Ripon College launches $75 million campaign — largest in school history

On Saturday, during the inauguration of Dr. Victoria N. Folse as Ripon College’s 14th president, the College announced the public launch of the Forever Ripon campaign, a $75 million comprehensive campaign for access and impact — the most ambitious campaign in Ripon College’s history.

During the quiet phase of the campaign, which began July 1, 2020, the College secured more than $52 million in commitments toward its overall goal. Every Ripon College Trustee has made a gift to the campaign, and 38 percent of alumni have either made a financial commitment since the campaign began or volunteered in some capacity.

“The early success and energy of the silent leadership phase brings credibility to the campaign priorities and signals that Ripon’s philanthropic culture is strong,” says Tom Abendroth ’81, chair of the Board of Trustees. “The Forever Ripon campaign is and will be a foundational element in solidifying Ripon’s place as a relevant and accessible institution for generations to come.”

Forever Ripon, which is scheduled to reach its goal by June 30, 2025, focuses on three funding priorities:

• Endowment Growth ($40 million)
  • Creating Access ($25 million) — Endow student access and retention scholarships while increasing opportunities for Ripon students to engage with faculty for scholarship and research.
  • Curricular Development and Innovation ($15 million) — Endow new and existing faculty positions and experiential programming for students.
• Facility Enhancement ($20 million)
  • Franzen Science Center, Hopp Stadium and residence hall upgrades
• Ripon Fund ($15 million)
  • Provide crucial flexibility to the College’s budget, enabling leadership to respond to the highest and most immediate financial needs on campus.

“Since the early days of my candidacy, I’ve been in awe of the profound generosity that Ripon College receives from alumni and friends,” Folse said. “It’s been an honor to play a role in the leadership phase of this campaign, and I look forward to pursuing the $75 million goal prior to the 175th anniversary of Ripon College in 2026.”

On Friday, more than 500 guests and donors gathered on Ripon’s campus to ceremonially break ground on the Franzen Science Center and Hopp Stadium. Hopp Stadium will open in the fall of 2023, and a fall 2024 opening is projected for the Franzen Science Center.

Learn more about the campaign’s goals and priorities here.