Hillsdale President Larry Arnn called Kirk a friend.

Hillsdale College will award honorary degrees to slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk and his widow, Erika.

School President Larry Arnn announced the degrees while speaking at Kirk's memorial service Sunday in Arizona. Arnn said that he had not yet informed Erika Kirk of the news.

"We're are going to give Charlie and Erika the greatest respect a college can give, an honorary degree," Arnn told those in attendance. The degrees will be conferred May 9, 2026, Arnn said.

Hillsdale proudly touts its conservative bent and is famous for rejecting federal money, including Pell grants for students. School officials insist that taking such money would compromise the college's independence. Instead, it relies on private donations.

Kir

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