Ripon College Ethics Bowl team places third in nation

The Ripon College Ethics Bowl team placed third in the nation at the 22nd Annual Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl National Competition in Chicago, Illinois held on Mar 3-4.

Composed of Lauren Hince ’18 of Blaine, Minnesota, DeLou Wilson ’18 of Madison, Wisconsin, Erika Isaacson ’18 of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Rose Hogmire ’18 of Blaine, Minnesota and Wyatt McGillen ’19 of Kalispell, Montana, the team competed against Oklahoma City University, University of Central Arkansas, Whitman College, Utah Valley University and
Santa Clara University with a 4-2 record throughout the course of competition.

“These students represented Ripon College with such integrity that we should all be proud,” said Lindsay Blumer, coach of the team and assistant dean of career and professional development. “I have coached the Ethics Bowl team for 10 years and I love it. It amazes me each year how the team changes and grows and sees things from a completely different perspective. Ripon College is known for its high-quality ethics case construction, our seamless communication style and honest team dynamic on the regional and national circuit.”

The topics discussed included making athletics fair for transgender athletes, ethical obligations to Carrington events, big pharma and the opioid crisis, social media and teens, paying NCAA athletes, art and its depiction of current political figures, the right to die, jobs versus automation in the United States economy, Title IX and compulsory voting.

“The most rewarding part (of participating in Ethics Bowl) has been this discussion we have been able to have as a team… It’s pretty unique to be surrounded by a group of people you agree with, except have every idea challenged,” says Lauren Hince ’18, who has attended nationals all four years. “The Ethics Bowl team is like a dysfunctional family,” says Hince. “We love to scream at each other until someone decides to scream a little less than the rest and we then arrive at a conclusion.”

Dakota Marlega ’21
Waupaca, Wisconsin