Updates Regarding Commencement 2020

Dear Class of 2020 Alumni,

When I wrote to you and your families in April regarding the postponement of the 2020 Ripon College Commencement, I informed you that we would be able to move forward with the rescheduled October ceremony only if public health authorities and College policies deemed it appropriate.

After consulting with the Commencement Planning Committee and assessing the state of the coronavirus pandemic in Wisconsin and Fond du Lac County, I regret to inform you that the on-campus Commencement ceremony scheduled for Oct. 4, 2020, has been canceled.  This decision is in line with the Reunite Ripon plan and our on- and off-campus event policies for the fall semester.

While we are all disappointed that Commencement didn’t take place in May and will not be able to take place in October, we are looking for your thoughts about the ways in which you, the Class of 2020, would like to be honored. We realize the importance of providing you and your families with the resolution and congratulations you have earned and deserve.

We would like to hear from you directly about your preferences for a commencement ceremony via this survey. In the coming weeks, the Office of Advancement will be sending your Ripon College diploma and graduation pin; however, your feedback by Sept. 9 will provide us with a better understanding of your preference for a virtual or future in-person event. The Class of 2020 students and families will be invited and encouraged to return to campus whenever we can safely host an on-campus Commencement celebration.

We are committed to providing you a capstone of this important chapter of your life. I wish you health, happiness and safety in the weeks ahead.

Sincerely,

Zach Messitte
President
Professor of Politics and Government