Charlie Kirk’s connection to small Michigan college

Michigan's Hillsdale College is paying its respects to Charlie Kirk, confirming that the conservative activist took dozens of their online courses before his death.

Founded in 1844, the self-described "small, Christian, classical liberal arts college" provides "‘all who wish to learn’ the education necessary to preserve the civil and religious liberties of America," its website states. It launched its online program in 2011, and Kirk was one of "more than 4.2 million Americans" who took its courses that focus on history, politics, economics, philosophy and religion, and more.  

"Without presuming to speak for Charlie, we believe he was drawn to Hillsdale's independence and its mission: to teach the truth and to live by it. Charlie took some 30 of our online courses," Hillsdale's Associate Vice President of Media and Public Relations Emily Stack Davis said in a statement.

"We are praying for Erika and their children, and have been sharing memories of Charlie: lectures, conversations, and podcasts he joined with our faculty, staff, and students," she said. 

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Davis said the school has "received many, many calls offering support and prayers for Charlie" since his assassination on Sept. 10.

Hillsdale students gathered for a "quiet vigil" following the news of Kirk's assassination.

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Beyond taking online courses, Kirk enjoyed a personal relationship with Hillsdale College President Dr. Larry P. Arnn.

"After Charlie had taken one of our online courses, passed the examination, received his certificate, photographed himself with it, and texted it to me. Before his death, he did that many times. The prevailing subject was always something he wanted to know," Arnn recalled in a statement provided by the college.

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Kirk spoke at Hillsdale College’s National Leadership Seminar in Phoenix in February. The college's website currently features a tribute image on its homepage that links to a "We Remember Charlie Kirk" page. The page includes a video message from Arnn, in which he calls Kirk a "friend."

"I'm privileged to know lots and lots of high-minded, intelligent and serious young people," Arnn said. "Charlie is one of the best I ever saw. It's an honor to have known him."