Written by Lauren Bixler
After nearly two years of the College’s quad being under construction, the work of many jackhammers, drills, and cranes will come to fruition. Reported in the Collegian, the Diana Davis Spencer Classical Education Building is projected to be finished in early 2026, and the additions to the Greekcock Student Union facade will be usable by February 2026. Although construction continues on our beautiful campus, the closing of a new construction era requires reflection on the unexpected blessings that came out of a period of change for the students.
One blessing was construction worker and Hillsdale native Dennis Cook, more commonly known among students as “Gate Guy.”
His job, as the name suggests, is to man the gate that lines the path through where construction vehicles need to pass, at a point that intersects a highly congested walking path. He stops students when a vehicle needs to cross and engages in lively conversation with passers-by, often greeting students and addressing them by name. He may also be found with a Collegian or other student publication on hand.
When off the clock, Dennis can be found with his daughter, ice fishing, hunting mushrooms, or attending College events—sometimes even participating in them. “I’ve been invited to come to a lot of events, and even to incorporate my daughter. As a Hillsdale local, I would have never really thought that the College was open for me,” he said. “And it’s good for me to get out of my shell. I guess I’ve always been a people person, but to do actual events, or to get on stage—I never thought I would do these things, and it’s been wonderful.”
Some of these on-stage experiences include his participation in Hillsdale Hot Ones, a spicy chicken wing eating contest, and Simpson Smackdown, a Simpson Residence-hosted event where students and guest faculty do exactly as the name says—smack each other down on a makeshift fighting ring, dressed in personas such as the “Udder Taker,” “Socrates,” and “The Librarian.” In April 2025, Dennis came as “Gate Guy” to Smackdown.
Even though Dennis has skyrocketed in popularity and has become a campus character, he said he’s undeserving of that title. “I don’t think I’m a celebrity, and when I do think about it, I definitely don’t believe that I should be.” For Dennis, he’s “done nothing special but say hello and play a few tasty jams” on his speaker.
But on campus, the fact that Dennis takes the extra minute to ask students how their day is going while remembering their names, reminds students of the wonderful people who work to beautify Hillsdale. Both students and construction workers are laboring all day for the sake of a better Hillsdale, so Dennis inadvertently serves as a reminder for us to be grateful for our many blessings. Hillsdale students are at an institution that always seeks to make Hillsdale better, and all people who do that, from Dr. Arnn down to every construction worker, are integral in making that happen.
Construction is nothing new, either. For some workers like Dennis, building up the College is part of their legacy. “It was a much smaller campus at one time,” said Dennis. “My dad, uncles, cousins, and brother-in-law have worked on a lot of these buildings. So, Hillsdale College is putting a lot of people to work.”
Construction is hard work, but the College has extended opportunities to the workers that help make their experience more enjoyable. “Somebody had the forethought and the kindness to allow the construction workers to eat lunch in the campus cafeteria, and that means a lot when there’s nowhere to get lunch that’s very good around here,” Dennis said. “And you know, living out of a lunchbox can be rough at times.”
In addition to the affordability and sustenance, Dennis said that lunch for the construction workers—like the students—serves as a time for community and conversation—and in a way that only happens because they’re at a place like Hillsdale College. “You know, at break, we’re able to talk about some things I didn’t know they were interested in and probably wouldn’t ask them about had I not been here on campus, talking about my experiences,” Dennis said. “They’re really happy to be a part of Hillsdale College, because they know it stands for more than just your average college.”
Even from the outside perspective, Dennis noted how there’s something different about Hillsdale. In the fall, some professors move class outside to a small amphitheater near the library, which is conveniently located next to Dennis’s gate station. At times, he is a silent observer in class. That, alongside his daily interactions with students, prove to him that the written mission of Hillsdale is also lived-out.
“It’s amazing—the joy and the good-heartedness of these students. After listening to a class or two out here in the amphitheater and reading some literature and taking some online classes, I realized that this isn’t a self-centered school where people are just going out to make the best living that they can,” he said. “We all want to have money and be secure financially, but that doesn’t motivate most of the students—not here. They focus on morality, and it is really beautiful to see. And that gives me a lot of hope.”
When we talk about the great ideas of the Western Tradition at Hillsdale, it’s easy to leave them in the classroom. It’s much more difficult to live out those ideas. As an outside observer, Dennis has the perspective we students need. He reminds us to look up, enjoy some “tasty jams,” and embrace the construction as it will lead to a more tangible embodiment of the beauty we seek in the classroom.
Banner image courtesy of Charles Hickey, ’28.
Lauren Bixler, ’27, is studying politics and journalism. A California native, but honorary Midwesterner, she’s incredibly grateful for every day at Hillsdale College. In her free time, you may find her crunching her feet in the winter snow, baking brown butter cookies, or grabbing a coffee with a friend at Penny’s.
Published in December 2025
