Julie Ricciardi named Ripon College’s vice president for advancement

Julie Ricciardi has been appointed as Ripon College’s new vice president for advancement, bringing more than 26 years of experience to her position effective July 1.

Ricciardi currently serves as associate vice president for development at Hollins University in Hollins, Virginia, where she leads major giving, planned giving and annual giving, including the university’s $250 million campaign.

Prior to her time at Hollins University, she worked at Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, North Carolina, as associate head of school for institutional advancement. In that role, she oversaw campaign fundraising events and boosted revenue by focusing on institutional goals, donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.

“It’s going to be amazing to work alongside the devout advancement team and everyone I had the chance to meet, from athletics to the arts to the faculty,” Ricciardi said. “Ripon is really on the precipice of being able to live into this next iteration of what it can be. It’ll be fun to be in a space that’s thriving and just see what we can do together.”

She said she thrives in environments where philanthropy is not just securing gifts, but building relationships, telling compelling stories and mobilizing communities to invest in a shared vision.

“I’ve always been drawn to smaller institutions because the impact of our work is felt so immediately and meaningfully,” Ricciardi said. “There’s something truly powerful about the close-knit environment they create — I wish every student could experience that kind of connection and community.”

“We are excited to welcome Julie to Ripon College,” Ripon College President Victoria N. Folse said. “Her experience will immediately contribute to the success of Ripon’s comprehensive fundraising initiatives and deepen philanthropic support while adding to the collective strength of our advancement team.”

In addition to Hollins University and Saint Mary’s School, she previously worked for William Peace University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, in various advancement, engagement and development roles. She holds a master of science, business management, strategy and leadership from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business and a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Purdue University.

Riccardi is not a stranger to Ripon College; her father-in-law is a Ripon College alumnus, who talks highly of the education he received and the lifelong impact of learning in a small, close-knit academic community.

“His experience echoes my own professional journey — having spent the last 17 years dedicated to fundraising and advancement in small private institutions, I have witnessed the transformational power of personalized education, engaged faculty and strong alumni networks,” Ricciardi said.

Ricciardi is actively engaged in her community, specifically in local fundraising efforts for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research. She is also a strong advocate for animal welfare, participates in a barbershop quartet and enjoys all things art.

Ricciardi is succeeding Vice President for Advancement, Marketing and Communications and Chief of Staff Shawn Karsten, who served in that role for more than a decade until February 2025.