Ripon Celebrates Founders’ Day

This year’s Founders’ Day award was presented to Gregory Marcus of The Marcus Corp. The award is presented annually to an individual or an organization in the Ripon community who exemplifies the ideals of the founders of Ripon College.

The Marcus Corp., headquartered in Milwaukee, was founded Nov. 1, 1935, by Ben Marcus with the purchase of the Campus Cinema, a single-movie theatre screen in Ripon. Today, Marcus is a leader in the lodging and entertainment industries with two divisions, Marcus Theatres and Marcus Hotels and Resorts.

Stephen H. Marcus, Ben’s son, served as president of the family-led company from 1980 to 2008 and as chief executive officer from 1988 to 2009. He remains chairman of the board. Today, the company is in its third generation of leadership. Gregory S. Marcus, Steve’s son, serves as president and chief executive.

From that single-movie theatre in Ripon, Marcus Theatres has grown to become the sixth largest motion picture circuit in the United States and owns or operates 684 screens at 55 locations in key markets throughout the Midwest. Marcus Hotels and Resorts owns or manages 19 hotels, resorts and other properties in 10 states.

The Marcus Corporation has built a legacy as a strong community partner and successful employer in the communities where its associates live and work. In recognition of the company’s 75th anniversary Nov. 1, 2010, the company initiated a “Moving Forward – Giving Back” associate volunteer campaign. The campaign encouraged all associates to volunteer in their communities to collectively achieve more than 75,000 volunteer hours between Jan. 1 and Nov. 1, 2010.

Two students presented research talks about noted Ripon alumnas. “Ripon to Ghana to Pakistan: Mary Sargent’s Life in the Liberal Arts” was presented by Elizabeth Brown ’13 of Brandon, Wis., about the 1939 graduate who lived in several places throughout the world during her husband’s foreign service.

“Ann Ewing: From a Star to the Stars” was presented by Lacey Buchda ’13 of Sparta, Wis., about the 1941 graduate who followed her passions for science and writing.