Hillsdale’s campus in Washington, D.C., fully opened for classes, lectures, and events in early March after the completion of renovations that lasted two years. 

“It takes many talented people, all pulling in the same direction, to complete a project intentionally designed to reflect the important work of teaching and learning that happens within these walls, in our nation’s capital,” Andrew Heim, executive director of Washington Operations, said in an email. “I am grateful for the many friends of the college and the team who worked hard to build a lasting legacy for Hillsdale in D.C. It is good, and it is a wonder to behold.”

Renovations connected the Allan P. Kirby Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship to the Steve and Amy Van Andel Graduate School of Government building.

“We are fully operational,” Heim said. “Classes are happening. Our AWC Family Foundation lectures and other events are happening in the marvelous Cindy Van Andel Lecture Hall.” 

A chapel, five seminar rooms, and 10 faculty and staff work spaces were added to the D.C. Campus. 

“We have a beautiful little chapel, the Chapel of Divine Providence, which was dedicated in March and is open for students to pray and reflect,” Heim said. “We are back, and everything is moving full steam ahead.”

Construction on the townhouses adjacent to the D.C. Campus, which will be used for student housing, recently began, according to Heim. 

“The townhouse renovation project is expected to be finished at the end of the summer,” Heim said. 

Junior Olivia Eames, a student on the Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program, said evening undergraduate classes now take place in the Kirby Center. 

“Since we all arrive to class in business attire, these classes feel professional, while the size of the room keeps them intimate and conversational,” Eames said in an email.

Eames said she is grateful for the space WHIP students have to study in seminar rooms. 

“My particular favorite study spot is a nook at the front of the building with a window overlooking Massachusetts Avenue,” Eames said. “It is a very happy and contemplative space, and perfect for sharing with a couple of good friends.”

Senior Rebekah George, a student on WHIP, said she has enjoyed attending events at the D.C. Campus and meeting professionals from different backgrounds and careers. 

“The collective support they all have for Hillsdale and our mission is refreshing in a culture where political unity is hard to come by, especially on the right,” George said in an email.