Hillsdale College’s Van Andel Graduate School of Statesmanship is hosting a politics seminar on campus this week.
The Statesmanship Colloquium, which runs Oct. 4-6, is the first of its kind. It will give graduate students an opportunity to expound their work and allow the college to showcase its graduate school. Organized by Ronald Pestritto, professor of politics, the symposium will begin with a keynote address delivered by Professor of History Paul Rahe. It will include three panel discussions and a variety of breakout sessions.
“The colloquium is a celebration of students’ accomplishments, a presentation of what the graduate program does, and a gathering of old friends,” Rahe said.
Hillsdale graduate and doctoral students will sit on the panels, and faculty from universities throughout the country will lead the discussions. Most visiting scholars will come from universities at which graduate and doctoral students earned their undergraduate degrees.
“It serves the purpose of expressing gratitude to those professors who have sent us students [to Hillsdale],” said Clifford Humphrey, a graduate student.
Anyone on campus is welcome to attend the symposium, and undergraduates are encouraged to attend.
“Students who have an interest in political philosophy or American politics especially might enjoy the presentations,” said Graduate Student Thomas Tacoma.
Faculty and students alike look forward to hearty and good-natured discussion.
“I am glad the program is giving us a chance to have a break from our regular studies and remind us why we do what we do, to just have a good conversation with good people,” said Veronica Brooks, a graduate student.
A schedule of speakers, topics, and locations is posted on the college’s website.
