Hillsdale College works up ‘fever pitch’

Hillsdale College works up ‘fever pitch’


Rich McGowan, Sports Editor
517.437.6022



Hillsdale College students, past and present, will converge on campus in the next few days as the school celebrates its annual Home—coming weekend.


Highlighted by the Chargers’ foot—ball game against Indianapolis on Saturday, the weekend will see a number of events designed to welcome back former students and give current students a number of activities to enjoy as well.

“It’s a huge event for the whole campus, not just alums,” said Joyce Curby, Coordinator of Alumni events and programs. “The stu—dents are very involved in what’s going on and everybody’s working up to a fever pitch at this point.”

The weekend kicks off Friday evening with the Alumni Awards Banquet. The dinner will recognize the achievements of Hillsdale College graduates. Distinguished Alumni Awards will be handed out to Carolann Coppler Barker (1964 ), J. Wickliffe Ach (1970 ) and Dr. James Seward, who will also be the keynote speaker at the Alumni Academic Interest session at 10 a.m. Saturday in Lane Hall.

Professor Emeritus Thomas Carstens, Julie Talley (1980 ) and Susan McColl (1962 ) will receive the Tower Award for outstanding service to the college. Arthur Thomas will be given an honorary Alumni Award, Darrell Morton (1964 ) will be awarded the Teacher/Coach Awards and Aaron Streett (1999 ) and Scot Simpson (2001 ) will get the Gold Award for professional achievement within 10 years of graduation.

Friday night, a bonfire with a pep rally and fireworks will be held from 9 p.m. to midnight at the Lower Fields.

A car show will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Sage Center/Howard Hall lots.

That same day will also be tailgating picnics before and after the Chargers play host to Indianapolis at 2:30.

After the game from 8 p.m. to 11:30, the Charger Tent Party will feature music from Otis Day and the Knights.

“We wanted to have a big exciting event and have alums come back to campus and see all the new buildings and enjoy being here,” Curby said. “And we thought that would be a great band to bridge all the generations. It’ll be a lot of fun.”