Momentum students visit Jodi Gibson ’89 of the Milwaukee Zoological Society

Students participating in the summer Momentum Leadership Fellows Program took a field trip to the Milwaukee Zoo Aug. 11 and met with Jodi Gibson ’89, CEO of the Milwaukee Zoological Society. Gibson talked about how her time at Ripon College changed her life.

Momentum, now in its third year, is a summer bridge for highly qualified incoming first-year students from historically underrepresented and first-generation populations. Gibson has spoken with Momentum students each year of the Momentum program.

“She has a great message for the students about following their hearts while using their heads,” says Nicholas Eastman, Momentum coordinator, associate professor of educational studies and the new Pieper Chair of Servant Leadership. “Jodi is an inspiration for the students and is gracious in welcoming us to the zoo.”

Nineteen students make up the 2023 cohort of Momentum, including students returning from the 2022 cohort and eligible fall athletes.

(Photo: Jodi Gibson ’89, second from left, with some of the 2023 Momentum students)