Leaman as a child.
Courtesy | Pierce Leaman
Pierce Leaman is a sophomore history major from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He participates in College Republicans, Federalist Society, and club tennis.
Have you ever set anything on fire that you weren’t supposed to?
Nearly the Niedfeldt microwave when I botched heating up Kraft Mac and Cheese — ask Nick Rutkoski about that.
Would you rather spend the night in the Pentagon or the White House?
White House: I will sleep there one day.
Do you think you would make a good president of Hillsdale College?
Yes, but not as good as Elon Musk would be.
What is the best class you’ve taken so far at Hillsdale?
“History of the Ottoman Empire,” with Assistant Professor of Medieval History Charles Yost.
Who is your favorite president?
Richard Nixon, and no, it’s not a joke. He accomplished historic things, especially considering the era, and would have gone down as an all-time great if not for the overblown Watergate nonsense.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Whitley Residence?
The basement space. It serves as my school office.
Do you think an underground tunnel connecting Whitley and Niedfelt would be a good idea?
Yes, I could use both basements interchangeably.
What’s the best thing you’ve ever eaten in Saga?
Jambalaya, hands down.
Have you ever skyconed someone?
Yes, it did not end well. I was sent to the dean’s office.
Do you prefer the fall or spring semesters at Hillsdale?
Fall — weather is more consistent, you get the rush of seeing your friends after a three-month gap, and the Michigan foliage is beautiful.
What’s something fun you’d like to do before you leave Hillsdale?
Watch the Eagles play the Lions at Ford Field.
Whom do you think is a severely underrated music artist that more people should know?
Eva Cassidy.
If you could teach any class at Hillsdale (including one that doesn’t currently exist), what would it be?
Watergate Does Not Bother Me: The Coup Against Nixon.
Do you have any interesting stories from office hours with your professors?
When I went to office hours with Dr. Yost to discuss Greek Orthodoxy, we ended up spending 20 minutes talking about my favorite historical novelist.
Do you have advice for freshmen?
Go to Manning Street at least once — you can’t judge it if you don’t go.
If you could have a slide that went from your bedroom window to anywhere on campus, where would it go?
The Suites; it would make hanging out with my friends there easier.
What’s your go-to AJ’s order?
Smashburger and fries.
How do you stay warm in the Michigan winter?
I prefer cold weather to warm, so even on the coldest days just my go-to black coat is necessary.
What’s a surprising fact about you?
I did theater through middle school.
What level of the library do you spend the most time in?
Heaven.
Do you have advice for sophomores?
Find at least one leisure activity per week to take your mind off school.
