Class of 2022: Rhett Cunningham ’22

We celebrate the Class of 2022, what they have achieved during their years at Ripon and what they hope to achieve in the next chapter of their lives.

Rhett Cunningham ’22 of Oregon, Wisconsin, majored in politics and government with minors in economics, national security studies and military leadership. “After graduating I will commission into the United States Army as an active duty signal officer,” he says. “In September, I will attend the Signal Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Gordon, Georgia, for 13 weeks. My first assignment post-training will be in the 414th Brigade Signal Company, 3rd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division located at Fort Stewart, Georgia.”

He says the most important lesson he is taking away from Ripon College is “I really learned to value the time we have in the present. It is easy to want to move to the next stage of life, wishing away the time when things become difficult. But stopping to enjoy the moment with your friends family, and supporters around you is far more worthwhile.”

He says he has especially enjoyed working in the Office of Constituent Engagement since the beginning of his junior year. “Some of my best friends are a result of my time in Smith Hall and the job rarely feels like work,” he says. “It is by far the best place to work on campus.”

To read stories about other members of the Class of 2022, visit ripon.edu/class-of-2022.