Rebekah Dell stands in front of her first home. Courtesy | Rebekah Dell 

In this quick hits interview, Associate Dean of Women Rebekah Dell talks southern France, comfort food, and floral arranging.

What is your go-to coffee order?

Lavender oat milk latte from Penny’s.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? 

Don’t miss the unique opportunities that come in your current stage of life because you are always looking to the next. 

Do you have a favorite memory from your time as a student at Hillsdale? 

Can I count my senior year spring break trip to Europe? We visited Paris, Rome, and Florence in seven days and had the time of our lives. 

What is your favorite spot on campus?

The Arb, especially in the months of May and June.

Summer, fall, winter, or spring?

 Spring. 

If you had two weeks off, what would you do? 

Rent a house in a quiet European town. You’d likely find me somewhere in southern France or Switzerland. 

Favorite place you’ve traveled? Place you want to visit?

Can I pick three? Time spent in southern France, Morocco, and the Faroe Islands all hold a special place in my memory. The place to visit that has been on my bucket list the longest is Antarctica. I’ll get there someday!

Pets, yes or no? If yes, what kind? 

No pets. I was raised on a farm and prefer outdoor pets only. 

Who is your favorite female Bible character? 

The story of Ruth is one I’ve returned to a number of times. 

Who was your favorite princess growing up? 

Cinderella.

What is your favorite pastime? 

Floral arranging. I grew up with a mom who had a floral design business out of our home, and it is a skill that I learned at a young age and still brings me so much joy.  

 Do you have an all-time favorite movie?

“Far and Away.” It’s a sentimental favorite for several reasons. 

Where is the best place to shop? 

I thoroughly enjoy the Allen Antique Mall. My family owns a home goods store in southern Ohio called the Sugartree Mill Company, and I meander through every time I visit. 

If you could recommend one book to young women ages 18 to 22, what would it be? 

“None Like Him” by Jen Wilkin.

What is your favorite homemade meal? 

My mother’s homemade chicken and noodles with mashed potatoes. The perfect comfort food that reminds me of home. 

What do you think is the best holiday? 

Christmas.

What does your ideal weekend look like? 

My ideal weekend includes a slow start to the day with a good cup of coffee and a book, a creative element — working on a personal creative project, visiting a museum or art fair — time outside in nature, and a good meal with close friends.

Do you have a favorite memory in Hillsdale after college? 

A group of dear friends gathered in my backyard for a seven-course dinner in honor of Dr. Tom Conner’s retirement from Hillsdale and 70th birthday.