Lane Library has been used by thousands of students to advance their learning. Thank you to Lane Library for their work in compiling the information used for this project.
The Beginning of Ripon
(1849-1899)
Ripon, Wisconsin, traces its roots to 1844, when a group of Fourierist settlers established the utopian community of Ceresco along Silver Creek. In 1849, Captain David P. Mapes founded the neighboring village of Ripon, named after Ripon, England, and encouraged growth by offering land to new settlers. The establishment of Ripon College in 1851 further shaped the city’s educational and cultural life. Over time, Ripon developed as an agricultural and small-industry center while preserving its historic character, which remains central to its civic identity today.
Ceresco Phalanx Established
May 27, 1844
Warren Chase and 19 followers of the Wisconsin Phalanx utopian community arrive from Kenosha and settle the village of Ceresco on the west side of present-day Ripon.
“At the time of this immigration there was no settler in the township, and none in the one north, nor the one east, nor the one south, but three or four in the west, on the beautiful border of Green Lake, which was a strip of timber between the prairie and water.” -Warren Chase, autobiography
Village of Ripon Founded
February 1849
“In February, 1849, myself and my sons came upon this beautiful spot with axes in hand, to strike the first blows which were to change this beauty of nature into a town.” -David P. Mapes, October 8, 1870
Lyceum of Ripon Created
November 23, 1850
On this date, town leaders first meet to propose the creation of a Lyceum at Ripon. Per college tradition, at the end of this meeting, David Mapes and Alvan E. Bovay staked out the outline of what would become East Hall in a “gentle snowstorm.”
“The object of the meeting was stated by the chair to be the formation of a corporation for mental improvement and promotion of education…”
Brockway College Incorporated
January 29, 1851
Ripon College is incorporated under its first name of Brockway College. William Brockway donated the largest sum of $250 towards funding the creation of the college and was thus given naming rights.
Ceresco and Ripon Unite
April 2, 1853
The villages of Ceresco and Ripon are united under the town name Morena. However, everyone ignored the change and simply referred to the town as Ripon.
A New Political Party Begins
March 1854
On this date, Alvan E. Bovay leads the first of multiple meetings in Ripon’s Little White Schoolhouse that results in the creation of the Republican Party.
Brockway College Closes
1861
In the fall of 1861, Brockway College closed for one year due to the Civil War. East Hall was rented to the U.S. Army for $5 a day and served as the headquarters of the First Wisconsin Cavalry. After being closed for a full year, prepartory classes at the College resumed in the fall of 1862. E.H. Merrell, who would later become the second president of the College, arrives to begin his teaching career.
Middle College Completed
1863
Construction of Middle College is completed in 1863. Originally, this building served as a women’s dormitory and also housed meeting rooms and classrooms. Middle College is now known as Smith Hall and still used for Financial Aid and Advancement.
President’s House Built
1863
The construction of President Merriman’s home is begun and completed in 1863. Having gone through several owners, name changes, and uses, the house is currently known as the Evans Admissions Center at Hughes House.
First President Elected
July 21, 1863
William E. Merriman is elected by the board of trustees as the first president of Brockway College
Brockway Becomes Ripon
March 1864
Though the change may have occurred prior to this date, the name Ripon College formally replaces that of Brockway College in March. The College’s relationship with the Brockway family had soured by this time, and College leaders thought the new name would provide a closer tie to the local community and boost fundraising. However, the name Brockway College was still used locally for a few years after the formal change.
The First Class of Ripon College
1867
In the spring of 1867, Ripon College graduated its first class of students. The class consisted of four women: Luthera H. Adams, Harriet H. Brown, Mary F. Spencer, and Susan A.W. Salisbury.
West College Built
April 1867 — September 1867
Built to match the styles of East and Middle College, West College is constructed in 1867. The building has a wide variety of uses, including acting as a men’s dormitory and library. Today it is known as West Hall.
The Separation of Church and College
1868
In an effort to be accepted into the Western College Society, President Merriman decide to end the formal ties of control that area Congregational and Presbyterian churches had held over Ripon College. However, Ripon College would continue to adhere to Christian morals and ideas for many years after this event.
College Days Begins Publication
May 1868
In May, 1868, the first issue of Ripon College’s student newspaper, College Days, is released. Though its publication has not been without interruptions, College Days is still in existence and is considered the oldest student newspaper in Wisconsin.
Changing of the Guard
June 19, 1876
On June 19, President Merriman officially retired from his position; faculty member Edward H. Merrell was elected as the second president of Ripon College at the same meeting in which Merrell’s resignation was accepted
1892
Rufus Cushman Flagg becomes the college’s third president. Dr. Merrell’s administration ends, but he continues as a professor of philosophy until 1896.
Football Rivalry Begins
1893
The state’s oldest football rivalry begins. Ripon takes the field against Lawrence University and wins 24-6.
Ripon College in the 20th Century
(1900 - 1999)
From 1900 to 2000, Ripon College strengthened its academic and cultural identity through milestones such as the creation of its alma mater, leadership in national speech and debate organizations, the establishment of ROTC, student media, and the awarding of a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. In the late 20th century, the college modernized its campus life and athletics, highlighted by the adoption of the Red Hawks name and continued success in Midwest Conference competition.
Ripon Sings it’s New Alma Matter
1900
Sarah Clyde Mitchell Morse graduates, but not before writing our Alma Mater. More than a century later, the tune is still sung at events and chimes from the Harwood Memorial Union clock tower.
Hughes Walks Into New Role
June 17, 1902
The Rev. Richard C. Hughes, who came to Ripon in 1901, is inaugurated as its fourth president. He was a Presbyterian clergyman and teacher of psychology and was instrumental in designing and implementing a college curriculum at Ripon for the 20th century.
Another Year in the books
1907
Crimson (student yearbook) is first published and can be seen in the College archives. It has since become a central record of campus life, documenting students, faculty, events, athletics, clubs, and traditions year by year. Copies of Crimson are preserved in the college archives, providing a rich historical resource for understanding the evolution of student life and the college community over more than a century.
New Leadership, New Ideas
September, 1910
Silas Evans, a Ripon graduate of 1898, becomes fifth president of Ripon College. He led Ripon College for the next 32 years — except for a stint as president of Occidental College in California from 1917 to 1921.
Honor Society Created
1911
Ripon’s debate team writes the constitution for Pi Kappa Delta—now a national honors society for debaters and orators. Pi Kappa Delta honors students for outstanding academic achievement, competitive success, and leadership in speech and debate.
A Time for Celebration
1913
First Dance on Campus – Junior Prom
A Pause for Silas
1917
Dr. Silas Evans leaves Ripon to become president of Occidental college in Los Angeles. Dr. Henry Coe Culbertson becomes the sixth president of Ripon.
ROTC Program Created at Ripon
1919
ROTC unit established at Ripon College, one of only two in Wisconsin, the other at UW-Madison. The ROTC program (Reserve Officers Training Corps) provided students with military training alongside their academic studies, preparing them for service as commissioned officers in the U.S. armed forces. Beyond military preparation, the program also emphasized leadership, discipline, and civic responsibility, giving Ripon students a unique opportunity to develop skills applicable both in the military and in civilian careers.
Silas Returns to Presidency
1921
Dr. Silas Evans returns to Ripon for his second administration. The Delta chapter of Alpha Chi Alpha, national journalism sorority, is established at Ripon.
Ripon Joins the Midwest College Conference
1923
Ripon began their competition in football and basketball. It entered the conference in other sports as follows: track (1929), tennis (1931), golf (1932), wrestling (1938), cross country (1938), baseball (1954), swimming (1965), and soccer (1974). Cross Country didn’t compete from 1939-49, before resuming in 1950.
Launching a National Stage for Student Speech
1925
The National Forensic League is founded and hosts the first national speech tournament for high school students.
The Foundation of Lane Library
January, 1930
Rollin B. Lane gives $100,000 to the college for a new library
May, 1930
Pres. Silas Evans turns the first shovel-full of earth for Lane Library. The cornerstone for the building is laid the following month during the 64th annual commencement with Mr. and Mrs. Lane as guests of honor.
June, 1931
Lane library is dedicated.
Longest Serving President Retires
May 30, 1943
Dr. Silas Evans retires from the presidency after 29 years as head of the college. He is awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.
June 5, 1943
Dr. Clark G. Kuebler is elected seventh president of the college.
A Mark of Academic Excellence: Phi Beta Kappa Comes to Ripon
1952
President Kuebler’s goal to install a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at Ripon College is finally met – Ripon College is awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Only 290 colleges and universities in the country have received this honor. Phi Beta Kappa recognizes excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Membership is highly selective and awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to broad-based learning rather than vocational training.
Ripon College Continues To Grow Under New Leadership
Aug 4, 1954
President Kuebler resigns after accepting an offer in Santa Barbara
March 15, 1955
Dr. Fred O. Pinkham, 34, becomes Ripon’s eighth President and with him comes a stage of much prosperity and growth for the college.
Student Voices Take the Airwaves
1956
WRPN, our student radio station, is established on campus. Operated primarily by students, WRPN provides hands-on experience in broadcasting, programming, and media production while serving the campus and local community with music, talk shows, sports coverage, and college news.
And the Times, they are a Changin’
March 7, 1965
Professor Thompson, three students, (white) and the assistant dean of students travel to Selma, Alabama to march with Martin Luther King and 12,000 other people.
Summer, 1965
Bovay was built, adding to Mapes Hall of 61, and Brockway and Smith Halls of 1958, completing what is now called the Quads.
College joined 16 others in the Upward Bound program, for promising but culturally disadvantaged students. Also, Ripon forms a strong 6-week Native American program, called one of the most successful of its kind in the country. This program ran until 76, when it was cancelled due to distance from Reservations. Upward Bound remains in operation.
Modern Leadership in Sight
December 8
President Pinkham announces resignation after 10 years.
Oct, 1966
Bernard S. Adams becomes Ripon’s 9th president. At Ripon, he continued the expansion of the physical plant and continued modernization of the administration.
President’s House built at One Merriman Lane, replacing Hughes House as the President’s House.
A Fine Place For Fine Arts
1971
Construction is begun on C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts. The Caestecker wing was added in the 1990’s.
The college sighs as sit-down meals, dress codes, and “hours” for women were eliminated, in a much-needed relaxation of previous uptight policies.
Adams Resigns
April 28, 1984
President Adams announces his resignation after an intense disagreement over teachers’ salaries. He had served for 18 1/2 years. In the following year, Ripon Faculty numbers hit a low of 64 after having a high of 82 in ’70-’72.
Stott Steps In
March 15, 1985
William R. Stott Jr. becomes new president, and will soon be dubbed the most able fund-raiser in Ripon History
Alumni Return
June, 1986
First annual Alumni Weekend held. Alumni Weekend, continues to draw huge numbers of excited Alumni in June every year. To learn more about Alumni Weekend, click here.
Clocktower Added
1990
A clock tower is built on the top of Harwood Memorial Union. The clock was given to the college as a gift from the class of ’87, and the lights to illuminate the clock were a gift from the class of ’88.
Red Hawks Take Flight
1991
The nickname of the College was changed from Red Men and Red Ladies (formerly Redmen) to Red Hawks and new logos were designed. The Red Hawks name emphasized strength, agility, and school spirit while allowing students, alumni, and the broader community to rally around a symbol that represents Ripon College today.
New Logo Created
1991
College introduces a new logo, featuring the Harwood Union’s clock tower. The clocktower is still used in Ripon’s branding to this day.
Stott Steps Down, Ranslow Rebuilds
1994
William R. Stott Jr. announces his retirement. Stott served since 1985 and will remain in office until ’95, making his term ten years. His early announcement will leave plenty of time for smooth transitions into the next president’s term.
1995
Paul Ranslow becomes the college’s 11th president. Ranslow participated in campus activities and lent a sunny, positive approach to the task of leading a small liberal arts college.
Ripon Gets Online and Automated
1996
Ripon College gains a presence on the World Wide Web. (www.ripon.edu)
Lane Library is now fully automated. All books owned by the library are entered into an electronic card-catalogue type system called ROSLIN (Ripon’s On-line System for Library Information) that can be accessed by anyone, anywhere via www.ripon.edu
Ripon of Today
(2000+)
From the early 2000s to the mid-2020s, Ripon College experienced a period of sustained growth, leadership transitions, and campus transformation. Beginning with its 150th anniversary celebration in 2001, the college expanded facilities, introduced new living and athletic spaces, enhanced academic offerings, and strengthened community engagement. Key milestones included new presidential leadership, major investments in athletics, health, and science facilities, the launch of Ripon’s first master’s degree program, and a record-breaking philanthropic campaign. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Ripon continued to evolve, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and a vibrant campus life while honoring its longstanding traditions.
150 Years and Still Growing
2001
Ripon is celebrating its Sesquicentennial in a year-long series of events which will include a Day of Service April 7, the college’s commencement May 13, and an all-alumni reunion Alumni Weekend June 22-23. Other events are scheduled throughout
the spring semester and into the early fall. As part of its year-long Sesquicentennial celebration, Ripon College has designated Saturday, April 7, as a Day of Service — “a time to give back to our communities,” according to President Paul Ranslow. The Day of Service will bring Ripon students, faculty, staff and alumni together, in volunteer service across the nation.
Ranslow Resigns, Joyce Joins Ripon
June 30, 2002
Paul Ranslow, president of Ripon College since 1995, announced his resignation today effective June 30, the end of the college’s fiscal year.
March 18, 2003
The Rev. Dr. David C. Joyce named the 12th president of Ripon College, effective July 1. During his tenure at Ripon, renovations were made across campus, Hughes House became Evans Admission Center, the student apartment building was constructed and the Ethical Leadership Institute was inaugurated.
Coffee Cravings on Campus
Jan. 2005
The college announced plans to move its bookstore from Harwood Memorial Union to S.N. Pickard Commons. The bookstore project will include the addition of a Starbucks Coffee House in adjoining space. The planned opening of both the bookstore and the adjoining Starbucks will coincide with the start of the fall semester at the college this August.
Like all Ripon College food service operations, the Starbucks will be open to the public.
Jarreau Returns to Ripon
Oct. 7, 2006
Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist and Ripon College alumnus Al Jarreau returns to his alma mater Saturday, Oct. 7, for an 8 p.m. benefit concert with his band in the Wyman Gymnasium of the College’s Storzer Center. The event, sponsored by Oscar J. Boldt Construction, supports scholarship endowment at Ripon College.
Campus Apartments Constructed
2006-2007
Ripon responds to rising demand for other living options and creates the campus apartments. These communal living spaces offer students extra comfort and space. These are used by upperclassman and currently houses the Campus Merch Store.
Messitte Set To Lead
Sept. 29, 2013
Ripon College inaugurates Dr. Zach Messitte as its 13th president. Messitte oversaw may upgrades to facilities, started the Catalyst Curriculum and is responsible for growth in diversity and inclusion in faculty, staff and near doubling in the student body.
A Nest for the Red Hawks
April 21, 2016
A ceremonial groundbreaking for a $20 million renovation project will be held April 21 at Ripon College. The project will renovate and expand the J.M. Storzer Athletic Center with a target completion date of the fall of 2017.
Aug. 2017
The $23.5 million Willmore Center, the main health and wellness facility at Ripon College opens. The new fitness building includes a location for the coaches and Athletic Staff along with sports related Areas of Study. The center is open to the public and features a pool, full weight room, walking track, Tennis courts and more.
Covid 19 and Ripon College
March 2020
As news of the highly contagious COVID 19 began sweeping the nation, Ripon switches to online classes and commencement. In person events are halted in an abundance of caution. The Midwest Conference (MWC), of which Ripon College is a member, announced today that it will suspend league competition through Dec. 31 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vice President Pence Visits Ripon
July 17, 2020
During the 2020 Presidential election, Mike Pence, Vice President of the United States from 2017-2021, delivers a speech to the campus community in Great Hall.
Folse Finds a Home at Ripon
May 2022
The Ripon College Board of Trustees has announced the unanimous selection of Dr. Victoria N. Folse as the institution’s 14th president. Folse will succeed Zach Messitte, who announced his resignation from Ripon in September 2021. Folse will be the first woman to be formally inaugurated as president of Ripon College in its 170-year history.
Master’s Degree Programs Announced
August 2023
Ripon College launches its first master’s degree program, in exercise science, in the summer of 2024.
“We will begin offering courses for the 15-month graduate program in the summer of 2024,” says John Sisko, vice president and dean of faculty. “The interest in a master’s degree in exercise science has been growing at Ripon. Majors in our Department of Exercise Science are among the most popular on campus.”
Lets go to the Hopp, Hawks
Sept. 2023
Ripon College’s new Hopp Stadium is scheduled to host its first competition Sept. 30 when the Red Hawks football team will host Cornell College. The stadium promises to enhance fan experiences with improved seating and amenities, fostering a greater sense of community and school spirit. It represents not only a cornerstone for Ripon’s athletic programs but also a vibrant hub for campus life and engagement.
Thank you Donors
Dec. 2023
Forever Ripon, Ripon College’s five-year comprehensive campaign and largest philanthropic effort in its history, achieved its initial goal of $75 million, 18 months ahead of schedule. While Ripon will keep the original campaign timeline with an ending date of June 30, 2025, it now will pursue an extended goal of $100 million. The total raised from this campaign was an amazing $117 Million.
Vice President Harris Visits Ripon
Oct. 3, 2024
During the 2024 Presidential election, Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States from 2020-2024, delivers a speech to the campus community in front of Harwood Hall
Scientific Advancement at Ripon
May 18, 2025
Ripon College unveils new Franzen Science Center. The renovation includes comprehensive instrumentation upgrades, new lab flooring, enhanced benches and mechanical improvements. Modernized active learning classrooms, equipped with LED lighting and state-of-the-art whiteboards, create an ideal setting for interactive and dynamic learning experiences. Moreover, the introduction of energy-efficient windows, lighting and HVAC systems highlights our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.