Ripon College’s Forever Ripon campaign surpasses $61 million of $75 million goal

Ripon College celebrated its second largest fundraising year ever in fiscal year 2023 with almost $19 million in new gifts and commitments. This contributed to Ripon’s Forever Ripon campaign reaching more than $61 million — 82% of its $75 million goal — by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, with two years still remaining in the campaign.

The public campaign announcement in April generated significant interest and energy. More than $9 million of support from fiscal year 2023 was pledged between the public launch of the Forever Ripon campaign in April and June 30.

During the quiet phase of the campaign, which began July 1, 2020, the College secured more than $52 million in commitments toward its overall goal. Every Ripon College Trustee has made a gift to the campaign, and 40% of alumni have either made a financial commitment since the campaign began or volunteered in some capacity.

The Forever Ripon comprehensive campaign is the largest philanthropic and engagement initiative in Ripon’s history. Its goal is to improve access and impact and focuses on three funding priorities:

• Endowment Growth ($40 million), to endow student access and retention scholarships; increase opportunities for Ripon students to engage with faculty for scholarship and research; and curricular development. This priority has reached 74% of goal.
• Facility Enhancement ($20 million), including the renovated and expanded Franzen Science Center, scheduled to open in the fall of 2024; the new Hopp Stadium, scheduled to open in the fall of 2023; and upgrades to the residence halls. This priority has reached 86% of goal.
• Ripon Fund ($15 million), providing flexibility to the College’s budget for responding to the highest and most immediate financial needs on campus. This priority has reached 71% of goal.

“In many ways, the success of the Forever Ripon campaign will secure the institution’s future and growth amid a challenging time in higher education.” says Shawn Karsten ’09, vice president for Advancement, Marketing and Communications and chief of staff. “With two years remaining, we are positioned well to meet and hopefully exceed the campaign goal, thanks to the thousands of donors who have stepped up for the campus community. We are continually humbled and inspired by the consistent generosity of our alumni and friends.”

Forever Ripon is projected to reach its goal by June 30, 2025. For more information on the full campaign, visit https://ripon.edu/forever-ripon. For giving opportunities, contact Karsten at [email protected] or 920-748-8126.

Posted August 7, 2023 in Administration.

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