Ripon College Announces Renovation and Renaming of Campus Pool

RIPON, Wis. — Ripon College is proud to announce a significant renovation project for its on-campus pool located at the Willmore Center. The project will enhance the student-athlete, community member, and spectator experience while modernizing the space through increasing natural light, significant renovations and equipment upgrades and a refreshed branded experience.

Construction is scheduled to begin later this spring and will include several key improvements:

• Installation of eight large windows along the east wall to introduce natural light into the facility
• Updated overhead lighting
• New starting blocks to support competitive performance and training
• Acid washing of the pool deck tiles to refresh and restore the surrounding area
• Installation of a new record board celebrating athletic achievement honoring Ripon’s swimming legacy
• Updated branding throughout the facility to reflect the College’s identity and spirit

In recognition of a generous lead gift from Robb Kahl ’94 and Jennifer Kitslaar Kahl ’95 the pool will be renamed the Kahl Pool.

“The Kahl Pool represents Ripon College’s ongoing investment in initiatives that support enrollment growth while enhancing the quality of our campus,” said Dr. Victoria N. Folse, president of Ripon College. “We are appreciative of the Kahl family, as well as our many generous supporters, whose commitment has made this project possible.”

In addition to their gift to Kahl Pool, the Kahl family has also made an investment in Ripon College’s Student Support Services and endowed a student scholarship in the Fine Arts Department. In recognition of these gifts, a section of the Student Support Services at Ripon College will be renamed the Kitslaar Kahl Testing Center and the Robert and Deanna Kahl Endowed Scholarship for Theatre and Music in honor of Robb’s parents has been established. “Our hope is that these gifts remind students that they are part of something bigger — a community that believes in them,” said Jennifer Kitslaar Kahl. “It means a lot to us to know that our gifts will help students find their place at Ripon, just as we did,” added Robb Kahl.

The project is set to begin later this spring and will be completed over the course of the summer. Additional details regarding any temporary facility closures will be communicated but expected to be minimal.

The renovated pool joins a number of recent facilities enhancement by Ripon College including a new on-campus stadium, renovated science building, addition of an Esports arena and Fine Arts Atrium renovation.

“These facility enhancements represent a meaningful investment in the future of our campus,” said Folse. “By modernizing our living and learning spaces and strengthening the infrastructure that supports our students, faculty, staff and community, we are creating an environment that fosters long-term success.”