Ripon College celebrates $23 million fundraising year – approaches Forever Ripon extended campaign goal of $100 million

Ripon College celebrated its second largest fundraising year ever in fiscal year 2024 with more than $23 million in new gifts and commitments. This contributed to Ripon’s Forever Ripon campaign reaching $88 million toward the extended $100 million goal, with one year still remaining in the campaign. The College achieved its initial goal of $75 million, 18 months ahead of schedule in December 2023.

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, facility enhancement and the Ripon Fund. 

As of June 30, 2024, Ripon College’s endowment has reached $110 million thanks in large part to the successful fundraising efforts and strong market performance. Hopp Stadium opened in the fall of 2023, construction continues on a $24.5 million renovation and expansion of the Franzen Science Center and work began earlier this summer to improve the living conditions in residence halls. The Ripon Fund raised $3.4 million in fiscal year 2024, providing flexibility to the College’s budget for responding to the highest and most immediate financial needs on campus. 

“Given the current volatility of the higher education landscape, we realize the critical importance of this campaign’s success for the future of Ripon College,” says Shawn Karsten ’09, vice president for advancement, marketing and communications and chief of staff. “I speak on behalf of the Ripon College administration, faculty, staff and students when I say how humbled we were to surpass our initial campaign goal and to witness the response to the extended goal of $100 million; however, we know we have important work left in the final 12 months of the campaign and beyond. ”

Forever Ripon is projected to reach its extended 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.