Exemplary Past. Extraordinary Future.
In commemorating 175 years of Ripon College, this year’s commencement theme affirms the enduring power of a liberal arts and science education grounded in purpose, inquiry, and service. Exemplary Past honors the students, scholars, and leaders whose intellectual curiosity and moral conviction established a lasting foundation for the College. Extraordinary Future calls today’s graduates to extend that legacy—applying disciplined thought, ethical leadership, and creative vision to remain relevant in a complex and evolving world. At this historic moment, the Class of 2026 carries forward Ripon’s mission—shaping lives of purpose while contributing meaningfully to the common good.
Register for Commencement Weekend:
Full Weekend Experience – Includes all events, plus the celebratory brunch on Sunday, May 17.
Complimentary Events Only – Enjoy select events at no cost.
Graduates can attend all Commencement Weekend events, including brunch, at no cost and should not be included in your ticket quantity during online registration.
Your time celebrating Commencement Weekend with your graduate should be as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. If any questions arise, please feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or by phone at 920-748-8126.
Commencement Weekend Schedule |
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Friday, May 15: |
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| 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Ripon College Senior Art Exhibit Caestecker Gallery, C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts |
10:00 a.m. | Intercultural Convocation Rehearsal MLK, Harwood Memorial Union |
| 11:00 a.m. | Baccalaureate Rehearsal First Congregational Church |
| 1:00 p.m. | Senior Class Photo Harwood Memorial Union Steps (Rain site: Bear Auditorium) |
| 1:15 p.m. | Graduate Class Photo Harwood Memorial Union Steps (Rain site: Bear Auditorium) |
| 1:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Senior Commencement Rehearsal Bear Auditorium, Franzen Science Center |
| 1:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Graduate Commencement Rehearsal Bear Auditorium, Franzen Science Center |
| 4:00 p.m. | ROTC Commissioning Oshkosh, WI |
| 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Senior Gala Great Hall, Harwood Memorial Union |
| 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Graduate Student Dinner Celebration President’s House, 1 Merriman Lane |
Saturday, May 16: |
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| 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Ripon College Senior Art Exhibit Caestecker Gallery, C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts |
| 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Intercultural Convocation A cross-cultural celebration of unity and belonging, featuring Class of 2026 graduates from diverse backgrounds. Harwood Memorial Union, MLK |
| 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Departmental Receptions All academic department receptions on Saturday are open to all graduates, families, faculty, staff, and special guests. Areas for each department to gather will be identified within Great Hall. Location: Great Hall |
| 4:00 p.m. | Baccalaureate Service An interfaith service featuring Class of 2025 speakers, performers, and artists. First Congregational Church, 220 Ransom Street |
Sunday, May 17: |
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| 9:15 a.m. | Phi Beta Kappa Induction Invite Only |
| 10:00 a.m. | Commencement Brunch and Forum A discussion featuring the honorary degree recipients and other special guests, moderated by President Folse Brunch is served until 10:30 a.m. for graduates, families, friends, trustees, faculty, staff & special guests. S.N. Pickard Commons Forum from 10:30-11:30 a.m. |
| 12:15 p.m. | Commencement Procession Assembly Students will assemble near Todd Wehr Hall; Faculty near Lane Library; and Trustees, Senior Administrators & Platform party in front of Smith Hall. (In case of inclement weather, the assembly will be held in Keipe Gymnasium, Willmore Center) |
| 1:00 p.m. | Commencement Ceremony Harwood Memorial Union Lawn. (In case of inclement weather, to be held in the Field House, Willmore Center) |
| Following Ceremony | Reception Smith Hall Lawn. (In case of inclement weather, to be held in the Messitte Atrium, Willmore Center) |
Honorary Degree Recipients
Looking For Fresh Flowers?
Fresh Floral Bouquets from Sugarloaf Gardens can be picked up at the Ripon College Graduation Ceremony location the day of Commencement.
frequently asked questions
Please read through the FAQs before contacting the College, as they will provide a more timely/immediate answer. You can start by choosing a question from one of the sections below
We’ll miss you! Graduates who cannot attend will be listed in absentia in the program, and their diplomas will be mailed to the address on file.
Caps and gown are provided by the College to graduates free of charge, so there is no need to return your cap and gown following the ceremony.
As details are finalized, updates will be posted to ripon.edu/commencement. By early April, the Office of Constituent Engagement will send invitations and begin accepting online registrations.
The Office of the Registrar will send a complimentary official transcript, with the degree posted, to all graduates, most likely in the first part of June. After that, additional transcripts are available by request from the Office of the Registrar. More information is available on the transcripts page.
Click here for a list of lodging and dining options in the area.
There are no tickets for the Commencement ceremony. Seating is first-come, first-served. While seating will be available outdoors, there are also plenty of grassy areas, and guests are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs. If the ceremony is moved indoors, seating will be more limited; so guests should plan to arrive early.
Commencement will be held on Sunday whether it rains, sleets or snows. Sunday’s 1 p.m. ceremony is traditionally on the lawn of Harwood Memorial Union, but should there be inclement weather, the ceremony then will be moved inside the field house in Willmore Center, located at 400 Union Street. Further updates on the day will be found on our Facebook page.
Free parking is available on the streets surrounding the Union; however, spots will fill fast and early. Click to view our Campus Map. Off-street parking, denoted on the map by a P, is available in lots behind Smith Hall, on Thorne Street, at the corner of Seward Street and Woodside Avenue and off Ransom Street across from East Hall. Accessible parking, denoted on the map with an H, is available near the Union, outside Pickard Commons and at Evans Admission Center. Accessible parking also will be marked on Seward Street. If the ceremony is held inside Willmore Center, free parking is available in the lot and adjacent streets.
Accessible seating and parking is available for the Commencement ceremony. Please ask an usher if you need special assistance. Individuals requiring special assistance should call the Office of Constituent Engagement at 920-748-8126 to ensure appropriate accommodations.
The College provides College honor cords (summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude) and Phi Beta Kappa stoles. All departmental honor cords, Greek stoles and other accouterments (within reason) are allowed during the ceremony. Those items, however, will not be provided by the College or listed in the program.
Looking to stay for the weekend?
Ripon and the surrounding area make for a picturesque weekend getaway. Find lodging and places to eat around town and make your stay as comfortable as possible.