Hillsdale College filmed a new commercial on campus this week featuring a horse and buggy. 

“We’ve created scenes that range in time from the 1800s to the present as a reminder that the steadfast mission of the college has always been to develop the minds and improve the hearts of its students,” said Mark Waters, director of visual media. 

Waters said the commercial, which features the Honor Code, focuses on the importance of character at the college. It will air on Fox News this fall and will be posted on all Hillsdale College social media channels, including YouTube.

The present-day scenes feature current students, while the people in the historical scenes are actors from Michigan and Ohio, Waters said. 

Aide to the Dean of Men Rita Conrad sent an email to all male dorms on Aug. 17 asking for student applications to be in the commercial. 

“Throughout the commercial, transitions will occur between the college’s modern-day students all the way back to its beginning, the 1800s,” the casting email said. 

Professor of Biology Anthony Swinehart said he is involved in locating, preparing, and placing some historical science equipment and specimens on a set built to re-enact a photo of former professor Daniel Fisk and one of his classrooms in 1885.  

“Fisk was the father of the sciences at Hillsdale and namesake of our museum,” Swinehart said.

The college is working with Distant Moon, a production company that helps Hillsdale film online courses, according to Waters. 

The horses involved in the filming belong to local residents Barney and Teresa Traylor, who allow people in Hillsdale County to use their carriage and horses for events.

Junior Gavin Listro said he saw part of the Sept. 4 filming.

“It was cool to see the people with the costumes and fake mustaches,” Listro said. “I thought it would be very hot in those three-piece suits, and I felt bad for the girl I saw because her dress looked super heavy and layered. I love the idea though, and I’m excited to see the finished product.”