OUR HISTORY. YOUR FUTURE.
Ripon College has helped students find their extraordinary for nearly 175 years. Proof that small beginnings have big potential. Our students walk where passions were realized, traditions were grown and dreams were reached. From campus history to impactful firsts, discover the story of Ripon across three different centuries.
FROM FOUR TO MORE THAN 800 STUDENTS
Ripon College began as a college preparatory school in 1851. It wasn’t until 1863 that it became the four-year college it is today. The first graduating class was made of four women—Luthera H. Adams, Harriet H. Brown, Susan A.W. Salisbury and Mary F. Spencer.
WRITING OUR PLACE IN STATE HISTORY
Some firsts, and records, began at Ripon before the 20th century. Our student newspaper, College Days, first ran in 1868 and remains the oldest continuously published college newspaper in the state. Twenty-five years later, the Ripon football team took the field against Lawrence College for the first time. And won. Some believe this to be the start of the oldest football rivalry in Wisconsin.
EXPANDING ACADEMIC PASSIONS
Ripon students have been hard at work for years. In 1911, the debate team wrote the constitution for Pi Kappa Delta. This became the national honorary society for debaters and orators. The National Forensic League was also founded here. If you did forensics in high school, here’s a fun fact—the first national speech tournament happened on campus.
TRADITIONS OVER TIME
There were freshmen beanies. The Homecoming grease pole. Our Alma Mater, written by student Sarah Clyde Mitchell Morse, still chimes from the clock tower. And today, new students receive a commemorative coin from the president on day one. Traditions run strong here at Ripon.
TIMELESS FOUNDATIONS
Three original limestone buildings—East, Smith and West Halls—are still used today. But we’ve got a few more buildings now on our 250-acre campus. Residence halls, academic halls, gathering spaces and more add up to 24. Old and new, they all have stories.
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SYMBOLS OF RIPON
We take pride in our heritage. You’ll see it all across campus. From our college seal and ceremonial mace to the iconic clock tower and library entrance inscription, the symbolism represents our roots and ever-evolving future.
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