Class of 2020 Commencement Plans

Dear Ripon College Class of 2020, 

I am reaching out to you today to provide updates related to the planning for an in-person Commencement. The Commencement Planning Committee has been diligently evaluating all possible options for a safe and in-person experience for the Class of 2020. 

At this time, I am pleased to announce that our goal is to hold the 2020 Commencement ceremony outside on the lawn of Harwood Memorial Union Sunday, August 8, as part of Alumni Weekend 2021 on-campus programming. We realize that attending this special event may not be possible for all 2020 graduates. Consistent with college policy, all Ripon College graduates will be provided the opportunity to attend a future ceremony if you are unable to participate at this time.

Every year, Alumni Weekend welcomes back generations of alumni to campus. On behalf of the Ripon College Alumni Association, we look forward to formally welcoming you to the Ripon College Alumni community with this unique commencement and reunion celebration.  

Over the course of the next several months, the College will continue to consult with the Fond du Lac County Health Department and evaluate all Commencement-related logistics. Full schedules, lodging, guest policies, and programming details will be available shared with you as soon as they become available. Graduates should plan to register in early July. All updates will continue to be shared via email and posted at https://ripon.edu/commencement-2020/. 

Should weather force the event indoors, the ceremony will be moved to the field house of Willmore Center. The weather call will be made by noon Saturday, August 7. All ticketing and COVID-19 requirements will remain the same.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we have continued to evaluate the state of COVID-19 while prioritizing the safety and health of our internal and external campus community.  We look forward to providing you and your families with the in-person Commencement celebration you have all earned and deserve.

Sincerely, 

Amy Gerretsen ‘04
Director of Constituent Engagement