Ripon College exceeds $75 million campaign goal: Sets new target of $100 million

In December 2023, Forever Ripon, Ripon College’s five-year comprehensive campaign and largest philanthropic effort in its history, achieved its initial goal of $75 million, 18 months ahead of schedule. While Ripon will keep the original campaign timeline with an ending date of June 30, 2025, it now will pursue an extended goal of $100 million. As of January 2024, Forever Ripon gift production sits at $84.7 million.

“When we embarked on the Forever Ripon campaign, there were concerns from some that the $75 million goal was overly ambitious,” said Vice President for Advancement, Marketing and Communications and Chief of Staff Shawn Karsten ’09. “Surpassing that goal 18 months ahead of schedule speaks to the passion and commitment of our donor base and their collective belief and trust in our future.”

Following a quiet phase that began in July 2020, Ripon publicly announced the campaign in April 2023 during the inauguration of the College’s 14th president, Dr. Victoria N. Folse. Since that announcement, more than $30 million in new gifts have been documented.

“The energy and success of the campaign has been amplified by its coordination with our strategic planning process,” said Folse. “Both endeavors are playing critical roles in solidifying Ripon College’s future by the time we celebrate our 175th anniversary in 2026.”

Since the start of the campaign, 24 new endowed funds have been created, the $8.5 million Hopp Stadium celebrated its grand opening, construction began on the $24.5 million Franzen Science Center and early fundraising success for the residence halls have allowed for scheduled upgrades in summer 2024. The extended goal of $100 million will continue to prioritize the endowment to provide access and impact, facility enhancement to facilitate additional residence hall improvements and the unrestricted Ripon Fund.

“Ripon should celebrate this moment, particularly through our gratitude to the thousands of donors who have helped us reach this important milestone, but we’re not done,” added Karsten. “We have greater potential, greater needs and many constituents whom we have yet to engage.”

“This is such a critical moment in Ripon College’s history,” added Mark Franzen ’83, chair of the Board of Trustees. “For Ripon to remain relevant and competitive, we must continue to innovate and set ambitious goals, neither of which are possible without the expertise and support from our alumni, parents and friends.”

To learn more about the campaign’s goals and priorities, visit ripon.edu/forever-ripon/

Posted January 29, 2024 in Administration, Office of the President.

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