The character of the classical university idea – which is also known as Akademia’s classical education ideal – is summarised in the endeavour to goodness, truth and beauty. This ideal is pursued by the institution’s academic scholarship as well as its vibrant student life and represents a defining guiding principle that illustrates all aspects of Akademia’s existence.

It was precisely this endeavour that accompanied the delegation of academics and support staff on a visit to Hillsdale College in Michigan in the United States earlier this year. As classical and philosophical peer institution Hillsdale is regarded as one of the leading Christian and classical universities in America and its origin can be dated as far back as 1844. This visit, that took place from 19 to 30 September, was facilitated from the NP van Wyk Louw Centre and builds on the long-standing commitment that is cherished between these two institutions.

Dr Daniël Maritz, manager: NP van Wyk Louw Centre, sheds more light on the visit and the importance of this classical and philosophical friendships, especially over international boundaries.

To learn and experience first-hand

The goal of the visit to Hillsdale College was twofold, to learn and experience first-hand how the classical education ideal is embodied practically. The visit enabled us to see for ourselves how this age-old institution maintains a coherence between its academic offering and its impressive architecture. In all these different dimensions the truth, the beauty and the goodness are kept in mind.

A cherished classical and philosophical friendship

The most recent visit to Hillsdale College was the fourth to date, as facilitated by the NP van Wyk Louw Centre.

This year’s visit was a first for most of the members of the delegation. The Akademia representatives that accompanied me on this visit included Prof. Hermie Coetzee (dean: Faculty of Law), Prof. Johnnie Hay (dean: Faculty of Education), Dr Rachel Maritz (dean: Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences), Dr Jaco du Toit (head of department: Computer Sciences), Dr Jannet Davel (head: Staff and Development), Dr Heleen Coetzee (head: Student affairs) and Danie Jansen van Vuuren (head: Finance and Infrastructure).

It is important to Akademia, especially regarding the classical university life, to extend a hand of friendship to other classical and philosophical peer institutions. Through these friendships, our own idea base is further protected, and we are equipped to let these guiding ideas thrive with integrity on home soil. Although we, as a community institution, are primarily locally committed to serving the Afrikaans language and cultural communities, Akademia also considers it important to befriend like-minded people from across the world for the sake of further establishing and expansion of our institution’s own point of departure. 

What was the highlights of the visit?

As visiting representatives, we were in absolute awe of the harmonious coherence that existed between the various dimensions at Hillsdale College. There is a golden thread that is woven from their theoretical foundation to their practical implementation. Whether it is their academic activities, student life, architecture or even their chapel services, everything speaks to the same foundation and shared identity. There is no confusion or doubt about who and what this institution represents.

In terms of the best practises, the delegation was impressed by the minimal support placed on technology during lectures. Hillsdale lecturers have thoroughly mastered the skill of conceptualised learning, and for example, students do not use laptops, smartphones or other electronic equipment during classes. At the same time, lecturers do not rely on the use of slide shows. The classes are largely focused on the reading of primary sources and the critical discussion that is encouraged thereby.

Other highlights include a visit to another classical and philosophical peer institution, namely Grove City College in Pennsylvania. This institution, which was founded in 1976, is built on the values of loyalty, excellence, community, stewardship and independence. The rest of the tour programme included day visits to, amongst others, Notre Dame University, to experience an American football game, the Niagara Falls and Washington DC.