Former Ripon College president, Bernard S. Adams, dies at age 88

Dr. Bernard Schroder Adams, 88, the ninth president of Ripon College from 1966-85, died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017.

A graduate of Princeton University, Adams earned his master’s degree from Yale University and his doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to assuming the presidency at Ripon at the age of 38, he served for two years in the United States Air Force and taught English Literature and held a range of administrative responsibilities at Princeton, Pittsburgh and Oberlin College. In his nearly two decades at Ripon, Adams continued the expansion and renovation of our campus and the supported the modernization of the curriculum – including the addition of off-campus, independent study, self-designed, and interdisciplinary programs.

He ended his academic career as president of Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, in 1987.

After moving to Colorado Springs in 1988, he served as a vice president for Goodwill Industries for several years before retiring. He also served on various nonprofit boards.

Survivors include his wife, Natalie Stout Adams; two children and two grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 11, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.