Former Ripon College president, Bernard S. Adams, dies at age 88

Dr. Bernard Schroder Adams, 88, the ninth president of Ripon College from 1966-85, died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017.

A graduate of Princeton University, Adams earned his master’s degree from Yale University and his doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to assuming the presidency at Ripon at the age of 38, he served for two years in the United States Air Force and taught English Literature and held a range of administrative responsibilities at Princeton, Pittsburgh and Oberlin College. In his nearly two decades at Ripon, Adams continued the expansion and renovation of our campus and the supported the modernization of the curriculum – including the addition of off-campus, independent study, self-designed, and interdisciplinary programs.

He ended his academic career as president of Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, in 1987.

After moving to Colorado Springs in 1988, he served as a vice president for Goodwill Industries for several years before retiring. He also served on various nonprofit boards.

Survivors include his wife, Natalie Stout Adams; two children and two grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 11, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.


Related Posts

William R. Stott Jr.

William R. Stott Jr., Ripon’s 10th president, has died at the age of 88

William R. Stott Jr., Ripon College’s 10th president, died Feb. 1 at the age of 88. He served at Ripon College from 1985-1995. He was […]

Children in front of Boys & Girls Club rendering

Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area will be 2024 Founders’ Day recipient

The Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area will be the 2024 recipient of Ripon College’s Founders’ Day Award. The formal presentation of the […]

Forever Ripon

Ripon College exceeds $75 million campaign goal: Sets new target of $100 million

In December 2023, Forever Ripon, Ripon College’s five-year comprehensive campaign and largest philanthropic effort in its history, achieved its initial goal of $75 million, 18 […]

Mark Franzen, Ripon College Class of 1983 and Chair of the Board of Trustees

Mark Franzen ’83 to begin term as chair of the Ripon College Board of Trustees

Mark Franzen ’83 of Paradise Valley, Arizona, and Green Lake, Wisconsin, will begin his term as the new chair of the Ripon College Board of […]

Former Ripon College President Bernard S. Adams