Courses may be associated with drug dealing, according to a warning on Facebook that has since been removed.
Facebook users searching for “Hillsdale College Online Classes” received a warning from the social media site claiming potential association with the sale of drugs, the college said in a press release Sept. 6.
“The term you searched for is sometimes associated with the sale of drugs, which isn’t allowed on Facebook,” the warning said. “If you or someone you know struggle with drug misuse, there are organizations that can help.”
Users searching for online courses no longer receive the warning, according to Director of Online Learning Jeremiah Regan.
“Their initial suggestion was that we try changing our page name to ‘Hills dale College Online Courses,’” Regan said.
A Meta agent suggested the extra space in the spelling of the college’s name in order to prevent association with drug companies, according to the press release.
“We reject that suggested course of action,” Regan said.
The college responded publicly to the warning label Sept. 5.
“Facebook is at it again!” Hillsdale College said on the social media platform X. “Anyone who searches for Hillsdale’s
online courses page on Facebook sees a warning that they might be searching for terms associated with drug dealers. While we don’t deal in narcotics, our online courses are mind altering. The first one is free! (And every course after that, too.)”
The warning appeared just weeks after Meta took down the Hillsdale College Online Courses Facebook account on Aug. 19, the night before the launch date of its newest online course, “Marxism, Socialism, and Communism.”
The removal of the page and its ad content damaged the reach of the online course, the college told Fox News Digital in a statement.
“Meta claims that Hillsdale’s entire online course page was taken down for almost 100 hours because of ads they mistakenly flagged on Facebook,” Hillsdale’s Executive Director of Media Relations and Communications Emily Stack Davis told Fox News Digital. “But those same ads had been running unchanged for over a year.”
Meta reinstated the online courses account, which has more than 300,000 followers, according to an official press release from the college.
The page was taken down in error, Meta told Fox News Digital in a statement.
“Meta claimed taking down the online courses page was a mistake, but it was aptly timed to disrupt the release of our documentary,” Regan said.
By Jillian Parks Editor-in-Chief
Hillsdale College announced it will hold a memorial service on an undetermined date in the near future for Emerson “Emmy” Sigtryggsson, a junior who died at the age of 20 on Sept. 8 after a brief battle with sarcoma, a form of cancer.
“Emmy was a devoted faithfilled Christian; strong in God’s love, his strength, and his mercy which she freely shared with everyone, especially those in need,” according to an obituary from the Stamford Advocate, a newspaper in Connecticut, where she attended high school. “She made it her mission to let everyone know they mattered. She cherished teaching special needs children to be bold as well as spending time with elders. . . . She was a blessing to all who knew her.”
Two services in Virginia will honor her memory. The family will receive friends during visiting hours on Sunday, Sept. 22, at the McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg. Her funeral will be at the Good Shepherd Baptist Church in nearby Christianburg on Monday, Sept. 23, at 11 a.m.
Details for the college service are expected after her funeral.
“Emmy’s death at such a young age is a tragedy beyond words. There is little value in trying to make sense of this,” College Chaplain Rev. Adam Rick said. “All we can say for
From Collegian nights to
Fellows College to hold a memorial service for Emmy Sigtryggsson
Novak
sure is that death is not the way it’s supposed to be. God made us for life, not death. Thanks be to God that he did not leave us in the grips of the grave, but sent his son Jesus to feel the bite of death and to take it away from us forever, that we might live with him.”
Sigtryggsson was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and was studying physics. She also served as the youth director at Jonesville First Presbyterian Church.
At Stamford High School, Sigtryggsson was the varsity swim team captain, captain of the mock trial team, and a member of the debate team.
Sigtryggsson is survived by her parents, Krissie (Lindstrom) and Hal Sigtryggsson, her three sisters - Spencer, Peyton and Elliott - and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The college’s free spiritual support resources and counseling services are always available, said Rick, who added that he is eager to pray and listen to whoever needs that support in their grief.
“Above all, I am here to remind us all of God’s good will for us in Jesus to save us from sin and death, that we might reign with him forever,” Rick said. “Emmy had faith in Jesus, and we can be sure, on the basis of his loving goodness to us, that she is at rest in him, and she will be raised on the last great day to sing his praises with all who share her faith.”
Director of Health and Well-
Hannah and Nic Rowan earn fellowships for journalism
By Thomas McKenna City News Editor
A Collegian couple will pursue reporting projects on assisted suicide and Ozempic after earning yearlong fellowships to fund their research.
Nic Rowan ’18 and Hannah Rowan ’18 are among eight young journalists receiving Robert Novak Journalism Fellowships from The Fund for Ameri can Studies this year. Nic is managing editor of The Lamp, a Catholic literary journal, and Hannah is managing editor of Modern Age, a journal of conservative thought published by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute.
ness Brock Lutz said students struggling with the loss in any capacity should heal and grieve together by talking to friends, a counselor, a pastor or priest, or any trusted individual.
“There is the obvious grief that comes from being close to someone and then losing him or her, and that grief certainly gets more complicated when it is a person that is so young and so unexpected,” Lutz said. “Even someone who did not
know Emmy very well can be hit with a kind of existential grief because this kind of loss does, and it should, confront our own mortality and make us aware of the fragility of life.” Many of the women of Pi Beta Phi will travel to Virginia this weekend to attend the memorial service.
“Pi Phi mourns the loss of Emmy, and she will be greatly missed,” Pi Beta Phi President Maggie Carriker said.
Students can ‘eat mor chikin’ soon in Jackson
The Novak Fellowship provides $35,000 in grant money and expense assistance for young writers to dive into longer or more costly reporting projects. For his project, “The New American Way of Death,” Nic will research the spread of assisted suicide and recent shifts in how death is viewed in the United States.
“When you’re a professional writer, you feel a lot of pressure all the time to be constantly churning,” Nic said. “There are some ideas that deserve more in depth looks at a longer length of time and from a balanced viewpoint.”
Hannah will explore what’s behind the increasing popularity of Ozempic and how Americans view weight loss.
“America, for a lot of reasons, is really messed up in the way it eats and moves and sees itself,”
Hannah said. “There is also a huge new weight loss drug exploding in popularity, and there’s a lot that’s not yet known about it.”
The Rowans both studied journalism as a minor at Hillsdale and wrote for The Collegian. Hannah transformed the “Arts” section into the “Culture” section, and Nic served as the City News editor.
“Nic and Hannah Rowan are two of the best writers I’ve seen on campus,” said John Miller,
director of the Dow Journalism Program. “It’s good to see their success at The Collegian turn into professional success. I’m interested to watch where their careers go next.”
Nic started writing for The Collegian his first week at school and stuck with the paper through senior year. When Matthew Continetti, then-editor of the Washington Free Beacon, read Nic’s Collegian reporting on the Conservative Political Action Conference, he gave him a job.
“The Collegian can help you in that way,” Nic said.
that, and I feel like I’m still working off of that in my freelance work.”
Nic said his time at The Collegian and studying under Miller taught him the importance of reporting.
“Picking up the phone or going to the event — that’s a valuable skill that a lot of young people are not taught,” Rowan said. “That’s something that I think about constantly, first, as an actual reporter, but now as an editor, when working with other people’s pieces. I seek out people who have that ability.”
Hannah said her classes in the journalism program helped her realize the importance of cultural journalism. Most Collegian reporters were focused on politics and hard news, she said. But her classes in the journalism program helped expose her to journalists who were focused on cultural topics.
“As an English major, I did a lot of music and book reviews,” Hannah said. “I really enjoyed
Hannah said she is now more motivated to help mentor young journalists as Miller had done for her. One piece of Miller’s advice that she remembered was to start an article with the word “when” if she was having trouble with the opening.
“I was working on a piece today and instinctively started with ‘When,’” Hannah said. “I didn’t even think about it. That one is deeply, deeply ingrained.”
By Eleanor Whitaker Assistant Editor
Students will no longer have to travel more than an hour to taste a Chick-fil-A deluxe sandwich with waffle fries and Polynesian sauce.
A new location will open next year in Jackson, the fastfood franchise announced on Sept. 4. The driving distance from campus to the new store will be about 45 minutes, which is about 15 minutes shorter than the current closest Chick-fil-A in Battle Creek.
There are currently 28 Chick-Fil-A locations in Michigan, according to the company, but that number could more than double with as many as 30 new restaurants in the state by 2028.
“I’m definitely excited that there will be a Chick-fil-A closer than the one in Ann Arbor,” junior Cameron Frye said.
Frye once drove more than an hour to pick up Chick-fil-A for him and his friends. Although he is a big fan of Chick-fil-A, he said the new location is likely still too far away for more frequent trips.
“Although I am excited about a closer location, I don’t think it’s worth the gas for the hour-and-a-half round trip,” Frye said.
Aaron Dimick, City of Jackson public information officer, told The Collegian the new Chick-fil-A’s property is located on North West Ave. near West Argyle St on the North side of the city.
“The property is currently vacant green space but the development company has started preparing the land for construction,” Dimick said. Dimick said Chick-fil-A had been planning on opening a location in Jackson for a while.
“Chick-fil-A’s planned location in Jackson shows our city’s economic importance to the region,” Dimick said. “The company has been looking to locate in our community for several years, so we are pleased to see they have selected a location. More businesses strengthen our local economy and provide jobs for area workers.”
Junior Emerson Sigtryggsson died Sept. 8. Courtesy | Anna Julia Bassols
Hannah Rowan ‘18 stands at Mead and Garden Streets as a student. Courtesy | Nic Rowan
Nic Rowan ‘18 holds a Collegian mug in A.J.’s as a student. Courtesy | Evan Carter
Silent no longer: the bells of Central Hall ring again
By Lauren Bixler Circulation Manager
After a mysterious period of quiet during the spring semester, the Central Hall bells have returned, bringing with them resounding noise as well as controversy.
“Regardless of how it happened, I’m just glad the bells are back,” sophomore Michael Rupe said. “Apparently, some people aren’t too happy, but I say that unhappy people will find any excuse to complain.”
The electronic sound mimicking the once active “Victory Bell” rings across campus every 15 minutes, with an extended sequence marking the hour.
Students recall these bells disappearing early in the spring semester without warning or explanation.
“I very quickly noticed that the college had turned them off when we returned to the campus for the spring semester,” Rupe said. “Several other people told me they also missed the ‘bongs.’ Unfortunately, the bells never rung again during the spring.”
Though it is still unclear why the bells remained off for so long, Associate Dean of Men Jeffrey “Chief” Rogers suggested it was done during finals season to help students focus on exams.
“During finals, people don’t necessarily want to hear them trying to study, and so they cut it off to facilitate students focusing on taking their final exams,” Rogers said.
Regardless of how and why these bells disappeared, they are back on campus, and Rogers calls students to reflect on
the value of bells.
Each year, Rogers conducts tours of Central Hall’s tower and frequently takes seniors up there to offer perspective.
Rogers said once he and the seniors reach the top of Central Hall, he’ll ask them to point out where their most difficult class was. Then, pointing out how small it looks from on high, he’ll share the wisdom of perspective.
“When you look at things from God’s perspective, things look very small,” Rogers said. “So when you graduate here, don’t think you’re all that because you took a class here. Do know, from God’s perspective, when we’re down on the ground, weary and wrestling about something, it’s a really small thing. It’s not that big of a deal.”
Sophomore Jianna Cop -
pola said she sees beyond the potential annoyance of the bells.
“For me, the bells do more than signify the constant marching on of time,” Coppola said. “They call us and recall us to our purpose here at Hillsdale as students. Just as churches and their bells used to be found at the center of towns, Central Hall and its bells remind us of our higher purpose here as students.”
Rogers said the bells constantly call us to consciousness of our lives and where we stand. It is harder to ignore the fleeting moments of each day when the bells ring so frequently, he said.
“The bells to me represent the brevity of life, and the tolling of the bells is a comforting sound,” Rogers said.
Alumnus runs for Michigan House of Representatives
By Francesca Cella Collegian Reporter
Adam Stathakis ’18 is running for a seat in the 22nd district for Michigan’s House of Representatives this November.
Stathakis faces incumbent Democrat Rep. Matt Koleszar, who is seeking a fourth reelection in the 22nd district, which spans the western Metro Detroit area and includes parts of Plymouth Township, Northville Township, and Livonia.
Koleszar won the 2022 election by 8.4% against Republican candidate Cathryn Neracher.
“It’s so important that we
Meta from A1
The course covers the writings of Karl Marx and their historical implications, according to the course description.
“The effects of Marx’s ideas have already been seen in the histories of the Soviet Union and China,” the course description reads. “Yet Marxism remains popular among those who shape our cultural, academic, and political lives and in the popular movements pushing equity and diversity.”
Human relationships are now explained by systemic oppression of one group by another, according to the course description.
“No one owns the internet, but five companies technically do own the internet, and Meta is one of them,” Chairman of Rhetoric and Media Ethan Stoneman said. “The technology in question is like a black box, and no one can really look inside, and no one really knows how all of it works. There’ll always be plausible deniability if something like this happens. Was it censorship? Who knows?”
Regan said the college protects itself against censorship
have the next generation of young conservative leaders step up in our country and in our state,” Stathakis said. “Everyone wants to complain, but few people want to step up for it and say ‘I want to run.’”
According to Stathakis, the main goal for Republicans in this election is to gain a majority in the House of Representatives, which would require winning three to four seats.
“You’ve got to understand why this race is so important,” Stathakis said. “Right now, the Democrats control the House, and they control the Senate and the office of the governor. These
by using multiple social media sites and making different versions of ads and course trailers. This allows for the ads to be replaced if a social media site objects to one.
“In this case, though, there was no action we could take other than to persist in asking Facebook for redress, which ultimately resulted in Facebook claiming the page was taken down by mistake and restoring it,” he said.
Sophomore Molly Downie said she found it concerning that this could happen to an institution meant to allow for intellectual growth.
“I think the online courses that Hillsdale offers are such a valuable source. It’s how I’ve heard about the college,” she said.
Following the suggestion to change the account’s handle would have ruined the college’s brand name, according to Associate Professor of Economics Charles Steele.
“How do you respond to something like that? Well, it’s a little bit difficult,” Steele said. “I think the college had a very measured and sensible response. But you definitely have to push back on this.”
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last two years with a Democrat trifecta have been absolutely disastrous for Michigan.”
Stathakis said he intends to reverse the damage Michigan has suffered under Democratic control.
“I want to step up for conservatives who don’t want to run,” he said. “It’s about the next generation. I’m running for a better, brighter Michigan future.”
Stathakis said his top priority is to make Michigan more affordable by reducing government spending.
“Groceries, housing, utilities: it’s all out of control, and politicians are making it worse,” Stathakis said. “Michigan families are cutting their spending to live within their means: why can’t we cut spending up in Lansing?”
With Michigan public schools ranking 41st in the nation, Stathakis said as state representative he will prioritize improving the education system by removing political agendas from the classroom and supporting parental rights.
Other issues Stathakis will target include supporting law enforcement, enforcing immigration policies, supporting small businesses, and ending corporate welfare.
While at Hillsdale College, Stathakis studied accounting and served as vice president of the Sigma Chi fraternity as well as president of the accounting club.
After graduating, Stathakis returned to his family’s profes-
sional cleaning company, called Stathakis Inc., where he serves as the director of operations.
Luke Grzywacz ’20 has advised Stathakis throughout his campaign and said Stathakis’ experience in business will particularly aid him in political work.
“Adam has spent his money very wisely over the campaign, not only because of the advice I gave him, but also because he’s a very intelligent businessman,” Grzywacz said.
Another campaign consultant, Andrew Szewc ’22, said Stathakis’ experience in his family’s business makes him a good candidate for his district’s representative.
“He comes from a very good, business-oriented family,” Szewc said. “They fit the demographic of this district and they’re very well connected.”
Szewc managed the 2022 campaign for Republican nominee Cathryn Neracher against Koleszar and said he wanted to use his former experience to help Stathakis’ campaign get started.
“Having seen what it takes to face a three-time incumbent, I know it takes grit and I think Adam has it and has what it takes to flip this,” Szewc said.
Once elected, Szewc said Stathakis will defend the issues he has promised to uphold.
“He’ll go to Lansing with a backbone,” Szewc said. “He stands for faith and family in this district, and I know when elected, he’ll do the right thing.”
By Sarah Katherine Sisk Senior Reporter
Former president Donald J. Trump’s promise to make in vitro fertilization free if elected this November is not the most effective method to bolster fertility rates, according to multiple Hillsdale College professors.
“An IVF mandate is economically inefficient but politically expedient,” Assistant Professor of Economics Abel Winn said. “It allows Trump to signal that he is pro-family because IVF leads to more children. But at the same time, it lets him signal to moderate voters that he is not on board with the most conservative members of the pro-life movement.”
During a recent campaign stop in Potterville, Michigan, the former president revealed plans to make insurance companies or the federal government pay for IVF to combat falling fertility rates.
In 2023, American women, on average, gave birth to 1.62 babies, according to Axios. The CDC reported this 3% drop from 2022 as a new record low.
If made free, voters should expect a significant increase in IVF use, according to Winn.
Fourteen states already have mandated insurance coverage for IVF, Winn said. A 2002 study found that residents of these states used IVF almost three times as much as those with no coverage mandate.
“The additional costs would be paid by taxpayers or reflected in insurance rates,” Associate Professor of Economics Charles Steele said.
The Department of Health and Human Services cites 86,000 babies born due to IVF in 2021. Assuming an average cost of $60,000 per instance and a doubling of IVF use, Winn said Trump’s mandate would add about $5.2 billion to consumers’ annual health insurance premiums.
Director of Economics Gary Wolfram said he does not think subsidizing IVF would have any more than a marginal effect on total fertility rates.
“Only 2% of births in the U.S. are from IVF,” Wolfram said. “So even if successful IVF doubled, there would be an increase of 2% in total births. This is hardly a game changer.”
Rather, the decline mostly stems from the rising costs of raising children and changing cultural values, Steele said.
“Child-rearing became increasingly costly as a child became less of a contributor to family income through farmwork and the like, and more expensive because of healthcare and education costs,” Steele said.
Wolfram noted other policies to reduce the cost of having children would be more effective in increasing birthrate
“You could expand the child tax credit and reduce the income tax, allowing the head of the family to have more takehome pay and reduce the incentive for the other parent to go to work and thus be able to parent more children effectively,” Wolfram said.
Winn agreed that a child tax credit expansion would more efficiently promote child-rearing than an insurance mandate.
“If the government is going to subsidize family formation the most efficient way to do this is to pay parents for having a baby — either through a cash payment or refundable tax credit,” Winn said. “IVF costs roughly $60,000 per live birth. Suppose that the government offered half that amount – $30,000 – for every newborn regardless of the means of conception.”
According to Steele, the function of government is to provide public goods that are normally very difficult to offer via private provision in the market.
Steele said “public goods” are goods that are non-rival in consumption and for which it is hard to exclude those who do not pay, offering national defense and legal systems designed to protect rights as examples.
“I cannot see any part of the Constitution that empowers the federal government to intervene in health care and medicine,” Steele said. “IVF, abortion, and the like certainly do not fall into the category of public goods, so from the standpoint of economics, there is also no argument for this policy.”
Another effect of this “expansion of socialized healthcare” would be financial gain for IVF centers, Wolfram added.
“As Mises points out about government intervention, the unintended consequences are probably numerous,” Wolfram said. “But one would surely be firms promoting their IVF facilities and procedures.”
Babylon Bee CEO takes a stand with satire
By Jamie Parsons Collegian Reporter
The absurd has become sacred because it is not allowed to be challenged, according to Seth Dillon, CEO of the Babylon Bee.
Dillon spoke in Plaster Auditorium on Sept. 12 about the modern war between satire and Big Tech, emphasizing both the necessity of free speech and the role of satire in politics.
Dillon said, despite satire’s positive function, it is frequently misunderstood and targeted by tech companies, which threatens free speech.
Dillon began his lecture by debunking common assumptions about satirical content, saying the challenge of producing satire has increased despite how insane the world has become.
“Writing jokes that are funnier than what the Democrats are saying now is pretty hard,” Dillon said.
Dillon said the left’s increased absurdity has led people to believe the Bee’s satirical content is true. This prompted
Facebook and Twitter to crackdown on fact-checking content posted on social media.
Dillon said the Babylon Bee was hesitant to release content, fearing it might get factchecked, but continued to post jokes mocking ridiculous ideas.
“You have to be willing to pay a price for freedom or else you will lose it,” Dillon said.
The Babylon Bee was suspended on Twitter in 2022 after refusing to take down a post titled, “The Babylon Bee’s Man Of The Year is Rachel Levine.”
The title mocked how Rachel Levine, a biological male, was recognized as one of USA Today’s women of the year in 2022.
“We can’t take this down even if it means getting our Twitter account taken down,” Dillon said he remembers thinking. “No one is fighting back against these rules.”
Dillon said tech companies fact-check satire in the media because no one opposes them.
The left challenges the Babylon Bee and other satirical websites, claiming their content is spreading misinformation,
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according to Dillon.
“The New York Times said we were ‘trafficking misinformation under the guise of satire,’” Dillon said. “But they are trafficking misinformation under the guise of journalism.”
While satire does not claim to be true, Dillon said satire tells the truth by challenging bad ideas.
Director of the Journalism Dow Program John Miller agreed with Dillon, complimenting him on eloquently expressing satire’s unique ability to expose lies, hypocrisy, and sanctimony.
“The unique ability of humor and particularly satirical humor to speak the truth about our lives and politics — I thought he had a good and cogent expression of that,” Miller said.
Dillon said humor has the ability to challenge absurdity because it has a way of getting through to people who don’t use logic to form their opinions.
“He said you can’t logically argue and reason with someone who is not using logic to form their opinions and so the only
thing that’s going to get to them is a joke,” junior Hana Cobia said. “If someone is telling you two plus two is five, you can’t tell them ‘no, two plus two is four’ because they are so set on five.”
Miller also said humor is important to have in politics because it brings laughter to our lives.
“Laughter is human; it’s wonderful to laugh,” Miller said. “Politics right now is filled with humor, but it could always use more and better humor. The Babylon Bee I think is about the funniest thing there is right now. It is enjoyable just on the level of making us laugh, but I also think it often has important things to say about where we are right now.”
At the end of his lecture, Dillon called on the audience to build courage to push back against tech companies trying to censor their humor.
“Evil prevails when good men fail to act,” Dillon said. “Madness prevails when sane men decide to say nothing.”
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Stathakis shakes hands with Arnn at graduation. Courtesy | Adam Stathakis
Coffee club receives club status from the Student Federation
By Gemma Flores Collegian Reporter
A new club dedicated to coffee is brewing on campus.
The Artisan Coffee club received official club status at the Sept. 12 Student Federation meeting and will present for funding at the end of the month.
Seniors Harrison Layman and Brennan Slade are among the coffee enthusiasts in the process of forming an organization devoted to all things coffee.
Layman, the club’s president, said the club hopes to make up for the lack of community amongst the coffee fans on campus.
“The Artisan Coffee Club aims to fill that void by providing a place for people to both learn more about coffee and drink wonderful coffee with
friends,” he said.
Both Layman and Slade said they hope to provide an outlet for students looking to learn more about coffee and meet fellow coffee lovers.
“Near the end of last semester, I realized that Hillsdale College lacks a club that deals with coffee and that such a club should exist,” Layman said in an email.
According to club treasurer and sophomore Devin Houts, the Artisan Coffee Club aims to be a place where students who enjoy coffee can meet and discuss different blends and methods of preparation.
“We want to bring people together over a common interest that a lot of college students have: coffee,” she said.
According to Slade, club members will get the chance to socialize with fellow caffeine
enthusiasts on a weekly basis.
Slade said the meetings will start with a brief description of the selected coffee for that day, followed by a demonstration on how to properly prepare it from one of the club officials. Finally, all club members will get to taste and discuss the coffee.
“That’s the fun part,” Slade said.
Layman said the club will host educational meetings as well as less formal mixers.
“In our more socially-based events, coffee will serve a more supportive role in the friendships being developed and the conversations being had,” Layman said. “Regardless of the type of event, I can promise you one thing — there will be coffee.”
“We’ll be starting a little bit later in the semester so we won’t have as many events this semes-
ter as we will in the coming semesters,” Slade said.
Layman said students interested in joining should look out for links to an email list that will provide more information on upcoming Coffee Club events.
While all members of campus are welcome at most events, those who join a paid tier will both help support the club and get access to more exclusive events. Layman said, however, that joining the paid tier is not necessary to benefit from the club since most events will be open to everyone.
Layman said he is excited to create something that will have a lasting positive impact on campus after he graduates.
“If we can come back in ten years and students are still connecting over coffee, I will feel like we have done a fantastic thing,” Layman said.
Reformed Student Fellowship launches with bonfire
By Lewis Thune Collegian Reporter
The newly-established Reformed Student Fellowship drew about 30 students to Hayden Park for a cookout dinner Sept. 7.
The fellowship hopes to join the Catholic Society, Lutheran Society, Orthodox Christian Fellowship, and Anglican Student Fellowship as a campus ministry. According to the group’s mission statement, they exist “to celebrate, equip, and promote the broader reformed tradition and community on Hillsdale College’s campus.”
According to sophomore club president Luke Waters, the fellowship will cooperate with the churches in Hillsdale that fall under the broader reformed tradition: Hillsdale Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Holy Trinity Anglican Parish, College Baptist Church, and Countryside Bible Church.
“We hope to be partnering with those four reformed churches for events structured around civic and church holidays, Thanksgiving, and so on,” Waters said. “We’ll be
throwing a Reformation Day party for sure.”
The group’s vice president, senior Carver Talcott, said that previous rumblings and attempts to start a society for reformed students did not deliver.
“Our particular iteration started with Luke Waters and I,” Talcott said. “The reformed tradition is the only orthodox tradition that is not represented by a student organization on campus. We saw that need and decided to act on it together.”
After discussing the idea at length in the spring, Waters and Talcott committed to getting the ball rolling in the fall.
“He’s done an incredible job working, writing, getting this thing moving,” Waters said of Talcott.
With the help of the group’s adviser, College Chaplain Rev. Adam Rick, the fellowship is operative. The group is currently focused on short term goals, both Waters and Talcott said.
“There are a lot of atomized, confessionally reformed Bible studies and fellowship groups that already exist on campus,” Talcott said. “The
short-term goal is meeting them, finding out who they are, and connecting them to one another.”
Waters also emphasized the need for connection.
“For this semester and next semester, we want to get information out to students on campus about the great reformed churches in the area, getting them in communication with each other, and involved in their churches, and bringing them together under the banner of confessionally reformed,” Waters said.
Both men said gaining committed members is the main focus because it is vital to the fellowship’s future aspirations.
“We have great visions of what the future looks like, we just don’t have the people and resources right now,” Waters said. “These next two semesters, we want to be bringing in more reformed students who can lead this fellowship. When we have that, foreseeably by next fall, we can become an official campus ministry.”
The complicating matter for this fellowship relative to the others is that “reformed” casts a wide umbrella.
“The organizations on campus right now are either expressly affiliated with one church or are ecumenical or non-denominational and unaffiliated,” Waters said. “Obviously a group around anything has to be exclusionary in some way, but this is intended to be unifier for the reformed traditions focused on the many places we all agree. I’m tired of reformed students only discussing our differences.”
The non-reformed communities on campus varied in their responses to the new fellowship.
“They pointed to a few different reformed confessions in their statement of faith, some of which contain certain disagreements,” said junior Dominic Taranto V, an Anglican Student Fellowship member. “I’ll be intrigued to see how they incorporate them into one reformed identity, as opposed to being a vaguely Protestant group.”
Others found the prospect encouraging.
“Fostering that kind of interaction between multiple reformed churches, stressing unity on campus, that could be a good for everyone. I think it’s an interesting idea,” said junior Ethan Bourgeois, a member of Catholic Society.
In the coming weeks, Waters said the Reformed Student Fellowship will be putting up posters across campus and social media in an effort to expand and connect to potential members.
“Anybody who is interested in joining or helping, we are absolutely going to welcome them,” he said. “They can be members, leaders, mentors. We want to see everyone grow in the truth, goodness, and beauty of the reformed tradition.”
CCA to cover the role of Christianity in America
By Christian Papillon Collegian Reporter
Hillsdale’s Center for Constructive Alternatives will kick off its first installment of seminars for the academic year Sept. 29 - Oct. 2 on “Christianity in America.”
The series will cover the role Christianity has played in the United States from its founding to modern day, according to Executive Director of Programs Matt Bell.
“I hope students will learn about America’s exceptional heritage that those who came before us sacrificed greatly to defend,” Bell said. “Christians must focus on what matters most at a time when their beliefs are so often belittled, and they find themselves increasingly ostracized from the public square.”
The CCA will feature lectures from authors Glenn Ellm-
ers, George M. Marsden, Thomas S. Kidd, and John Daniel Davidson, as well as American University School of Public Affairs Professor Daniel L. Dreisbach and Hillsdale College Distinguished Associate Professor of History Darryl G. Hart.
Davidson ’04 graduated from Hillsdale College with a degree in history. Earlier this year, he published a book, “Pagan America: The Decline of Christianity and the Dark Age to Come.” He will give the final lecture of the CCA on “Christianity in a Post-Liberal World.”
“We are entering a post-Christian era, and the republic envisioned by our founders cannot survive under such conditions,” Davidson said. “The future of a post-Christian America is not some secular liberal utopia but a re-enchanted society in which new forms of paganism arise to compete with the vestigial forms of Christian
civilization.”
Davidson said human rights depend on the upholding of Christian morality.
“While we still, for now, deploy a Christian-derived vocabulary when talking about things like human rights, the substance of those terms is quickly being hollowed out,” Davidson said.
“A post-Christian, neopagan America will not have any particular concern for human rights or civil rights, because the basis for those things, which is Christian morality, will be gone.”
Lectures will conclude with a faculty roundtable Oct. 2 at 4 p.m., featuring Professor of Mathematics Thomas Treloar, Professor of History Kenneth Calvert, Associate Professor of Theology Jonathan Mumme, and Assistant Professor of English Patrick Timmis.
Calvert said he looks forward to the topic in light of the
College adds new online class for high schoolers
By James Joski Collegian Freelancer
A new Hillsdale for-credit online course for high schoolers will debut next year.
Enrollment for the fall 2025 semester will open in March 2025 and will now feature American Political Thought as well as three previously offered high school courses — American Government, American History I, and American History II.
High school students have been taking online courses for elective credit since 2023, according to Director of Online Learning Jeremiah Regan.
“The for-credit distance learning classes further the mission of the college by providing excellent civics education to American high school students, better preparing them for citizenship and for college than a typical high school class,” Regan said.
The courses are designed for students holding a 3.4 GPA or higher, according to the website.
“The college created these courses to offer true historical and political teaching about America to students for whom this type of instruction is otherwise unavailable,” Regan said.
Bradley Birzer, professor of history, and Wilfred McClay, Victor Davis Hanson chair in classical history and Western civilization, partnered to teach these courses.
“We want young people to understand their country so that they can better participate in it and in the activity of self-government which is central to the American way of life,” McClay said.
The professors made filming day a special occasion, according to Birzer.
“We had lunch, beer, and
great conversations in advance of filming,” Birzer said. “Filming was a blast. Bill is the senior scholar, of course, but he was so gracious with his thoughts and his time. I learned a lot from him.” Birzer said the teaching-toa-camera format was initially challenging.
“I was pretty nervous at first as I’m used to radio but not the camera,” Birzer said. “As it turns out, the filming crew was simply fantastic. In fact, I think I gained a number of awesome friends from the filming itself.” To make filming easier, Birzer said he wanted to be as prepared as possible.
“There’s no doubt I greatly admired the whole crew,” Birzer said. “So, I really wanted to make their jobs as easy as possible — I really crammed right before each lecture.”
Freshman Kaiser Himmelberg took the three original courses: American History I, American History II, and American Government.
“I was very well versed in American history,” Himmelberg said, “but I now know a lot more of the ‘Federalist Papers.’” With this knowledge of the nation’s foundational documents, Himmelberg said he now feels much more confident about having discussions about his nation’s complex and multi-faceted history.
Himmelberg said the classes were difficult at first, but he persevered, and with the help of his professors, he ended with As and Bs as final grades and elective college credits.
“The professors had office hours where you could meet with them through Zoom,” he said. “Normally if they weren’t pressing, I would just ask them at the end of class, and they would just answer it — they were very helpful.”
Catholics should still vote according to Cellas
By Jackson Casey Collegian Freelancer
Catholics have an important role as a voting bloc in politics even when confronted with harsh political realities, said Kristen Cella, former Right to Life Michigan and Michigan Catholic Conference lobbyist.
“We have to deal with what we have,” she said. “Sometimes you’re choosing the lesser of two evils. Sometimes, hopefully, you’re choosing the better of two goods. But most of the time, you’re really choosing a good but flawed candidate over a candidate with stated evil positions.”
pretty salty people and hit challenging times. As we enter into our vocations, whatever they may be, we are all called to be ambassadors for Christ.”
Joseph Cella said the entry of young Catholics into public life has had noticeable effects.
“You see these circles of members of Congress, men and women, gathering in prayer and fellowship,” he said. “Never happened before. It’s happening.”
Kristen Cella said young people interested in careers in public life must always be wary of the distinction between realism and dishonesty.
country’s commitment to not having a state church.
“I would like to know how our speakers view the idea of religious leaders speaking to secular authority,” Calvert said. “In the Bible, you have the notion of the prophet Nathan being able to correct King David. Should we have a similar idea where the prophetic is represented to the king in an increasingly secular society?”
Sophomore Elijah Ahrens said he is particularly interested in Marsden’s speech on “Jonathan Edwards and Christianity in Colonial America.”
“I’m a big Jonathan Edwards fan,” Ahrens said. “I really like the way he studied and took notes of the Bible.”
Ahrens said he is excited for good discussions.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what my friends think and to sparking good conversations about Christianity.”
Cella and her husband, former U.S. Ambassador to Fiji and co-founder of CatholicVote Joseph Cella ’91, spoke on Catholics’ unique role in American political life in a talk hosted by Hillsdale College Republicans on Sept. 16.
Kristen Cella discussed the importance of navigating political compromise and the necessity of electoral participation.
“What do we do as Christians? We vote. We absolutely vote,” she said. “As Christians who live in this country, which is a democracy, where we have this beautiful gift — a right and an opportunity — to vote. We must vote out of moral obligation.”
Joseph Cella said the values of Catholic domestic life should remain paramount for Catholics in politics, even when confronted with difficult circumstances.
“You must fulfill those duties and be faithful — loving your neighbor and radiating the way of Our Lord — but that’s not the easiest thing to do,” he said. “Sometimes in the arena, you’ll defend some
“I think that’s the distinction for you when you go up into the world, when you go up and have these opportunities to shape the world, and sometimes I think politicians forget how much law leads people,” she said. “Always tell the truth, even if the truth is hard right now.”
Joseph Cella said he believes these political conflicts parallel larger spiritual struggles.
“We’re in the soft state of a social, cultural, and political revolution. Of course, it’s obviously in the backdrop of the titanic, cosmic, battle between good and evil, yes, and you have to engage in it,” he said. Sophomore Josiah Jones, College Republicans treasurer and evangelical Christian, said the Cellas’ advice is beneficial for all Christians.
“I agree with Mrs. Cella that we need to stand on the side of the Right while making sure we are politically prudent,” Jones said. “As this world becomes darker, Christians across denominations are realizing that we are on the same team. We are not going to be able to win unless we fight together.”
Sophomores Ethan Davenport (left) and Joseph Peshek (right) pose for a picture.
Courtesy | Kellen Pollock
Opinions
The Collegian Weekly
The opinion of the Collegian editorial staff
Take advantage of student fed funding
Students will pay $1,409 in general fees during the 202425 academic school year. After covering costs like subscriptions to student publications and admission to athletic events, whatever is left goes to the Student Federation.
campus, only a fraction come asking for funding on a yearly basis, according to junior and Student Federation President Jacob Beckwith. That leaves a lot of money just waiting to be put to good use — money that other students will use if we don’t.
vestment wastes student fees, so does the failure to invest at all.
But the Fed can only invest in the events and ideas that student groups and clubs present to them.
what kind of requests to submit and how to submit them.
Features Editor | Kamden Mulder Social Media Assistant | Sam Otting
Circulation Manager | Lauren Bixler
Assistant Editors | Megan Li | Tayte Christensen | Catherine
| Alessia Sandala | Zachary Chen | Eleanor Whitaker | Anna Broussard | Ellie Fromm | Ty Ruddy
the Opinions Editor at ckurt@hillsdale.edu before Saturday at 3 p.m.
Dear Collegian,
Modest men are hottest
Dear Galloway,
Nobody likes addressing it. It’s uncomfortable, awkward, and sometimes convicting. But we sisters of Chi Omega, as your sisters in Christ and Hillsdale Street neighbors, feel that it is our duty to bring the matter to your attention. We write, of course, concerning modesty.
During most of the year, especially during the cold months — nay, even during most of the week, it’s fine. We see jeans, slacks, and a few cargo shorts, as well as some T-shirts, hoodies, and occasional button-ups. The most skin any of you flashes is that occasional farmer’s tan when someone gets a bit wild and dons a tank top. We thank you for exercising this brotherly restraint, at least most of the time.
But when Thursday night rolls around, the gates of Dante’s Inferno open up on campus. Because we live just across the road from you, we are forced to witness Feast in all its depravity, week after week. There’s the dance around the fire, which displays an unseemly amount of flesh to those of our sisters who are innocently curious enough to peep through their curtains at the display across the street.
And then there’s the disgusting exhibition of semi-nudity as Galloway guys fan out over the yard, yelling the lyrics to whatever Billy Joel or Weather Girls song happens to be on, desperately trying throw frisbees semi-accurately, tossing wobbly football passes back and forth — and all this in a most disturbing state of déshabillé.
And this isn’t even the worst thing of all — you fiends of Galloway then have the effrontery to parade your nakedness all around campus at a doubletime trot, blasting a boombox and seeking whom you may devour, leading your sisters into lust and sin
Just last week, one of our sisters had what could have been the fright of her life when a sweaty horde of unclad Galloway gents screaming war-whoops and Katy Perry lyrics ran past her on her usual late-night walk up
Hillsdale Street back to our house. If she hadn’t already been spending a significant amount of time at the Sigma Chi house, it’s possible that the amount of bareness you Galloway Feasters flashed at her might have scarred her for life.
We ask you: is this fair to us? Is it just? Is it beautiful? We believe we speak for the women of campus when we say that the dad bods of Galloway are slightly too much for Hillsdale’s female population to handle.
And, really — you rabble at Galloway could stand to learn a thing or two about modesty from us Chi Omegas. Do we run around campus scantily-clad on Thursday nights — or any nights at all? Do we roam campus like packs of immodestly-garbed Bacchic revelers? Do we seem to think that leggings are an acceptable substitute for pants or that cutoff shirts and low-cut V-necks are a good way to help our brothers on campus guard their eyes and hearts? Are we not known around campus as shining examples of modesty, chastity, and feminine virtue?
The answer to these questions is so obvious that even you ought to be able to see it, our dear brothers at Galloway. To close our case frankly, we’ve seen far too much Galloway décolletage for our liking. Please, make the horrors stop.
We’re glad we had this talk with you, difficult as it was. We’d just like to leave you with one simple reminder: Modest is Hottest.
Signed, The Women of Chi Omega
This article has been edited by Assistant Editor Zack Chen.
This funding gives the Fed a budget of more than $40,000 to work with every year, and clubs should start taking better advantage of it. Of the dozens of student organizations on
By Skye Graham Collegian Reporter
Vice President Kamala
Harris may have won the presidential debate, but former President Donald Trump won the attention of social media after they faced off earlier this month.
Harris was able to derail Trump a number of times throughout the night. Most notably, Harris made a comment about people leaving Trump’s rallies.
“What you will also notice is that people start leaving his rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom,” Harris said.
Rather than ignore this comment and stay focused on policy, Trump responded to her attack with more vitriol than necessary. He was easily
These thousands of idle dollars are a problem if stewardship plays the essential role in self-government the college claims it does. While a bad in-
If it’s a matter of ignorance, then reach out, ask questions, and learn about the process. Those who care enough about the organization to hold seats as representatives will probably be more than happy to discuss
Meetings are every other Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Formal Lounge. The next one is a week from today. Not everything demands a trip to the Fed for funding, but good ideas that would improve campus life and culture should not be pushed aside while the money meant to cover them sits in a bank account.
Cats comment dogs on Kamala American strength is a must
By Micah Hart Senior Reporter
America-first does not mean America only.
The America of 2024 can learn from the strength, love of country, and willingness to fight for our values from the America of 2001.
When the towers collapsed on what seemed like an ordinary day, Americans grieved. When flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, Americans watched in horror. When flight 93 landed in an empty field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Americans gathered in prayer.
But through the rubble and the fire arose American fortitude and commitment.
American Red Cross workers geared up to help communities affected by the attacks. First responders traveled across the country to search through the debris and help in any way they could. President George W. Bush found out about the attacks while reading to a classroom full of elementary school kids, yet remained calm and collected. He knew he could not show fear.
Two decades later, Ukraine is fighting against the hands of a ruthless dictator in Russia. Israel battles for its very existence against Hamas, a brutal terrorist organization. China is on the march, and the freedom-loving people of Taiwan are waiting as China continues military ex-
thrown off from his message and it took him a while to regain confidence. However, this does not show the full story. After the debate, Springfield, Ohio, was trending on X and TikTok after Trump said he’d heard reports of Haitian migrants harming and eating animals in the area.
“They’re eating the dogs,” Trump said. “They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there.”
Though evidence for Trump’s claim is dubious, it is true that his comments have gotten people talking about the immigration crisis. Whether or not pets are being harmed in Springfield, the town has seen a population growth of about 15,000 to 20,000 Haitian migrants according to NewsNation.
ercises violating its air and sea space.
There is never a time when America’s leaders should stand by as terrorists and dictators destroy people and their countries. America must always remain on the side of freedom and liberty.
American strength doesn’t mean that the country goes out “in search of monsters to destroy,” first offered as a warning by John Quincy Adams. But it does mean that when monsters rear their heads, America destroys them.
This is not through America’s sole initiative, but through work with her allies.
America doesn’t need to cast aside her own interests to do this. George Washington was right in asserting that foreign policy needs to be focused on “interest, guided by justice.” America needs to put her own needs first, but supporting allies like Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan benefits the United States.
Poland’s head of military intelligence warned that Russian President Valdimir Putin is ready for a small operation against a Baltic country. These are NATO countries, meaning that the United States, as a partner in NATO, has to get involved in what would become a world war due to NATO obligations. We want to prevent wars, and allowing Ukraine to succumb to Russia will lead to further wars and U.S. involvement. Helping now saves time
Regardless of the background information, this moment from the debate has gone viral. What may have seemed like an absurd statement at the time of the debate may have been Trump’s smartest publicity decision– even if that wasn’t his plan.
A parody song called “Eating the Cats” went viral on TikTok post-debate. While the song was originally intended to make fun of Trump, there is no denying that it’s gotten people talking about the situation in Ohio.
Trump does best when people are talking about him.
When the media covered every outlandish comment he made in 2016, he was able to win the presidency. Trump succeeds in the spotlight.
This election cycle has made
and resources later.
Israel is our strongest ally in the Middle East. If we lose Israel, we accept defeat against Iran, which is developing nuclear weapons.
Remember those protests for Gaza? The U.S. director of National Intelligence released a statement saying Iran backed many of the pro-Gaza protests in America.
Taiwan is a beacon of freedom against the horrific Chinese Communist Party, which stands for everything America is against.
We should want our allies to succeed, and we should want our enemies to shudder at the thought of American involvement.
This involvement does not necessitate sending excessive amounts of money that cannot be traced. We should be supporting our allies with weapons that they need to win their own fights. They don’t want us to start democracy-building, and we shouldn’t want that either.
When the Twin Towers fell, America did not stand alone. In return, we bear a responsibility as a world superpower to support our allies.
Leaders can also look to the failures from pre-9/11 America, in which national security did not take up as much news coverage and political discourse as it does today. The United States did not have the Department of Homeland Security, which was
it clear that virality — even for absurd comments — can be a positive for a political campaign.
Earlier this year, memes of Kamala Harris’s infamous “coconut tree” comment swept the internet. The memes had nothing to do with her policies, beliefs, or record. Nonetheless, her campaign leveraged these memes to her advantage, and it worked. These brief comments by Trump may have just helped him to regain social media sway. Harris held her own in the debate against Trump. However, one week later, Trump seems to have taken the internet by storm.
Skye Graham is a sophomore studying history.
established in 2003 as a result of the 9/11 attacks. DHS helps protect our borders, our flights, and anything else happening at home, so this department is essential to our safety.
America can never go back to a time when national security belonged on the backburner. According to a House GOP Judiciary Report from August 2024, Border Patrol encountered 375 illegals on the terrorist watch list at the southern border during Biden’s presidency. Of this number, the Department of Homeland released 99 to roam about the country. At least another 34 are in custody but still present in the United States. If those numbers aren’t concerning, there is an issue. Americans can never forget what happened. The leaders in this country must remain vigilant.
On 9/11, terrorists crashed planes that killed thousands of people, families of 9/11 victims had empty chairs at the dinner table, and the American experience seemed like it was on the brink of extinction. It takes just a day and some terrible actors to cause chaos in an attempt to break the nation apart. With American strength and commitment, however, the nation is safer and better prepared to defend against terror.
Micah Hart is a senior studying politics.
Smoke rises from the Twin Towers. Photo Credit | Wikimedia Commons.
Do pop stars impact polls?
By Isabella Doer Senior Reporter
In the midst of the confetti, soundbites, and stump speeches that define every presidential election, there’s a predictable spectacle: the celebrity endorsement. The eagerness of actors, singers, and influencers to step out of their familiar worlds and publicly declare political allegiance never fails to draw media attention.
Yet, the impact of these en-
disposed to follow their political inclinations or indifferent. The idea that a Beyoncé fan hangs on her every word about presidential politics is flattering to Beyoncé, but probably far from reality. Most politically engaged citizens already have their loyalties, shaped by their personal values, economic interests, and identity affiliations. A celebrity endorsement is unlikely to sway a voter who has already invested in a candidate based on their abortion stance or tax policy, for example.
dorsements on the electorate is often overstated. In reality, celebrity endorsements are far more reflective of the cultural cross-pollination between entertainment and politics than of any meaningful impact on electoral outcomes. While celebrities may momentarily capture the public’s attention, the real forces driving elections — policy, values, and voter trust — remain outside Hollywood’s grasp.
On the surface, a celebrity endorsement seems like a powerful tool. Celebrities have reach — millions of followers, social media armies, and the capacity to dominate the 24-hour news cycle with a single tweet. Kanye West backing Donald Trump and Taylor Swift endorsing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris all garnered attention. But the fact that celebrity endorsements get coverage does not mean they have electoral significance.
Celebrities wield influence, yes, but it’s a narrow influence. Their followers are either pre-
There’s also a theory that celebrity endorsements work not by converting voters, but by increasing turnout. If a Taylor Swift concert can motivate Swifties to head to the polls, then the endorsement has done its job, right? In this scenario, a celebrity’s role is not to change minds, but to galvanize the base. It’s here that endorsements can have a more measurable impact.
For example, after Taylor Swift endorsed Kamala Harris in a Sept. 10 Instagram post, her announcement drove 405,999 users to Vote.gov in just 24 hours, according to the General Services Administration.
Additionally, a Pew Research Center study from 2007 indicated that Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement had a notable influence on Democratic voters, with 23% saying they were more likely to support Barack Obama as a result. This endorsement is thought to have contributed roughly one million votes to Obama’s campaign in the Democratic primary against Hillary Clinton.
But this effect tends to be exaggerated. While a 2020 study found that stars like LeBron James and Beyoncé were successful in registering voters, especially within minority communities, the overall effect on
voter turnout was modest. Research from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement suggests that broader political factors and candidate dynamics played a bigger role in driving participation.
Historically, voter turnout hinges on the candidates themselves, their charisma, and the urgency of the issues they represent. Celebrity involvement may offer a brief surge of attention, but the real power behind politics comes from the stakes of the election.
In fact, celebrity involvement can sometimes backfire.
While the spectacle of Hollywood stars throwing their weight behind political figures may garner attention, it often repels more voters than it wins. Celebrities brandishing their fame as if that conferred wisdom can come across as tonedeaf. Similarly, when politicians place too much stock in endorsements from Hollywood, they risk distancing themselves from voters who view celebrity culture as the epitome of out-of-touch elitism.
did we start confusing charisma with credibility? The fact is, endorsements by celebrities are amusing, even entertaining, but they are not the foundation of American democracy.
The truth is that elections are about trust — and trust, in politics, is a fragile, elusive thing. It is built through policy, experience, and consistency. A candidate earns votes not through association with the rich and famous but by convincing voters that they can competently govern the country.
A 2010 study from North Carolina State University found that, particularly among young voters, endorsements from George Clooney and Angelina Jolie did not increase support for candidates and sometimes led to a decrease in favorability. In a time when AI can conjure fake images of Taylor Swift backing Donald Trump or a political rally morphs into a celebrity fan club, we must ask: When
As Andrew Breitbart famously said, “Politics is downstream from culture,” but even in the most celebrity-saturated waters, its currents rarely reach the deeper waters where elections are decided.
Isabella Doer is a senior studying English. Illustrated by Maggie O’Connor, a sophomore studying art.
Don’t be a Saga sinner
By Elaine Kutas Collegian Freelancer
Let’s face it: the Hillsdale dining hall is no Garden of Eden, but it doesn’t have to be the bottom of Dante’s Inferno.
To keep the happy medium — or even bring the dining hall closer to an experience of Paradisio — here are the seven dining hall deadly sins to avoid.
The first and greatest dining hall deadly sin is moving someone’s phone or wallet to a different table. Picture this: You rush into the dining hall and plop your belongings onto the last open booth while you wait in the mile-long line for chicken parmesan. You return, excited to finally eat, and discover someone moved your phone to the round table right across the way because they wanted that booth.
Commit this sin, and you risk the wrath of your peers — upperclassmen especially.
“It’s so heinous and appalling even to consider that that has ever happened,” junior Anna Heldt said.
The second deadly sin is a lesser offense: congregating in the area by the conveyor belt. As college students, one would think we all understand the most efficient way to walk to places and keep traffic flowing, but somehow, people always decide the best place to have a conversation is on their way to the exit. Sometimes, a brief conversation on your way to leave is unavoidable, but clogging the traffic flow is inconvenient to others.
Deadly sin three is sitting at an established table you don’t belong to. It’s common that different groups commandeer various tables — Simpson, football, Galloway — but some people never figure out these tables exist, which can lead to a pretty awkward realization at some point during the meal. Most table members won’t mind if someone accidentally sits at their table, but avoiding those established tables is best to save yourself some embarrassment.
Deadly sin four is making a huge mess. Whether from skyconing or eating like an animal, the Metz staff have to clean up whatever mess you make. The Metz staff work long and hard shifts, and let’s not forget our
commitment to self-government as Hillsdale students. Having fun in the dining hall is great, but clean up after yourself.
The fifth deadly sin concerns the world of Hillsdale relationships: dining hall first dates. Gentlemen, if you want to impress a lady, figure out a way to take her somewhere, anywhere, other than the dining hall.
“I don’t even think there is such a thing as a Saga date,” junior Jonathan Williams said. “Going to Saga is like, ‘I don’t want to pay.’ Have some creativity.”
The sixth sin is sitting on the same side of the booth as your boyfriend or girlfriend when you’re the only ones in the booth. It’s fine if you want to enjoy dinner together as a couple. Just realize everyone else in the dining hall wants to enjoy their dinners, too, so keep the PDA to a minimum if only out of respect for your fellow students.
“I don’t want to see your PDA while I’m having a moment with my double cheeseburger,” said sophomore Cole Timmler.
And last, but certainly not least, is deadly sin seven: playing the dining hall piano.
“You are sitting there just trying to enjoy your meal,” Heldt said. “Saga is overstimulating anyway, and all of a sudden, the strains of some overplayed, overemotional sound comes drifting to your ears, and your stomach sinks because you know someone is playing the Saga piano.”
Many students relax in the dining hall after spending hours in a classroom. Have the decency to allow them that time without bombarding them with music and distracting them from their conversations.
The seven dining hall deadly sins are by no means hard and fast rules of living. Still, avoiding these sins may shorten your time in Purgatorio and even bring your dining hall experience a little closer to an experience of bliss.
Elaine Kutas is a sophomore studying the liberal arts.
Hold the line: Choose your next words wisely
By Colman Rowan Culture Editor
The accusatory nature of the political world seems inescapable now. It seeps into the life of the average man as its ever-growing presence has overflowed and dribbled down to the very foundation of communication — language. It’s better to change your opponent’s mind than defeat him, thus gaining an ally rather than beating an enemy. Effective democratic operation requires this strategy. In our current democratic society, progressives progress eternally leftward to truly be progressives — lest they lose their distinction. The classic speculation is that their constant leftward movement drags the center of the political spectrum left with them while the right concedes little bits at a time.
What distinguished Donald Trump was that he got elected by using the same strategy but taking the opposite direction, holding the center but widening the divide.
Now it seems more common for mainstream Republican politicians to emulate Trump’s strategy.
With a wider political gap, those wanting to stay out of the way are having trouble finding the safety of the center. Too far to the right, and progressives call you racist bigots. Too far left, and right-wingers unveil that, unbeknownst to you, you’ve succumbed to the mind virus.
Changing technical terms into words that have a more favorable connotation is the leftist’s forte. Many radical left groups have changed terms and in turn have affected the broader culture’s thinking on key issues. Like the general political progression leftward, what was once progressive wording has become mainstream.
Radical right-wingers cannot seem to summon any tactic other than making something bad sound worse. Centrists do not usually respond positively to that because they like the safety of the center, not stepping on other people’s toes. For example, the topic of abortion has caused particular linguistic chaos because the disagreement is on such a fundamental level — the question mainly being whether all human life is worth protecting. The political abortion debate
now is only duked out through surface level technicalities, like whether abortion should be allowed before a detectable heartbeat.
The phrase “chemical abortion,” which describes an abortion initiated by the use of the mifepristone pill, has been replaced by pro-choice advocates. The proper phrase in that sphere is now “medication abortion.” This term only started being used in the early 2000s, whereas the phrase “chemical abortion” has been around since before Roe v. Wade.
Though it is a fairly minute difference, which sounds better: a chemical abortion or a medication abortion?
Though connotation is not quantifiable, we know “chemical” suggests something toxic. “Medication” makes the abortion procedure sound like the necessary healing of a sickness. Soften the word, and dull the horror it signifies in the minds of those who speak it. Make the word positive, and make what it signifies positive in the minds of those who speak it. These language shifts may have hit journalism the hardest. Readers can now easily discern party affiliation based
on word choice. Pro-lifers — or anti-abortion activists according to their adversaries — say “the abortion industry,” or if they’re very zealous, “baby killers.” Pro-choicers — or abortion advocates according to their adversaries — say “women’s health care providers.”
Even self-proclaimed “neutral” institutions like the Associated Press Stylebook maintain politically charged language choices. It mandates reporters at major publications use terms like “anti-abortion” or “abortion-rights” rather than “pro-life” or “pro-choice.”
Though subtle, they endorse one that says “rights” and one that says “anti.”
Figuring out acceptable language on abortion is complicated. Anyone who knows the connotations of language on abortion can pick out the affiliation of anyone who speaks on the topic. This, in addition to the obvious gravity of the issue, is why the average centrist would not dare mention abortion in polite company.
During the sexual revolution, the word “sex” was redefined to have a much broader meaning, encompassing more activities than just the pro -
creative act. This has redefined not just the word but the meaning of the word sex in the broader culture.
In this political climate, it seems all topics are moving in a similar direction to the abortion debate: politicized language makes discussions about charged issues nearly impossible. But this change of words is not something new.
Samuel Johnson, the great 18th century lexicographer and thinker addressed this subject in his “Preface to the Dictionary.”
“As any opinion grows popular, it will innovate speech in the same proportion as it alters practice,” Johnson wrote. In other words, changing words represent a change in how a culture wants to represent what words signify.
But George Orwell, a great 20th century thinker, said something seemingly opposite to Johnson in his essay “Politics and the English Language.”
“But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought,” Orwell wrote. “A bad usage can spread by tradition and imitation even among people who should and do know better.”
In other words, language
can be intentionally imposed to affect the culture and can do so even if the culture knows it’s happening.
Both men point out serious concerns about linguistic use. Language and culture have an interactive relationship that we shouldn’t ignore or take lightly. Particular word usage tends to be democratically agreed upon, but like all human affairs, democracy can be manipulated.
Johnson hoped that his dictionary would help solidify the English language, making communication easier and helping the language better represent truth. Orwell was concerned about the changing nature of war amidst more authoritarian use of language. Both men devoted much of their lives to preserving language and communication to protect society from collapse. But what can a regular citizen do? Find out if the language is changing, see whether the change is good and or manipulative and, of course, choose your next words wisely.
Colman Rowan is a senior studying English.
City News
Community
Thrift, Camp Hope could close as debt looms
The thrift store and homeless shelter have less than two weeks to secure $265,000
By Isabella Doer Senior Reporter
Hillsdale Community Thrift and its homeless shelter, Camp Hope, could close unless it makes a large payment on its property by the end of this month, according to Missy Desjardin, executive director of the store.
“We currently have over 20 homeless people on the property, including three minors, and one is a 17-month-old baby,” Desjardin said. “If we lose our property, they will have nowhere to go.”
Since opening in 2018, the thrift store has provided more than $150,000 in discounted or free essential items and partnered with local organizations to support those in need, Desjardin said. But the organization is facing financial hardship.
Last year’s winter weather, combined with a post-holiday lull in sales, forced Hillsdale Community Thrift to take out a loan, which took until the end of the summer to repay, according to Desjardin. This year, it is hoping to avoid a repeat of that cycle.
With less than two weeks to secure about $265,000 for its next payment on the property, Desjardin said she and her team are making an urgent appeal for financial support.
“As much as we would like to be able to fully support ourselves from the sale of donated items, the increase in expenses and decrease in sales make that goal really hard to meet,” Hillsdale Community Thrift said in a statement.
Mara Maynard, who works for the Hillsdale County Drug Court Office and manages the Hillsdale County Family Treatment Court program, said she admires Desjardin’s work.
“She is doing a great service up here, and for them to take this away when it means so much to our community, I could cry,” Maynard said. In a recent letter to community agencies, Desjardin said the landlords of their building have been accommodating throughout the process.
“The landlords have been patiently waiting for us to complete the purchase, which we unfortunately cannot secure alone,” Desjardin said. “They have given
us the final notice.”
Hillsdale Community Thrift’s mission has always been to “find a need and fill it,” inspired by the motto of Ruth Stafford Peale, a mid-20th century author and co-founder of Guideposts inspirational magazine, Desjardin said. Over the last four years, Desjardin said the organization has expanded to meet the growing needs of Hillsdale’s community. From house fires to homelessness, it has responded to crises with resources and aid.
In response to the city’s 2023 ordinance banning camping on public property, the organization expanded its mission to offer sanctuary to the homeless, Desjardin said.
To comply with state regulations, Desjardin obtained a camping license, enabling the site to legally host multiple tents and provide structured shelter. Known as “Camp Hope,” the property behind the store has since become a place where the homeless can find shelter, access basic hygiene, and connect to resources to help rebuild their lives, according to Desjardin.
“Before we knew it, we had 17 tents set up behind the store,”
Desjardin said. “We eventually put two big wedding tents together and my husband insulated it and ran electricity through it. It’s equipped with a sleeping area and a living area.”
Joseph Caudill, an employee at Hillsdale Community Thrift, said the organization has helped him improve his life habits.
“People used to say I was a really bad person, and I started to believe those lies and do things that were bad,” he said. “Words are very powerful.”
Caudill, who has been imprisoned twice and was once homeless, said he now finds strength in helping others.
“When I get to talk to somebody and serve them, that’s what keeps me clean,” Caudill said. “You may look at my life and think I haven’t done much, but you’ve got to know where I have been and where I am now.”
Desjardin said the organization implemented rules for those seeking refuge, including mandatory drug testing, with the exception of marijuana, and a focus on helping individuals
Fair to feature Chris Lane, demo derby
‘Big, Big Plans’ for the ‘The Most Popular Fair on Earth’
By Olivia Pero Outreach Director
The 174th Hillsdale County Fair will feature a notable country singer, a demolition derby, tractor pulls, and a rodeo. Hillsdale County Fair Manager Lori Hull said this year’s biggest change is the return of live music to the fair, which will take place at the Hillsdale County Fairgrounds Sept. 2228. According to Hull, Monday night will feature a triple header of musical stars. First will be Parma, Michigan, native Jason Cross playing at 5:45 p.m., followed by Noah Hicks at 6:45 p.m., and the headliner Chris Lane at 8 p.m.
Some of Lane’s most popular songs include “Big, Big Plans,” “Take Back Home Girl,” and “I Don’t Know About You.” In 2017, Lane was a nominee for both iHeartRadio’s Best New Country Artist Award and the Academy of Country Music Awards’ New Male Vocalist of the Year. On the first day of the fair, a new event called the Mud Mitten Race Series Championships will take place at the grandstand at 3 p.m., Hull said.
Mud mitten racing uses mud trucks, or mud boggers as some people call them, the Mud Mitten Race Series group told The
Collegian. Competitors race for time or distance in a 150- to 200-foot pit of mud. There will be free admission for veterans and children 18 years and younger on Monday. Lane will perform at the grandstand at 8 p.m., and doors will open at 5 p.m.
Children’s Day will include free admission for children 18 years and younger on Tuesday. Sponsored by Hillsdale College, the International Demo Derby will take place at the grandstand at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m.
The Hillsdale Stampede
and pro rodeo will take place at the fair for the first time on Wednesday from 7-11 p.m. at the grandstand, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.
The Thunder Thursday Truck Pulls will take place at the grandstand at 7 p.m. on Thursday, and the small animal sale will take place at the expo building at 6 p.m. the same day.
Friday is Senior Citizen’s Day, so admission will cost $2 for those 65 years and older. Farm tractor pulls will take place at 9 a.m., and tractor pulls by the National Tractor Pulls Association will happen at the
grandstand at 7 p.m.
On the last day of the fair, the International Demo Derby will take place again at the grandstand at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m.
There will be daily glass blowing demonstrations at the fair by Mobile Glass Studios.
“I went to the fair last fall, and even though I don’t like rides, it was still really fun,” senior Erin Mannion said.
Junior Jonathan Williams said the Hillsdale County Fair is a great way for students to enjoy the Hillsdale community outside the college.
“It takes you into the Americana, small town feel and introduces you to things like tractor pulls, really loud and awesome trucks, and farm life,” Williams said. “My friends and I love going every year, making it into a Simpson hall event the last couple years.”
Tickets for the fair are available for purchase at the gate, and gate admission passes are available for purchase ahead of time at the fair office located at 115 S. Broad St.
Tickets cost $7 all week for those 12 years and older, and there will be free admission all week for children 11 years and younger. Weekly passes will be $35 for those 12 years and older.
Tickets for all events are available at etix.com.
secure jobs and access necessary documents such as IDs and birth certificates.
“We start by focusing on their dignity and ask what they need for clothing, bedding, getting settled in, et cetera,” Desjardin said. “Then we ask them if they need an ID, social security card, or birth certificate, and we help them get all those things.”
Camp Hope has welcomed more than 160 people seeking shelter, including more than 35 minors. The organization has invested more than $25,000 into Camp Hope alone, not counting the labor costs absorbed by Hillsdale Community Thrift employees who have shifted focus from their usual duties to helping those in need, according to Desjardin.
“When people say, ‘You just need to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get a job,’ my response is that some don’t even have boots to begin with,” Desjardin said. “But it’s more than just that — it’s about their health and the lack of a support system. People who’ve never had any-
body don’t understand that. And I get it — I don’t know what that would be like either. But when you have no one, it’s really hard.”
Despite these challenges, Desjardin said she remains hopeful the community will rally behind the organization.
“None of this would have been possible without God and this community,” Desjardin said. “I haven’t built a thing. I’ve just listened and been his humble servant.”
As the Sept. 30 deadline approaches, Hillsdale Community Thrift is calling on local residents, businesses, and anyone willing to help. Anyone wishing to donate can contact Hillsdale Community Thrift directly or visit its website for more information.
“I know they say you aren’t supposed to worry, and I try not to,” Desjardin said. “Very weird miracles have happened here — I can’t even begin to tell you how many times God has blessed us. We always joke about $1 million showing up — though that hasn’t happened quite yet.”
City Council recap
By Alessia Sandala & Catherine Maxwell Assistant Editors
Aldi update: Dirt moving at proposed site
Crews began moving dirt at the future Aldi site on the corner of Moore Road and West Carleton Road.
“That starts their timeframe,” City Manager David Mackie said. “It could be that we have a store that opens next spring.”
More Keefer delays Work on the Keefer Hotel renovation stopped due to shifting columns, but it is expected to resume Sept. 19.
“It was a short delay but it did raise some concerns within the community,” Mackie said.
Once the exterior of the courthouse is completed, renovations on the interior can begin. The total cost of the exterior renovations is capped at $10.4 million.
“The courthouse project is wrapping up,” said Doug Ingles, a member of the Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners. “The punch list has begun.”
City council votes to vacate East Galloway Drive and Summit Street
The city council approved an ordinance to close a block of East Galloway Drive and 203 feet of Summit Street in a 6-0 vote in preparation for Hillsdale College’s future Dow Hotel and Conference Center expansion. Councilmen Joshua Paladino and Gary Wolfram abstained. Councilman Greg Stuchell was not present at the meeting.
Leaf and brush collection dates announced
The round one collection dates are: Ward 1, Oct. 28; Ward 2, Nov. 13; Ward 3, Nov. 6; and Ward 4, Oct. 31.
Fair parade now Veterans Day parade, will receive funds
The city council voted to classify the fair parade as a Veterans Day parade so the city could cover the cost. This year would have been the final parade because the fair could not afford the about $2,100 fees, according to Ray Briner, the treasurer for the fair.
“We need to turn back the clock and remember that those little things are what make a community a community,” City of Hillsdale Mayor Adam Stockford said.
Hilllsdale Community Thrift opened in 2018.
Josephine von Dohllen | Collegian
Camp Hope shelters more than 20 homeless people.
Isabella Doer | Collegian
Chris Lane will perform Monday, Sept. 23 at 8 p.m.
Dante-inspired wine pub, cigar lounge coming to town
The new locations at 55 Broad St. will replace Bootleggers and 55 Below
By Alexandra Comus Senior Reporter
Two Hillsdale alumni plan to transform Bootleggers, 55 Below, and Broad Street Market into new upscale, social venues inspired by Dante’s “The Divine Comedy.”
John Biscaro ’22 and Luke Robson ’17 are in the process of acquiring 55 Broad St., which currently houses a liquor store and two bars. Broad Street Market will become an wine, fine liquor, and craft beer shop. Bootleg-
gers will be turned into a wine pub with craft cocktails and bar snacks. A cigar lounge, called “Dante’s Inferno,” will take over what is currently 55 Below.
Biscaro said he hopes this will improve the relationship between the campus and the city of Hillsdale.
“Luke Robson is pioneering a renaissance in downtown Hillsdale,” Biscaro said. “He is trying to invest in the community to revitalize the downtown area.” Dante’s General Manager
Joel Shull said the name of the company should appeal to the Hillsdale College community.
Shull said. “And because ‘Inferno’ means ‘the place below,’ that’s the cigar lounge.”
“‘Inferno’ means ‘the place below’ — that’s the cigar lounge.”
“The wine store is called ‘Purgatorio,’ because you have to wait to enjoy it, and the wine pub is called ‘Paradiso,’”
Biscaro said this concept will attract an academic crowd, and will offer a classy place to enjoy what the City of
Historical society to restore clockworks
By Maggie O’Connor Collegian Freelancer
The Hillsdale County Historical Society hopes to renovate and restore the 113-year-old clockworks it recently acquired from the Hillsdale County Courthouse, according to Bob Kline, a member of the society’s board of directors.
The clockworks used to sit in the courthouse’s clock tower until they were replaced by an automated system this summer as a part of the courthouse’s ongoing renovations. The clockworks are currently sitting in the New Barn Museum behind the Will Carleton Poorhouse Museum at 180 Wolcott St.
The Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners donated the historic clockworks to the Historical Society.
“The thing is to bring them to a place where they can actually be seen,” Hillsdale County Commissioner Brad Benzing said. “They’re really a beautiful piece of mechanical art.”
The clockworks are the creation of the famous Seth Thomas Clock Company and are dated March 15, 1911.
The Seth Thomas Clock Company is one of the oldest clock makers in the United States, and helped produce the clock atop the information booth at Grand Central Terminal in New York City, according to online retailer Clock Depot.
“It’s a nice addition to our collection, and it’s definitely something that should be saved,” Historical Society cura-
them restored to their original state, which includes mechanisms that have been lost due to modernizations over the past
“They’re really a beautiful piece of mechanical art.”
tor Darin Sheffer said. “There was talk of actually cutting them up to get them out of the clock tower. The outcome for the clockworks could have been pretty poor.”
Kline, who along with Sheffer oversaw the transportation of the clockworks to the museum, said the Society’s dream for the clockworks is to have
half century, including gears that have been taken out and replaced with electric motors.
Benzing said that during the courthouse’s renovation, the decision was made not to renovate the clockworks because the cost for craftsmen with the ability to work on such an old mechanism would be too high.
The Historical Society would
need to receive a substantial grant to restore the clockworks.
“We’ll be looking for a grant to make that happen, from any places that would be interested in restoring something like this,” Kline said. “I’m sure it’s going to be an expensive fix.”
The old clockworks can be viewed for free at the Poorhouse Museum. The courthouse clocktower is now an electronic clock that can be controlled by an app but still plays the original chimes.
“The original works are staying with the Historical Society, and whatever they have up there in the clocktower now will hopefully work for generations to come,” Sheffer said.
What are some of the
By Therese Williams Collegian Freelancer
Sweet corn and little crochet chickens are among the best sellers at the Hillsdale Farmers’ Market, which takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May through October.
Here are the top products from five stands at last week’s market.
Mushroom Curiosity
Annette Williams has been selling mushrooms at the Hillsdale Farmers’ Market for the past six years.
“We have the white, pink, blue, oyster, shiitake, lion’s mane, and chestnut varieties of mushroom,” Williams said.
Her most popular product is the shiitake mushroom.
“Every mushroom has a health benefit for you,” Williams said.
Chef’s Way Organic Farm Ezra Bertakis, owner of Chef’s Way Organic Farm, has been selling all-organic, pesticide-free produce at the farmers’ market for 10 years.
Before that, Bertakis worked under Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto on the Food
Hillsdale has to offer.
“We want to be refined and pristine but still approachable, so it can be a place both for college students and for people who want to go out for a night on the town on a budget,” Biscaro said. A friend of Shull and Biscaro, David Johnson ’17, said he may play music with his band Lost Mary on occasion at Dante’s, which will help the ambiance of the store.
The opening of the store has been hindered by licensing processes, Shull said, but
they are hoping to acquire the location by the end of September.
Shull said the wine pub should be open by Thanksgiving, and the cigar lounge by Valentine’s Day.
“The store will always be open once we acquire the property,” Shull said. “The downstairs part, 55 Below, will stay open until renovations are done on the wine pub, and then we will open the wine pub when we are renovating 55 Below.”
St. Anthony’s holds Mass for slain deputy
By Skye Graham Collegian Reporter
“The numbers 4-0-3 will always haunt me,” Deacon Donald Michael said in his homily, because he learned about the death of Hillsdale County Deputy William Butler Jr. on June 27 at 4:03 p.m. Michael spoke at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Sept. 11 during a “Blue Mass” to honor the life and work of Butler.
“Blue Mass is the name given to a Mass celebrated for those in public service — police, conservation officers, corrections officers,
among those of us who walk the thin blue, red, yellow, white, and gray lines,” said Michael, who also is a police chaplain. “It is these moments when we need to reflect upon Christ’s lesson on the mount.”
Junior Andrew Winter attended the Mass, and he said he appreciated the significance of it being held on Sept. 11.
“Billy put his trust and love in a God who saves us from ourselves.”
firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, and other public service officials,” said Jamie Wisniewski, the chief assistant prosecutor of Hillsdale County, who suggested the idea of the Mass. Butler was shot on duty at a traffic stop. He was transported to the hospital, where he died. Butler had served in the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office for 12 years. His funeral was held at Hillsdale College’s Christ Chapel on July 3.
“There are lonely moments
“The homilist brought home the tragedy of 9/11 by telling the story of a local law enforcement officer,” Winter said. Winter said that he did not know that the Mass was going to be in honor of the deputy until the homily began, but he was pleased to see that the Mass honored Butler’s life.
“Billy put his trust and love in a God who saves us from ourselves,” Michael said. “A God that is present, no matter how difficult life can get. A God that does not look away from our pain and suffering. A God — in the person of Christ — who understands too well the injustice that comes with the killing of an innocent man.”
Farmers Market’s best sellers?
Network. He moved back to Hillsdale after running several sushi restaurants in the Detroit area.
“I just let that go and retired off of that and focused back on the farm,” Bertakis said. “I wanted to see my kids grow up, so I took over the family farm, which was emptied out with nothing left.”
His most popular products are lettuce and greens. He said most of his produce is picked the day before the market — sometimes Saturday morning. His farm has reserved itself the title of “largest year-round organic lettuce producing farm in Michigan.”
“Everything is to chef standards,” Bertakis said.
Hooked by Shay
Karissa Shay started her crochet business, Hooked by Shea, in 2020 to keep her busy during COVID.
“I was in grad school, so it was just something to keep me busy during online lectures,” Shay said.
She sells crocheted merchandise, including blankets, hats, scarfs, and little animals.
Shay said her best selling product is miniature crochet chickens.
“I usually just make what I like, and that’ll sell,” Shay said.
McElroy Farms
Audrey VanDeusen ran the stand for McElroy Farms on Saturday, selling grass-fed lamb, pasture-raised pork, and — its most popular products — ground beef and bacon.
“People love the bacon,” VanDeusen said.
For a decade, McElroy Farms has been selling at the farmers’ market, its only physical storefront. Most of their business is online, and they offer free delivery for Hillsdale County.
Magda’s Produce Cynthia Magda and her husband have sold Magda’s Produce at the Hillsdale Farmers’ Market since it first started 15 years ago.
“My husband’s been doing it his whole life,” Magda said. “His parents sold at the Hills-
CFA from A1
Metz Culinary currently has a partnership with Chick-fil-A which allows the restaurant to bring its specialty chicken sandwiches to the dining hall several times per semester.
Metz Executive Chef Adam Harvey told The Collegian in November 2023 the dining service’s goal could mean a physical building on campus in the future.
“We just want to establish
dale fairground every Saturday for probably 60 years.”
They grow most of the produce that they sell themselves, but some is from other farms.
Magda said her favorite part of farming is the way harvesting crops feels like going on a treasure hunt.
relationships with Chick-fil-A,” he said. “Eventually, we want them on campus in some capacity, whether that be an established building or not.”
Tim Wells, college associate vice president for administration, said there are no further updates with regards to bringing a physical Chick-fil-A to campus.
“We intend to continue our current partnership with them, which includes bringing their product to campus for select
According to her, their most popular product is cherry tomatoes earlier in the season but sweetcorn throughout the year.
“I love fall crops,” she said. “This is my time of year.”
events and cafeteria functions throughout the academic year,” Wells said. “There are no additional plans for expanding outside of these functions at this time.” Wells said he is thrilled to hear about the new Jackson location.
“It is exciting to hear a Chick-fil-A will be coming to Jackson,” Wells said. “I know many at Hillsdale will be able to enjoy and take advantage of it.”
The 113-year-old clockworks used to run on top of the courthouse. Courtesy | Bob Kline
Karissa Shay’s most popular items are her crochet chickens. Therese Williams | Collegian
Sweetcorn is the year-round best-seller at Magda’s Produce. Therese Williams | Collegian
Sports Feature
Papazov journeys from Sutton, England to Hillsdale, USA
By Megan Li Assistant Editor
Armed with a hatred of cold weather and a lack of experience with the microwave, freshman Ryan Papazov traveled nearly 4,000 miles from the United Kingdom to take on Hillsdale College and join the men’s tennis team.
According to Papazov, it was his father, Nick Papazov, that first introduced him to tennis.
“He did have dreams of making it pro, but that never worked out for him,” Papazov said. “We used to train a lot together, and then eventually, I started playing in an academy at about seven years old.”
Papazov is from Sutton, England, a town 10 minutes away from Wimbledon by car. As someone who has played tennis since he was three years old and began competing when he was four, Papazov was in the perfect location with regards to Wimbledon, internationally known as one of the best homes for tennis competition. He would often be among the massive annual audience.
Papazov’s parents are both from Bulgaria, but they met in London before settling down in England, where Papazov was born and raised.
“In that sense, I’m 50-50,”
Games
Each of the first five rows and columns contain one each of 1–6 in their six squares. (In thesixth row and sixth column, a number from that range may appear multiple times or not at all.) The sixth row is an anagram of the sixth column, and the sum of the five values therein is given in the bottom-right triangle. Difficulty:
Noughts & Crosses Plus
The numbers around the border indicate the length of the longest runs of consecutive noughts or crosses in that row, column, or secondary diagonal (a zero means that symbol does not appear).
Papazov said. “50% Bulgarian, 50% British, and now 0.001% American.”
According to the Hillsdale Chargers website, Papazov recorded over 340 career victories on the court during his high school career. He won the 2023 Salisbury Cup for Surrey County in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles as well as the Surrey County Championship with partner Callum Dickson in 2021. In the 20232024 season, he held a record of 34-16 in matches.
Papazov said he sought out Hillsdale for its combination of rigorous academics and tennis training. He said he appreciates Hillsdale’s emphasis on education, the “student” in “student- athlete,” saying that it is something he should be equipped with if professional tennis does not work out.
“My mom wanted me to have an education and my dad wanted me to have a strong commitment to tennis. Here at Hillsdale you get the best of both worlds,” Papazov said. “You can explore the bases a lot better. You can find out who you are and be able to try different things, whether that’s through the education here or through the sports.”
Papazov said his dream is to play professional tennis.
“World number one, to win absolutely everything,” Papa-
zov said. “That was probably pushed onto me by my parents a lot mentality-wise — trying to always succeed in what you do.”
Papazov said having the tennis team around him at Hillsdale has grown his love for the court.
“Compared to the UK, when you were playing tournaments, training mostly would be by yourself. You wouldn’t often make friends,” Papazov said. “Here, it’s a lot more team-based, which takes off a lot of pressure, especially from a mental aspect.”
Papazov said the longest he has ever been away from his family was for a month while he was living with his grandmother in Bulgaria.
“Obviously you have FaceTime, but that does not make up for the lack of physical contact and everything,” Papazov said. “You’ve got to take the positives with the negatives. It’s always the case: when one door closes, another one opens.”
Papazov said despite sharing the same language, the American-Hillsdale environment takes getting used to. He has experience with the training and lesson schedule that Hillsdale athletes have, but the amount of reading required is new to him.
“I’m pretty sure I’ve read
more in the past three weeks than I have in the past three years,” Papazov said.
Papazov has training on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for about two hours with lifting on Tuesdays and Thursdays for about an hour.
Papazov said there was an emphasis on running on the Hillsdale tennis team, something he was not used to during conditioning in England.
“It’s a lot of running, but even so, it’s 100% necessary. I need to push myself harder,” Papazov said. “[Coach Turner is] able to push me in that way and in that sense, and I will see the benefits in the long term. Currently, the short-term benefits are that I am sore, so I know he has worked me hard.”
Papazov said he appreciated the intensity with which the team is coached and the encouragement they bring to each other.
“We’re more of a family than a team — that’s the best way to put it,” Papazov said. “When everyone is trying their hardest, and you can see them putting in their effort, you’re able to motivate each other and raise yourselves up together.”
Freshman Sam Plys, one of Papazov’s teammates, said Papazov is a vocal participant during their games.
“He’s always pushing us to get better,” Plys said. “I think he was the first of the freshmen to lead people in chants.”
Head coach Keith Turner said Papazov first reached out to him last spring. According to Turner, Papazov has the capacity to be a big part of the team in future years.
“Looking at his video, he looked like a guy with a big serve and big game with high potential,” Turner said in an email. “He brings a strong work ethic, confidence, and team spirit.”
Papazov said he has been able to bond with the five other international students on the tennis team.
“Being so far away from your family — most of us can relate to that,” Papazov said.
Papazov said he was surprised by the kindness and positivity of American students.
“Especially seeing those American high school movies where you had all the jocks and everything, spinning the basketball on their finger as they walked through the cafeteria, all the students are lovely,” Papazov said. “That’s probably the biggest difference between the UK universities and the US universities.”
Volunteer assistant tennis coach Brian Hackman said Papazov is a leader in his con-
fidence and positivity.
“He wants his teammates to give their best effort, and he brings everyone together,” Hackman said.
Hackman said he appreciates Papazov’s willingness to take constructive criticism and learn.
“Not every student-athlete is easy to coach,” Hackman said. “He doesn’t take anything personally, doesn’t say ‘no’ or ‘I can’t,’ so it’s been a very great experience working with him. He has the potential to be one of our top doubles players.” Papazov said he appreciates the audience turnout at sporting events, something he was not used to having.
“People actually come to watch you, and they’re your friends,” Papazov said. “In the UK, if I wanted my friend to come down, he’d tell me no. He’s not driving 50 miles for me, but over here they would be willing to come.” Papazov referred to the school motto, “strength rejoices in the challenge,” when discussing the standard he upholds for himself.
“You’re not going to get stronger without a challenge,” Papazov said. “Winning isn’t everything; you’ve got so many experiences to make.”
Former Charger running back drafted to Canadian league
Ty Ruddy Assistant Editor
A former star running back for the Chargers is now
Herzog began to think about his next step in football after the 2022 season.
“I started to eye the draft,” Herzog said. “I knew if I
best shape of my life.” In April 2024, the Montreal Alouettes called Herzog’s name with the 56th overall pick in the CFL draft.
At Hillsdale, Herzog rushed for 1,333 yards and earned all-region and all-American honors in 2023. He also earned all-conference honors in 2022.
“We usually try to balance the game plan on the offensive side of the ball between the run and pass game. That’s easy to do with someone like Mike in the backfield,” said Shreffler, who was offensive coordinator during Herzog’s career at Hillsdale.
“They ran us through the 40, tested our shuttle, broad, and vertical. Then we would play a game so they could see what they were in for.”
When bowl season finished, Herzog trained in Novi, Michigan, as the CFL draft drew near.
“Those days were mostly about trying to peak at the right time,” Herzog said. “It was about three hours per day of strength and conditioning trying to be in the
“That was a good day,” Herzog said. ”We threw a draft party with some family and we were able to celebrate
He reported in Montreal for training camp but was cut during the preseason. Herzog returned to his home in Windsor, Canada, where he continued training and kept a phone nearby, he said.
“Sometimes that’s how it goes in the early stages of a career, but I knew if I kept doing what I was I would be ready when another opportunity arose,” Herzog said.
“Sure enough a few weeks ago, Montreal called again.” Herzog said he looks forward to the opportunity to work his way into the roster and hopes to make the team before training camp next season.
“If they need me this season it will probably be on special teams, but I am ready to stay on my training and looking forward to making an impact soon.”
Michael Herzog '23. COURTESY HILLSDALE COLLEGE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
Football
Chargers drop to 0-2 at Michigan Tech
By Alex Deimel Collegian Reporter
Charger football dropped to 0-2 in the 2024 season with its 21-6 loss to the Michigan Technological University Huskies in Houghton Saturday.
Hillsdale dominated Michigan Tech in almost every offensive category except for the one that matters most: points.
“We definitely had some missed opportunities on third down that did not help,” sophomore wide receiver Shea Ruddy said. “We get better every game and every practice.”
Hillsdale converted 19 first downs to Michigan Tech’s 13, and had 279 passing yards to Michigan Tech’s 129. After sophomore quarterback Cole Canter was injured in the second quarter, sophomore
Sports
quarterback Colin McKernan saw his first action in a Charger uniform.
“I was really excited to be able to play,” McKernan said, “I felt prepared. I’ve waited for this moment for a while. My parents were even able to make it up for the game so that was awesome to have as well.”
McKernan finished his Hillsdale debut with 205 total passing yards, completing 17 passes on 29 attempts, and had his first career passing touchdown on a 58-yard throw to Ruddy for the Chargers’ only points of the game.
Ruddy finished the game with 92 total receiving yards on three receptions, and sophomore Jonathan Metzger led Hillsdale in receiving with 96 yards on six catches. With senior captain wide receiver Logan VanEn-
Feature
kevort injured, the ball was spread around to seven different receivers, while running backs Kyle Riffel and Zach Tetler split time in the run game. Tetler finished with 41 total yards, while Riffel finished with 10.
“I think the big thing we need to work on offensively is our consistency,” McKernan said. “We’re making good plays. We know we can do it, we just need to do it consistently to win.”
Defensively, the Chargers showed improvements from the game against the University of Indianapolis, allowing only 21 total points, including a shutout in the 3rd quarter. Redshirt junior defensive back Jack Trachet led the Chargers with nine total tackles, including one tackle for a 10-yard loss. Behind him was redshirt ju-
nior defensive back Vince Francescone, who had seven tackles of his own. The only Hillsdale sack on Saturday came from senior defensive lineman Hunter Sperling, who tallied his first sack of the year in the second quarter.
“I think we did a lot of good things on Saturday,” Sperling said. “But even though we’re doing well at putting pressure on the quarterback, we need to start forcing turnovers. That applies to the defense as a whole, too.”
With non-conference play finished, the Chargers will host their first Great Midwest Athletic Conference opponent of the year this Saturday, Sept. 21 when the Ashland University Eagles come to Muddy Waters Stadium to face Hillsdale at 1 p.m.
Affholters carry on a football tradition
By Lewis Thune Collegian Reporter
Families in sports receive
substantial media attention, from Serena and Venus Williams to Justin and BJ Upton, or Eli and Peyton Manning to Michigan favorites Amon-
Ra St. Brown and his brother Equanimeous. Professional sports amplify these stories, but they only tell a fraction of them. A glance at this year’s Hillsdale Chargers Football Team makes one thing clear: brotherhood on the field isn’t metaphorical.
This season, a total of 11 Chargers will play with a brother, and an additional nine Chargers have had a brother put on the Hillsdale helmet. To say nothing of Offensive and Defensive Coordinators Brad and Steve Otterbein, there are plenty of familiar names on the Hillsdale roster: Stephen Petersen joins a long list of Petersens to play for the Chargers, starting receiver Shea Ruddy welcomes younger brother Ryin, and John and Chris VanOpstall will play their second season together.
But for the Affholters, Hillsdale Football is uniquely a family affair. Twin brothers Ben and Nick, both seniors, are among the most experienced starters on the roster, while younger brother Zac is fresh off his redshirt season.
Like any trio of brothers, they all three admit how competition runs strong between them, and also that each one
has their domain. Nick is the best baseball player, Ben the best golfer, Zac the best musician. The brothers insist that the competitive spirit between them, both on and off the field, is for the best, at least most of the time.
The family isn’t just marked by a competitive spirit. They also have a history in Hillsdale sports. The trio’s mother, Darcy ‘97 played volleyball
‘96. After graduating, Brad served as a multi-sport high school coach, deciding in 2023 to return to Hillsdale football as the offensive line assistant coach.
“I felt like more than a number to the coaches and to the school,” Nick Affholter said, “I could feel the family legacy live on through me and I wanted to be a part of that.”
Ben Affholter shared the
at Hillsdale and is instructor at the Mary Proctor Randall Preschool, while their father Brad ‘97 distinguished himself as one of the Chargers’ premier offensive linemen in the 90s, earning the Midwest Intercollegiate Football Conference’s top lineman award in 1996. Brad is also the brother of Mrs. Kathy Petersen ‘95, a Hillsdale volleyball player, mother of the aforementioned Petersen boys, and wife of Dean of Men Aaron Petersen
sentiment, also addressing the family connection.
“Family history had a lot to do with my decision to come to Hillsdale,” he said. “It has really meant a lot to me to say I am a part of this college.”
Zac Affholter also agreed, his decision took into account that his brothers were already Chargers.
“My family has a lot of ties to Hillsdale,” he said. “The opportunity to play with my brothers again really drew me in.”
The Affholter brothers previously played together for the Reading High School Rangers in 2019 under their father’s coaching. Ben and Nick were seniors and Zac was a freshman at the time. In that season, they went undefeated and handily won the Michigan Division Eight state championship.
Nick Affholter said that the three brothers working beside one another has always brought them closer and made each one better. Ben Affholter expressed gratitude for how they have helped one another succeed.
“My brothers are pretty talented, and they really have pushed me to be a better version of myself,” he said.
Zac Affholter also spoke highly of his times with his brothers, especially the leadership they provided him.
“Playing football with my brothers is something I always look forward to,” Zac Affholter said. “They are well known as some of the best offensive linemen in the entirety of DII college football. They are also the best teachers.”
This season will be Nick and Ben’s last one in a Charger uniform. Zac has three more years of college football eligibility, and Brad will complete his second season on the Chargers’ staff. This Hillsdale football season, like many before it, will be an Affholter family affair.
Golf places third in two tournaments
By Nathan Furness Collegian Freelancer
The Hillsdale men’s golf team placed in both of their two tournaments to start the year. At the Malone-Glenmoor Invitational two weekends ago, Hillsdale led through two rounds and finished third out of the 13 teams.
Individually, Hillsdale finished with three players in the top eight.
Headlining this group was freshman Aryan Sharma. Sharma shot a 70 in his opening round before finishing with a 73, enough to place seventh overall in his opening tournament. The freshman says his shift to college has been good and that he is optimistic for the upcoming season.
“The transition to college golf has been smooth. There are a lot more players than I am used to but competing as a team is super fun and we get along well,” Sharma said. “Our team is strong and I'm excited for the upcoming season. Hopefully we can get a couple wins this season.”
Sophomores Ryan O’Rourke and Robert Thompson also played well for the Chargers over the weekend, finishing sixth and eighth overall respectively.
O’Rourke said he was happy with his opening two rounds but disappointed with how his final round went.
“I played very well the first day, ending up in third place going into the final round,” O’Rourke said. “During the third round, I had a stroke of bad luck early on that led to a high number.”
Thompson echoed O’Rourke, saying he could have played better but was happy with his results.
“I think I played okay personally, definitely could have been better, especially on the last few holes, but a top 10 is always nice,” Thompson said. Over the weekend, Hillsdale hosted its inaugural Get To Foundation Invitational at the Cardinal Course at St. John’s Golf Resort in Plymouth. This event was significant as it was the first time the Chargers hosted their own invitational in Michigan. Hillsdale once again finished third overall in the inaugural tournament, ending three strokes behind the top-placed Wayne State University golf team. At this invitational, Thompson shot an even-par through three days, and finished as runner-up after a two-hole playoff, his highest individual finish thus far in his young career.
“It was my best college event so far,” Thompson said. “I also think third as a team is pretty good, as it’s a stronger field than last week, and we were only three strokes out of first.”
Behind Thompson’s performance, Hillsdale continued to show its young talent. After missing the cut to play in the opening tournament, freshman Jackson Piacsek played in this tournament, shooting three consistent rounds and finishing just two strokes behind Thompson.
“I was excited to play my first college tournament, especially considering we were able to host the event,” Piacsek said. “It was a ton of fun and playing well only made it more exciting for myself and the team.” Charger golf competes next on Oct. 7 in Ohio at the Kyle Ryman Memorial.
Charger chatter
Clara Bozzay, aCtion Shooting
What's your go-to SAGA meal? Whatever they're serving on Warm Cookie Wednesday; it's the best day of the week.
What's a childhood TV show you still watch?
I still love Phineas and Ferb. I think it was a great show and I'll watch an episode every once in a while.
Compiled by Joshua Mistry
Courtesy | Gabriel Beckwith
Would you rather fight one horsesized duck or 100 duck-sized horses?
I think I have a much better shot of beating 100 duck-sized horses.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation for sure. I love to travel and saving money on airplane tickets would be economical.
Freshman Jackson Piacsek attempts a putt.
COURTESY | HILLSDALE COLLEGE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
From left to right: Nick, Brad, Ben, and Zac Affholter.
COURTESY | HILLSDALE COLLEGE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
Charger Sports
Rugby dominates USI 44-0
By Luke Waters Collegian Reporter
Hillsdale College Club
Rugby stormed the field in a crushing 44-0 victory over the University of Southern Indiana this past weekend.
Hillsdale College Pres ident Larry Arnn, who arrived halfway through the game, spoke about the team's performance and the long-standing rugby tradi tion at the college, attributing much of the team’s current success to that heritage.
“There’s that academy Pat Whalen helped found, and some of these guys are from there,” Arnn said. “He and his brother Ben were both big-time rugby players. It was once said that their Latin was pretty good, but not as good as their rugby.”
Freshman coach Charlie Hickey is re covering from a head injury, having just had six staples removed before this game.
“As long as they don’t get
Chargers revamp social media accounts under new leadership
By Grace Novak Collegian Freelancer
Hillsdale Chargers social media is expanding its online presence to unite the student body and create excitement in Charger Nation, according to the Chargers’ social media team.
Alumna Emma Purdy ’23 took over the Chargers’ social media page immediately after graduation. With her vision and the help of two student interns, the social media accounts are booming with new reels, graphic design promotions, and a new TikTok page.
“We want to showcase our athletes because they’re wonderful people,” Purdy said. “We just want to bridge the student body and the student athletes and really make it one.”
Last week, the social media team hosted a media day for the athletes. In addition to getting professional photos taken, the athletes also partook in interviews and challenges that were later made into reels. The student-ath-
letes enjoyed these activities, according to the social media team.
“We had them all draw Charlie the Charger and they loved it,” Purdy said. “They’re reacting really, really well to that, and I think they really kind of feel seen and loved and honestly kind of cherished a little bit more than they used to be.”
According to Purdy, it’s not only the athletes who are enjoying this new approach to Charger social media. Students across Hillsdale are taking a closer look at the social pages, and therefore becoming more invested in Charger athletics.
After football players promoted their first game in the student union, the social media team thought there was more energy and excitement towards the game than usual, according to Purdy.
“At our last football game, we had pretty good attendance from the student body,” Purdy said. “Our views on our reels are going up. And
I know it’s not just coming from the student athletes, it’s also coming from the students.”
In addition to promoting Charger nation to the whole school, the team is also working to create a unified brand identity across campus. This includes flyers, social media campaigns, and banners.
“We want people to see something either on Instagram or in the union or in the newsletter and think to themselves right away ‘Oh that's definitely from the athletic department. That's definitely the Chargers brand,’” Purdy said. “Because I think when you build that brand, it really draws people in.”
The student social media interns are junior Abby Kendzicky and junior Lucia Spinazze.
“I love to watch the games so getting to do that as my job is the best,” Spinazze said.
Some of their personal favorite reels are the football “scream challenge” and the “Hillsdale Olympics,”
which can be found on TikTok or Instagram.
“I think it's more fun to get behind the scenes of the players and not just the scores,” Kendzicky said.
The team said it plans to spend the year growing the TikTok and Instagram pages. They plan to focus on fun themed sporting events, such as last weekend’s neon volleyball game, to generate excitement about Charger Athletics from the whole student body.
“Honestly, we just would love to get as many students as we can to our games this year,” Purdy said.
Some posts, like a highlight reel of former Charger Jack Gohlke’s basketball career during his time at Hillsdale, have been getting views and attention from outside the student body as well.
While this isn’t the main goal, it wouldn’t hurt to go viral, Kendzicky said.
“This is Charger nation,” Purdy said. “It's not just student-athletes versus students, it's everyone.”
said. “If we continue on the track we’re currently on, it’s certainly a likelihood that we’ll be competing for a national title this year.”
Sophomore Austin Piecuch highlighted key moments in their most recent game and the team’s energy for the rest of the season.
“The energy is off the charts right now,” Piecuch said. “Kellen Pollock took an amazing pass and juked out multiple players to make the goal
couldn’t contain its excitement, as senior Drayvon Spies yelled from the sidelines, “Who is that The rugby team plays this Saturday, Sept. 21, at Bowling Green University. Their next home game is Oct. 5.
The Hillsdale College Department of Theatre has hosted an annual trip to the Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada, for more than 30 years. This year, 13 students and three faculty departed for the trip on Sept. 5 and returned on Sept. 8.
The itinerary included five productions in four different theaters: “Get That Hope,” an original Canadian play in its premiere; “Cymbeline,” a Shakespearean romance; “Something Rotten!,” an up beat comedy musical inspired by the life and work of Shake speare; “Salesman in China,” the true story of a Chinese production of Ar thur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman;” and “Hedda Gabler,” a disruptive early mod ern tragedy.
The daily schedule of 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. shows left plenty of free time to explore the walkable storybook-type town of Stratford. Most of us began our mornings with window shopping, coffee, and homework. Then the matinee, dinner (sushi and takeout Thai were highlights), and an
evening show, followed by drinks at the bar near our hotel and reviews of the day’s plays.
felt like peering in through a window, eavesdropping on a real conversation in a real living room — not watching
happen next. The production didn’t need an impressive set to get us on the edge of our seats.
da Gabler” any time soon. The plot is jarring — a newly married woman manipulates her husband and friends because she’s “bored,” and her lies culminate in two suicides — and the production elements amplified the shock of the story. The show took place on a runway stage, meaning the audience watched from three different sides. Everyone experienced something different. It
A chaise and fireplace were the only set pieces, but the lighting set the tone. When Hedda threw her ex-lover’s magnum opus into the flames, the entire room went dark, except for the red blaze of the fireplace. The glow slowly expanded outward until even the people around me were seemingly sitting in the fire and I had a knot in my stomach and a fear of what would
James Brandon, professor of theater and planner of this year’s trip, left the Saturday matinee slot empty to help us starving artists save money. Even so, we all declared “When in Canada,” and flashed
dent IDs to score cheap tickets to a sixth show. The members of our group chose four different shows that afternoon — I chose “Twelfth Night” — and we reconvened at dinner to share our thoughts.
“Twelfth Night” was the weakest show I saw over the weekend, but even so, the opportunity to impulsively see a matinee doesn’t exist in smalltown Hillsdale. I love seeing plays in Markel Auditorium, but that space can not produce the same effect that Hedda Gabler’s runway stage can. We have a talented student body, but we don’t have 70-year-old actors who seem like Arthur Miller reincarnated. The variety of resources available to professional productions like Stratford’s broadened my understanding of how a play can transform based on who performs it and
Greek spotlight: Sigma Chi builds philanthropic arm
By Jackson Casey Collegian Freelancer
“You know, John Wayne was a Sigma Chi,” said senior Andrew Klare, president of the Sigma Chi fraternity’s Hillsdale College chapter. “He said, ‘Men join fraternities; leaders of men join Sigma Chi’ — and I really think that’s what we offer to campus.”
Sigma Chi’s Alpha Kappa chapter is one of four fraternities on Hillsdale’s campus. As a tenet of their brotherhood, each undertakes philanthropic work to give back to the community and develop their members’ character.
A major part of making leaders of men within Sigma Chi is partaking in that tradition, according to Klare.
Junior Chistopher Tufaro, magister for the chapter, said Klare’s leadership and the work of chapter philanthropy chair Jack Foley have allowed the fraternity to make great strides
with its philanthropic work.
“This semester, Jack decided that it would be more important for us to do good in our community,” Tufaro said. “This year, we’re dedicating all of our money to Camp Hope, which is a homeless shelter in the Hillsdale area.”
According to Foley, a junior, their philanthropy event this semester raised more than $1,000 in about eight hours.
“I have been blessed with the opportunity to work very closely with Missy DesJardin over at Camp Hope, who has put me in the position to be able to put on the Sigma Chi Thrift Store, which has been an outstanding success,” Foley said. “We put it all together over the course of the last few weeks, and received box trucks full of clothes, racks, and hangers, all the night before the event was going to occur.”
Foley said volunteerism is a major part of Sigma Chi’s identity.
“We have groups of guys who go help at the homeless shelter on a weekly basis, as well as all of our other fundraisers we do on campus, such as Rent-A-Sig, Shave-A-Sig, Derby Days, and others,” Foley said. “We also have seasonal volunteer outings, such as helping out at the Greater Hillsdale Area Humane Society and other outings as we become aware of the need.”
Klare said he was
basis of Greek life. Although Klare was at first unsure if fraternity life would detract from other aspects of his social and academic life at Hillsdale College, said he that Sigma Chi adds to the college’s mission in many ways.
“Coming here, I was really worried that joining a fraternity would really take away from my time at the college,” Klare said. “What I found is that it actually has been the greatest supplement here — the
development when he first joined.
“I was really pleasantly surprised when I pledged — I saw that we have a five-week process where we learned about the values and virtues of the fraternity, and you see that these guys actually care about holding each other accountable, that they actually care about being serious individuals,” he said.
Klare said he thinks many people outside fraternities fail to see the importance of values-based practices and Christian ritual that often form the
of what the college promises to give us. It’s really worked hand in hand in a way that I never would have seen before I became involved in it for years.”
Tufaro said the fraternity has allowed him to learn habits and undergo character development that is necessary for leadership and life outside college.
“I felt like in order to truly flourish and grow as a man, in leadership capabilities, in friendship and in all the other standard male virtues, I needed something where they were go-
ing to treat me as an adult with responsibility,” Tufaro said. “At Sigma Chi, you get that. At our house, we do everything ourselves — all the landscaping, all the cleaning. Nobody is coming in to vacuum the floor, clean out the toilets, or take out the trash.”
Tufaro added that in addition to fraternity life’s practical responsibilities, there are also many opportunities for men to develop their character.
“When it comes to conflict resolution, there’s no RA to go to, nor another higher authority you could appeal to, for resolving your situation. It’s up to you if you’re having a disagreement with a brother, or if you need to fix something,” Tufaro said. “If you want to plan an event or do anything like that, you have to figure out the resources to get it done. The house is very supportive of that.”
Foley credits the culture within Sigma Chi with the suc-
cess the fraternity has had in its community work. He said brotherhood forms long-lasting friendships.
“Ultimately, it’s closer to a family than it is to a frat. I’m surrounded by the future godparents, ‘uncles,’ and lifelong friends who would drop everything should another one of us have the need,” Foley said. “At the end of the day, it is truly a lifelong commitment to brotherhood.”
Tufaro expressed his love for the brothers of Sigma Chi similarly to Foley.
“I don’t know if you’ve ever heard the phrase, ‘to share a foxhole with someone,’ but I’d share a foxhole with any one of these guys. I’d feel comfortable going to any one of them with any problem I might be dealing with,” Tufaro said. “I know that they would lead me right, and I know that they’re always there for me — any one of the guys.”
Jack Foley sells thrift items to Sarah Gregory and Abby Gilreath. COURTESY | Jackson Casey
Colin Ogden working thrift event. COURTESY | Jackson Casey
Sigma Chis sit on their porch.
Left to right: Blaise Cerne, Davis Hay, Alex Hoffman, Seth Capelli. COURTESY | Jackson Casey
Theater students walk around Statford, Ontario. COURTESY | Kenda Showalter
C U L T U
Dance Kaleidoscope performs original choreography
By Colman Rowan Culture Editor
Indianapolis-based dance company Dance Kaleido -
scope performed six original dances in Markel Auditorium on Saturday.
The 53-year-old professional group featured modern dance sets with a variety of choreographers.
Joshua Blake Carter, the artistic director of the company, choreographed a few of the dances.
“I want to illuminate different people from all over the world so that people see themselves on the stage, and they can see their culture or perhaps their race or their identification personified on stage,” Carter said. “That’s really what our show is about. It’s kind of taking six different short stories and letting people see different parts of
‘Am
what’s going on in our world.”
Carter said choreography begins with the music.
“I definitely listen to the music first, and I always feel like the music tells me what to do,” Carter said. “I know that sounds strange, but I hear the music and it evokes a movement in my body, and that’s what I start to do.”
Carter explained his crite ria for picking a song to cho reograph.
“It’s really about what in spires me and what I think will resonate with an au dience, because that’s ulti mately also a huge goal,” Carter said.“Having an access point for audience members, so that people don’t feel like they don’t understand it or are alien ated by it. Like maybe you don’t get it, which you don’t need to, as long as it brings you some sort of emotion or
experience.” lating and
I racist?’ Matt Walsh asks in new movie
By Catherine Maxwell Assistant Editor
“Raise a glass if you’re racist.”
When confronted by this statement, most people would squirm in their seats and look for the nearest exit. The eight white women at the Race2Dinner event, along with the two hosts, all happily raised their wine glasses.
“Wait, I’m not racist,” said host Regina Jackson, a black woman at the head of the table who had just compared white people to Nazis, as she lowered her glass.
“Am I Racist?” the Daily Wire’s new mockumentary, stars Matt Walsh, the conservative commentator behind the 2022 documentary “What Is a Woman?” The film uses Walsh’s dry humor and a series of interviews and experiences to expose the biggest perpetuators of racism in America: the so-called antiracists.
Walsh had infiltrated the Race2Dinner event as a waiter and initiated the toast. For him, it was another step of
his antiracist journey. For the viewer, it was another laughable-yet-cringey example of white people doing anything to prove how antiracist they are — by talking about how racist they are.
Although Walsh presents his beliefs about racism at the end of the movie, he presents his experiences without comment. After donning his manbun wig and skinny jeans and securing his diversity, equity, and inclusion certificate, he travels America talking to antiracist experts. He takes a DEI seminar, interviews the founder of Black Lives Matter Phoenix, and speaks with “White Fragility” author Robin DiAngelo.
The conversations should be absurd, but the antiracists approach them with complete seriousness. One expert tells Walsh it’s a good thing his daughter likes Moana more than white Disney princesses, but she shouldn’t be Moana for Halloween because of cultural appropriation. DiAngelo coaches Walsh on how to walk past black coworkers without smiling too much (racist) or not enough (also racist).
Interspersed with the activists are conversations with average Americans. A teenager on the street in Nashville tells the DEI card-toting Walsh, “You’re the most racist person I’ve talked to.” White patrons of a biker bar tell Walsh they don’t think about race when interacting with people, and a black man in the rural South
says he doesn’t think America has a racism problem.
The movie culminates with the enlightened Walsh hosting his own DEI seminar, where he sees how far he can push the participants to atone for their inherent racism. (Spoiler alert: self-flagellation is far more acceptable to them than it should be.)
“Am I Racist?” doesn’t have the same emotional impact as “What Is a Woman?” The cringey situations leave the viewer laughing instead of sick to his stomach. Where “What Is a Woman?” exposes the horrifying practices of the transgender ideology, Walsh’s latest movie reveals the absurdism of the antiracist ideology and the titular question.
But even though the BLM craze of 2020 is over, the movie still exposes the DEI industry as thriving on the guilt of white people. The happiest people in the film are those who don’t obsess over race, who leave when asked to point to the most racist person in the room. Walsh doesn’t need to present aristotelian counterarguments to defeat the antiracists. After one conversation, their ideas fall apart.
In today’s political climate, politicians love throwing the word “racist” at their opponents. But it’s not racist to smile at black people or support meritocracy over handouts. With a little humor and some pointed questions, Walsh assures everyday Americans that they are not racist.
moving these graph is a skill to hone in, according to Carter. “It’s hard to say that there’s a craft to it as much as it is with anything else,” Carter said. “It’s like putting paint on a canvas, ours is just living and moving and never stops.”
Nathan Rommel has been a professional dancer since 2016 and has danced for Dance Kaleidoscope for almost a “What kind of sets dance Kaleidoscope apart is the high energy nature of the performance.”
Rommel said. “So we do a lot of, what I like to say, kicks and spins, lots of tricks, so it’s really engaging for the audience, but still accessible in an artistic way.”
Junior Faith Niekamp, a dance major, said she thoroughly enjoyed the performance.
“I found the performance to be really enjoyable,” Niekamp said. “Their style of dance was different from past visiting companies which was really unique and a pleasant surprise.”
Carter expressed that he was glad he brought Dance Kaleidoscope for the enjoyment of both the college and the town.
“It’s a no brainer, because not only does it expand arts in other communities that aren’t ours, but also our organization exists to bring beauty and dance to other people,” Carter said. “So, you know, the two things really go hand in hand.”
‘The Alexander Technique’ tracks mental health journey
By Maggie O’Connor Collegian Freelancer
Rex Orange County’s newest album “The Alexander Technique,” is a laid back and musical journey of self reflection. The final song culminates in a troubled soul able to “Finally” let go as Alex O’Connor sings with a free spirit.
The album’s opening track “Alexander” — a reference to both Rex Orange County singer’s nickname ‘Alex’ and the title of the album — sets up the next 15 songs, introducing the primary theme of O’Connor’s personal journey of pain and healing, while also introducing the album’s primary musical themes.
“Alexander” prepares the listener for a gentle and relaxed journey through O’Connor’s mental health story, its softness foreshadowing a happy ending. The opening notes sound on a dampened piano, acoustic and pleasant, so that when O’Connor’s voice enters it is surprisingly jarring. The lyrics and mixture of sung and spoken delivery can be clunky, but O’Connor’s direct lyricism is the only weak point of the album and is at its worst in the first song.
Although “Alexander” is somewhat barebones and awkward, the rest of the album is more musically intriguing and satisfying; the remaining tracks are full of memorable moments and melodies. Throughout the album O’Connor uses a wide range of instruments and every violin, cello, flute, sax, and horn add an interesting dimensional-
ity and beauty to the sound. The over-directness of the song’s lyrics does not resurface much in the remaining tracks, instead giving way to more poetic songs like “The Table,” “Pure,” “One of These Days,” and “Carrera.”
O’Connor’s personal journey is recounted explicitly in his lyrics and can become lost in the excitement of his musicality, but, when paid attention to, his lyrics track an introspective and cathartic journey which includes a wide range of familiar lows: stress-induced physical ailments, failing drivers’ tests, hitting what feels like rock bottom and being pulled out by friends and family, and finally learning how to make your way back to your true self.
Catching the details of this storyline requires listening to O’Connor’s voice, but the best parts of the album often occur when the instrumentation takes center stage and treats the listener to some wonderful little kaleidoscopes of sounds and textures. The final track “Finally” veers into a poppy, hip-hop but ethereal sound very different from the first track “Alexander,” but in a complementary rather than dissonant way. “Finally” has a melody played on a lone piano reminiscent of track one and this brings the album’s arc of self-discovery and search for freedom to a satisfying, hopeful ending.
of Hobo Johnson” provides a similar but more dramatic feel; for something more subtle and poetic, Bright Eyes’ 2005 album “I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning” is worth a listen; and for more soaring instrumentals paired with a darker inner turmoil, Black Country, New Road’s 2022 album “Ants From Up There” is deeply satisfying. I spent much of my repeat listening of O’Connor’s album
More energetic than “The Alexander Technique,” Hobo Johnson’s 2019 album “The Fall
wishing it sounded more like the albums listed above and turning to them after finishing my obligatory daily listen — or third daily listen — of “The Alexander Technique.” But on what must have been my 20th listen, laying on a picnic table on campus last Sunday afternoon, watching the sunlight through the swaying leaves above, “The Alexander Technique” won me over. O’Connor’s sound is not a milquetoast mixture of other, more exciting artists; it is soft, jazzy, melodic, slice-of-life, and, most importantly, its own.
Professors’ Picks: Kevin Slack, associate professor of politics
“St. Matthew’s Passion” by Johann Sebastian Bach (1727)
I loved barbaric genres of all kinds. Like the ancient slaves herded on before Xerxes’s whips, modern man beats and wrecks his eardrums to prod himself to exertion and listens to depressing slop to heal his broken soul. I no longer listen to angry and depressing music.
I like Bach’s “St. Matthew’s Passion,” “Wagner’s Flight of the Valkyries,” and Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.”
Of course there are too many to name, but I’ll list some outside of the usual Great Books canon. A classic for me is Konrad Lorenz’s “On Aggression,” but alongside this would be William James’s “Principles of Psychology” (and just about anything else by William James), and Philip Rieff’s “Charisma.” These books challenged and shifted my views profoundly.
Again, too many to mention, but here at Hillsdale I have given presentations on “The Wild Bunch” (1969), When I’m sick it’s “Predator” (1987), and oddly enough “Zodiac” (2007), which as a period piece is a masterpiece. If I’m knocking on heaven’s door it’s NyQuil and the entire “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. In our Youtube era, I’ve watched clips from films more than the films themselves, along with motley classics from SNL shorts and “Aqua Teen Hunger Force.”
“On Aggression” by Konrad Lorenz (1963) The Wild Bunch (1969)
Kevin Slack poses with his wife Ruth in their engagement photo. COURTESY | Kevin Slack
Compiled by Malia Thibado Collegian Reporter
“Am I Racist” poster COURTESY | Instagram
“The Alexander Technique” album cover. COURTESY | Instagram
Julie Russel dances. COURTESY | Jeremy Kyle
Compiled by Kamden Mulder
Design by Ally Hall
College students and Hillsdale locals have four options when it comes to grocery shopping: Hillsdale Market House, Kroger, Meijer, and Walmart. All four stores line Carleton Road, but how far is it worth venturing from the boundaries of Hillsdale College to shop for groceries? The Collegian visited all four Sept. 18 to collect the data and compiled it to compare the prices of popular items. From Cheez-It crackers to a 12-pack of Two Hearted IPA, look no further than The Collegian for the 4-1-1 on Hillsdale grocery shopping.
Penny’s celebrates six years
By Kate Roberson
COLLEGIAN FREELANCER
f e a t u r e s QUICK HITS with Emily Stack Davis
“And every time it rains, it rains pennies from heaven,” freshman Dave Bellet sang at Penny’s Coffee Shop on Saturday, Sept. 14. While they managed to avoid any rain, attendees enjoyed the pour as Penny’s celebrated its sixth birthday with cold brew floats and live music.
Since its founding in 2018, Penny’s has held birthday parties every September. It’s the only time the coffee shop makes cold brew floats, decorated with sprinkles for the occasion.
Penny Arnn, after whom the coffee shop is named, came to the event for a short time.
Manager Jen Lutz said the coffee shop in Kirn Residence has been run by students since it opened in 2018.
“It’s a space for the Hillsdale College community so people could come and gather to have coffee dates and study together, while still creating that Hillsdale atmosphere,” Lutz said.
Lutz said the coffee shop was “retrofitted into the dorm,” meaning the idea of having Penny’s in the dorm was developed while the dorm was being built. The founders thought that having a gathering place on the west side of campus would be a good addition.
According to Lutz, Penny’s is known for its quality of the coffee, and it strives to preserve that reputation.
“We maintain really high standards in quality from the coffee we serve to the alternative milks to the food we bring in, and we’re really trying to have attention to detail and excellence about everything we do,” Lutz said. “That’s really the goal. We’re creating community but also having people gath-
er around something they love.
I feel like we’ve built a following that way, and people are really loyal to us.”
Penny’s scheduling manager and barista, senior Olivia Michiels, said Penny’s has “the best coffee on campus.” Michiels said she loves her job and its opportunity to serve campus.
“I also worked as a barista in high school for a few years and just love working with coffee,” Michiels said. “Working at Penny’s has helped me grow my craft as a barista, and it has given me an opportunity to keep learning latte art.”
Senior Marina Weber, head resident assistant of Kirn and Penny’s barista, said seeing friendly faces is one of her favorite aspects of both working and visiting Penny’s.
“You can see a wide variety of people in this one space,” Weber said. “It’s not only just seeing friends; it’s meeting and getting to know new people. It’s just a great environment for people to come together. That’s something totally unique from any other coffee shop on campus.”
The location of Penny’s in Kirn influences both the coffee shop and the dorm culture, according to Weber.
“A lot of our RAs either go to Penny’s or work at Penny’s. It’s a great way for our residents to connect with the RAs, and that enhances our dorm culture because when you’re spending time with people you get to know them,” Weber said.
The location of Penny’s within a women’s dorm can sometimes cause confusion, Lutz said. She said she wants people to know that the coffee shop is open to all of campus. Weber said the location within Kirn could be a downside for guys in particular as they might walk in
and feel uncomfortable because they don’t know anyone.
Though Penny’s has only been around for six years, customers enjoy the many qualities that make Penny’s popular.
“I’m excited to celebrate Penny’s sixth birthday because it reminds me that even though Penny’s is a newer addition to Hillsdale, the campus community we have built is so special,” Michiels said.
Weber, however, said the newness of the coffee shop has not inhibited its effect on dorm culture.
“I still feel like we’re a baby on campus,” Weber said. “We don’t have a crazy history, but the culture has only been grow ing, and that’s definitely more significant than a lasting history. A lasting culture, I think, is su per important to have as a coffee shop in a dorm.”
Penny’s is continually working to improve the quality of coffee and the atmosphere of the shop, according to Lutz.
This year, Penny’s got a new grinder and some additional updates. The shop’s catering services have also grown to a point where Penny’s can now cater for larger events. Baristas are constantly be ing educated on the best ways to make coffee and the differences between
them, according to Lutz. Weber said Penny’s has improved both in coffee and aesthetics since its founding six years ago.
“I’ve noticed that our quality of coffee has gone up and the amount of knowledge that our baristas have has improved significantly,” Weber said. “Jen has also tried to add more student art to the shop because we have so many amazing artists on campus. Hopefully, that increases over the next couple of years too.”
Hillsdale stays in the Stone Age
Professors explain their technology policy in the classroom
By Gemma Flores COLLEGIAN REPORTER
While New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz was teaching a one-credit journalism course last semester, she noticed the lack of students using technology to jot down notes in class.
“I think Hillsdale is ahead of the curve on this kind of thing,” Markowicz said in an email. “You’re not staring at a screen in class, texting with your friends, checking social media, you’re focused on the teacher. It really showed.”
A 2018 Ohio University study shows that roughly 60% of students use laptops in the classroom. At Hillsdale, many professors have observed that few students choose to use technology in the classroom, even when it is allowed.
Many professors on Hillsdale’s campus frown upon the use of technology in the classroom. Not only does it increase the likelihood of students getting distracted, but it disrupts the spirit of the present discussion.
Cameron Moore, a visiting assistant professor of English, expressed his desire to keep students engaged during class.
“The classroom is a community. We’re learning together,” Moore said. “As soon as somebody has a screen in front of their face, it breaks the communal endeavor of the classroom.”
Moore admits the major benefit of using technology in classrooms is the added level of organization they provide. Rather than lugging around several notebooks and binders, students can keep all their notes in a single tablet.
students to use technology in the classroom and has not noticed an increased level of distraction in her classes.
“Chatter and conversational tangents are far more of a common distraction in my classroom than laptops or iPads,” Billman said.
to take notes in class this year.
By Sydney Green COLLEGIAN REPORTER
In this Quick Hits, Executive Director of Media Outreach and Public Relations Emily Stack Davis talks hidden talents, British sitcoms, and knitting.
If you could get rid of any genre of music what would it be?
I’d only keep Jethro Tull and Glen Gould’s Bach recordings. Everything else is moot. I’m not much of a musician so this is less of me being snobby and more of me having a limited, soulless scope.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
I’ve done over 120 scuba dives to date and the best so far was the Galapagos.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Traveling with 5 kids. I never thought I’d have children, and they are my great joy.
What do you wish you had more time to do?
Paint in my art room. What is a goal you are working toward?
Professional knitter certification
What is one person you look up to the most?
My mom. She’s the heart of our family.
If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
“As soon as somebody has a screen in front of their face, it breaks the communal endeavor of the classroom.”
Moore said notifications are tempting and distracting in the classroom.
“It’s so hard to resist other notifications that come up,” Moore said.
Mardi Billman, associate professor of chemistry, allows
While the science and math departments at Hillsdale typically boast a higher number of students who use technology in the classroom, Billman said it is still a rare occurrence.
“Never more than three per class, usually,” Billman said. “For reference, my class sizes are somewhere between 40-50 students for general chemistry, so it really is a small proportion that opt to use devices.”
Norah VanWingerden, a sophomore biochemistry major, switched to using an iPad
“As a STEM major, it’s just easier and more convenient,” VanWingerden said. “We have PowerPoints that the teachers give us and instead of writing down everything on the slide, you can import it to a notes app and write directly on the PowerPoint and follow along. I did it last year with paper, but this year the iPad is saving a lot of time.”
VanWingerden pointed out one major drawback to relying on technology: the cost. “Part of it is the cost,” VanWingerden said of the price of iPads. “They can be expensive.”
Hillsdale classrooms have naturally become a respite from the technology-obsessed society in which we live. While screens have proven themselves to be invaluable in many areas, students and faculty here at Hillsdale tend to prefer less technology-centered options.
“The benefit that they provide is maybe not worth the potential costs,” Moore said, “We spend so much of our time and pour so much of our energy into screens as it is.”
My family is really small but really close. In the summers we would stay at a family cottage on Good Harbor Bay and read books in hammocks and watch the waves and the sunsets. My mom painted tractors and cars and wee people on small flat rocks for my brother and I to play with in the sand. Years later we would still find those.
What is one piece of advice you would give to students?
Can I quote Dr. Kalthoff, circa 2001, as written in my freshman planner? “Don’t reduce yourself to grades and marketability.” As a now-parent though — pay some attention to your grades and give some thought to a future paycheck.
What is your favorite way to spend a weekend?
Pretending like I’m homesteading. We make some cheese, we bake some bread, we search for an overgrown orchard grown by an old man with suspenders who picks heritage varietals from a wooden A-frame ladder. Let’s be honest; this is what all the Hillsdale moms are doing.
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
I started one. It began with my Polish aunts and the husbands they met at polka fests. Mark Helprin gave me a low A on the first chapter. For “Emily 2003,” this was very exciting. I return to it, mostly when I’m at my wit’s end.
What never fails to make you laugh?
Classic British broadcasting company sitcoms.
What do you wish you learned sooner?
You can do everything, you just don’t have to do it all at once.
What trait defines most who you are?
Tiramisu because it has multiple layers and is a little boozy. Oh wait, you said trait. My friend says to write “uncanny savvy,” so let’s go with that. What motivates you? Winning.
Davis stands in front of the Grewock Student Union. Courtesy | Hillsdale College
The sun rises on the Frank Muddy Waters Stadium. Kamden Mulder | Collegian
