Hillsdale College

Our Free Enterprise Story

In 1977, Ronald Reagan came to Hillsdale College and delivered his famous speech, “Whatever Happened to Free Enterprise?” His argument was clear:

Corporate America and small businesses alike would have to be a part of the fight to preserve freedom and free enterprise.

Hillsdale College is used to doing things differently.

We live in a different world than we did even 20 years ago. In decades past, our Business & Industry Program could go to any major American corporation and ask for support. Now, we must seek out the hundreds, if not thousands, of small, medium, and large companies led and owned by informed patriots who love this country. If you manage or own such a company, we seek to partner with you.

It's critical that the American business community employ intelligent, informed patriots who understand ordered liberty. Today, many institutions churn out indoctrinated graduates with ideologies contrary to self-government and the free market. Hillsdale is different, however, and our graduates are leaders in all walks of American life.

Hillsdale accomplishes all of its work while remaining independent of government funding—including indirect funding in the form of federal and state student grants and loans. Our independence also allows the College to offer the finest liberal arts education in the nation. The intelligent and ambitious young person who chooses to study at Hillsdale is an excellent fit for your business or organization.

IMPRIMIS | JANUARY 1978 | VOLUME 7, ISSUE 1
Whatever Happened to Free Enterprise?‍
Ronald Reagan‍
Former President of the United States

Join us in the pursuit of truth and defense of liberty.

Hillsdale does not accept federal or state taxpayer funding for any purpose, including student financial aid. Abiding by the motto, “Pursuing Truth and Defending Liberty Since 1844,” the College upholds its independence with the help of private funding—gifts, pledges, planned gifts, and grants—that provide gift income to meet annual expenses not covered by tuition revenues and endowment earnings.

Please join Hillsdale College in our noble mission through the Business and Industry Program.

Photo of man speaking at the Hillsdale Civil War Memorial.

Four Pillars Campaign: Learning, Character, Faith & Freedom

The Four Pillars Campaign is your opportunity to support that rare institution that will do exactly what it says it will do.

FOUR PILLARS CAMPAIGN
TO PARTNER WITH US IN THIS wORK, CONTACT:
DAVID DANFORD
| (517) 607-2682

My Story and Mission

David Danford Hillsdale College

For questions and to partner with us, contact:
DAVID DANFORD
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

(517) 607-2682

I served for over 15 years in the U.S. military and, along the way, was blessed to attend Hillsdale College for graduate school. My wife and I fell in love with the place and the College, and we wanted to return and raise our family and help Hillsdale in any way we could. In God’s providence, I now work to build up Hillsdale’s network in the world of business and industry to advance the mission of the College.

If you are interested in participating in the Business and Industry Program, mentoring students, hosting an apprenticeship, or supporting our initiative, please contact me at or 517-607-2682.