Written by Quinn Delamater
For the last few decades, Hillsdale has drawn students from every corner of the country to rural Michigan, largely in part for its esteemed reputation in the academic sphere and for its commitment to the pursuit of truth and liberty.
For me, this couldn’t have been more true. When it came time for me to pick a college during my senior year of high school, Hillsdale was a no-brainer. After a visit to campus, I was hooked. The atmosphere of Hillsdale felt absolutely foreign to me, but in the best way. I had never been on a school campus that valued personal autonomy and self-governance like Hillsdale does. I felt at home, instantly.
Because the pursuit of self-governance is held in such high esteem at Hillsdale, and is even stated as the objective of the Honor Code, the school often attracts conservative minds, as self-governance is also a defining value of conservatism.
For decades, many in the outside world have assumed that this makes Hillsdale an atmosphere full of nothing but “politically charged” individuals, and a “Republican oasis” of sorts, especially in an election season.
While there are many students who are passionate about the relation of politics to society and specifically the liberal arts, a newcomer to Hillsdale may be surprised to discover that students aren’t always bursting at the seams to share their commentary on the latest Daily Wire podcast or become the next Charlie Kirk. But for the student who does seek to be enriched in their study of politics, there are resources and opportunities galore.
Hillsdale boasts a widely respected Politics Department, filled with esteemed professors who teach classes on a vast array of topics including courses on the Politics of Health and Political Parties and Elections. There are also weekly seminars from visiting guests and lecturers, ranging from speakers such as Clarence Thomas to the CEO of the Babylon Bee. The campus has student political organizations as well, such as the Hillsdale College Republicans and the Hillsdale College Democrats.
As the secretary of Hillsdale College Republicans, I myself have cherished and benefited from my involvement with politically related opportunities and experiences. In my time with College Republicans, I have met and hosted countless political figures—such as South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem—all of whom have deepened my love, understanding, and passion for politics. This would not have been possible for me if it weren’t for Hillsdale.
While my passion for politics is very much a part of who I am, it is by no means the defining factor of who I am. Likewise, the political facets of Hillsdale College do not define the school.
At my core, I am a Christian, a daughter of God whose first priority will always be to seek growth in my knowledge and relationship with Him.
And at its core, Hillsdale College is a school that seeks to teach its students to best steward their minds and talents to bring glory to God.
In ancient Greece, the meaning of politics centered around learning how to live and govern in a group, which is the chief end of a Hillsdale education—that students may rise to self-government and through doing so make meaningful contributions to society. And to Aristotle, the chief end of politics was happiness. By fostering an atmosphere where the art of politics is cherished and studied with rigor, Hillsdale College prepares its students to achieve these things.
Quinn Delamater, ’26, is a rhetoric and media major and a journalism minor. In her free time, Quinn is an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma as well as the chapter event director, the secretary of Hillsdale College Republicans, and a contributor to the Radio Free Hillsdale Network. Quinn enjoys fashion, spending time with friends and family, trying new coffee shops, and skiing.
Published in December 2024
