Admissions office hires five alumni this summer

This summer, Hillsdale College’s admissions office welcomed five new counselors and staff, all with one common factor: their alumni status.

Using their own experiences, alumni in admissions are better equipped to represent Hillsdale and recruit students that are a good fit for the college, said Zack Miller, ’11, senior director of admissions. The new group — which includes former Greeks, athletes, and Collegiate Scholars — showcases the variety of opportunities Hillsdale offers.

“One of the most important jobs that we do is tell the Hillsdale story,” Miller said. “Using the personal experiences that our alumni have really allows them to connect with students and give them true understanding and a good impression of Hillsdale.”

Since admissions representatives inspired his attendance to Hillsdale as a prospective student, admissions counselor Matt Sauer ’16 said he hopes to do the same in his new position.

“I saw people in admissions that I wanted to be like and who represented themselves and the college very well in a selfless and a humble way, and so whatever I am doing here, I am trying to emulate those people who first taught me what it was like,” Sauer said. “I am striving to maintain that integrity that they showed me so well.”

The personal attention sophomore Andrew Lohman said he received from the admissions office — specifically from his admissions counselor, Aaron Tracey, ’14, and Sauer, then a student ambassador — aided his decision to come to Hillsdale, Lohman said.

“Aaron was very willing to help with everything,” Lohman said. “He also set me up with a really good student ambassador. I came here four times, and each time I came, I was with Matt Sauer. So each time I came here, I had a constant person that I saw every time, so it wouldn’t feel foreign.”

He said the intention to build a relationship with him as a prospective student set Hillsdale apart from other liberal arts schools he was considering.

As far as Miller knows, Hillsdale has never hired non-alumni admissions counselors, he said.

“I think it is a strength of our department,” Miller said. “We have our alumni speaking to our students and families from personal experience.”

unspecified-4 — Madison Berry joins the Hillsdale Admissions team after graduating in the spring of 2016 with a major in sports management. Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Madison spent four years as a key player on the Women’s Basketball team, and looks forward to remaining in Hillsdale and working for the College. Madison will serve as a part-time Staff Assistant to the Field Recruitment and Operations teams in the Admissions Office, taking over for Melissa Bowles, and overseeing and executing a variety of duties. (Hannah Kwapisz / Collegian)

unspecified-3 — Jill Buccola graduated from Hillsdale College in 2013 with a B.A. in history and a minor in English literature. She is originally from Kenmore, WA. While on campus, Jill was active in Sigma Alpha Iota women’s music fraternity, the Honors Program, and Hillsdale Christian Fellowship. She also worked at the library and sang backup vocals for the student band, the Pickled Beats. Upon graduation, Jill taught high school history and literature while coaching junior high football, basketball, and track at a classical charter school in Arizona. Prior to joining the Hillsdale College Admissions team, she earned her M.A. in history from the University of Chicago. Jill will serve as Admissions Counselor for students from the Pacific Northwest and the upper middle section of the country, including WA, OR, WY, UT, CO, ND, SD, NE, and KS. (Hannah Kwapisz / Collegian)

unspecified-2 — Emily Oren is a native of Holland, Michigan and a 2016 graduate. Emily brings true Charger spirit to the Admissions team. While a student, Emily was the quintessential student athlete, completing an Economics major while competing on Hillsdale College’s Cross Country and Track teams. It should be no surprise that two of her favorite activities are running and reading. Emily led her team to a No. 1 NCAA Division II national ranking, is an eight-time All-American, a four-time National Champion, won the GLIAC Commissioner’s Award, and was the Division II National Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Emily will serve as Admissions Counselor for students from western and central Michigan. (Hannah Kwapisz / Courtesy)

unspecified — Matt Sauer hails from East Lansing, Michigan. He graduated in the spring of 2016 with a history major, Latin minor, and was both Outstanding Senior Man and Homecoming King. On campus, he participated in the Honors Program, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity, Chamber Choir, Tower Players, and the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honorary. Matt is eager to preserve the traditions and carry forth the legacy of his alma mater. He will serve as Admissions Counselor for students from the states of Indiana and Ohio. (Hannah Kwapisz / Collegian)

Kathryn Bock is a 2015 graduate from Castle Pines, CO. During her time on campus, Kate held multiple leadership positions within her sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma. She also worked as a student ambassador and participated in many of Hillsdale College’s political organizations while pursuing her history major. Following graduation, Kate moved to Washington, D.C. to continue her work at the College’s Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies, which remains her regional base of operation. Kate will serve as Admissions Counselor for students from the northeastern section of the country, including VA, MD, WV, D.C., DE, PA, NJ, NY, CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, and ME. She will serve regionally from the Kirby Center in Washington, D.C.