http://hillsdalecollegian.com/2021/01/actor-tim-allen-named-2021-commencement-speaker/

Hillsdale’s 169th commencement speaker is none other than comedian Tim Allen.

Provost Chris VanOrman announced the decision in an email on Jan. 14, after President Larry Arnn hinted at the choice at the first annual senior class Legacy Board dinner the previous evening.

“We are pleased to announce that Tim Allen will address the class of 2021 during the College’s 169th commencement ceremony on May 8,” the email read.

Allen, best known for his starring roles in the ABC sitcom “Home Improvement” and the ABC/FOX sitcom “Last Man Standing,” as well as both the “Toy Story” and “The Santa Clause” movie trilogies, has kept many Hillsdale students’ attention since a screenshot of Allen sporting a Hillsdale College sweatshirt in an episode of “Home Improvement” resurfaced. A graduate of Western Michigan University, Allen often wore Michigan college sweatshirts on his TV show, which ran from 1991 – 1999.

Senior Class President Braden VanDyke said Allen was a popular choice in a survey of the senior class at the beginning of the fall semester, but it was Allen’s sense of humor that ultimately made the decision.

“Among the chief reasons we decided to go towards this type of candidate is that in a year really filled with divisive politics, financial stresses, health concerns, and really general misery, we thought that Tim Allen provides comic relief in the best way possible,” VanDyke said.