Commencement 2020 Update | April 10, 2020

Dear Class of 2020,

A month ago I could not have imagined writing this letter to you about postponing the 2020 Ripon College Commencement. As I said earlier, we are going to do everything possible to have an in-person Commencement to celebrate your graduation from Ripon.

After consulting with the Commencement Planning Committee, our traditional May graduation date will be rescheduled for the weekend of Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 3-4, 2020. There is one caveat. We will hold Commencement on this date only if public health authorities deem it appropriate.

Early October is an ideal time to be on campus. It is the peak of Wisconsin’s stunning fall season with autumn colors and good weather. We expect to hold most of the traditional events and elements of our usual Commencement weekend program. Updates will be added to ripon.edu/commencement regularly throughout the coming weeks.

While we are all disappointed that Commencement won’t take place this spring, we are planning a number of special virtual events through April and May around awards convocation, senior week and something on the previously scheduled day of graduation (May 17) to honor this year’s seniors.

On behalf of all the Ripon College faculty and staff, please accept my congratulations for all that you have accomplished during your time at Ripon. I wish you health, happiness and safety at home in the weeks ahead and look forward to seeing you back on campus this fall.

Sincerely,

Zach Messitte
President
Professor of Politics and Government