Hillsdale College – Independent Academics and Athletics
Founded in 1844, Hillsdale College is an independent, coeducational, residential, liberal arts college with a student body of about 1,300. Its four-year curriculum leads to the bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree, and it is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Hillsdale’s educational mission rests upon two principles: academic excellence and institutional independence. The College does not accept federal or state taxpayer subsidies for any of its operations.
Located in rural southern 
Michigan, the nearly 200-acre Hillsdale campus includes both modern and historic buildings. Excellent facilities include comfortable residence halls, subject-specific computer labs, a state-of-the-art health education and sports complex, Michael Alex Mossey Library with its Leighton-Taylor Wing, the Sage Center for the Arts, the Herbert Henry Dow Science Building, Howard Music Hall and two new classroom buildings—Kendall Hall and Lane Hall. Adjacent to the campus is the model primary and secondary school, Hillsdale Academy, whose comprehensive Reference Guide is used in hundreds of schools throughout the country.
An ideal student-to-faculty ratio of 10-to-1, rigorous academics, intramural sports, national fraternity and sorority houses and widespread community volunteerism nurture intellectual, physical, social and personal growth. A broad perspective is encouraged through opportunities for off-campus internships, overseas study programs and the adjunct seminars of the Center for Constructive Alternatives, Mises Lectures in free-market economics, the National Leadership Seminars and the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence.
History & Mission
Hillsdale College was founded as Michigan Central College in Spring Arbor, Michigan, in 1844. Nine years later it moved to Hillsdale and assumed its current name. As stated in its Articles of Incorporation, the College undertakes its work "grateful to God for the inestimable blessings resulting from the prevalence of civil and religious liberty and intelligent piety in the land, and believing that the diffusion of sound learning is essential to the perpetuity of these blessings."
Though established by Freewill Baptists, Hillsdale has been officially non-denominational since its inception. It was the first American college to prohibit in its charter any discrimination based on race, religion or sex, and became an early force for the abolition of slavery. It was also only the second college in the nation to grant four-year liberal arts degrees to women. 
Professor and preacher Ransom Dunn, who would serve Hillsdale College for half a century, raised money to construct the new hilltop campus in the early 1850s by riding 6,000 miles on horseback on the Wisconsin and Minnesota frontier. It was largely through Dunn’s efforts that Hillsdale would survive while over 80 percent of colleges founded before the Civil War would not.
A higher percentage of Hillsdale students enlisted during the Civil War than from any other western college. Of the more than 400 who fought for the Union, four won the Congressional Medal of Honor, three became generals and many more served as regimental commanders. Sixty gave their lives.
Because of the College’s anti-slavery reputation and its role in founding the new Republican party (Professor Edmund Fairfield was a leader at the first convention), many notable speakers visited its campus during the Civil War era, including Frederick Douglass and Edward Everett, who preceded Lincoln at Gettysburg.
Hillsdale’s modern rise to prominence occurred in the 1970s. On the pretext that some of its students were receiving federal loans, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare attempted to interfere with the College’s internal affairs, including a demand that Hillsdale begin counting its students by race. Hillsdale’s trustees responded with two toughly worded resolutions: One, the College would continue its policy of non-discrimination. Two, "with the help of God," it would "resist, by all legal means, any encroachments on its independence."
Following almost a decade of litigation, the U.S. Supreme Court decided against Hillsdale in 1984. By this time, the College had announced that rather than complying with unconstitutional federal regulation, it would instruct its students that they could no longer bring federal taxpayer money to Hillsdale. Instead, the College would replace that aid with private contributions.
Hillsdale continues to carry out its original mission today, both in the classroom and nationwide, through its many outreach programs, including its monthly speech digest Imprimis. A prayer written in the Bible that was placed inside the 1853 cornerstone of Central Hall reflects its continuing commitment: "May earth be better and heaven be richer because of the life and labor of Hillsdale College."
Hillsdale Declaration of Independence
WHEREAS, Hillsdale College was conceived as an independent educational institution and dedicated to an educational philosophy embracing America’s basic ideals; and
WHEREAS, since 1844 it has remained steadfastly faithful to these concepts; and
WHEREAS, the thousands of young men and young women who have studied here have been taught some fundamental truths; among these is that the freedom guaranteed them as citizens of this great country is the freedom to dream and aspire without limit and the freedom to fulfill their dreams and aspirations without interference; that our country’s greatness is the result not of government benevolence but rather of individual initiative and enterprise; that responsibility is the counterpart of independence; and
WHEREAS, we hold these views to be as valid today as they were in 1844 despite the appearance and growth of a contrary philosophy based on government paternalism; and
WHEREAS, it is our conviction that this contrary philosophy is negatory to the traditional beliefs and teachings of Hillsdale College and is to be deplored as harmful to the continued development of our country both morally and economically; Now
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That it be the decision of the Board of Trustees of Hillsdale College to reaffirm its historic independence and to resist subsidization of its affairs by the Federal government. Acknowledging that the possibility of failure is a concomitant of independence, the Trustees place their trust in God and in the dedication and generosity of students, alumni and friends who share their views. With this help, and through their own continuing efforts, they are confident that the principles to which the College is dedicated will continue to be available to young men and young women seeking independent higher education.
Academics
A liberal education at Hillsdale College entails the study of things inherently worthwhile—things good, true, and beautiful. As stated in the College Honor Code, this study “develops the minds and improves the hearts” of students, through which they rise to the challenge of self-government in a free republic. Students refine their intelligence, furnish their understanding, and acquire the abilities and wisdom necessary to lead full, humane lives. In so doing, students, like the College itself, become trustees of “modern man’s intellectual and spiritual inheritance from the Judeo-Christian faith and Greco-Roman culture.”
Liberal education begins with the “core curriculum,” where students are conducted systematically through stages of intellectual growth and acquirement in a variety of disciplines, each worthy of study for its own sake. It does not end there, however, as this learning continues in and extends through the academic majors students pursue after the core curriculum.
Charger Athletics
Welcome to Hillsdale College athletics! Hillsdale College is an institution which places a strong emphasis on the health of the body as well as the mind. We pride ourselves in our student-athletes, who exemplify strength in character, committment and excellence in all phases of their lives. We hope this website will enhance your knowledge of Charger athletics, past, present and future. We know you will like what you see.
Athletic Facilities
As centerpiece of the Sports Complex, the 60,000-square-foot Jesse Philips Arena contains a 4,500-seat basketball and volleyball arena and a six-lane, 200-meter running track. Additionally, the arena features areas for indoor field events, such as high jump and pole vault pits and a long/triple jump pit. The track is available to college students, faculty and staff and those with Sports Complex memberships who wish to walk or run during specified hours. The arena hosts Charger basketball and volleyball games and indoor track and field meets, and occasionally serves as the venue for College lectures and commencement ceremonies. View photo gallery.
Located on the lower level of the Sports Complex, the Adam Benzing Weight Room has a rubberized floor and provides unsurpassed training and rehabilitation facilities for athletes. The weight room features a wide variety of weight machines as well as treadmills and stationary bikes. View photo gallery.
Named in honor of a 1955 alumnus and longtime athletic director, the McAvoy Natatorium is a combination pool and diving area located on the lower level of the Sports Complex. The pool is six lanes and 25 yards by 25 meters with an attached diving well. The starting blocks are at a depth of 5.5 to 7 feet deep, which allows for fast starts because the refraction of water is minimal. Diving boards of 1 meter and 3 meters are offered, with a plummet line of 14 feet. A whirlpool adjacent to the pool is available as well.
Hillsdale’s football field and stadium bears the name of beloved longtime head football coach Frank “Muddy” Waters, who successfully led Hillsdale’s team to numerous titles and honors during his 20 years as coach. The stadium features a seating capacity of 7,000 and a state-of-the-art press box. The field has an artificial (Pro Grass) surface. View photo gallery.
Frank "Muddy" Waters Football Locker Room
In January of 2007, new lockers were installed in the Hillsdale College football locker room. Thanks to a major leadership donation from Charger football alum Joseph M. Vijuk and a number of generous donations from alumni and friends of the Charger football program, the new lockers were installed in what is now known as the Frank "Muddy" Waters Football Locker Room. The removal of the old blue lockers began in November, 2006. View photo gallery.
The Ken Herrick Track is an eight-lane, all-weather Mondo running track that was installed in the summer of 1999. Mondo-Keefer track surfaces have been used for the Olympic Games and provide a premier surface for athletes. The Pro Grass infield is home to the Charger football team and is also used for javelin practice and competition. The south end of the track is home to the triple/long jump runways, pole vault runway, and the Charger scoreboard. View photo gallery.
Located adjacent to Barber Drive and north of Waters Field, Simpson Athletic Field is used primarily for athletic practices and intramural sports.
Johnny Williams Field, located on the northeast side of Waters Field, is home to the Charger baseball and softball teams.
Eight lighted outdoor tennis courts are located just to the south of Waters Field.
Racquetball Courts
The lower level of the Sports Complex features three racquetball courts. Those interested in using the racquetball courts must reserve one by calling the Sports Complex Reservation Desk at 607-4981
Source: Hillsdale.edu
