Michigan’s oldest college newspaper
www.hillsdalecollegian.com
Vol. 147 Issue 19 – February 22, 2024
Reagan statue moved to storage after 12 years on the Quad
Reagan’s place on the Quad is now empty as the college prepares to begin construction. Isaac Green | Collegian
By Elizabeth Troutman Editor-in-chief Maintenance workers removed the Ronald Reagan statue from its position between the Dow Hotel and Christ Chapel last week. It
is now in storage, awaiting a new location as the college prepares to build the Diana Davis Spencer Graduate School of Education, according to Executive Director of Facilities & Capital Projects Dave Billington.
Construction begins Saturday, March 9, so access to the north quad will be restricted. Hillsdale College dedicated the statue, sculpted by former Associate Professor of Art Anthony Frudakis, in 2011 in honor of the
centennial of the 40th president’s birthday. Reagan gave a speech at Hillsdale titled “Whatever Happened to Free Enterprise?” in November 1977. Hillsdale President Larry Arnn told The Collegian the Reagan statue serves as a reminder of one of the college’s four pillars: freedom. “Among the presidents in this age, the age of modern war and ever-expanding government, Reagan is the best president,” Arnn said. “He had a relationship with the college for decades, and spoke of it several times, including when he visited us here.” A 1984 photo of Reagan leaning against a White House colonnade inspired the statue. Sophomore Francesca Federici said she wishes she appreciated the Reagan statue more now that he is gone. “It looks a little odd having a nice brick walkway with a
nook for a statue and no statue in sight,” she said. “I have many good memories walking by that statue.” Professor of History Brad Birzer said he believes Reagan is one of America’s three greatest presidents, along with George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. “Reagan was the Ray Bradbury of 20th-century politics — everything he touched became enchanted in some way,” Birzer said. “I certainly see him as the victor of the Cold War, waging the war not with bullets but with an understanding of the dignity of the human person.” The statue of Reagan is one of eight on the college’s Liberty Walk, which also includes statues of Winston Churchill, Frederick Douglass, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, James Madison, Margaret Thatcher, and George Washington.
Student Ministry Board hosts Family Feud event The Student Ministry Board hosted a “Faith & Family Feud” event last night in the Old Snack Bar. The organization polled Hillsdale students on the following questions leading up to the event. Compiled by Isaac Green News Editor Which Old Testament character would give the worst dating advice? 1.King David 2. Samson 3. Solomon 4. Jacob/Israel 5. Hosea 6. Judah Where is your favorite place to pray at Hillsdale? 1. Christ Chapel 2. Outside/Walking 3. My room 4. The Grotto 5. Dow Chapel Which prophet would be the most popular on Twitter? 1. Elijah
2. Isaiah 3. Jonah 4. Jeremiah 5. John the Baptist 6. Moses 7. Nathan 8. Daniel If you had to describe God with one word, what would it be? 1. Love/Loving 2. Good 3. Holy 4. All-powerful 5. Indescribable Which denomination on campus probably has the most “rings by spring”? 1. Catholics 2. Orthodox 3. Anglican 4. Baptists Who is your favorite Christian theologian? 1. Augustine 2. C.S. Lewis 3. John Paul II 4. Thomas Aquinas 5. Apostle Paul 6. G.K. Chesterton
Seniors Marie-Therese Romanos and Fernando Bravo (left to right) were named President’s Ball King and Queen on Saturday. Courtesy | Student Activities Board
Campus reacts to Michigan primary candidates as early voting opens By Francesca Cella Collegian Freelancer
Junior Nathan Stanish donned a mustache and bald cap as the host of the event to imitate ‘Family Feud’ host Steve Harvey. Courtesy | Ingrid Dornbirer
Voting is now underway, in Michigan with early in-person voting beginning Feb. 17 for the first time in state history. “My hope is that a candidate which is currently not on the ballot would somehow emerge,” said Jason Gehrke, assistant professor of history. “I don’t see any candidates that deserve the office. At all. Not even close. ” Former President Donald Trump visited Michigan this past weekend on the day early voting began. Gehrke said the lack of virtue among the candidates disqualifies them from the office. More than anything, Gehrke said the responsibility of the American people is to uphold the order of the republic. “The form of government that we have is unsuited for
vicious people,” he said. “If you can’t do the job, if you’re incompetent, if you’re undignified, if you’re dishonest, all of that matters.” None of the current options on the ballot come close to meeting the requirements, he said. Freshman Luke Waters disagreed. “Trump’s the only viable candidate in this upcoming election,” Waters said. “He has such a strong base that there’s really no argument against him. No one can really take him out. We saw that as everyone consecutively dropped out — they realized that.” Waters said Trump should be re-elected in 2024 because of his former accomplishments. “He promised he was going to appoint judges, and that’s what he did,” Waters said.“For Roe, I would be content 10 times over for him being
president. That’s above no new wars, and gas prices, and economy, which are all great.” Trump currently faces charges for election interference, paying off a sex scandal, and absconding with security documents. The fact that Trump has been charged with multiple legal counts is an indicator that he is a good candidate, according to Waters. “In this day and age, if the radical left is not trying to imprison you or prohibit people from voting for you, then you’re not dangerous enough,” he said. Waters said he thinks that while extending the voting period was another move by liberal politicians to have an advantage in the vote, conservatives must take advantage of the extra time.
See Primary A2
Institutional Advancement announces staff promotions By Olivia Pero culture editor Bill Gray ’01 is the new vice president of institutional advancement, assuming the title long held by John Cervini ’74, who has become the executive vice president for institutional advancement. “Our outreach programs convey the meaning and much of the teaching of the college to vast audiences outside,” said Larry P. Arnn, president of Hillsdale College. “These two men carry that meaning in their characters.” The institutional advancement department has grown to a point where Cervini, Hillsdale’s longest-serving employee, requires more help managing it, according to Arnn. Gray, the former vice president for marketing, will help Cervini and the institutional advancement team. Gray will continue to act as the interim vice president for marketing while a replacement is found. Arnn said Cervini and Gray are two excellent people, now working together in a large, growing, and successful department. The institutional advancement department does fundraising and outreach work for the college, focusing on building authentic and strong relationships with important donors. During his time as an undergraduate at Hillsdale, Gray majored in English, served as senior class president, and was editor-in-chief of The Collegian for three semesters. Gray said he is honored and humbled by the trust Arnn and Cervini have placed in him. “John Cervini is a legend,” Gray said. “For 50 years, his creativity, relentless drive, and love for Hillsdale and its mission have challenged his team to live up to that remarkable standard.” Gray said Arnn has taught, challenged, and inspired him to become a better servant of that mission. “Hillsdale has changed a lot since its founding, but one thing hasn’t: its purposes of high learning, faith, character, and freedom,” Gray said. “I look forward to serving those purposes and the college in this new capacity for years to come.” David Whalen, associate vice president for curriculum and professor of English, said Cervini and Gray both are relentless on behalf of the college because of their love for it. “So much of what we all do is made possible by what they do, that our debt of gratitude can never be paid,” Whalen said. “They prefer to remain out of the spotlight, but John’s long service as a mainstay of the college, and Bill’s already invaluable efforts on its behalf demonstrate their character. It is an honor to work with them.”