’s relationship with the college. The Collegian doesn’t take stances on how to address road changes, a crowded prison, or homelessness. But we think you should know about these issues. If your zip code is 49242, what goes on in the city is your business.

Don’t tire of ‘too much winning’

By Jonah Apel Collegian Freelancer

One of President Donald Trump’s greatest lines during the 2016 presidential campaign was his promise that, “We're gonna win so much, you may even get tired of winning. And you'll say, ‘Please, please. It's too much winning. We can't take it anymore, Mr. President, it's too much.’ And I’ll say, ‘No it isn’t. We have to keep winning. We have to win more!’” Trump’s second inauguration on Monday represented the triumph of a movement years in the making. The winning has begun again. Unfortunately, the reactions of too many on campus since the election can only be characterized as “tired of winning.” Before

the election, the Oct. 31 “Collegian Weekly: Wednesday will be another normal day” predicted that the dining hall’s Warm Cookie Wednesday would be the most important part of the day after Election Day. Most of the professors featured in the paper’s coverage of the election in the Nov. 7 article “Trump reclaims the White House” expressed either apathy or outright dismay at Trump’s victory. How is it that even Hillsdale College could not muster excitement in light of this historic moment? Some will think this take overly simplistic, but we should actually enjoy winning. Trump’s non-consecutive victory is a historic moment that we should be genuinely grateful to have witnessed. The

campaign was full of emblematic images: the Trump mugshot, the “fight, fight, fight” picture after the assassination attempt, Biden wearing a “Trump 2024” hat, Trump working at McDonald’s. Trump’s resurgence was the greatest political comeback in American history — and in the years to come, we ought to remember this year of winning fondly.

Because of his eccentricities rather than in spite of them, Trump has brought back exuberance to American politics.

If 2016 presented a shock to the entrenched uniparty system — which proceeded to undermine Trump’s first term — 2024 not only dismantled the influence of the media and federal bureaucracy, but it also provided a robust vision for America’s future. Trump’s first executive orders signed Monday night started enacting that vision.

As Trump returns to office experienced in the inner workings of Washington, D.C., and determined to enact a fresh agenda, his second term has the potential to breathe new life into an American political order stagnant from decades of bureaucracy and mismanagement.

And Trump makes this winning fun. He’s hilarious and endlessly clever. Even before taking office, Trump’s electoral victory led to the toppling of Canada’s dictatorial prime minister and temporary peace in the Middle East. Not to mention the revival of America’s Manifest Destiny. (So much winning.) Trump’s second inaugural address, which began with the emphatic statement that “the golden age of America begins right now,” exuded confidence that the new administration will be capable of enacting real change.

People who tire of politics frequently complain that the

government never acts; that Congress, the president, etc., don’t listen to the people. Not only is Trump promising to act — he already has. Of course, the normal political squabbles will resume. Policies will be negotiated. America still faces challenges that, by nature, will endure for longer than one presidential term. And even if you consider yourself conservative, you personally may not agree with everything Trump wants to accomplish. “Tariff” may not be your favorite word in the dictionary, even though it should be. However, resist the temptation to join the bandwagon of killjoys who complain about every slight divergence between the Trump presidency and their personal Kallipolis. Reflect back on the last four years of chaos, dysfunction, and censorship. We asked for change. We shouldn’t complain when we get it. Trump fundamentally transformed the modern Republican Party and conservative politics. And that’s a good thing. Just as Barry Goldwater’s 1964 campaign sought to offer a “choice, not an echo,” likewise, for the first time in decades, Donald Trump’s agenda presented the people with a real choice. The people chose decisively. We should enjoy witnessing the result. As Trump said on Monday, “We’re going to win like never before.”

Jonah Apel is a graduate student in The Van Andel Graduate School of Statesmanship.

Illustrated by Maggie O'Connor.

At the inauguration, the vibe shift was real

By Kamden Mulder Features Editor

For the first time since President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration in 1985, America’s new commander-in-chief took the oath of office inside away from the crowds — and I went anyway.

The quick 48-hour trip to Washington, D.C., began after I received tickets from my grandma’s congressional representative. Learning the inauguration had been moved inside felt like a punch in the gut. But we had already made plans, booked hotels, and rented a car.

While I was unable to see many of the moments normally open to the public, and frankly spent the entire day walking around in the cold, the conservative community has never felt so vibrant. The silent majority is no more, and 2025 is the

year for open fellowship among like-minded people. When we hopped off the Capitol South Metro Station stop, we realized everyone else had the same idea — let’s go experience the inauguration anyway. The streets were flooded with Donald Trump supporters, decked out in iconic red “MAGA” hats, cowboy boots, American flag scarves, and Trump-inspired wigs.

Since his election, there seems to have been a shift in what it means to be on the Right. Eight years ago, the consensus was that normal Americans didn’t support Trump. Attendees at this year’s inauguration defied that stereotype. The energy in D.C. on Inauguration Day reflected that change. Every type of person, young and old, was in the streets celebrating a victory for America. It was reminiscent

of a liberation.

Paired with a palpable joy you could feel radiating through the streets were the most depressing and intimidating fences and trunks blocking almost every street from Foggy Bottom to Capitol Hill. The structures looked dystopian, a weird feeling when the inauguration was a joyful day for so many Americans. No one in attendance seemed discouraged by the obvious discrepancy between past inauguration experiences and what was happening this time around.

I didn’t see a single person protesting the new president or administration. Even police officers had huge smiles on their faces. Although I didn’t attend any official inauguration ceremony or event, I felt — on the ground — how most Americans truly feel. They are excited about

the new president, regardless of what the corporate media might say in contrast.

Walking down the street, we kept hearing, “I don’t care that I didn’t get to see anything, I’m just glad Trump and America are safe.”

After so many people remained silent for so many years in fear of being criticized or canceled, Jan. 20 felt like the first victory for freedom in a long time.

Attending the inauguration with no plan or event tickets may seem delusional, but I experienced the 2025 vibe shift firsthand. It unlocked a sense of patriotism I never knew was possible — and a new America that is here to stay.

Kamden Mulder is a senior studying American studies.

City News

Aldi to open Hillsdale location in March

By Mercy Franzonello Collegian Freelancer

Aldi plans to open its Hillsdale location in less than two months, one of the grocery chain’s vice presidents told The Collegian.

The City of Hillsdale Planning Commission approved the project early last year as part of Aldi’s plan to add 800 stores nationwide by 2028.

City of Hillsdale Marketing and Development Coordinator Sam Fry said he is enthusiastic

“We are excited to share that our first store in Hillsdale is expected to open this March,” said Ryan Fritsch, Aldi’s vice president for this region of Michigan. The new Aldi, which began construction in the fall, will be located at the corner of Moore Road and West Carleton Road.

about the progress made so far.

“People can see when you drive by there, they’ve already done all the work on the parking lot of the site,” he said.

The framing of the building is a significant milestone, according to Fry.

Freshman Savana Greb said she usually does her shopping at Walmart or Meijer, but looks forward to having a new grocery store in Hillsdale.

“I couldn’t be more excited for the new Aldi,” she said, “It really completes the Hillsdale shopping experience.”

Greb said she is excited about Aldi’s selection of charcuterie items and low prices.

Kathryn Wales, who teaches drama at Hillsdale Academy, said she has been going to the Aldi in Coldwater every two weeks for the past 10 years and is looking forward to ha-

ving one closer to home.

Wales said driving to Coldwater means she has to be strategic. Having an Aldi in Hillsdale will give her more flexibility when she goes to the store.

“It’ll be good to be able to pop over there,” she said.

Keefer Hotel to finish by September after delays

By Jillian Parks Editor-in-Chief

CL Real Estate told the city council on Dec. 16 that it needs until September to finish its renovations to Keefer Hotel, which was supposed to be completed in 2021 but has suffered from a series of delays.

The company will now have until Sept. 30, 2025, to complete construction. The Hillsdale City Council passed the extension 6-2 with Matt Bentley (Ward 2) and Jacob Bruns (Ward 1) voting against. CL Real Estate declined to comment on the extension.

“I voted in favor of it because I think the threat to the city is greater from the project being stalled than the threat to the city from the project continuing,” Acting Mayor Joshua Paladino said. “And I think there’s little risk. We’ve already foregone all the tax revenue for this project, so we’re not taking on any additional burden. The only burden we’re taking on is that they

promised to have this done by 2021, and they were promising all of this economic activity and growth, and now it’s not happening.”

In the event that CL Real Estate had its tax abatement through the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act revoked and abandoned the project, the building would need a new company to take it on, along with the multimillion-dollar tax.

“If [the state] revokes the certificate, it most likely sets off a chain reaction where their private investors, as well as public dollars are also revoked and the project is stalled, which is not good for anyone,” Paladino said.

“Right now, we have a more than half-finished building that at least won‘t fall over.”

According to chair of the Tax Increment Finance Authority and Chief Operating Officer of HJ Gelzer & Sons, Andrew Gelzer, the interior floors of the building were bowed, causing structural issues of which CL Real Estate was aware. Ho-

wever, after years of vibrations from floor construction, the main pins securing the front facade to the body of the building came loose.

“My understanding, and I‘m not a structural engineer, is that all of the shoring work caused structural issues they knew to exist to become exacerbated way ahead of schedule,” Gelzer said.

ping an eye on every inch of this building,” Gelzer said. “Other companies might have just kept going and said, ‘That‘s probably fine,’ but this company has been so stringent on safety, and at this point they don’t want their investment to literally fall apart.”

Ward 4 Councilman Robert Socha said he voted last month to extend the deadline, in part,

“I‘m confident this is the last time they will have to go before council to ask for any kind of extension.”

As a result, the columns that hold up the building shifted, and the project had to stop work for three days. The front facade was reinforced with shoring, which will remain in place until the project is completed.

“Before they got started, during and up to this issue, they’ve had structural engineers kee-

because he believes it’s a good cornerstone for a renaissance in downtown Hillsdale.

“Without this project having been taken on, the building probably, I don‘t know if it would have already collapsed, but it was on the way to imploding because it was structurally unsound,” Socha said. “That was all

discovered in this process, and it’s taken longer than anybody had hoped. But the blessing behind that is we have a building that‘s going to outlast our children‘s children.”

Socha said at the Dec. 16 meeting that he would vote for this project forever, as long as CL Real Estate keeps getting work done.

“I don’t know if I’d be persuaded to amend any of the agreements or tax incentives, just because they’ve invested millions of dollars in the building that probably would have collapsed in on itself,” Socha said. “But at the same time, why does the city have timelines if you‘re just gonna perpetually extend them forever, right? My hope is that it won’t matter, because we’ll all be dining in the new steakhouse here in late summer.”

Paladino said he would be in favor of amending the contract with CL Real Estate to enforce stricter deadlines with penalties. According to Paladino, two other members on council were willing to explore that, but the other five wanted to let it proceed as it stands.

“I’m not particularly keen on punishing them or anything,” Paladino said “The problem is the way this contract is written. There’s no enforcement mechanism. All of the deadlines are totally arbitrary and fake. It just comes down to the council.”

Bruns said he voted against the extension to explore other options for finding ways to ensure that CL Real Estate feels urgency to finish the project.

“The relationship seems backward to me, where the city feels like it has to make things easier for CL,” Bruns said. “This was an agreed upon contract. CL did not fulfill its obligations, so I would like to take measures to make sure that that doesn‘t happen again.”

Gelzer expressed confidence in the urgency the company already feels.

“I‘m confident this is the last time they will have to go before council to ask for any kind of extension,” Gelzer said.

Wales said she likes the store’s affordability and shopper-friendly layout.

“It saves a ton of money, and I like that it’s small, because there just aren‘t overwhelming amounts of choices,” Wales said.

According to Aldi’s website, the grocery chain is “No. 1 in everyday low price.” Aldi ensures customers will receive high quality products as well as a wide variety of foods that align with dietary restrictions, it claims.

Election from A1

But City Attorney Tom Thompson said the charter compels them to fill the vacancy sooner on a May, August, or November date, which state election laws designate for local elections.

“Is it the best way to do it, in terms of what you might choose if you were to restructure the way that’s set up in your charter? Probably not,” Thompson told the council. “But that’s the way it’s set up now.”

The election will fill the mayor’s seat left vacant by former mayor Adam Stockford ’15 after he resigned in December. The election will be held August 5, and candidates must file before April 22 to get on the ballot. The council selected Ward 4 Councilman Paladino to replace Stockford as mayor pro tem. Paladino told The Collegian last week he plans to run unless he finds another candidate who would advance his policy ideas.

“No one else really wants to do it, so probably, right now, about a 95% chance I end up running,” Paladino said.

If more than two people run in August, the city will hold another election in November with only the top two vote-getters. If the newly elected mayor is a city councilman, that vacant seat will have to be filled. That could take two more special elections if more than one candidate runs for the vacant council seat. No matter what happens in a special election, the city will hold a regular mayoral election in 2026.

Ward 3 Councilman Bob Flynn said he worries about how so many special elections could burden City Clerk Katy Price.

“I am all for following the charter,” Flynn said. “I just see a potential cluster coming Katy’s way in August of 2026.”

Ava-Marie Papillon illustrated the City News header.

The Keefer House Hotel, located downtown, is undergoing renovations.

Jillian Parks | Collegian

The new Aldi will be located at Moore Road and West Carleton Road. Mercy Franzonello | Collegian

‘Road diet’ and bike lanes on Broad Street face opposition

Residents questioned a plan by MDOT and Hillsdale to make M-99 one lane each way

By Christina Lewis Assistant Editor

A city proposal to slim down Broad Street was met with opposition at a meeting last week, and a city official promised to incorporate resident feedback before seeking approval from the city council.

“If the city council says ‘no,’ then the project dies,” Zoning Administrator Alan Beeker said. “If the city council says

‘yes, we would like to continue to pursue it,’ we would apply for the grant, and then if the grant monies were approved, the city would continue moving forward with it.”

The proposed M-99 “road diet” would slim down Broad Street from four lanes to three, with the middle lane acting as a turn lane, and bike lanes on either side of the road. The plan would also end direct access from Hillsdale Street

to Broad Street between City Hall and the Post Office. The city would need to seek grants before the end of February, and the project would begin in 2027.

Most residents who attended the Jan. 16 meeting spoke out against the plan, but many also acknowledged the city’s pedestrian problem and wanted amendments to the plan.

The “road diet” is supposed to slow down traffic coming into town, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation and city officials.

Hillsdale College senior Paige Conway started a petition against the proposal and got more than 30 signatures at the meeting.

“I’m against it because I think it’s going to slow down traffic and cause congestion even if they said it’s not going to,” Conway said. According to Conway, the roads by the college have a lot of potholes that need to be fixed.

“I’ve personally popped two tires on the roads here,” Conway said. “I think we should spend money on that, as opposed to taking a lane away from the road.”

Around five of the approximately 55 people at the meeting raised their hands to show

their

Matt Bell, a former city councilman and executive director of programs at Hillsdale College, said he thinks that most cyclists are worried about bad roads, not the lack of bike lanes. According to Bell, if the city’s goal is to bring more people into town, then the city should not take away driving lanes.

“Two lanes down from four would be a total disaster for traffic,” Bell said. “It would definitely adversely affect traffic through the main thoroughfare of the city even through first shift rush.”

Samuel Negus, director of program review and accreditation at Hillsdale College, is an avid biker and said he does not see a need for bike lanes.

“Nothing regulates traffic better than roundabouts,” Negus said. “That is an easily quantifiable fact. All of these conversations were, frankly, compared to putting in roundabouts in intersections, irrelevant. You‘re arguing about the second, third, or fourth best solution. The number one best solution is to regulate every three or four-way intersection with a roundabout, period.”

Project Manager Lori Pawlik from Wade Trim, the civil

engineering firm working with the City of Hillsdale on the project, said if the city decides to continue with the plan and reduce a lane on Broad Street, there will be extra space for a shoulder or bike lanes.

“I understand, if people don’t want the bike lanes, that’s fine, but we could still do the ‘road diet,’ and it would really help with slowing down traffic, if there are crashes, less severe crashes,” Pawlik said.

MDOT Senior Planner Mike Davis Jr. addressed people’s concerns that the “road diet” would increase traffic congestion.

“The road diet will slow down vehicles without limiting the capacity of the roadway so severely that we would see new types of congestion

that aren’t there now,” Davis said.

Owner of My Turn to Drive, Ben Cole, has been teaching students how to drive for approximately 30 years, and said the plan has pros and cons. Cole suggested that the city should not turn traffic lights off of their normal cycle after 9 p.m. and that it add a left-turn traffic light at the intersection of Fayette Street and Carleton Road, because he cannot get students to take the left turn without having close calls.

“The left turn statistically is the most dangerous turn to make and it has the highest crash rate, but I got to teach kids how to do it,” Cole said.

Courthouse renovations completed after two-year project

By Isaac Green Managing Editor

Hillsdale County completed renovations to its historic courthouse Jan. 10 after a two-year project to restore the exterior features and structural integrity of the building.

The original job, which started as roof repairs, snowballed into a larger undertaking when the county learned there were more serious issues with the building.

“There were stone blocks that were no longer attached, that were sitting there just based on gravity, that really could have released and fallen,” County Commissioner Doug Ingles said. “We did experience one of those stone blocks several years ago that had fallen from the bell tower and landed on the roof.”

To figure out the extent of the deterioration, the county hired Renaissance Historic Exteriors, a company based out of Illinois that specializes in restoration and exterior repairs of historic buildings.

“They asked us to do a whole building assessment, which we did, and that’s when we got into all the masonry and what poor condition the overall building was in,” said Brian Lockie, business development specialist for Renaissance Historic Exteriors. “That set up that additional contract to do not only the

tower masonry, which was in really bad shape, but the rest of the building as well.”

Lockie said the original plan was to be finished by the summer of 2024.

“The building really just fought us at every turn,” Lock-

than usual because it hadn’t had any love for a long time.”

Barring any cataclysmic weather events, Lockie said the goal is that the courthouse will be good for another 75 to 100 years.

“I think we’re going to set

ie said. “Every time we’d open up something that we thought was going to be a simple fix, it turned out to be much more complex than we were led to believe, which is not uncommon in our industry. This one just pushed back a little more

up some type of an every-fiveyear maintenance inspection just to make sure nothing has happened for them, but that’s purely preventative,” Lockie said.

While the project cost $10.8 million, moving for-

ward with the renovations was the fiscally responsible decision, according to Ingles.

Studies done by the National Center for State Courts showed that Hillsdale County has more than 40,000 square feet of need in its courthous-

ure out what to do with the current building.

Ingles said the other option was to demo the courthouse and construct a new building, but that would have cost the county an even greater sum of $30 million.

es, Ingles said, while the current building is only 20,000 square feet in size.

Estimates for an addition to the building came in at around $20 million, and while the county decided against that route, it still had to fig-

“While we spent $10.8 million, what we didn’t spend was $30 million,” Ingles said.

With the help of $8.8 million from the federal government, the county only had to borrow $2 million through an interdepartmental loan.

“The project met my personal goal for the $8.8 million in American Rescue Plan funds the county received as I wanted to use that money to fund something that would have a lasting effect on our county as well as something our residents could see for many years into the future,” County Commissioner Brad Benzing said.

In addition to preserving the historic building, the renovations helped unify the look of the exterior, according to Benzing.

“The elevator addition, which was completed in 2008, now has the same barrel tile roof as the rest of the historic courthouse and that ties the two together seamlessly,” Benzing said. According to Ingles, the courthouse is the gem and showpiece of the Hillsdale community.

“Without this building there,” Ingles said. “It would leave a black hole in our downtown.”

support for adding bike lanes.

The Hillsdale County Courthouse, with scaffolding, in October. Catherine Maxwell | Collegian

The courthouse in January after completed renovations. Isaac Green | Collegian

Proposed changes to the Broad Street and West Carleton Road intersection include adding bike lanes and closing access to Hillsdale Street by City Hall and the Post Office. Courtesy | City of Hillsdale

Sports

Women's Tennis

Chargers shutout by WMU

By Bella Doer Collegian Reporter

The women’s tennis team fell 7-0 in its first game of the 2025 spring season on Jan. 19 in a road match against NCAA Division I opponent Western Michigan University Broncos.

“This weekend was kind of a hard match to start the season off with, considering they have already played a few matches and they are just a very strong school,” sophomore Ané Dannhauser said. “I do think that the team competed exceptionally well, and we could match their groundstrokes easily. The difference was just in a few of those last finishing shots.”

In doubles play, the Broncos secured victories at the top two positions to earn the doubles point. At No. 1 doubles, Dannhauser teamed up with junior Megan Hackman but fell 1-6 to their opponents. The No. 2 pair, senior Courtney Rittel and senior Libby McGivern, dropped their match 2-6 as well.

“The girls did such a great job on all their doubles matches, and I really enjoyed watching and cheering for them,”

Games

Math Maze

Difficulty:

A path starts at the top-left corner and exits at the bottom right, only passing through squares orthogonally. The numbers around the border indicate the number of squares in that row or column that the path passes through. It cannot pass through bolded barrier segments, and it never passes through the same square twice.

Noughts & Crosses

Difficulty:

The numbers around the border indicate the length of the longest runs of consecutive noughts or crosses in that row or column (a zero means that symbol does not appear in that row or column).

freshman Julia Zlateva said. Dannhauser led the charge at No. 1 singles, staying with Western Michigan in the first set before falling 5-7, 2-6.

Zlateva, playing at No. 5 singles, came the closest to earning a point for the Chargers. After splitting sets with her opponent 6-4, 4-6, however, Zlateva fell in the deciding tiebreaker, 10-12.

Rittel spoke to the value of facing a strong opponent early in the season.

“We kept it super competitive with Western Michigan, which is very encouraging as they are a strong team,” Rittel said. “The match definitely showed us what we are capable of, and we are looking forward to the next two weeks of practice to smooth some edges as we prepare for the rest of the season.”

The Chargers will continue their season on Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. when they host Michigan Technological University.

“With a few specific drill practices, we will be able to compete with the best of the best,” Dannhauser said. “In about a week or so, we will be fully back in the groove of things and ready to take on Michigan Tech.”

Men's Basketball

Hillsdale splits games over the weekend

By Kirsten Lopez Collegian Freelancer

The Chargers ended last week with a gritty 75-64 win over the Walsh University Cavaliers on Jan. 16 and a tough 67-69 loss against the Lake Erie College Cyclones on Jan. 18.

Against Walsh, the Chargers struggled defensively in the first half, allowing the Walsh offense to shoot 62.5% from the field and keep the game within two at the end of the half.

Senior Eric Radisevic scored 12 points, going 5-8 from the field. He also grabbed three rebounds.

In the second half, the Chargers began to break away, dominating the glass with 36 total team rebounds to the Cavaliers’ 25 and holding them to 37% from the field and 23% from three.

Sophomore Mikey McCol-

said. “Once I saw one go in, the other guys just gave me confidence to keep shooting and trying to make plays.”

McCollum credited the team’s defensive improvement in the second half to Coach Bradley’s motivational

“Our biggest focus was staying connected as a group and keeping them out of the paint, which helped in making them take difficult jumpshots,” Radisevic said.

lum led the Chargers, scoring 18 points and shooting 7-13 from the field.

“All my teammates just continued to get downhill which led to open looks off their penetration,” McCollum

Track & Field

halftime to wake the team up and stop the high-powered Cavalier offense.

The Chargers then dropped their first conference-play game of the season against a strong Lake Erie Universi-

ty team that had only lost by three against the Chargers on Jan. 4. The Chargers now sit second in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference at 15-3. The Chargers held a 37-30 lead at the half but struggled shooting after the break, only shooting 1-6 from deep, and missing eight free throws.

“As far as the Lake Erie game, we didn’t box out defensively and they got offensive rebounds, and we also let them get to the foul line and they made their free throws and we didn’t,” Reuter said. Reuter emphasized the need to put continuous pressure on Findlay in their upcoming game and to play fundamentally sound basketball on both ends of the court. The Chargers next play conference rival No. 9 Findlay at home on Jan. 25.

Chargers exceed national marks and personal bests in Indiana

By Joshua Mistry Collegian Reporter

Track athletes junior Ben

placed 15th in the weight throw with a mark of 15.64m.

"The first meet environment was really cool, there were a lot

technical corrections to work on but it feels great to be comfortably qualified for nationals and to experience that facility before the real deal in a few months."

Also in the field for the men were seniors Matthew Belanich and Isaac Doughty, who placed 10th and 12th with marks of 16.73 meters and 16.24 meters respectively. Freshman Yahli Salzman

DII provisional qualifying mark with a jump of 1.69m.

Junior Tara Townsend also hit a provisional qualifying mark with her sixth-place pole vault mark of 3.86m.

Junior Lucy Minning placed ninth and 13th in the 60 meter and 200 meter dash with times of 7.88 and 25.17 seconds respectively. Her 200 meter dash time was a personal best.

"It’s a great feeling when the training I did over break actually pays off,” Minning said. “If I continue improving next few weeks of competition. Both the men and women’s team have big things coming soon!" Sayles said. Hillsdale will compete next at home in the annual Wide Track Classic on Jan. 25.

Senior Joe Reuter analyzes the defense against Walsh. Courtesy | Hope Canlas

Club Sports

Hillsdale hockey club joins new league, dominates in opening game

By Gabe Themar Collegian Freelancer

The Hillsdale College Hockey Club began its debut season in the Arctic Coliseum Adult Hockey League on Jan. 13 in Chelsea, Michigan, winning 6-1 against GGCP Hockey Club.

This first game of the season was played before most students had even arrived back to campus.

The victory was a strong showing to begin their 20game regular season slate, which ends in a guaranteed playoff pool and opportunity

to compete for a league championship.

“I drove 12 hours straight to the game, it was nuts,” said club president and junior Sean Daros, who despite the long road trip and missing multiple players due to travel issues, led the Chargers to victory against GGCP.

“We were able to score goals pretty easily,” Daros said, “and I scored two before going back on defense. We were passing well, everyone was having a good time.”

Daros, who has been playing hockey since he was five years old, took over the team

with vice president and fellow junior Brady Birmingham with two goals in mind: to make Hillsdale hockey relevant on campus while also providing a casual and fun opportunity for players of all skill levels to continue to play the sport.

Previously, the club competed sparingly against other independent clubs before joining the ACAHL, struggling to schedule games and ice time.

“It’s come with its roadbumps,” Birmingham said.

“The hockey team has had a history of just trying to sur-

vive, but I think we’ve found a home in Chelsea.”

The team now has their sights set on spreading awareness around campus about the club playing their biggest season in recent memory, and bringing the passionate Charger student section out to the rink. Both Daros and Birmingham reminisced about student support in the past, noting a game during their freshman year when they played in front of a fan section of over twenty ATOs.

“Having any fans at all in the stands makes a very cool atmosphere,” Birmingham

Sports Feature

said. “It creates a whole new energy when you’re playing.”

The hockey club provides students with a less time-consuming way to dawn the white and blue and represent Hillsdale College proudly, according to Daros. With one or two games a week and no additional practice times, players find playing with the club easy to balance with their academic workloads. “I like the fact that I can play a sport I really love, and I can do it with some friends of mine,” junior Kailas

Balasubramanyam said. “It's a little bit less serious than varsity sports and I like that as well.”

Interested players can still register for the club. The deadline is Feb. 1 and players of all levels are encouraged to contact the club president to begin registration.

The Chargers’ next game is Jan. 27 against the Green Machine at 10:30 p.m at the Arctic Coliseum in Chelsea, MI.

Softball coach to be inducted into women's summer league Hall of Fame

By Christina Lewis Assistant Editor

Hillsdale softball coach

Kyle Gross will be inducted into the American Collegiate League’s Hall of Fame on June 12.

The American Collegiate League gives female softball players from mostly NCAA Division I colleges and universities the opportunity to develop their skills and compete over the summer. Several students from Hillsdale have

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood hero was probably Patrick Kane because I always watched hockey with my dad growing up.

What is your favorite candy?

My favorite candy is Nerd clusters, but also gum. I've been chewing gum every game since like 7th grade.

competed in the Florida Gulf Coast division, one of four within the ACL.

Kyle Gross first started coaching his daughter’s softball team, and he quickly fell in love with the sport, and eventually the ACL itself.

“I got involved in it just because I've always believed there should be a place for female college athletes to participate in summer sports,” Gross said. “Baseball has done it since forever, but there's never really been leagues where softball players could. So, when I found out about that league, I wanted to be a part of it.”

Gross said it is an honor for his name to be written in their Hall of Fame.

“I didn't go into the American Collegiate League expecting to even win a championship, which we did our first year there, but I just went into it because I wanted to be

a part of something that I believed in,” he said. “And then it turned out, the first year there that I coached, we won the summer championship.”

Gross began coaching Hillsdale College’s softball team in 2019. Since then, he has led the team to one Great Midwest Athletic Conference regular season title in 2022 and two G-MAC tournament titles in 2019 and 2023. Gross has coached softball for 20 years, 11 of them at the collegiate level.

“I got into it with my daughter, and it helped us build a relationship all the way through her college years,” Gross said. “And then I was fortunate enough that she even coached with me for two years at Hillsdale.”

Gross’s favorite part of being a coach is the relationships he gets to build with players and students.

Compiled by Malia Thibado

“You have a great responsibility as a coach, and it’s not so much as an authority,” he said. “If you look at your position as a blessing and a responsibility, versus a kind of authoritarian or a dictator thing, if you can think of those terms when you're answering questions, when you're making decisions, you'll be way ahead of the game.”

Hillsdale senior and softball player Joni Russell recalled the time when she went into her coach’s office to have an honest conversation with him. After earning an NCAA Division II All-American title her sophomore year, Russell felt overwhelmed with the expectations to excel in her sport during her junior season.

“He's always trying to fix things, and he really cares about every single one of his girls,” she said. “I've never really had a coach like that before.”

Hillsdale Director of Athletics John Tharp said coaches like Gross represent what Hillsdale stands for as an institution.

“He gives kids an opportunity throughout the summer to continue to work on their game, but he does it in a way that is right and healthy,” Tharp said. “He's coaching young people to be the best versions of themselves. It's a great representation. It tells you what type of person Kyle is.”

“I just remember I felt really good after leaving Gross’s office,” Russell said. “I felt so empowered. And I was like, no matter what happens this season, God is so good all the time.” Russell appreciates the energy and can-do attitude that her coach brings to every practice.

If you had to become an animal while retaining your human intelligence, which animal would you be? I'd definitely choose to be a duck, but specifically the cute little baby yellow ones.

Courtesy | Hillsdale College Athletic Department

The Chargers gear up for a faceoff against the White Lightning on Jan. 20.

Courtesy | Caroline Kurt

Juniors Augustine McCormick and Sean Daros pose for a photo. Courtesy | Hillsdale Club Hockey

Coach Gross looks on from the dugout during a game. Courtesy | Reva Ludwig

Charger Sports

Women's Basketball

Chargers extend winning streak to eight straight

By Cassandra DeVries Collegian Reporter

The Chargers defeated Walsh University 59-50 at home on Thursday, Jan. 16, marking their eighth consecutive victory.

“Walsh is a good team that's always very scrappy, very competitive,” head coach Brianna Brennan said.

The Chargers still won despite one of their worst offensive games, shooting only 29% from the floor and making 17% of their three-point shots.

“It was a nine-point win for us, but it really didn't feel like it,” Brennan said. “They just battled them till the end. It was definitely not our best overall game.”

Brennan said the game against Walsh was the Char-

Swimming

gers’ fourth game in eight days.

“I think you could tell that our bodies were just a little bit exhausted,” Brennan said. “So the fact that we competed hard enough is a big win.”

The Chargers scored 21 points off Walsh turnovers.

Hillsdale had 46 rebounds compared to Walsh’s 34, and the Chargers recorded 16 points off rebounds.

“We absolutely crushed them on the boards, which was really exciting,” Brennan said. “And we had 18 offensive rebounds, and so getting those second-chance buckets was just huge and definitely a momentum killer for the other team.”

The Chargers started strong but only scored seven points in the second quarter. Walsh tied the game at 32-

Chargers leave Albion Britons in their wake

By Ty Ruddy Assistant Editor

Charger swimming bested Albion College 111-100 in a dual meet last Saturday, with multiple swimmers claiming event titles. The meet marks another milestone for the team as they look toward the Great Midwest Athletic Conference finals, which will be held in Canton, OH Feb. 1215.

Head swim coach Kurt Kirner said he wanted to take some pressure off of his athletes going into this meet but still find a way to compete at a high level.

“Albion was a down meet, but we needed to get some good racing in so I decided to mix things up and keep things fun,” Kirner said. “All swimmers swam off events to take some pressure off of them going into the final stretch.”

Still, according to Kirner, the team performed at a high level and responded with some quality performances.

The Chargers swept two different individual events.

Senior Megan Clifford led the way in the 200 yard freestyle in 1:58.94. Junior Jamie Parsons placed second and freshman Kathryn Viecelli completed the sweep for the Chargers. Parsons gave credit for the results to last week’s high intensity training.

“This past week we practiced a few quality swims where we had to swim at race

pace and visualize how we would swim during a meet,” Parsons said. “And that helps because it gives us a gauge heading into race day.”

Hillsdale also took the top three spots in the 100 yard butterfly. Freshman Ella Malone edged senior Joanna Burnham by 11 hundredths of a second for first place, winning in 1:02.66. Senior Elise Mason took third in 1:03.14.

Burnham and Parsons each added an event to the win total. Burnham won the 100 yard backstroke and Parsons took the 500 yard freestyle. McNichols touched the wall just behind Parsons for a runner-up spot.

“Knowing that the G-MAC taper is coming soon has helped us keep pushing through the tough training right now,” sophomore Inez McNichols said. “I know that all of the difficult practices we’ve completed this season are helping to boost our confidence as we go into meets.”

A relay team of Viecelli, Mason, and freshmen Matilyn Wilhelmsmen and Ella Shaffer took the 200 yard freestyle relay in 1:45.03.

“In preparation for the conference meet, next week we will be going into an extended taper which allows for rest and very specific focus into their optimal race plans,” Kirner said.

The Chargers race next at Davenport University in East Kentwood, MI on Saturday, Jan. 25.

32 at the end of the third quarter, but Hillsdale never let them take the lead.

In the final quarter, Hillsdale made eight of 10 free throws to win the game.

Senior Lauren McDonald had 17 points for the Chargers and was 11 for 14 from the line.

“Making free throws when it matters was a huge part of that game,” McDonald said.

Sophomore Annalise Pietrzyk scored 10 points, sophomore Savannah Smith scored nine points, and senior Kendall McCormick and junior Emma Ruhlman each scored seven points for the Chargers.

Hillsdale’s record improves to 8-1 in conference play and 11-5 overall, placing them alongside Ashland University and tied for second place in the Great Midwest Athletic Con-

ference rankings.

“We are looking forward to and focusing on this week because we have some important games coming up with Ashland and Findlay, who are also at the top of the conference rankings right now,” McDonald said.

The Chargers will next travel to play Ashland on Jan. 23, who they are currently tied with for second. Hillsdale has lost to Ashland for 12 consecutive years since 2014.

The Chargers will also play the University of Findlay at home on Saturday, Jan. 25.

“We are all super excited to have the opportunity to compete with two really great teams,” McCormick said.

Gohlke signs with NBA G League team

By Ellie Fromm Assistant Editor

Jack Gohlke ’23 has begun his professional basketball career in the United States, signing with the Wisconsin Herd, an NBA G League team, on Dec. 26. The NBA G League is the minor league directly beneath the NBA, and the Herd is affiliated with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Gohlke shot to fame last year during the NCAA’s March Madness tournament while playing for Oakland University, scoring 10 three-pointers and leading his team to an upset victory over the University of Kentucky.

“We were all watching their first game just to see if he would hit even one or two shots, so for him to pop off the way he did was insane and really fun to witness,” sophomore Nathan Furness said. “It’s the closest Hillsdale students have come to having a team to cheer for in March Madness and we cherished every second of it.”

Upon signing with the Herd, Gohlke immediately flew to meet the team before one of their road games. He has since played nine games for the Herd. His debut game for the Herd was on Dec. 27 against the Greensboro Swarm in North Carolina, where he scored nine points.

In that first game, Gohlke said he was surprised to play for 35 minutes because he had not practiced with the team and had signed with the Herd only the day before.

“I was expecting I'll just be here, maybe go in for a little bit if someone gets hurt or what-

ever, because I hadn't even practiced with the team yet,” he said. “I was thrown into the fire right away. But it was good. I think that's the best way to learn too. So I just learned the most by starting and playing a bunch right away.” John Tharp, Hillsdale College director of athletics, coached Gohlke while he was

a lot to learn about basketball despite his many years of experience.

“I played college for a long time, and I learned so much, and I thought by the end of college - not that I figured out basketball or anything like that - but I thought, ‘basketball is a simple game,’” Gohlke said.

“And then, once I got here, the

at Hillsdale and still follows his basketball career.

“I have not seen a complete Herd game of Gohlke’s, but I've seen highlights of what he's doing out there,” Tharp said. “I know he hit four or five threes the other night, and so it's great to see.”

Gohlke said the G League is teaching him that he still has

way we watch film and the way we practice and stuff, I realized that there's still many more intricacies to basketball and I have learned so much more.

So, I’m just trying to soak up as much as I can and try to improve as much as I can from the mental aspect of the game.” Tharp said he believes the Herd will allow for Gohlke to

grow as a player and continue to improve his three-point shots.

“With the athletes that he's dealing with, his ability to get shots off will continue to improve,” Tharp said. “So he knows how to play the game. He knows how to get himself open. And there's an art form of getting the ball in your hands, in the right positions.”

Before signing with the Herd, Gohlke played in the 2024 NBA Summer League for the Oklahoma City Thunder, as well as for KK Podgorica in Montenegro.

Gohlke said there is a different level of professionalism in the NBA G League, which he appreciates compared to his experience playing professionally overseas.

“I like how it's so professional in the G League,” he said. “We have a big staff and a lot of people to help you work out and to help you with rehab, all that type of stuff.”

Gohlke said he is grateful for his time at Hillsdale and the coaches that were an integral part of his life for five years.

“I want to shout-out coach Tharp and coach Keven Bradley for all their help from my time at Hillsdale and after as well, just putting so much time and dedication to the players that they coach and to me in particular, and helping me improve,” Gohlke said. “And I want to give a shout out to those in the basketball program.”

Sophomore Savannah Smith shoots a jumper. COURTESY | Reva Ludwig

Gohlke shoots a three for the Wisconsin Herd. Courtesy | Wisconsin Herd Instagram

C U L T U

‘Babygirl’ subverts sexual stereotypes

By Ally Hall Design Editor

Nobody puts Baby in the corner — unless you’re Samuel, the 20-something intern having an affair with tech CEO Romy Mathis in the erotic thriller “Babygirl.”

Patrick Swayze practically glows in the most famous scene from “Dirty Dancing” (1987) when he frees Baby from her stuffy family. But “Babygirl” subverts this. Samuel (Harris Dickenson) places Romy (Nicole Kidman) into a corner when they meet up in a hotel room at the beginning of their illicit affair. Instead of some cinematic display of liberation, “Babygirl” spends much of its screentime revealing that the only “baby” to be seen is Samuel, the supposed sexual authority of the film itself.

dest daughter behaves equally as unfaithfully as her mother. Far more compelling to the middle-aged business mogul is the intern stud who at the beginning of the film tames a feisty dog on the street. Romy is spellbound from that point on, and director Halina Reijn beats viewers over the head for the rest of the film with a very simple, mildly sensual assertion: Romy wants to be tamed.

Samuel delivers his madlibs-esque lines like a tired preteen. With each step towards domination, he trips on the laces of his boyhood. He throws tantrums when upset, stonewalls Romy when she tries to end the relationship, and threatens to expose their affair.

“When translated to film, the story loses much of the magnetism it wastes vital plot space trying to kindle

Thus launches a secret entanglement alchemized from carnal chemistry with few romantic or sincere strings attached.

As most horror stories begin, Romy is dissatisfied with her terribly happy, terribly mundane marriage. She has a doting husband, Jacob, who supports her despite her workaholic tendencies and reaches for her when she becomes compulsively withdrawn during intimacy. The couple has two children, and the el-

For all the movie’s plot pitfalls, Reijn masters Samuel as a character. He entrances both viewers and Romy with his brief glimpses of confidence and charming boyishness. Samuel is handsome, reserved, patient, and observant. He is also in his early twenties. Each erotic line is accompanied by an unsure smirk or laugh, cutting moments that remind both the audience and Romy that Samuel is insecure in his dominant role.

The most compelling scene of the film is not when Romy laps milk up from a small dish at Samuel’s feet or strips naked while he watches. It’s a different climax — the depressing one where Romy’s husband stumbles into their fireside romance.

After fighting, Jacob and Samuel exchange a strangely progressive conversation about sexual politics: the loving husband suggesting that female masochism is a male fantasy, and the other man arguing that this is a “dated” way of thinking about sexuality. Jacob begins to have a panic attack, and Samuel effectively tames him just like his wife. This is the best scene of the film, a heart wrenching exploration of a complicated woman whose only straightforward trait is her blatant narcissism.

Jacob stares up at Samuel

leaving their belongings unguarded, Kulhawick said that Ashland students were much more worried about theft.

“We had a few people who were losing pants out of the laundry room—jeans were getting stolen,” Kulhawick said.

Lashaway is studying music and said she values Hillsdale’s holistic approach to education.

“I feel like no matter what I’m going to do as a career, I’ll be prepared,” Lashaway said.

Like Andersen, freshman Ava King originally chose another school over Hillsdale, but transferred to Hillsdale this spring.

King attended Hillsdale Academy for high school, but said she chose Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio with the hope of growing in her faith. But a few weeks in, she said, she began to reconsider.

“Even though I was being formed in my faith, I didn’t feel like I was being formed as a student and learning to love education,” she said.

While Franciscan is comparable in size to Hillsdale, King said it did not offer the kind of experience she was looking for.

“I didn’t have any relationships with my professors, so my education experience was not personal at all,” King said.

Israel Gentry said he also encountered diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and

“It was unfortunate to see a Christian university push that”

progressive ideology at his school, Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma.

“It was unfortunate to see a Christian university push that,” Gentry said. “But at Hillsdale I see a desire to pursue truth, while at Southern Nazarene there was a limit to the type of questions you could

from his seat on the floor, the same perspective Romy shared for much of the film, though this time lacking in any tone of eroticism. But much like his wife, Jacob begs Samuel for answers as well: the key to making sense of his wife, the answer on to how to please her, or anything he can do to keep her.

Romy wants to be degraded to the status of a dog, a device used to reveal her true desires after long days of heading a massive company on the rise. Her affair represents her desire to relinquish control, to let another person make decisions for her. It enables Romy to become the very robot she’s spent her life building to do others’ dirty work.

What’s left is a deeply uncomfortable and, at most times, laughable display of a sloppy affair with no lasting consequences. Aside from a devastating conversation or two, those in power stay in power, and those who inconvenience that dynamic are conveniently shipped away. The loyal husband reads the Bible and not only finds a way to forgive Romy, but even tries to fulfill her supposedly “dark” fantasies that are more mundane than the average “Bridgerton” episode.

On paper, “Babygirl” would’ve read the way it’s intended to be received: a steamy thriller about control, power, and female pleasure in

a progressive society. Literary confines would’ve propelled the story to new heights and enabled the writers to position

ask before you were shut down by professors.”

Gentry spent three semesters studying biochemistry and acknowledges Southern Nazarene’s impressive science department. He said he hopes to pursue an education more strongly focused in the humanities at Hillsdale.

Anistyn Foster, who transferred from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, did not know about Hillsdale until this past winter break. As a Division I softball player, she was affected by the NCAA’s decision to decrease their roster sizes, Foster said, and began to look for a college to transfer to the following semester. Hillsdale’s head softball coach, Kyle Gross, reached out to her. Foster had the chance to visit campus and apply during break.

“There was a lot of peace as soon as I came here — from the people, to the curriculum, and sports, as well,” Foster said.

“Lascia

ch’io pianga” by George Frideric Handel (1711)

I’ve noticed that this is the designated category for faculty to show that they’re not just into high art. Sod that. Go listen to a good recording of Handel’s “Lascia ch’io pianga.” (Or “Lascia la spina.”)” Oh, alright. You can also listen to Sisterix’s “The Family.”

it more deeply in a cultural conversation about sexual politics. But when translated to film, the story loses much of the magnetism it wastes vi-

tal plot space trying to kindle. What “Babygirl” lacks in plot, character depth, and substance, it surely makes up for in comedically loud sex scenes, awkward camera angles, and not one iota of true accountability.

Professors’ Picks: Gavin Weaire, professor of classics

“Blue Velvet” (1986)

David Lynch just died, so it’s pretty much obligatory that I say “Blue Velvet,” isn’t it? It was more or less the perfect film for a teenager in the mid-’80s. Did it give me unfair expectations that there would be freakish dark horrors lurking beneath the surface of Hillsdale? Possibly.

“Imperial China: 9001800” by Frederick Mote (1999)

No doubt a Sinologist would tell me that it’s now very dated and point out all sorts of other problems with Mote’s interpretations. But it is one of the best general histories of a topic of major importance that I’ve ever read. It’s particularly good at resisting the foreshortening that afflicts so many general histories. I tire of reading “complete” histories where you’re already in the 20th century by the time you’re halfway through the book.

Jump from B1

Compiled by Ameera Wilson Collegian Reporter

Weaire, as a child, looks at a flower. COURTESY | Gavin Weaire

Babygirl movie poster. COURTESY | Amazon

C U L T U R E

Student to have 4th novel published in May

By Grace Novak Collegian Reporter

In addition to graduating in May, senior Lauren Smyth will be releasing her fourth sci-fi novel.

Smyth’s book, “Warsafe” explores the parallel existence of a video game and the real life beta-tester. Smyth said the story was developed from an idea that she had originally hoped to turn into a video game.

“I actually had a dream when I was about 13, and then

I was like, ‘That would actually make a cool video game,’” Smyth said. “I was into programming video games when I started writing ‘Warsafe,’ but that’s way too complicated of a game for me to code, so I thought ‘maybe I’ll just write it into a book instead.’”

General Manager of the Hillsdale College Radio Station Scot Bertram said he has high expectations for the plot of this book based on his experience with her past writings.

“She’s done a great job of

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protecting the plot for the reveal and release of the book,” Bertram said. “What I’ve seen from her other works indicates we should expect sci-fi/fantasy packed with adventure, action, and intrigue.”

According to Smyth, the book is set in Seattle and is full of mystery and action. It aims to bring readers into the suspense of discovering the real intent behind a seemingly harmless video game. According to Enclave Publishing, with both the characters inside the game and in the outside world being forced to come together, the book asks, “Could Warsafe’s mission be critical enough to justify its cruelty?”

According to Smyth, the process of publishing this book was full of ups and downs, although having already published three books prior to coming to college and discovering Enclave Publishing helped her navigate the process.

“I found them on Instagram. And they just have gorgeous book covers,” Smyth said. “I was looking at their social media posts, and I was just like ‘Well that would be a cool company to work with someday!’”

Smyth said she sent in her manuscript to Enclave and had to wait two full years to hear back that her book had been accepted. The importance of getting this Christian novel out into the book space, dominated by secular fiction, helped Smyth to have confidence even when the waiting phase was longer than expected and when the book got mixed up with another at Enclave, delaying the experience even longer!

“There was a lot of spiritual protection on it, but there was also a lot of attack on it,” Smyth said.

Smyth’s publicist at Enclave,

Trissina Kear, said working with Smyth has been a positive experience.

“As a Christian publisher, seeing her heart on fire for God and keeping with the values we have as a company has been great,” Kear said. “Always makes us excited to see what a young author like this will do in the many years of a career ahead of them.”

Smyth has been writing her entire life. She laughingly recalled how, even at the beach, her parents would find it nearly impossible to keep her from typing away on her laptop.

“I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing,” Smyth said. “I remember taking sheets of printer paper and I would fold them in half and draw a cover on it and write like three sentences in the middle with marker and illustrate it and call that a book. And I would make my parents buy this for a quarter all the time.”

According to Smyth she fell in love with the idea of writing intense action novels at a young age after working on set for a Christian “end times” film, “The Reliant.” There, she met the screenwriter of the movie, which was based on his own book. Smyth said she knew then that she wanted to write a sci-fi novel.

“I always found that I couldn’t find the level of intense action that I wanted in a book without it being completely not age appropriate in other ways,” Smyth said. “I think a lot of times what we think of as Christian fiction tends to just avoid dealing with hard topics, instead of addressing it in ways that aren’t focusing on the evils of the detriment.”

After signing the contract for her first book with Ambassador International at 13 years old, Smyth has contin-

ued to expand on her portfolio. In addition to publishing three books prior to “Warsafe,” she has created several video games and hosts the award-winning podcast “The

ing scripts for podcasts. I just love to write, and I do it all the time.”

When “Warsafe” comes out this spring, the books will be available for purchase at all

Grammar Minute.”

“She’s been a stalwart at the radio station from her first year on campus and continues to produce incredible content,” Bertram said.

Smyth said she plans to continue writing forever and to move to Nashville and work at Post Hill Press immediately upon graduating.

“I think if I tried to stop writing, I probably couldn’t,” Smyth said. “Somehow I’ve managed to write books alongside writing papers, and I also work as a journalist. I’m writing articles and writ-

typical book stores: such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon. In the meantime, Enclave Publishing said they can be pre-ordered for 20% off on their website: https://www. enclavepublishingstore.com/ warsafe-hardcover.

“Lauren is unstoppable,” Bertram said. “Her drive to succeed and be the best version of herself possible is a trait that will serve her well no matter what direction she pursues in the future. We’re just seeing the tip of what she’s capable of accomplishing.”

Students share why they transferred

By Madeleine Choe Collegian Freelancer

When Ingelise Andersen declined her acceptance to Hillsdale for greater scholarship elsewhere, she didn’t expect to face bullying from her peers and disagreement with her professors.

Andersen was accepted to Hillsdale for the fall 2024 semester, but opted for Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, due to its generous scholarship offers. But it wasn’t until after moving to campus, Andersen said, that she realized Augustana didn’t align with her expectations.

“The environment of the school was not friendly,” Andersen said. “They claim to be

a Christian private school, but their Christian beliefs did not align with mine and they were changing a lot of things I did not think should be changed.”

Andersen said she met with the dean at Augustana and even switched roommates, but she still had to deal with the same hostile environment. Ultimately, she wrote to Hillsdale’s admissions director and was able to transfer.

Emma Kalaydjian began her freshman year at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, but visited Hillsdale this past summer and decided to transfer.

She said she was also considering the University of Michigan at the time, but her tour experience swayed her to-

ward Hillsdale.

“I feel like at this school they really value education and see it as not just getting a degree — that’s how a lot of other schools approach it,” Kalaydjian said.

On her tour, Kalaydjian said she met Associate Dean of Men Jeffrey Rogers who asked her what other schools she was considering.

“I said ‘University of Michigan,’ and he replied, ‘Oh, that school is crazy.’ He was very open and honest, which I thought was nice.”

Ella Kulhawick and Rebekah Lashaway, who transferred from Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio, and Northwest State Community College in Archbold, Ohio,

respectively, said Hillsdale was their original choice. Both applied to Hillsdale hoping to enter in the fall 2024 semester, but were not accepted the first time. They reapplied for the spring 2025 semester while at their other colleges and were accepted. Kulhawick, who plans to major in history and minor in classical education, said she knew she wanted to go to Hillsdale after participating in its high school distance learning program. Since arriving, she said she has noticed differences in the student cultures at Hillsdale and Ashland. While Hillsdale students are often comfortable

Warsafe cover. COURTESY | Amazon

Students enjoy the snow.

COURTESY | left, center bottom: Max Aylor, Right: Michaela Estruth

Student recounts five days of flames

Avedis

Maljanian defends his home, neighborhood from raging California wildfires

By Avedis Maljanian Collegian Freelancer

from A1

Once the traffic cleared, wary of tractor-trailers tipping over in the wind, I gunned the engine while passing each one, despite my grandfather’s complaints at my speed. We reached my friend’s house 9 miles away in Montrose, where beds awaited us, but I couldn’t sleep. A fire-tracking app — called Pulse Point — revealed that the house two doors down from mine was ablaze and the fire alarm had tripped in a house across the street. At this point, I assumed that our house, property, and neighborhood were soon to be leveled by the blaze. At 5 a.m. Wednesday morning, our phones buzzed with another alert. My friend’s home where I’d taken shelter was now also in the evacuation zone. I contacted a relative who lived far from the burn zone and he agreed to shelter us. We hit the road again, praying fervently for the safety of family and property.

property was smoking. Flames shot up from destroyed houses. These were gas leaks, fueling jets of fire from their lines.

Once my parents and sister materialized out of the haze, they rushed to pack valuables and essentials. My father and I searched for small fires threatening intact homes. During our search, we encountered one of our neighbors walking around his ruined house. He pointed out an exercise bike’s metal skeleton, ruefully mentioning his fitness plan for the year. We attempted to shut off his gas valve and several others, but the tools designed to fit the valves were misshapen from the heat. The shutoff valves were usually right next to the leaks. Even with heat-resistant gloves, the heat was unbearable, and the valves were often permanently welded open by the heat and required special equipment to be closed.

With gas explosions shaking the neighborhood and embers wafting above, we needed some way of fighting the small fires blazing around us. Fire hydrants were dry and fire trucks were absent, so we were on our own. We

Without water, I had to urinate on the embers to put them out. I resorted to this desperate method several times over the next few days. Leaking gas valves kept causing small detonations throughout the night. The fire burning in the hills was threatening an array of telecommunications towers that serve the area. Every time I acquired a bar of cell service, I was flooded with texts and attempted calls from loved ones anxious to know about my family’s safety. One person in particular, a family friend in the fire department, provided me with wind directions, the Eaton Fire’s proximity to us, and other information on how to defend our home.

In the morning, my parents left the house to charge their phones and make a plan to remove more valuables. While I was alone, a small fire caused by embers from a neighboring house broke out on the south side of our property. I started up the generator, ran out the hose, and doused the flames with our firefighting contraption. The system worked well. After I put out the fire, I soaked the south

survivals. They would prove to be valuable acquaintances.

After I doused the south and east sides of the property, at 10 p.m. my neighbors alerted me to a strong smell of gas outside my house. My neighbors shut off the leak behind my house while a fire truck stopped nearby. While we neighbors and the firefighters congregated, an episode overshadowing all the day’s previous events began when a man appeared out of the shadows in front of my gate.

He was inherently suspicious. Young, wearing black attire and Birkenstocks, he clutched a bag with several pairs of expensive shoes sticking out of the open top, concealing other objects inside. My neighbors and I immediately surrounded him with questions.

The young man, unnerved by our interrogation, stammered that he was there to see some friends. This answer immediately evolved into an absurd story about hooking up with a girl. He was unable to provide her name or address, so we requested his driver’s license, which revealed that he lived several hours away.

“My street was a scene of devastation. Out of the 16 homes on my block, only mine and my next door neighbor’s were standing. Most of the others were smoldering rubble. The ground along the edges of our property was smoking.”

Google Maps directed us to use a freeway a previous fire had engulfed. During that fire, people were forced to exit their cars and flee on foot. Not wanting that for my grandfather, I took a long detour, and two hours after we set off, we arrived at my relative’s house, miles away from danger.

After several agonizing hours, I received the best news I’d heard in a while from my parents, who had returned to the house that morning — our house was still standing, but it wasn’t safe. My father didn’t tell me to come home and help them defend the house, but asked if I was willing to return. I gathered bottled water, food, and medical supplies and drove back alone.

Dante’s “Inferno” crossed my mind as I drove into my neighborhood — buildings ablaze, ash drifting through the air, and masked people stumbling around the ruins of their homes. My street was a scene of devastation. Out of the 16 homes on my block, only mine and my next door neighbor’s were standing. Most of the others were smoldering rubble. The ground along the edges of our

had a small generator with a few gallons of fuel stored in our garage, so we wheeled it out and attached it to a sump pump, which we placed in our pool. By attaching a garden hose to the sump pump, we could defend most of our southern and eastern property boundaries.

As we prepared our makeshift firefighting apparatus, my father spotted flames on the western fence of our nextdoor neighbor’s untouched home. We attacked the blaze with shovels and buckets. Down the hill was a destroyed property with several people poking around for remnants of their belongings. We recruited their help, and with water from the house’s pool, we doused the fire. The fire disappeared and with it, so did the neighbors. As the red, smoke-tinted sun set on the horizon, my parents and I stayed the night to defend the house from fire and looters. My father and I walked around our block, observing the aftermath of the fire’s journey through our neighborhood.

During the night, I observed small fires in the ruins of houses across the street.

side of my house with water. Later I learned that a man in my neighborhood was found dead with a garden hose in his hand.

Once my parents, sister, and grandfather returned, they packed up whatever else they needed. Sheriff’s deputies finally began patrolling our neighborhood to prevent looting. After we placed calls to the gas company servicing our area, workers arrived and shut off many of the valves to our west, but missed the valve in the ruins behind our house, leaving a 5-foot flaming jet directly to our south.

At 5 p.m. on Jan. 9, my family left the house to take our valuables somewhere safe. Although neither I nor my parents were comfortable with the prospect, I elected to stay behind to guard the house from fire, looters, and arsonists. Because of the dangers that the latter two posed, the sheriffs placed a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. over the neighborhood, with police checkpoints blocking access to my neighborhood. In addition to local law enforcement, the National Guard deployed to the area. I contacted neighbors whose houses to the west of mine made similar miraculous

His story changed again — he claimed he’d come from Pacific Palisades, another fire-devastated area, to view the damage he’d seen on social media. His ash-covered sandals raised eyebrows. All evidence indicated that he was a looter.

Increasingly agitated, he attempted to return to his car with a firefighter, who warned us that a citizen’s arrest could land us in trouble with deputies for being out past curfew ourselves. While we discussed this, the man got up and left, vanishing immediately. Alarmed at his disappearance, the homeowners fell back to their homes.

An hour later, a sheriff’s helicopter illuminated my yard, and four sheriff’s vehicles screeched to a halt outside. Deputies piled out, guns drawn, and informed me the man had been spotted running through my backyard. While they searched my house and my next-door neighbor’s, I retrieved my father’s pistol. After law enforcement left, I donned ear protection, and armed with the Glock, a flashlight, and intimate knowledge of my home, cleared every room in the house, finding nothing. After another hour of

searching the property, neighbors informed me the man was captured and released at a checkpoint for lack of evidence.

Over the rest of the night, I alternated between putting

After resupplying me and shoring up the house against embers, he helped my parents reenter. I updated my parents on the night’s events and left the house with the friend to wash up and sleep at a pastor’s

out fires and prowling around the property with the gun looking for looters and arsonists. Panicked coyotes and rats began to appear. From time to time, nearby gas explosions rattled the house, surging

house. I showered and slept for the first time in almost five days, then packed for school and helped relief workers reach the neighborhood. While my house still stands, ash and soot litter the

my adrenaline. Helicopters buzzed about, and fires still burned; a hometown warzone.

Fueled only by snack bars, I ate a military ration reserved for emergencies, my only hot meal since I returned to the house. I wrote in a journal whose contents have formed this article.

interior. Months will pass before it becomes inhabitable again. Compared to many around us, our hardships are easy to bear: Many neighbors lost their homes, and some lost their lives. Many blame

At dawn, my father texted that his reentry attempts into the neighborhood failed due to National Guardsmen.

Residents leaving the cordon couldn’t return. The firefighter friend managed to enter.

the government for their losses, but my focus is on the repairs and rebuilding to come. God saved us and our house, but the neighborhood we called home and the neighbors we call friends will bear the scars of the fires forever.

Fire

Wildfires tear through Altadena, California.

Photos Courtesy | Avedis Maljanian

By Kamden Mulder FEATURES EDITOR

“I know I speak for everyone going on the trip that this was a heartbreaking development a er all the preparations we made,” said sophomore Josiah Jones, president of Hillsdale’s College Republicans.

“Our HCR board recognized that this meant that we would be spending thousands of dollars to bring all 35 students hundreds of miles only to watch the ceremony on a TV screen.”

A TV screen viewing of the inauguration also was no longer an option when celebrations on the National Mall were closed o from onlookers completely. Tall, metal fences lined streets in D.C. — including parts of Pennsylvania, Constitution, and Massachusetts avenues — all streets surrounding the various inaugural ceremonies.

e skies were clear and sunny while the temperature hovered in the 20s.

“It was practically impossible to travel anywhere from K Street down to Constitution Avenue by means other than walking,” said senior and America First Policy Institute sta er Makayla Babcock, who spent the entire weekend in D.C. working the inauguration galas and events. “ at meant the streets were ooded every night with hundreds of men and women walking nearly a mile to attend the di erent galas and parties. It was truly a sight to see.” at being said, conservatives planned alternative celebrations — both in D.C. and Hillsdale — and the energy in D.C. for the new president was still palpable.

“ e energy in the city is vibrant, hopeful, and a bit chaotic. D.C. is naturally the epicenter of American politics, but this weekend, it felt like being right in the heartbeat of the MAGA movement,” Babcock said.

e streets in D.C. gushed with red — it was rare to see a person sans a “MAGA” hat. Chants of “U.S.A.” echoed throughout the streets, paired with a sea of vendors selling patriotic and Trump-themed paraphernalia. From ags, to sweatshirts, to Trump energy drinks, the city was transformed into Trump land overnight. Below-freezing temperatures did not lessen support for the new president, they just required more layers of patriotic clothing.

Thousands that came to D.C., however, came on the pretense of attending the inauguration with tickets they received from their congressional o ce — tickets that became essentially useless a er the change of plans.

“Our o ce heard rumors

about the inauguration Friday morning, but my chief and I were in major denial because we had put so much time and e ort into planning and coordinating the ticket process,” said Phoebe Johnston, staff assistant for Rep. Balderson, R-Ohio, and Hillsdale College alumna. “ en we saw some posts on Twitter and the news and knew it was actually happening. I wanted to pull my hair out. It was so stressful already and then moving it indoors was the cherry on top.”

Following the cancellation, one option to celebrate the inauguration was a rally-style event at the Capital One Arena in downtown D.C., where

“We just felt bad for everyone who had gotten a ticket because they essentially became worthless, even for the Capital One Arena,” Johnston said. “ e arena holds a little over 20,000 people, but between all the inaugural committees and o ces, we gave out over 200,000 tickets.”

ose who were able to get into the arena faced tight security. Passersby noticed hundreds of bags — some even designer — as well as food, umbrellas, and signs scattered on the sidewalk. All items that did not pass security were le behind in hopes of seeing the new president. For those unable to attend a

bash on campus, opening it up for all to come and celebrate such a historic day,” Jones said.

HCR held the event at the Searle Center, with tables, standing room, food for attendees, and a large screen to watch the inauguration events.

“This wasn’t our original plan, as we were originally going to travel to D.C. with a small group of students, but that changed due to the weather,” sophomore Jackson Casey, HCR secretary, said. “Of course, the president had his inauguration ceremony inside, but we are very happy with the turnout here and that students were able to come and see the inauguration live on the

Inauguration moves inside: American spirit persists

much,” Sighiartau said. “I feel so blessed to live here. My whole family’s from Romania. My grandfather tried to immigrate here, and they risked their lives to come here. Just being able to live here, and having the opportunity to go to this inauguration in D.C. — it was just such a great opportunity, I couldn’t pass it up. It’s still a great experience to be able to experience it here with Hillsdale college students.”

Trump made an appearance and organizers held an indoor parade.

Getting into the arena, however, was a gamble. Blocks of

gala, arena rally, or an event put on by their congressional o ce, that meant braving the cold or staying home and watching the proceedings on TV.

big screen. We think everyone had a fun time witnessing this great and exciting chapter of America’s history.”

Sophomores Nicole Sighi-

en ages, and I could not be prouder to be at the age that I am.”

The 2024 election was Custer’s rst time voting, another reason she was eager to attend this year’s inauguration.

Custer was also drawn to

“ at meant the streets were ooded every night with hundreds of men and women walking nearly a mile to attend the di erent galas and parties. It was truly a sight to see.”

the event because of a deep sense of patriotism.

“When I rst saw the advertisement to sign up for the trip, I was so excited. I said to

College Republicans opted for the latter.

“We unanimously agreed that a better use of our money would be to host a celebration

artau and Jesse Custer both planned to go on the HCR trip to D.C. and were disappointed when it was canceled.

“I just love America so

myself, ‘ is is a once-in-alifetime opportunity, especially with President Trump.’” Custer said. “And just like Trump said, this is the beginning of our

“It was very special. But I knew because of the weather that it wasn’t safe for us to be outside, and I knew that there wasn’t a large chance that we’d get into the Capital One Arena, so I completely respect the cancellation of the trip,” Custer said. “It was a good decision, and I enjoyed seeing it here at Hillsdale.”

Johnston echoed similar feelings from constituents in D.C., who attended a watch party planned by the congressional o ce she works for.

“I ended up going to and helping run a watch party at a bar that my o ce rented out with Jim Jordan’s o ce to provide a warm space for the constituents who got tickets from us and already spent all the time and money to come out,” Johnston said. “Honestly it was probably nicer than if we had been outside.”

Johnston said the event cultivated community among people from her o ce’s home state, something that attending the inauguration at large may not have been able to achieve.

“It was so wholesome to see all these local Ohioans come out and gather together to watch. ey were cheering and crying and waving ags in the restaurant and it brought everyone together,” Johnston said. Babcock felt similarly a er attending the America First Policy Institute gala.

“Especially at the balls and galas, the celebration and joy was so evident. Being here in a work capacity, I was able to meet and work with many incredible members of Trump’s incoming cabinet and administration,” Babcock said. “Seeing their dedication and hopefulness for the future of America set the tone for the positivity of the entire weekend.”

Excitement for the new administration was consistent with other Trump-supporters on campus, as well.

“I’m just happy that Trump is our president,” senior Marina Weber said. “I really liked what Trump was saying about our future and how he has goals that are slightly di erent than when he was last president. He is looking to have this presidency be a long-lasting legacy that he is going to bring to the United States.”

winding barricades lled shut down streets surrounding the event space, corralling hopeful attendees, some standing in line starting at 4

Eleanor Whitaker contributed to this article.

Inauguration attendees celebrate. SARAH KATHERINE SISK | COLLEGIAN

Scenes from Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20. COLLEGIAN | KAMDEN MULDER

Trump from A1