At a memorial service in Glendale, Arizona, Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn announced that Charlie Kirk, who was recently shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University, will receive an honorary degree. Arnn described the recognition as "the greatest respect a college could give," as per CBS News Detroit.
Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn, who had known Charlie Kirk since he was 19, said Kirk completed "dozens" of the school’s online courses. Arnn and his wife have created a scholarship to help Kirk’s children with college, saying, "Charlie you see, has suffered enough. He has gone to the lord." Hillsdale, founded in 1844 in Michigan, described Kirk’s connection to its mission, with Associate Vice President Emily Stack Davis noting the college’s goal "to teach the truth and to live by it," as reported by FOX 2 Detroit.
Thousands attended a memorial service for Kirk, where President Trump said he would award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Vice President JD Vance also spoke at the event. An honorary degree will be presented on May 9, 2026, during Hillsdale College’s commencement. Larry Arnn delivered these remarks at the service, according to Hillsdale College on their X account.
.@DrLarryArnn delivered these remarks at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service today. pic.twitter.com/yvmG0yJtYi
— Hillsdale College (@Hillsdale) September 21, 2025
