Commencement keynote advises students to stay curious

The Ripon College class of 2025 celebrated the 159th Commencement ceremony at Ripon College Sunday afternoon. The theme was “Discovery Has No Limits: Celebrating Women in STEM.” A full video of the commencement ceremony can be viewed at ripon.edu/live.

Over 160 undergraduates and 11 master’s graduate students heard from four honorees: keynote speaker and honorary degree recipient Betsy Kleba, the vice president of cancer screening product management at Exact Sciences Corporation; honorary degree recipient Corryn Greenwood, Ripon College class of 2002, a neonatologist and founding medical director of the neonatal intensive care unit at Silver Cross Hospital; Hannah Truesdale, a mathematics teacher at Ripon High School, receiving the distinguished educator award; and William Wyman, president and chief executive officer of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation (OACF), accepting the Founders’ Day Award on behalf of the organization.

Representing great accomplishments in their careers, all the honorees stressed the importance of staying curious and not being afraid to step outside of your comfort zone in your career.

Reflecting on her path to the commencement stage, Kleba shared two key principles that consistently drive her forward. She encouraged the audience to remember these vital points:

“One: Everything you need in this world to be successful, however you want to define success, is already contained within you, and two: it’s just waiting for you to allow it to grow and emerge. To tap into this infinite potential, you simply need to stay open and be curious,” Kleba said.

Kleba said her parents, despite being in no position to take big vacations or travel far, offered her and her sister unwavering support.

“My parents instilled in us a sense that the world was much bigger than what we were experiencing in our own lives and that the key to tapping into that world was stepping out into it and engaging it head-on,” Kleba said.

Kleba shared her career journey, marked by anxiety in new roles, but ultimately leading her to unexpected paths where she always found ways to contribute and learn.

In her present role, Kleba leverages her scientific expertise, along with valuable operational and business knowledge gained in previous positions, to develop and launch cancer screening tests.

“There are many things about my job that I enjoy, but what is most satisfying is knowing that when my team brings a new product to the world, we are making a real difference in the lives of real people,” Kleba said. “That is my own personal definition of success. And achieving it required me to be open to an opportunity that initially felt more like a closed door than an open one.”

In her closing remarks, Kleba encouraged students to nurture their curiosity and let it guide them to ask not only “What can I achieve?” but also “How can I contribute?”

Greenwood addressed the graduates, noting that leaving college — what they may now view as “home” — can be intimidating, but signifies personal growth.

“My advice to you is: Find your people wherever you land,” Greenwood said. “Build your community. Explore different hobbies and please build a life outside of your occupation. The days are long, but the years are short. At the end of life, no one has regretted not working enough.”

As a woman physician and leader, Greenwood emphasized the potential and power of women in STEM fields and acknowledged the ongoing challenges women face.

“While cultural norms have evolved, expectations and perceptions of women have lagged behind,” Greenwood said. “That’s something for all of you — women and men — to consider as you step into your roles in shaping the future. The world you inherit is different today from the one I was given, but it’s still full of beauty, hope and possibility.”

She encouraged graduates to keep their “hearts and minds open and embrace the contributions of all people. That is where true discovery begins.”

Wyman highlighted that Ripon College has brought together young minds for over a century, inspiring them to step into a world of endless possibilities as leaders.

“(OACF believes) in the power of education, the importance of community support and the potential of every individual to make a difference,” Wyman said.

Truesdale urged students to hold onto their drive and passion for learning because no matter what paths you choose in life, both personally and professionally, there will always be room to learn and grow.

“Life will present you with challenges, and you have to trust that you have the tools you need and the support around you to work through the hard and come out stronger and more knowledgeable than you were before,” Truesdale said. “Stay true to yourself, but keep your mind open. The people around you may differ from you in many ways, but we can always choose to listen to and work with one another.”

The senior class speaker was Chase Polyak of Lombard, Illinois. The master’s graduate speaker was Benjamin Fisher, Ripon College class of 2023, of Waupun, Wisconsin. Ripon alumni Mark Franzen ’83, chair of the Board of Trustees; Camille Carlson Clemons ’00, trustee; Kristen Diemer-Hawley ’88, honorary Alumni Association Board member; MaryJo MacSwain ’77, president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, also participated in the ceremony.

President Victoria N. Folse told graduates that Ripon has shaped each individual in countless ways — some recognized already, and some to reveal themselves with time.

“That is the power of this place and the enduring influence of a Ripon education,” Folse said. “No matter where life takes you, you will find yourself returning to the lessons, the memories and the spirit of this campus.”

She acknowledged that peers, faculty, staff and mentors played crucial roles in helping each graduate navigate their journey filled with challenges and triumphs.

“You have left your mark here, and we are grateful,” Folse said. “You now bear the responsibility — and the privilege — of carrying on Ripon’s legacy of excellence, integrity and purpose.”