Turning Point CEO Erika Kirk to speak at a Michigan college's commencement

Sarah Atwood, The Detroit News on Mar 6, 2026

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DETROIT — Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, will speak at Hillsdale College's commencement ceremony this May, the college said this week.

The private, Christian college's ceremony, held May 9, will be closed to the public. A livestream will be available on the college's website, according to a news release.

"It is a great honor to be invited to speak at the Hillsdale College Graduation Ceremony on May 9,” Kirk said in a statement. “Charlie loved Hillsdale deeply and was often a grateful student of its online courses, learning from (President) Dr. Larry Arnn and the remarkable faculty, who are so committed to truth and the pursuit of wisdom. Hillsdale represents something rare in our time — a steadfast devotion to faith, learning, and the principles that sustain a free nation. I am sincerely grateful for the invitation and look forward to being there with all of you. God bless you.”

Kirk was appointed CEO and chair of Turning Point USA after the assassination of her husband in September 2025. Charlie Kirk founded the organization and had become a powerful voice in conservative politics.

More:'We want to show the way': Hillsdale College spreading gospel of classical education to K-12 schools Erika Kirk received a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations from Arizona State University and a Juris Master in American legal studies from Liberty University. Her professional activities involve nonprofit and entrepreneurial ventures and include hosting the “Midweek Rise Up”podcast and leading PROCLAIM x BIBLEin365, a clothing and lifestyle company that seeks to equip believers to live out their faith and to learn the word of God from cover to cover, according to the Hillsdale College news release.

“Charlie Kirk became a national and international sensation, and he built something amazing. At his memorial service were the great, the near-great, and tens of millions watching. But that isn’t why we loved him. We loved him because he was, at heart, a student who worked hard to get it right,” Arnn said in a statement. “Erika Kirk, brave and widowed, intends to carry on. And we will help her.”

Arnn is an ardent supporter of the Kirk family. In September, he announced Charlie Kirk would receive an honorary degree at May's commencement ceremony, CBS News reported. He also said he and his wife have also set up a scholarship "in the hope that Charlie's children would go to a good college."

Since its founding 181 years ago, Hillsdale College has emphasized liberal arts and sciences, along with the study of morals, character and virtue. Hillsdale's refusal to accept state or federal support, along with its focus on classical studies, has grown the college's reputation nationally and bolstered its support among like-minded individuals, prominent donors and politicians, including President Donald Trump. The school has approximately 1,700 students.

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