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1978 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Submitted by: Gregg Petersen

1978

Columbia, WI

Class Letter

1978 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Gregg Petersen

Class of 1978

Columbia, WI

Class Letter

March 3, 2020

1978 – Spring 2020

Gregg Petersen ’78

10829 Hilltop Lane, Columbia, MD 21044

(410)-884-0407 / [email protected]

Dear Classmates:

Happy 2020 everyone! It seems like it was Y2K just yesterday and now it’s 20 years later! As I read about Melanie Kenion Civin and Erika Doss hiking near Lake Bled in Slovenia in our letter, it reminds me of when I visited there in 1979, but at that time, the country was Yugoslavia! Time marches on and apparently so do we as a class. In this letter, we have a marriage in Myanmar, a safari in Africa, visits to monasteries in Armenia, business trips to Slovakia, mini-reunions in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, and Florida, and yes, Meyer is still in Moscow…Idaho that is. What we don’t know, is what the rest of you guys and gals have been doing. I reckon that we are missing out on many, many more adventures, moves, new jobs, semi-retirements, retirements, and reunions that the rest of us would be very interested in reading about. Plus, I know some of you are writers like Tammy Boden-Ellis and Rod Haynes. That said, please read on about what some of our classmates have been doing.

HEADLINES FOR THIS LETTER:

’78 Classmate Updates
#OneDayRally April 29th’78 Classmate Updates:

DANI CALDWELL ’78 of Henderson, Nevada writes, “On December 25, Alan and I left for a great adventure in Thailand and Myanmar. The occasion for our travel was our son Sam’s wedding in Myanmar on January 3. His fiancé (now wife) Suyi Lynn was a student at Carroll University in Waukesha, where he met her. Long story short, her student visa expired after her graduation from Carroll, and she had to return to Myanmar. Sam decided he couldn’t live without her and proposed. She accepted and their quest to get her back to the US began. Sam applied for a fiancé visa in early 2019 and unfortunately, they are still waiting and now hoping that the recent travel ban (don’t get me started) that includes Myanmar doesn’t adversely affect their plans to be together here.

Last spring, Sam and Suyi decided that they would have a Buddhist wedding ceremony in Yangon. They set the date and informed family. While home for a visit last July, we met with one of my high school friends who has a travel agency and we started our plans to travel for the ceremony.

Myanmar, formerly Burma, is an interesting country. Until just a few years ago, it would have been very difficult for us to travel there. Now, they welcome tourism. Visas are required to visit there, but as we learned, a bit painfully, they have an e-Visa system that is easy and inexpensive.

Suyi asked us if we would consider wearing traditional clothing to the ceremony and we agreed. That wasn’t such a big deal for me, as it required a long skirt and blouse, but for Alan it was a little more of a consideration as the men wear long skirts called a longyi or paso.
We arrived in Yangon, Myanmar (formerly Rangoon, and still called that by some of the residents) on December 27th after traveling from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, then to Taipei and finally to Yangon. We were met at the airport by Suyi and she drove us to several locations in the city, the most important of which was to the designer who was going to make my wedding outfit. Fabrics were chosen for both of our outfits, measurements taken, and then we went to a restaurant to meet Suyi’s parents. After a pleasant meal, we went back to the airport to board yet another plane to fly to Phuket, Thailand for a 5-day vacation before returning to Yangon for the wedding ceremony.

We had a pleasant stay in Phuket, but when we got to the airport in Phuket on New Year’s Day, we were told that the visas we had for Myanmar (which we paid a company to obtain for us) were only single-entry visas and were therefore no good for returning to Myanmar. We were also told, much to our great distress, that as it was Jan. 1 and a holiday, no arrangements could be made for new visas until Jan. 2, and it would probably take 2-3 days for new visas to be issued. At this point, we were traveling with Alan’s brother, who had joined us in Phuket and planned to go to Myanmar for the wedding. We said goodbye to him and then contacted Sam with the bad news. That is when we found out that contrary to what the Air Asia staff told us; we could go online to get an e-Visa. Thankfully, there is free Wi-Fi in the Phuket airport and we went through the process to apply for the e- Visas. The government website we used said there would be a 24-hour turnaround time for the visas, so we found a hotel close to the airport that had a free shuttle and traveled there to wait for the 24 hours. However, once at the hotel, we accessed our email and found that our visas had been issued! We quickly repacked, got the hotel staff to print out the visa letters and hustled back to the airport to try to fly to Yangon. After a short wait on standby, and $600 later, we were rushed to a plane and we were on our way. We arrived 4 hours later than we had planned and were extremely thankful to be there at all!

The wedding ceremony was beautiful. It took place at a Buddhist monastery and was officiated by 8 monks who sat in large, throne-like chairs on a low, long stage. Rugs of various patterns were on the floor in front of the stage, and Sam and Suyi knelt on the rugs. The rest of the family either sat or knelt on the rugs or chairs behind them. One monk spoke (in Burmese, so we didn’t understand anything being said), but Suyi’s sister, Lynn, sat near us and explained most of what was happening.

Sam and Suyi spent some time with the monks and then came back and posed for hundreds of pictures with friends and relatives who came to eat and greet the newlyweds. Suyi’s father, Tsin Lin, is a commercial photographer and teaches photography, so the videographers and photographers (there were many) were all students of his.

Over the next 4 days, we traveled to Bagan and Inle Lake, both interesting and beautiful in their own right. We traveled with Sam, Suyi and her parents, who provided us with drivers, tour guides, meals, and an amazing time.

We returned to the US well ahead of the coronavirus scare, tired but happy for the wonderful experiences and so happy for our son. We are very hopeful that Sam and Suyi’s visa application will not be affected by the latest permutation of the travel ban and that she will be allowed to come to the US very soon.

Of course, no experience would be complete without a Ripon connection, would it? Suyi’s sister LYNN WHUT HMONE ’12, who I mentioned above, is a Ripon graduate!”

JOE JR. ’77 AND JULIE SCHARON CHOVAN ’78 of Maineville, Ohio were spotted at last July’s Cincinnati Rally Hour with JENNIFER STAMBAUGH VOORHEES ’77, DAN NEWYEAR ’79, and DEBBIE FOSTER LIN ’75 and Peter Lin. Joe wrote: “That’s the last time I ever let Dan Newyear have a picture taken of us –never know where it will end up! We love meeting with our fellow Riponites in the Cincinnati area. Julie and I moved here in 1988 from Burlington, Wisconsin. We celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary (I gained a pound each year just to match ?) on Monday, the 19th of August….I met her the first day at Ripon and we’ve been together ever since! We went on vacation in Door County to celebrate- we go almost every year to get our Wisconsin fix.”

HELEN HOLTER ’78 of Seattle, Washington writes: (I had a) “wonderful opportunity last summer, when I was invited to be part of a Smithsonian/State Department project to assess rural development opportunities in Armenia. It was incredible! Beyond 1,000-year-old monasteries, stomach-spinning mountains passes, hospitality in spades, and so much good food and wine I’ll never eat a McDonald’s hamburger again…. I’d say the personal highlight for me was visiting the town of Gyumri, which back in Soviet times was called Leninakan – site of a devastating earthquake in 1988 that killed more than 25,000. I covered it as a TV reporter back in the 1980s, so actually seeing it decades later — much of the earthquake damage exactly as it was then — was sad and sobering. I’m thrilled to add that I’ll be returning this spring to Armenia, as well as to Azerbaijan and Georgia.”

MEREDITH VALENTINE JOHNSON ’78 of St. Louis Park, Minnesota visited with recent Eden Prairie arrival, retired Reverend Paul Nancarrow, serving as a substitute priest at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Minneapolis with her and her sister-in-law Judy Smoot Johnson ’80.

MELANIE CIVIN KENION ’78 of Brighton, Massachusetts: “August 10, 2019. It’s official. I’ve retired from the Medford Public Schools and will be starting at The Rashi School. A private Jewish day school. I look forward to third graders, a safe environment, and new challenges. So, ERIKA LEE DOSS ’78 (South Bend, Indiana) and I did a 9-day women’s hike in Slovenia. We hiked in the Julian Alps, Velika Planina (alpine highlands), Lake Bled, and Lake Boninj. We hiked between 8-10 miles a day with a group of 12 women with a tour company called Adventures in Good Company. It was challenging and great to push ourselves out of our comfort zones. This was our third trip together…we previously hiked the Inka Trail and traveled in Cambodia and Thailand. We’re tossing around ideas for two years from now.”

LARRY LAUX ’78 of Dousman, Wisconsin continues to enjoy his retirement. Whether he is on safari in Africa with his wife Nina Wulff ‘77, visiting distilleries and taking samples home from Kentucky, making ice at the national curling championships near Spokane, or giving sermons at his local church, he seems to be getting the most out of his free time.

ROB “TEX” MEYER ’78 of Moscow, Idaho “…continues to pen pointless poems, prose and pointless Letters to Editors of various publications, some of which are published (and most of which are not). Political Progressivism continues to be (politely) impossible in Potato Land. Meyer continues to refuse knee-replacement surgery (first recommended in 2015) or brain-replacement (first suggested in 1974). Cooper the Coonhound continues to cooperate as Rob “Tex” Hobbler’s Personal Trainer (Exercise Guru), Entertainment Provider (no Internet or TV at our house) and Super-Duper Pooper Trooper Security Sentry. Cooper turns nine years old on February 28, 2020. He thinks he is nine months old. Meyer is reachable at (208) 874-7399. “Tex” thinks he’s 9,000 years old. Go Red Hawks…”

GREGG PETERSEN ’78 of Columbia, Maryland displayed his Environmental Education Macroinvertebrate Health Scoresheets at the Southeastern Wisconsin Conservation Summit at the Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory in Port Washington, Wisconsin in November at the request of NANCY HINTZ ’82 P’10. He had a great visit with Ripon biology professors Memuna Khan and Ben Grady and some of their students who were in attendance. In an unrelated note to the conference, Gregg found out this last fall that the volunteer coordinator at the nature center down his street was taught by LOUISA GEBELEIN JONES ’78’s husband at the Pomfret School in Connecticut. Small world!!

Congratulations to SUE FEITH SHANNON ’78 and husband Tom (Saukville, Wisconsin), and HORACE ’78 and MARLA BRENDEN GARFIELD ’78 (Eau Claire, Wisconsin) who celebrated their respective 40th wedding anniversaries at Johnny Manhattan’s in Hubertus, Wisconsin in October! Sue also made a road trip with her dog Rocker to visit recently retired Joe Keegan (St. Petersburg, Florida) and George Mort ’80 on Marco Island, Florida in January.

LISA WOLLAN ’78 of Minneapolis, Minnesota writes, “It’s been just over a year since my retirement from Wawa and I’m loving this next stage of this journey. I moved back to Minnesota in June and have reconnected with friends from all parts of my life.” She got together with “four fabulous Ripon women: ANITA WALLACE ’78 BETH BENEZRA ’78, JULIA CLASSEN ’79 and ADELE BINNING ’79” recently – and is “looking forward to connecting with other Ripon folks as the weather warms up. Lots of fun travel planned this year, including several weeks in Germany to reignite my (dormant) language skills.”

JOHN ZINDAR ’78 of West Park, New York “enjoyed his usual traveling for both business and pleasure in 2019, having been to Panama, Costa Rica, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Colombia, and then back in Panama. Somehow, between all that he purchased and moved into a 107-year-old home in the historic Hudson Valley, just across the river from the FDR estate. It is complete with three springs, creek, pond, forest, and lots of animals, birds, frogs and dragonflies. After nearly 20 years in New York City, it is a wonderful change of lifestyle. I would be very pleased to host any and all Riponites in the area or just passing through.”

#OneDayRally April 29th: April 29th is the third annual #OneDayRally for The Ripon Fund. Or as I proudly like to call it, “Class of ’78 Spirit Day”! President Zach Messitte, VP of Advancement SHAWN KARSTEN ’09, and the rest of the College staff have worked successfully with the faculty to streamline and optimize the curriculum and operations at our alma mater, but they need our continuing support. LOUISA GEBELEIN JONES ’78, I, or other intrepid classmate volunteers may reach out to you for charity and an update for the fall class letter on that day.

Please make your donations via phone or electronically on the 29th, or if you will be mailing them in, you can send your check before then with a designation for the #OneDayRally. If you run late for mailing, you can make a pledge on the 29th and follow it up with a mailing as well. Our donations count twice in that in addition to our support, Ripon is rated by the robustness of its alumni support by some of the college rating systems and services- so our support is doubly important! There are also matching challenges during the #OneDayRally that multiply our philanthropy. By the time you see this letter, my donation will be in the mail. Please join Shirley and me supporting our beloved Ripon.

Class Letter Updates: If you didn’t have an update for this letter, then it’s time for one from you for our next letter by the end of June. For this letter, some of you said that you did not want to be “that guy or gal” as you shared your activities. I hope I speak for all of us when I say that you should be reassured that we like to hear about what you are up to. If some of you had not shared, how would we have found out that one classmate had to go to Myanmar to discover that a new in-law was a Ripon grad or that the lady at the nature center down the street was taught by the husband of one of our classmates? For the next letter, please send me your thoughts about Ripon or what you and your family are doing and include a picture. In the meantime, have a great happy, healthy spring and summer!

Best wishes and warm regards,

Gregg

Submitted by: Gregg Petersen

2011 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Submitted by: Shane Roeber

2011

Milwaukee, WI

Class Letter

2011 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Shane Roeber

Class of 2011

Milwaukee, WI

Class Letter

Shane Roeber ‘11

262.617.7707 / [email protected]

Dear Class of 2011:

I bet some of you are surprised to see my name associated with this class letter. Indeed, some of you even asked me how I ended up becoming the Class Agent. Well, your guess is as good as mine. But here I am so you’re all stuck with me for the time being. I’ll try to bring some humor (disclaimer: I’m not funny) and reflection to our class letters. No promises though.

This year is probably the first year I’ve felt like an “adult.” Certainly, part of the delay of feeling like an adult is that I’ve been living the bachelor life in Milwaukee for a while now. But a lot of other adult things have happened this year. Some people welcomed new additions to their families and some people said goodbye to loved ones. Some people got promotions, started their own business, or started a new career. And some people lost jobs and have been trying to find their way since. The point is that life, from what I’ve been told, is supposed to have ups and downs. This year has certainly shown me evidence of that statement’s truthfulness.

Alumni Weekend this year is June 25-28^th and I hope to see a lot of you there. It’s a fun way to reconnect with old friends and drink a few (or a lot) of cheap beer just like we did in college except this time it’s free. Further, remember that Ripon depends on its alumni for financial support. No amount is too small and if I can donate after how many times Ripon fined me I hope you can too.

Finally, what follows is our class updates. Thank you to everyone who provided one – it was a pleasure reading about your accomplishments. Beating Final Fantasy VII or getting a Ph.D. in Sasquatch Studies are not easy tasks. As someone who is terrible at reaching out to friends and colleagues, getting the class updates was probably my favorite part of this whole thing.

Cheers,

Shane

Nicholas Osenberg ’11 – completed his Masters in Theatre Studies: Production and Design from Southern Oregon University in July. Additionally, his senior theatre students competed for theatre scholarships at the Michigan Thespian Festival. Collectively, the students were awarded $1.9 million in combined scholarship offers. The scholarship awards totaled $25 million in combined offers. This makes it the largest single-day scholarship event for the arts in America. Lastly, one of his lighting design students was honored as one of the Top 10 theatre artists of Michigan. I’d like to thank Ripon’s liberal arts background because my student’s accolades made this possible.

Patricia Takawira ’11 – she is still best friends with childhood friend Mary.

Taima Kern ’11 – she is directing her first community theater show after several runs as assistant director. The show is the Wizard of Oz. She also participated in breaking the world record for most people dressed as penguins – she was one of the 373 people.

Alexandria Fladhammer ’11 – she finished up her Ph.D., bought a house and is planning a wedding. She also traveled to the asteroid belt last August with her cat, Supernova.

Carlos Soto ’11 – he finally completed Final Fantasy VIII.

Darin Fazzino ’11 – he spent a portion of the last year traveling the waters off the coast of Somalia interning as the poop-deck swabber on the pirate ship “Not-A-Pirate-Ship.”

Amanda Hassen ’11 – she is living her best cat lady life, just bought a condo and got a promotion. She recently bought property in France in the hopes of opening up a bed-and-breakfast that solely serves crepes.

Zach Smith ’11 – he spent 214 consecutive days meditating on the purpose of throw pillows. Like, why are throw pillows a thing? They’re not even comfortable and add very little to the decorative ambiance of a room. He was unsuccessful at coming up with an answer.

Patrick Shunk ’11 – he bought a 4-pack of boxer briefs from Target only to find out that someone had taken one of the four pairs. He now owns three pairs of boxer briefs and is quite upset about it.

Callen Marx ’11 – got his Ph.D. in Sasquatch Studies from the University of Oregon. He is ranked in the top 7 Sasquatch hunters in the world but has yet to find the majestic, though elusive, creature.

Melissa del Ponte ’11 – finished her Ph.D. and her and husband Matt bought a house. She works for the department of corrections and Matt works for UW-M Washington County.

Liz Shadle ’11 – she went on an African Safari and met the famed lion Aslan. They became great friends and shared many stories around the campfire. After a rather rambunctious night of s’more making, Aslan got indigestion and had to take a leave of absence for the remainder of the safari. She also got engaged and is working in private practice as a therapist.

Sarah Marie Verstegen ’11 – she is currently the Associate Principal for the Princeton School District. Her son Levi turned one in September and she and her husband, Connor, just welcomed Landon Douglas on January 18, 2020.

Holly DeVore ’11 – she is graduating with her Bachelor’s for Nursing in December 2020, and is working on the Transplant Unit and the Surgical ICU at Froedtert Memorial Hospital as a CNA/Critical Care Technician.

Carissa Lee Erickson ’11 – her and Grant Erickson, ’09, have two sons Samuel (3) and James (2) and are expecting their third son in March.

Christopher Kochanksi ’11 – he is a Lieutenant in the Navy and just wrapped up a tour aboard the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), homeported in Everett, WA, where he served as the Information Warfare Officer for the past two years. He will be transferring to his next command, Navy Cyber Warfare Development Group, in Washington D.C. in April 2020.

Jordan O’Brien ’11 – she approves Patricia Takawira’s (’11) message.

Erin Bavery ’11 – she and Matthew Theis ’11 welcomed a son, Arthur, in December and a second doggo in February 2019.

Sara Sisco ’11 – she bought a new home in Seattle, WA, along with her husband Mike, whom she married in 2020. She also obtained her Masters of Nonprofit Leadership and works with a local nonprofit. Together her and Mike have a dog named Dexter.

Kelly Biallas Miksche ’11 – she married her husband Mike Miksche in August 2019. She also recently started a new position at the DuPage County Health Department as a Public Health Nurse.

Ashley Retzlaff ’11 – she got engaged and is currently directing her first musical, Fiddler on the Roof, at Oak Creek High School in Wisconsin. She is also teaching AP Language and Composition, American Literature, and Theatre Arts at the high school level. Basically still living the “can’t get enough of school” life.

Jordan Hill ’11 – he and Sarah Weinberg (’12) moved home to Minnesota from South Korea in March. They’ll be married in October 2020. He is excited to get back into the college classroom and never teach another elementary-schooler again.

Jolinn Ennis ’11 – her and her husband, Dan, recently welcomed their son James in September. Jolinn is currently teaching elementary music in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and coaching the Fond du Lac Cardinal Skippers jump rope team.

Catie Pfeifer ’11 – she lives in Madison with her husband Jacob whom she married in 2018. She currently works at PBS Wisconsin as a closed captionist.

Robyn Zajac-Elsbecker ’11 – her and Chase (’11) welcomed their daughter, Alice, in January 2020. They live in Pulaski, Wisconsin.

John Lightfield ’11 – he worked as an elder rights attorney in Wausau, Wisconsin and held a koala. He’s currently regulating health care professionals for the state of Wisconsin.

Submitted by: Shane Roeber

1968 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

1968

Green Valley, AZ

Class Letter

1968 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Peter Uhrig

Class of 1968

Green Valley, AZ

Class Letter

PETER UHRIG ’68

[email protected]

Dear Classmates: For the last 51 years, I, like you, have opened and read our class letters and noted the goings on at the college and in the lives of our classmates. I did not give much thought to the process of being the class agent or how they did what they do. With this letter I begin that process but not without thanking BOB MARTIN ’68 for his years of service to our class and for his confidence in me to do the same. This thanks also goes to those who came before Bob as class agent.

As I write this, Ripon has just celebrated it’s 169th birthday on Founders Day, January 29th. While the College was founded in 1851, a little over one hundred years later Fred Pinkham became Ripon’s eighth president and served from 1955 to 1965. He was our president as we arrived as freshmen in September of 1964. Doctor Pinkham recently passed away at age 99. When he became president at age 34, he was one of the youngest college presidents in the nation.

If you did not make it to our 50th class reunion, you may not yet have seen the Wilmore Center. This state-of-the art athletic facility is a wonderful addition to our campus. Back in the day, I remember how impressed we were with the opening of the Storzer Center during our senior year.

Last fall, President Zach Messitte reminded us “Ripon College is doing something remarkable. We are delivering a private school education at a public school price”. This is thanks to a community effort and a big part of that community is you, Ripon’s loyal and generous alumni.

Fundraising is an ongoing activity at Ripon with the Ripon Fund as the annual centerpiece. In 2018-2019 the more than 2.6 million raised was the largest total in more than two decades and the #OneDayRally pulled in $1,085,314 from 1,446 donors. Thanks to all class of ’68 members who contributed. We always make a strong showing!

“The Spot” lives! Well, sort of. “Bud & Marilyn’s” opened a second location in September of 2019, this one at Philadelphia International Airport. The Midwest supper club concept restaurant is co-owned by Marcie Turney, granddaughter of Bud and MARILYN FORTNUM BRIESE ’43, who owned and ran “The Spot” in our day. It includes some old “Spot” paraphernalia on the walls. I still remember Marilyn at the foot of the steps every September with her “Green List” in hand checking the ages of the new crop of freshmen and turning away a few.

Obituaries: We recently learned of the August 2018 passing of HARVEY B. FULLER IV ’68. At Ripon, Harvey was a Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Sigma Iota English major.

More recently, DIANN WATERBURY GRAEBER ’68 passed away on October 17, 2019. Diann is survived by her husband, our classmate, Dr. Charles Graeber and two sons, Charlie and Matthew and their families.

When you have news to share, just send it to me or to the Office of Constituent Engagement ([email protected]) or online at www.ripon.edu/rconnections.

DAVID C. SMITH ’68, of Kennebunk Maine, writes, “Teaching Financial Literacy, City Planning and Entrepreneurship to 41 3rd graders at Sea Road School, Kennebunk, ME. Very involved, too busy”.

BOB MARTIN ’68 sent a photo, which will be uploaded as a separate post in R Connections, from a breakfast at the White Dog Café in Philadelphia last fall with his wife Janet and BILL ’69 and DIANE KING MIKOLYZK ’68. Bill and Diane also ate at the first “Bud and Marilyn’s” while visiting the city.

Best Wishes,

Peter

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

Spotted: Breakfast in Philadelphia; JANET and BOB MARTIN ’68, BILL MIKOLYZK ’68, DIANE KING MIKOLYZK ’68

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

1968

Green Valley, AZ

Sightings

Spotted: Breakfast in Philadelphia; JANET and BOB MARTIN ’68, BILL MIKOLYZK ’68, DIANE KING MIKOLYZK ’68

Peter Uhrig

Class of 1968

Green Valley, AZ

Sightings

BOB MARTIN ’68 enjoyed breakfast at the White Dog Café in Philadelphia last fall with his wife Janet and BILL ’69 and DIANE KING MIKOLYZK ’68. Bill and Diane also ate at the first “Bud and Marilyn’s” while visiting the city.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

In Memory of Bob Ainsworth ’57

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

1957

Ripon, WI

Obituary

In Memory of Bob Ainsworth ’57

Bob Ainsworth

Class of 1957

Ripon, WI

Obituary

Bob Ainsworth—A Memoir

Class of 1957

During high school in Racine, WI, Bob Ainsworth raised money to attend Ripon by organizing a dance band which performed for hire in the Racine area. At Ripon College, 1953-1957, Bob organized another band that performed at college and student events. As a music major, Bob was a member and Assistant Director of the excellent Ripon College Concert Choir which performed concerts in the Chicago-New York corridor, including nationwide radio broadcasts through CBS.

One afternoon during a concert tour, the choir had finished its performance at a large high school in Illinois. Though the curtain had closed, the audience of students had to remain in their seats until their next class period started. Backstage, we were getting our gowns off and heading out to our bus, when it was discovered that Bob was missing. The Director and a couple of us students searched for Bob. We discovered that Bob, realizing that the students were still in the auditorium, could not ignore a live audience. Bob had peeked through the curtain, made a funny face to the bored students and shoved the piano out on to the stage, to an explosive cheer from the students. He sat down and accompanied himself in singing funny songs and telling crazy jokes to the applauding students—classic Bob!

One day at Ripon, Bob was asked if he knew any dog jokes. Bob proceeded to reel off about 6 or 7 jokes in 30 minutes- all were dog jokes- and all were good ones. Bob would say, “Pick a random subject, any subject.” Then he would proceed to tell us eight or ten jokes on that subject.

After graduation Bob entered the Army as an officer (retiring as a Major). Bob was assigned as a battalion tank commander in Germany. In 1961, he was the head of a tank battalion which confronted a Russian tank group in downtown Berlin at Check Point Charlie. The Russians were attempting to take over the U.S., British, and French Sectors of the city to isolate Berlin from Allied troops and supplies. In a very dangerous international crisis, the Russian tanks backed down to Bob’s battalion-to Russia’s embarrassment and to the Allies’ relief. It was an extremely dangerous situation in a cold war about to get hot. Bob waived off praises for his role by telling everyone that he was so scared he started singing Ripon College songs…

After 20 years of service, Bob retired from the Army and promptly volunteered to serve as a foreign missionary of World Vision International, for the next 43 years of his life. He was the first American allowed into Cambodia, helping to provide food and medical services and supervising construction of vast improvement programs in several Asian countries.

World Vision sent Bob and his team to help in remote islands in Southeast Asia, which contained tribes of Cannibals and other unfriendly people. He was confronted by an angry, threatening Chief of a tribe reported to ambush outsiders. Nevertheless, Bob tried to calm down the Chief by showing him an L-shaped flashlight that had several colored lenses. The Chief was stunned to see the bright light with flashing colors. Bob promptly gave the flashlight to the Chief and quickly departed.

Several months later Bob returned to the same area and was happily greeted by the chief, who proudly showed Bob the colorful flashlight, which the Chief had strapped to his penis.

First in the Army overseas and then as a missionary for World Vision, Bob’s post-graduate life for 63 years confirm his long service to America and to Ripon College.

Ray Besing

Class of ‘57

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

News Update: Sarah Johnson ’18, Please Donate to My Classroom

Submitted by: Sarah Johnson

2018

Chicago, AL

News

News Update: Sarah Johnson ’18, Please Donate to My Classroom

Sarah Johnson

Class of 2018

Chicago, AL

News

Hello everyone!

It’s been a few years since I graduated from Ripon College. Life has not been anything short of exciting. I moved to Chicago after graduation, and I am just about to start my 3rd year teaching in the city. I have worked in predominately low-income neighborhoods with at-risk students. Previously, I worked in high school, however I get to work with wonderful 4th grade students this year. This year has been especially hard due to the virus, and school have been closed since March. We learned a few weeks ago that we are starting remotely, and our students are at risk for falling further behind if we don’t get them the help they need.

I would really appreciate if people would take the time to check out my Donors Choose. I have requested many supplies for our students this year to help them learn remotely, but also to help them prepare to come back to the classroom. Currently, any donation up to $50 dollars will be doubled if you use the promo code LIFTOFF when checking out. It would really mean so much to my students to be able to have these resources, and you could really help these kids get a quality education if you share/donate.

Donors Choose Link: https://www.donorschoose.org/project/teaching-remotely-learning-virtually/5106444/?rf=facebook-dc-2020-08-tpc_complete-teacher_7412516&challengeid=21636245&utm_source=dc&utm_medium=page&utm_campaign=project&utm_term=teacher_7412516#_=_

I wish you all the best! Stay safe!

Submitted by: Sarah Johnson

News Update: John Heflebower ’73

Submitted by: John Heflebower

1973

Saint Helena, WI

News

News Update: John Heflebower ’73

John Heflebower

Class of 1973

Saint Helena, WI

News

Well my daughter Sophie and I are weathering out the virus. Fortunately my gym has an outdoor facility so I can burn up my frustrations there.

I have passed 30 years with Merrill Lynch and still going strong with a four person team keeping my clients on course. Missing my friends like crazy in Costa Rica.

For your viewing enjoyment, here’s the link to the trailer Eleven Eleven which I was a small part of producing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X633pLeClM&t=19s

Be safe! JVH

Submitted by: John Heflebower

In Memory of Tom Domencich ’55

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

1955

Wellington, FL

Obituary

In Memory of Tom Domencich ’55

Tom Domencich

Class of 1955

Wellington, FL

Obituary

Thomas Domencich’55, an entrepreneur, economist and investor on the forefront of the cellular industry passed away peacefully on June 20, 2020. He was 87. Tom was a
resident of Wellington, FL and is survived by his spouse Nephele Wing Domencich and
his daughter Schuyler Riley as well as his siblings Sue Dolinar and Jack Domencich.
Tom’s brother Don Domencich passed away in 2017. Tom had been active in many
aspects of the wireless communications industry focusing on the cellular telephone
industry. He was part of the initial FCC lottery that launched the cell phone industry.
Tom subsequently became an investor and at one time owned interests in
approximately 40 cellular systems. Tom was one of the original investors in Nextel. In
addition he founded Milliwave, LP, a nationwide broadband wireless carrier, which was
sold after only two years to a competing carrier for millions in cash and stock. Tom was
an economist by profession. He began his career as a consultant with Arthur D. Little,
Inc. and then moved to Charles River Associates. Tom was involved with many
important works on Transportation and Economics in Washington D.C. He co-wrote
much of the deregulation for Transportation in the U.S under the Nixon Administration.
In probably his most well known work, Tom co-authored a book with Daniel McFadden
called “Urban Travel Demand” which has been cited over 100 times from the publishing
date of 1975 up through 2018 which proves the work to have withstood the test of
time.

Tom was born April 6, 1933 in West Allis, Wisconsin to Anthony and Dorothy (Sheahan)
Domencich just outside of Milwaukee. He graduated from Ripon College in 1955 with
a degree in Economics. The value of education was high on Toms list and he paid
tribute to that by serving as a Trustee on the Board at Ripon College for many years.
He was also on the Board of Overseers of the Tufts Graduate School of Engineering.
Tom attended graduate school at the University of Indiana and the University of
Chicago where he received his Masters in Economics.

No stranger to adventure, Tom traveled and lived the world. He would pack up his wife
and daughter and travel through Europe for weeks. From renting a condo on the beach
in Portugal to the streets of Paris, Tom loved all the experiences that life had to offer.
Having lived many years in Middlesex VT, Tom was an avid skier and loved sailing. He
passed on his passion for outdoor life to his daughter Schuyler who has become a
world class equestrian. Tom always encouraged people to love what you do and do
what you love. His unconditional love of his family drove him to support the passions of
those close to him. Tom and his wife Nephele created an unique Equestrian estate in
Stockton NJ. In the past ten years, Tom loved the opportunity to give “the tour” to a
fresh face in his golf car around the horse farm. His daughter Schuyler has achieved
multiple accolades in the Equestrian world and continues a successful career and
business today in large part due to her father’s support.

Tom believed in giving back and passed on to his family a philanthropic heart. Having
lived a modest life and made good fortune Tom always chose to support those
organizations who work to improve the lives of other creatures both two legged and
four. He created the Thomas and Nephele Wing Domencich Foundation in order to
fund annual gifts to organizations that were close to his heart. Both Nephele and
Schuyler will continue to manage this fund in his honor. Anyone who wishes to
commemorate and celebrate the life of Tom Domencich is asked to send a donation in
his name to any of the organizations listed below.

Friends and family of Tom remember him as honest smart and generous. In lieu of a
funeral the family would like to hold a celebration of life in a few months when the
world will allow us to safely gather in Milwaukee, WI. Anyone interested in sharing their
memories of Tom Domencich and/or looking for further information regarding a
celebration of life may email his daughter Schuyler at [email protected].

Memorial Sloan Kettering
https://giving.mskcc.org/donate-now
[email protected]
866-815-9501

Hospital for Special Surgeries
https://giving.hss.edu/
[email protected]
212.606.1196

New Bolton Veterinary Clinic
https://giving.apps.upenn.edu/fund?program=VET&fund=630160
[email protected]
484-6537686

Joslin Center for Diabetes
https://www.joslin.org/support-joslin
[email protected]
(617) 309-2412

Everglades Foundation
https://evergladesfoundation.org/support-us/ways-to-give/
[email protected]
305-251-0001

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

Spotted: Meeting in Minneapolis

Submitted by: Gregg Petersen

1978

St. Louis Park, MN

Sightings

Spotted: Meeting in Minneapolis

Meredith Johnson

Class of 1978

St. Louis Park, MN

Sightings

Rev. Paul Nancarrow ’78 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Minneapolis with sisters-in-law Judy Smoot Johnson ’70 and Meredith Valentine Johnson ’78.

Submitted by: Gregg Petersen

News Update: J.J. Van Name ’77

Submitted by: J.J. Van Name

1977

Oakland, CA

News

News Update: J.J. Van Name ’77

J.J. (Jeannie) Van Name

Class of 1977

Oakland, CA

News

From The Nurse in ROMEO & JULIET @Ripon to 5x professionally! Off Broadway and moved to the Bay area 2018 with a BATCC (Bay Area Theatre Critic’s Circle) Nomination for Best Principal Actress in San Francisco premiere of THE CAKE

J.J.’s passion and profession as an actress and a Text Coach is the Bard…and she still vividly remembers her very first Shakespeare, playing the Nurse in ROMEO & JULIET her junior year at Ripon. She has played the role 4x since, professionally, and was slated to play it again, her first West coast Shakespeare since moving to the Bay area in 2018 with Marin Shakespeare Company this Summer, but it has been postponed to 2021 due to the virus. Other work…
Off Broadway: Sinclaire/SEALED FOR FRESHNESS-New World Stages, garnering outstanding reviews and a caricature in The New Yorker and Bertie/MOTHER TONGUE-GayFest NYC, Abingdon Theatre. J.J. was a core company member of The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre for 20 years as character actress and Text Coach mentoring under former RSC (Royal Shakespeare Co, London) actor David Howey, and performed with him on stage in her favorite role and play, Paulina/THE WINTER’S TALE.) Also performed and Text Coached at Delaware Shakespeare, Commonwealth Classics and many others. FAVS of the Bard: Baptista/THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, Emilia/OTHELLO, Goneril/KING LEAR, Maria/TWELFTH NIGHT, Cerimon & Bawd/PERICLES, Witch/MACBETH. She has also worked with many contemporary companies and new works. Since moving to the Bay area, CA in 2018 primarily for the strong Shakespeare community, she has been cast in 5 plays, recently receiving a BATCC (Bay Area Theatre Critic’s Circle) nomination for Best Principal Actress in the San Francisco premiere of THE CAKE.

Submitted by: J.J. Van Name

News Update: Tom “Doc” Poullette ’54

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

1954

Wautoma, WI

News

News Update: Tom “Doc” Poullette ’54

Thomas Poullette

Class of 1954

Wautoma, WI

News

Wautoma names trail after “Doc” Poullette

Dear Editor,

My name is Tom Meyer and I am a board member of the Central Wisconsin Trout Unlimited Chapter which was founded in Wautoma in 1971. On the evening of Aug. 8, the City of Wautoma passed a resolution to name the trail along Bird Creek the “Thomas W. (Doc) Poullette Trail.”

I thought the paper might want to post a story about the resolution. Most of the council members probably didn’t know Doc Poullette because he left Wautoma in the late 1990’s.

Trout unlimited, along with the Wisconsin DNR has an ongoing project to restore Bird Creek from Hwy 21 to River Road. Invasive plants and trees are being removed, the river is being restored for natural trout habitat and reproduction and a walking trail is being established along the east side of the creek. Native plants and trees will eventually be planted along this section of stream. This project is funded totally by Trout Unlimited and with all of the labor provided by TU volunteers under the direction of the WDNR.

Doc Poullette was born in 1932 and he was raised in Wautoma by his grandparents Emma and Thomas Poullette. His grandfather was the railroad station agent in Wautoma. Doc Poullette graduated from Wautoma High School in 1950 and then attended Ripon College where he earned a bachelor’s degree under the ROTC program.

After that he became a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He was deployed overseas in Europe and after serving his country he returned to Wisconsin and taught Biology and coached Basketball at Elkhorn high school.

In 1958 he attended Marquette dental school and in 1962 started his practice on Main St. in Wautoma. Doc was a beloved dentist and had a successful practice in Wautoma for many years. Upon retirement in the late 90’s he divided his time between Florida and Waupaca. During his time in Wautoma he raised two sons and one of them, George Poullette is a noted heart surgeon in Kenosha.

Doc was very active in the Boy Scouts, the Rotary Club in Wautoma, Ducks Unlimited and the American Legion. He was a founding member of the Central Wisconsin Chapter of Trout Unlimited which had its first meeting at Hope Lutheran Church in March of 1971. Green Bay Packer defensive back Doug Hart was the keynote speaker at that first meeting. Doc was an active member in TU until his death in May of 2019.

Wisconsin TU members will remember him as a respected leader, teacher, mentor and friend. All who knew him loved him for his intelligence, kindness and wonderful sense of humor. He was especially good friends and trout fishing buddies with Judge Jon Wilcox and Dan Harmon III who spoke on his behalf at the meeting Monday night. He will be missed but the trail along Bird Creek will be dedicated in his memory and his legacy and dedication to conservation of our cold water resources will live on forever.

/s/ Sincerely,

Tom Meyer

Wild Rose

https://www.wausharaargus.com/letters-editor/wautoma-names-trail-after-doc-poullette

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

1974-Spring ’20 Class Letter

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

1974

Clarendon Hills, IL

Class Letter

1974-Spring ’20 Class Letter

Jan MacLeod

Class of 1974

Clarendon Hills, IL

Class Letter

1974 – Spring 2020

JAN PETROVSKI MACLEOD ’73

630-920-2450 / [email protected]

Hello everyone!

Are you all as ready for spring as I am? It hasn’t been a bad winter here, but I am ready to get back outdoors, play in the dirt, and get stuff growing. And I really look forward to my morning coffee on the deck.

Andy and I celebrated our November anniversary in Green Lake with dinner at Norton’s and a concert at Thrasher Opera House. We saw Jimmy Webb and Robin Spielberg, and they were wonderful. I plan to be back in the area in April for the Ripon Wine Walk, and I hope to meet up with CHRIS OVERLY WALLACE ’74. I have never been to anything like that before so it will be a new experience. It will be especially nice if spring is “springing” in Ripon by then. I promise to take pictures!

The only people I heard from this time around were FREDERIC “TERRY” III ’74 AND KATHY WILLIAMS HOFFER ’74 of Danville, VT, who wrote: “…still in Vermont, an area known with great affection as its Northeast Kingdom. We remember our mortgage officer in 1979 citing some national banking standards and saying, “You’ll be gone in seven years.” It’s been a great place to raise two kids and a wonderful community to be involved and apparently make a difference. We see from time to time Linda and Don Tase, Jennifer Batt, and Cindy and David Wood, all of whom have well-established roots in northern New England. We were deeply saddened to learn that JAMES THOMPSON ’73, a great friend and much-admired professor of art at Willamette College in Salem, Oregon, died in November. James was a giant among his Ripon College family – thoughtful, respectful, and incredibly talented.”

I was very sad to learn of MARY MUNRO ’74’s passing in December. I always found her to be a lovely and kind person, who had a sweet sense of humor and always had time for a quick chat whenever we met on campus. Mary is survived by her husband, Bill Leiner, and their three children, as well as her many Ripon friends who will miss her dearly.

I hope you are all well and thinking about returning to campus for Alumni Weekend. Even when we are not having a reunion, it’s always a great time, and you can usually run into people you know who are glad to see you and catch up on your life. This year it will be held June 25-28, and I hope to see you there!

All the best-

Jan MacLeod

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

2000 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Submitted by: Andre Miksha

2000

Noblesville, IN

Class Letter

2000 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Andre Miksha

Class of 2000

Noblesville, IN

Class Letter

2000 – Spring 2020

ANDRE MIKSHA ’00

(317) 219-9275 / [email protected]

Our Twentieth Reunion is nearly here! It was great to see so many folks during our Fifteenth Reunion — but that was five years ago — and twenty years is significant enough to bring in an even bigger crowd! Some key information to share about the reunion:

Alumni Weekend is June 25-28, 2020.
Hotel blocks are available at Cobblestone Suites (formerly Comfort Suites) and Boarders Inn. Get into the block by calling directly but do so soon or miss out! Other options include on-campus housing at a swanky $55 per person per night and, of course, AirBnB and VRBO.
Registration is available for the golf scramble as of March 1st and the full weekend online registration on April 1st. Check out www.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend for details.
Your Reunion Planning Committee is comprised of yours truly, Julie Kaiserling Pfeil, Sadie (Geiger) Mleziva, Camille Clemons, Patrick Casey, Austin Durham, and Kersten Larson.

#OneDayRally fundraising was a smashing success last year and is set for April 29, 2020. Let’s get our number of donors to a multiple of twenty this year for our Twentieth!

Some classmate news:

Tim TIM BARBER ’00 is an Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Appeals Unit at the Wisconsin Department of Justice, having spent all of 2018 and half of 2019 in the Civil Litigation Unit within the DOJ.
Patrick PATRICK CASEY ’00 has been nominated for Minnesota Attorney of the Year for 2020 and appeared on KEYC in Mankato in January to discuss the nomination.

There must be more news out there than from just my two buds! Send in any news you have either to the school or directly to me by email or via this link.

Red Hawk forever,

Andre

Submitted by: Andre Miksha

2005 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Submitted by: Amanda Przybyl

2005

Green Lake, WI

Class Letter

2005 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Amanda Przybyl

Class of 2005

Green Lake, WI

Class Letter

2005 – Spring 2020

Co-Class Agents:

AMANDA ZAHN PRZYBYL ’05

(920) 299-1081 / [email protected]

DAPHNE MEYERS LEIGH ’05

(414) 841-7210 / [email protected]

Greetings Ripon College Class of 2005!

JUNE 26-28, 2020- If it’s not already on your calendar, BLOCK IT OFF NOW! You all need to be back in Ripon for our 15th year class reunion. The more classmates who come, the more fun we all have! The Alumni/Constituent Engagement Office does a great job having a variety of things to do throughout the weekend. There have been A LOT of changes to campus in the last 15 years; it’s time to come back and see all of them. Since we’ve graduated, the following changes have been made to campus- the Bookstore moved (three times), new Student Activities Office in the Commons, Storzer is now Willmore with over a $30 million renovation, renovations to Todd Wehr to close in the breezeway/add classrooms, upgrade to East Little Theater, adding a tutoring/academic center into the Library, air conditioning in Johnson Hall Main Lounge (!), built the Campus Apartments, the Pub is now the Spot, Johnson got all new beds, Demmer and Benstead got facelifts, and so much more.

My update- Not a ton has changed with my family. Edward, 8, is half the time too independent and the other half not independent enough. TJ, 4, is running his own life already, at the top of his lungs, and driving me crazy. I love them both to pieces and wouldn’t change a thing as it makes them who they are, even if it has given me more grey hairs then I care to admit. My husband, Eric, and I just celebrated 20 years together and 10 years of marriage. Just writing that makes me feel older than I want to be. While all that seems to be much the same as past letters, what has changed is me. This past summer was transformational for me- I found my voice. I realized I can be and do anything I want to, that I can stand up for myself, and that I deserve to be really happy. So I’m working through changes to get to the kind of happy I want to be. Change isn’t easy and sometimes it hurts the ones we love, but for me, I now know I can live a life that makes me truly happy. I’m looking forward to where this new confidence takes me!

Here is what is going on with your classmates:

SAL DE LOS ANGELES ’05 writes, “2019 was an incredibly accomplishing year for me: graduated law school, passed the bar, began my legal career as a staff attorney at Legal Aid Chicago, and successfully ran my first marathon ever: the Chicago Marathon! Given my circumstances, after completing my BA at Ripon College, it took me nearly 12 years to develop a strong financial backing to pay for law school. So, from 2005 through 2016, I managed community education programs at the Alzheimer’s Association in Los Angeles and saved enough to put myself through law school completely and entirely committed only to my studies. It paid off! I successfully graduated debt free. From the start, I knew that my legal career was a worthwhile investment. I am proud to say that today I am a licensed practicing attorney in Chicago specializing in public benefits.”

“After leaving Ripon, I never intended to return to the–sometimes bitter cold–Midwest, but life has its ways of helping me follow my destiny. For the foreseeable future I am living in Chicago. I look forward to setting roots in this great city, perhaps investing in real estate: buy a house. I look forward to reconnecting with my Ripon College buddies. While I have been living in Chicago since summer 2016, I have not been able to reconnect due to my studies. But now that I have returned to the workforce, I have also regained my weekends. This is the start of next chapter of my life and the best is yet to come.”

REBECCA SNITILY ELMENDORF ’05 writes, “As of March 2019, I was promoted to Assistant Vice President at TCW, where I have worked since 2013. And in September we welcomed baby boy Nathaniel to the world. He has already traveled to the Midwest and met some of my Ripon friends. We are thinking about going to the 15 year reunion this year. It definitely does not feel like 15 years since I have been to Ripon! Hope everyone is well!”

MARY GRANT HASTE ’05 writes, “We are now a family of 6 and recently bought a new home in Speedway, Indiana. After taking several years off from teaching to raise our children, I now work part time at a Montessori School in Indianapolis Public Schools as their Family and Community Engagement Liaison, and coach their elementary and middle school robotics teams.”

ALISON GALSTER HOSTAD ’05 writes, “I’m in Flagstaff, AZ and for the last few years I’ve gone from Federal archaeologist, to part-time Archaeologist/Operations Manager for an Environmental Consulting firm and full-time mom to a little boy. I recently left the position with the firm to explore freelancing as a Heritage consultant and business owner of Lucia Light of Northern Arizona (www.lucialightnorthernaz.com) where I guide my clients into a healing meditative state with the use of a hypnagogic light.”

CHARLES JOHNSON ’05 writes, “I’m currently still residing in Minneapolis, MN. My daughter, Charli, just turned five, our mini piglet, Cami, is turning three, and we, Raven Jones and I, are currently in the stages of wedding planning. I still own and operate a small automotive financing dealership, which allows me to mess around with cars every…single…day. I’m completely out of the landlord business at this time, but feel a little lost without any properties to manage! I look forward to getting updates on others from our class and hope everyone is well.”

PETER KANE ’05 writes, “My wife, daughter, pug and I moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas this past summer so my spouse could start her PhD program at the U of A. I worked remotely for a while but ended up finding a job down here.”

LINDSY KOLDON ’05 writes, “I got married in June!”

AMANDA GUAY KREJCAREK ’05 writes, “Gene and I crossed an item off of our bucket list and traveled to Augusta, Georgia in April to spend two days at the Masters Golf Tournament.”

PAUL ’05 and SARAH McGILL LARSON ’05 write, “We don’t have much to say, other than we love our new place in Green Bay. Parker (6) is in first grade. Tanner (4) is in a 4K program. Paul is still transitioning into the actuarial profession with interviews and some academic credentialing. Sarah loves her job and students at Bay Port High School.”

CORY MCEWEN ’05 writes, “I’m currently teaching Middle School P.E. in Boynton Beach, FL at Franklin Academy. I’m coaching the JV boys basketball team & the boys baseball team as well. I will be moving into a new house with my wife Lindsay & Dog Jameson on Feb. 20th 2020 in Deerfield Beach, FL.”

RENEA VORPAHLMERTENS ’05 writes, “Hi All! Exciting changes have happened in the last 6 months. I was promoted at Acuity to a Staff Claims Consultant. Among other duties, I train new claims employees and can finally put my education degree to good use. We have also moved just south of Green Bay to Bellevue, WI, and spent our first Christmas in our new home. Now that we are settled, we are looking forward to exploring our neighborhood.”

MACKENZIE ROYAL ’05 writes, “The year has been quite the whirlwind! My husband competed on the TV show American Ninja Warrior in Tacoma which was a fun experience! We bought another house and prepared our first house for rental. We are thankful to have found great renters! We welcomed a new dog into our family after losing one earlier in the year. His name is Waylon and he only has three legs, but he’s one of the fastest dogs at the dog park! We continue to ski lots (40+ days a season! ) including taking an amazing trip to France in February.”

GWEN SEFRHANS-MURPHY ’05 writes,“My two children, Lucy (almost 3) and Nolan (14 months) keep me busy. I’m currently serving as a pastor in a Lutheran church in my husband’s hometown in Western Illinois.”

Everyone else: Please, please, please send an email, text or call me and let me know how you’re doing and what you’ve been up to. I’d also love to get an updated address or e-mail address from you so Ripon can get you all the important Ripon mailings (like this class letter!).

A few more thoughts from me: Time for my annual plea to donate to the Ripon Fund. You have to have one great memory of your time here that sort of sums up your college career, right? Give those feelings to other prospective students by giving back; we’ll take that money to provide programs they enjoy, the help they need and the scholarships they can’t be here without. Give now while that memory is fresh in your mind. The website is simple- https://www.ripon.edu/give. What memories will you make now because of the memories you made here at Ripon? Stay in touch and let me know!

All the best!

Your Class Agent,

Amanda

Submitted by: Amanda Przybyl

1998 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Submitted by: Sarah Eng

1998

Chicago, IL

Class Letter

1998 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Sarah Eng

Class of 1998

Chicago, IL

Class Letter

1998 – Spring 2020

SARAH ENG ’98

[email protected]

Dear Class of 1998,

Please join me in thanking LEILANI KUPO ’98 for her ten years of service as Class Agent. Kupo, it has been an honor to share this role with you, you will be missed!

Thanks also to those of you who provided updates (and photos!) – read on for more.

Class Notes:

JEN (ANSTEE) CHAVEZ ’98 writes “I’m still happily teaching Spanish in Glen Ellyn, Illinois to grades 1-5. I ran my first half- marathon last spring! Hope everyone is doing well!!”

KRISTIN DODDS ’98 married her long-time partner, Tony Meucci, in Pewaukee, WI on December 20, 2019. There was a great group of Ripon College alums on-hand to celebrate with them and Tony Sibley got to make a special wish with Santa Claus! Pictured in the group photo are, from left: Samir Patel, Tony Sibley, Kristin Dodds, Kelly (Johnson) Becker, Matt Becker, Andrea Wepner, Nicole (Gorski) Sutter, Jeri (Belongi) Loewe, Jason Loewe, and Heidi (Hitchcock) Marks.

ELIZABETH (BETSY) GARDNER ’98 was promoted to Store Manager in October of the Sunglass Hut Open Air store at Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota.

LEILANI KUPO ’98 serves as the Associate Dean of Students at University of California, Merced. She has been selected as a member of ACPA – College Student Educators International’s 2020 Diamond Honoree Class.

Thanks again for your updates, please keep in touch!

Sarah

Submitted by: Sarah Eng

1998 – Fall ’19 Class Letter

Submitted by: Sarah Eng

1998

Chicago, IL

Class Letter

1998 – Fall ’19 Class Letter

Sarah Eng

Class of 1998

Chicago, IL

Class Letter

1998 – Fall 2019

SARAH ENG ’98

[email protected]

LEILANI KUPO ’98

[email protected]

Hello, class of 1998!

As it turns out, our 20th reunion last year was just the kickoff event to my own Ripon reunion tour. I returned to campus last fall on an Eng family vacation, and then again this spring with JOHN HINDS ’96 to attend the retirement celebration of Professor Kurt Dietrich. We were delighted to see TRISHA STOMMEL LYNCH ’98 there and meet her family; Trish was among the alumni who returned to perform with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble for Professor Dietrich’s final concert in Demmer Recital Hall.

Thanks to all of you who sent in updates for the letter – the updates are the best part of class agenting, and we are always happy to read them and share.

CHRIS ANDERSON ’98 of Havre de Grace, NC, was recently selected for promotion to Colonel in the US Army. He is currently on the team developing the cutting-edge Long Range Hypersonic Weapon system, and splits his time between Huntsville, AL and the National Capitol Region. His next assignment is as a student at Senior Service College.

JASON “PEABODY” BROWN ’98 of Stevens Point, WI, is Assistant Manager at Shepherd and Schaller in Wausau, WI.

WILLIAM DEPPIESSE ’98 of Oshkosh, WI, was promoted to a Senior Business Banking Officer at the start of 2019.

KRISTIN DODDS ’98 of Greendale, WI, started a new position in August 2018 with Komatsu Mining Corporation in Milwaukee as a Senior EHS Specialist. She also re-enlisted for six more years with the US Army Reserves and is currently a Staff Sergeant with the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion in Green Bay.

DAVID HENRY ’98 of Tampa, FL, has been the Director for Enrollment and Student Success at FSU Panama City, Panama City FL since July 2018. Family is growing every day, happy and healthy.

STEPHEN KENNELLY ’98 of Fargo, NC, writes “This year has been busy, my family and I moved to North Dakota in March. In April we welcomed our second child James Patrick into the world. In the last year, I have started a new job with BNSF Railways and promoted within the Army National Guard.”

LISA M. KRAUS ’98 of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, died Dec. 3, 2019. At Ripon, she majored in global studies and Spanish and played volleyball. She was a billing specialist with Spectrum. She loved water, the ocean and being on the lake. She enjoyed music and going to concerts, dancing, Salvador Dali, watching movies and watching sports, especially the Packers, Brewers, Lakers and Bucks. Survivors include her father, Robert Kraus.

TRISHA STOMMEL LYNCH ’98 of Flint, MI, writes “Shelly and I just celebrated four years with the dynamic duo and two years post-adoption. Isabella will be in second grade and Emmalaine in first.”

SHANNON MCKINNEY-FREEMAN ’98 lives in Germantown, TN, with her husband, Kevin, and four children (ages 4-13). Shannon was recently appointed interim Director of Experimental Hematology in the Department of Hematology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Memphis, TN) and Chair of Admissions in the new St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, where she also co-leads the Developmental Biology course. Shannon was also awarded a Scholar Award by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and a large grant by the National Institutes of Health to study the basic science of the blood-forming stem cells of the bone marrow. In other news, her 13-year-old daughter recently discovered K-pop, which has taken over the household, her 10-year old’s Calico Critters collection continues to grow, her 6-year is excited to be an independent reader and her 4-year old loves practicing Taekwondo on his brother.

JOSHUA SATZER ’98 of Sun Prairie, WI, has entered his 20th year in the financial services industry with Prudential Advisors. He also enjoys coaching his 9-year-old daughter’s winter league basketball team through the Sun Prairie YMCA.

Until next time,

Sarah & Leilani

Submitted by: Sarah Eng

2009 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Submitted by: Emily Meyer

2009

Fargo, ND

Class Letter

2009 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Emily Meyer

Class of 2009

Fargo, ND

Class Letter

EMILY MEYER ’09

(920) 369-8707 / [email protected]

Hello Again!

The weather is starting to warm up a bit and spring is just around the corner (or so I hope). Life has been busy since I last wrote; Stephen has been promoted to a Warrant Officer I in the National Guard, so he has been away at school since the beginning of January, leaving me to solo-parent our 2 kiddos and dog. January was rough with sickness in our house, and I did not work a full week in 2020 until the last week in January. Outside of work, I’ve been volunteering with the Kappa Delta chapter at North Dakota State University and Lily has been loving swimming lessons. James is on the verge of walking, which means running will soon follow and I am not ready for that.

A few updates from our classmates:

BRITTANY PRATT KAUFMAN ’09 and her husband, Jeremy, welcomed their second daughter, Hannah Louise Pratt, on November 21, 2019. Big sister is over the moon! Also, Samantha was very excited she got to visit “where the Redhawk lives” during Alumni Weekend. We hope to catch more of you next time!

In other news, Brittany was appointed the Training Director of the Psychology Doctoral Intern program at Burrell Behavioral Health in July 2019. She has learned that running a training program is a bit like herding proverbial cats. If you have experience in this area, please feel welcome to send advice. If not, please send coffee. Or beer.

EMILY MATHEWS JANKE ’09 enjoys being a stay at home mom to two adorable curly-headed kiddos. While she may not be working to pay off the master’s degree she needed to have, being bossed around by a 2 and 4-year-old is really rewarding. In all seriousness, she feels very lucky to be home watching the little humans grow each day. She’s still happily married to a handsome lad. Oh, and she cleans houses in her spare time to earn a little extra $ to buy herself pretty things. Just kidding, it’s to pay back her student loan debt.

JOSH LEGREVE ’09 is excited to share that he was elected to a four-year term on the Board of Directors of the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. His term starts this summer.

JENAN JAMAL KHARBUSH ’09 of Arlington, Massachusetts, received the Ripon College Outstanding Young Alumni Award during Alumni Weekend in June. She is a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University. She is a member of the Harvard Earth and Planetary Science/Environmental Science and Engineering Department’s Diversity, Inclusion and Belong Committee; and a mentor for Harvard Graduate Women in Science and Engineering.

JOSH KRAEMER ’09 of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, was inducted into the Ripon College Athletic Hall of Fame during Alumni Weekend in June. He is a regional personal training director for Anytime Fitness.

Those are all of the updates I received. If you’re tired of hearing just about me, make sure you send me an update. My e-mail is right up there (points to the top of the letter). I’d love to hear from you! You can also submit updates directly to the college by visiting www.ripon.edu/alumni

~Emily

Submitted by: Emily Meyer

2009 – Fall ’19 Class Letter

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

2009

Fargo, ND

Class Letter

2009 – Fall ’19 Class Letter

Emily Meyer

Class of 2009

Fargo, ND

Class Letter

2009 – Fall 2019

EMILY MEYER ’09

(920) 369-8707 / [email protected]

Hello Everyone!

First of all, thanks to everyone who was able to come back to attend any part of Alumni Weekend, and a special thank you to those of you who attended our dinner. Congratulations are also in order for JENAN KHARBUSH ’09 who received one of the Outstanding Young Alumni awards, and BRITTANY DICK ’09 and JOSH KRAEMER ’09 who were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame! It is so exciting to have three of our classmates recognized for their accomplishments in the same year.

I also had a lot of fun catching up with a lot of you who came for some or all of the weekend; I hope you had as much fun as I did! I also enjoyed introducing our son, James, to a number of you throughout the weekend (Lily stayed with grandma and grandpa and played in the pool, which was more exciting for her than hanging out with mom). I hope those of you who came had as much fun as I did, and that you’ll plan to return for our 15th reunion in what will feel like just a few short years. Of course, you’re more than welcome to attend Alumni Weekends between our formal reunions, there are always lots of people to connect with and things to do.

Our family has been quite busy since my last letter; we bought a house in Fargo, ND (and within 2 days we had to buy a snow blower….), moved (during the threat of an ice storm), spent several days at home due to campuses being closed due to the bitter cold, welcomed James to our family, and have just been generally busy since 2019 started. I hope that things will slow down in the next few months.

A couple of you sent me some updates you wanted to share with the class as well…

BRITTANY KAUFMAN PRATT ’09 lives in Nixa, Missouri, with her husband, Jeremy, and two-year-old daughter, affectionately nicknamed “Tiny Human” on social media. TH is thrilled to become a big sister in November 2019! Brittany was recently voted President Elect-Elect of the Missouri Psychological Association and will serve as President during the 2021-2022 term.

ANGELA TWAROSKI ’09 writes, “I’m about a month away from being with United Healthcare (UMR) for 5 years, the last 3 as an account manager/customer specialist. I work with one of UMR’s largest and most unique customers. Every day is a challenge, but most days I love what I do. Late last year, I was selected as one of UHC’s 2018 Service Heroes. Out of the approximately 400k UHC employees eligible, only about 400 are selected. We got an all-expenses paid trip to Florida, staying at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club for three days. The mornings were spent collaborating with other Service Heroes and UHC leadership about new directions to take the company in order to better serve our members, building bookshelves to benefit an Orlando non-profit supporting families of kids going through cancer treatment, listening to a few speakers, and being celebrated for our hard work and dedication. And the afternoons were spent exploring Disney parks and Universal Studios with my sister, REBECCA ANN TWAROSKI ’13, and my brother’s girlfriend.”

Updates that were shared with the college include:

HALEY MOERER MADSON ’09 of Ripon, WI has been named the new Director of Communication and Special Events for The Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership. Madson will serve as the primary contact for media relations, organizational communication and special events. Madson brings more than 10 years of non-profit management experience in addition to her knowledge of communication, social media, web development, and relationship management to the DFP. Madson holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Ripon College with an emphasis in nonprofit management.

HANNAH EMANUEL JAHN ’09 and JASON JAHN ’07 announce the birth of daughter Miranda Rose Jahn on December 16, 2018. Hannah is an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Milwaukee and Jason is a Network Architect at Rockwell Automation.

THOMAS MILLER ’09, has been on staff for the University of Minnesota Crookston football program for the past three seasons and has been promoted to defensive coordinator. Miller will also retain his title as assistant head coach.

TANYA LISKO BLATY ’09 of Golden Valley, Minnesota, writes, “I graduated from an endocrinology fellowship at UW Madison in June of 2018 and am currently working as an endocrinologist in the Twin Cities. My husband and I welcomed a daughter, Charli, in our family this past December.”

CHARLES BELT ’09 was named the next William Woods University men’s basketball coach, as announced by director of intercollegiate athletics Jason Vittone Friday afternoon.

“I am pleased and excited to welcome Charles Belt to the William Woods University family,” stated Vittone. “I think he’ll make a great addition to our university and our community. I believe he’s the right fit at the right time for our university, department and men’s basketball program. I’m eager to watch our program grow under his leadership.”

“I’m extremely excited and blessed to be given the opportunity to join the William Woods University family as the head men’s basketball coach,” commented Belt. “I want to thank Jason Vittone for his belief in me being the person to lead this program moving forward. I want to thank the entire athletic department staff, admissions, Dr. Mitchell and everyone who was a part of the search process for trusting and believing in me with this responsibility. I look forward to bringing an exciting brand of basketball to William Woods and the community of Fulton. We will recruit players with tremendous character who are eager to learn, grow and graduate. I can’t wait to get started. Go Owls!”

Belt comes to WWU after spending six seasons with the NCAA Division II Northern Michigan University Wildcats. He was the Head Assistant Coach for three seasons after spending three seasons as the second assistant. This past season, he helped lead the Wildcats to the GLIAC Tournament semi-finals. The team made their first postseason appearance in the 2017-18 season after an 11-year drought. In his six years with the Wildcats, the team garnered six all-GLIAC honors and 16 GLIAC academic awards.

Prior to NMU, Belt spent two seasons (2011-13) as an assistant coach at Beloit College. He helped lead the program from 17 conference wins in five years to 19 conference wins in two years. As a recruiter, he brought in a Midwest Conference honorable mention selection as a true freshman who ranked in the top 10 in seven statistical categories.

Belt also coached the boys 17U and 16U AAU Wisconsin Shooting Stars teams from the Ripon/Oshkosh, Wis. area and individual development camps for high school boys and girls in Wisconsin.

Belt played four years as the point guard for NCAA Division III Ripon College. He graduated from Ripon with a degree in business administration.”

A friendly reminder, if you are on Facebook, please make sure you’re a part of the Ripon College Class of 2009 page. Please also remember to keep Ripon College updated if you move or if you have exciting news to share with our class.

Take care!

Emily

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

2017 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Submitted by: Winona Holmes Robbins

2017

Valparaiso, WI

Class Letter

2017 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Winona Holmes Robbins

Class of 2017

Valparaiso, WI

Class Letter

2017 – Spring 2020

Class Agents:

ERIN E. CANON ’17

(414) 469-5945 / [email protected]

KONNER D. FELDHUS ’17

(303) 280-5835 / [email protected]

WINONA M. HOLMES ROBBINS ’17

(650) 274-9231 / [email protected]

Dear Class of 2017,

It seems every community has a central figure that transcends themselves to lift their community to a higher place. Ripon College recently lost such a figure. Julie Johnson, longtime athletic director, touched more than just the athletic program at Ripon College. During her years as an integral part of the Ripon community, she helped Ripon athletics strengthen its presence in the D3 community. In addition to this, she forged a path for Ripon College athletes to be student-athletes that excel on and off the court, which could be felt by those of us not involved in athletics. Julie’s hard work and passion for life and her community is something all of us felt at Ripon and something that lives on within all of us. We hope all of you can take inspiration from Julie and be passionate about improving the community you are part of and bettering those around you.

Class notes:

ALEXANDRIA “ALLY” WILBER ’17 of Bonduel, Wisconsin, recently had her work published in the nationwide edition, America’s Emerging Writers: An Anthology of Fiction.

ANGELA PAMPERIN ’17 of Ripon, WI recently began a journey as a worship leader at Immanuel Methodist Church in Ripon. They will be starting a new contemporary service that she will help lead. She also launched a blog in early January “kind of telling my story in a way”. The blog is called “Heartbeat’s Echo.” “All fun stuff that is challenging me as a person to be who I am.”

HANNAH METZ ’17 of Naperville, IL will be a School Psychology Intern for the 2019-2020 school year in the Valley View District in Romeoville, IL. She is done with her graduate school classes in June 2019! Hannah and FRANK STELTER-HOGH ’16 got engaged and set the wedding date for June 13th, 2020!

DANAE TESCH ’17 bought a house in Covington, WA and is expecting a baby boy in April!

VERONICA DELISLE ’17 of Oshkosh, WI is engaged to PATRICK “PATCH” HOFFMAN ’18.

KONNER FELDHUS ’17 of Des Moines, IA is somehow surviving medical school and recently joined the Advisory Council for the Iowa Chapter of The American College of Physicians.

AMY FELS ’17 of Milwaukee, WI “I am in year two of three of my History and Library and Information Studies graduate program at UW-Milwaukee. I have a wonderfully fun and challenging job working as a research assistant for a digital humanities project called the Encyclopedia of Milwaukee. I’m looking forward to the summer because I’ll get to spend more time in Ripon completing a fieldwork experience in the College archives.”

BENJAMIN VORPAHL ’17 of Detroit, Michigan writes that he is attending dental school at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.

HANNAH MACKENZIE GALLIMORE ’17 of Oshkosh, WI is wrapping up her second year as an Internal Auditor for Oshkosh Corporation. She also recently got married and held her wedding reception at Great Hall!

ALLISON MACKNICK ’17 of Chicago, IL works as a professional actress. She is currently on tour with The Jungle Book: the Musical with Alphabet Soup Productions. She and ANTHONY TAUSIG ’15 continue to find the best burger in the city and show off their dog, Tula.

SYDNEY RADANDT ’17 of Namibia, Africa has been working as a secondary math educator for the Peace Corps. She will be in Africa until 2020!

ZACH RINEHART ’17 of Grand Haven, MI is working at Grand Haven High school teaching children with autism in a self contained classroom. He is also the assistant varsity Coach in wrestling and football and is working towards his Special Education Certification.

EMMA BRONSON ’17 of Milwaukee, WI says, “killing it at work, moving to the Third Ward in April, and still enjoying beer.”

HANNAH DAVIDSON ’17 of Madison, WI recently moved to Madison and is now working as a baker and cake/pie decorator at Hubbard Avenue Diner in Middleton, WI. She is the proud new cat owner to Kit Kat! She is looking forward to taking culinary/hospitality classes at Madison Area Technical College!

NOELLE KORZENIEWSKI ’17 of St Paul, MN says she is “Graduating from Luther Seminary in May with a Master of Arts in Bible (literally I’ll be a master of the Bible, ha). I have been working on my two theses for my degree. One is called “Who Do You Say That I Am?” And it looks at how the character of Jesus is depicted in each of the gospels (I lectured on this in Dr. Brian Smith’s Christian Scripture class last spring) and the other is “Joseph and Judah: Two Brothers, Two Stories, One Faith” and it is about the Joseph narrative in Genesis as well as Judah’s narrative within it- looking at the themes of each brother’s transformative story in their own light. I’m actually moving back to Ripon in June! I can’t say yet what for but good things! Still working with dogs- my absolute passion. I have been a Team Lead and Dog Handler at Dog Days in St. Paul, MN for a year now and still aspire to open my own dog daycare/hotel business. That’s kinda it. I’m just really looking forward to being back in WI soon. Grace, our dog, and Marcus, my S/O, are just trying to get ourselves out of the snow we’re buried in here in MN.”

WINONA HOLMES ROBBINS ’17 of Valparaiso, IN recently moved back to the Midwest to embrace her new title as an aunt to a wonderful little boy. She is working at a fitness center and enjoying her life as a cat mom.

We wish you a wonderful summer and hope that you think of your happy memories from Ripon often.

Sincerely,

Konner, Winona, and Erin

Submitted by: Winona Holmes Robbins

2012 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Submitted by: Erin Schaick

2012

Concord, WI

Class Letter

2012 – Spring ’20 Class Letter

Erin Schaick

Class of 2012

Concord, WI

Class Letter

2012 – Spring 2020 Class Letter

Katlyn Lee Schumacher
608-558-9073 / [email protected]

Erin Schaick
920-312-3825 / [email protected]

Brandon Taylor
406-274-4708 / [email protected]

Hello, Class of 2012,

We hope you are all well! You provided us with some impressive life updates this year, as always, and we appreciate you staying in touch with us and Ripon College. If you would like to learn more about our classmates, be sure to check out R Connections online to learn more about all of Ripon’s alumni!

Class Notes:

JESSICA BRUNGARDT LARSON ’12 of Peyton, Colorado and her husband were blessed with a little boy in August, and also bought a house and got a puppy at the end of the year! She is an Assistant County Attorney in Colorado Springs doing child protection, delinquencies, and writing appeals, and loves where life has taken her.

ARIEL DICKINSON ’12 of Madison, Wisconsin and her husband, Casey Schenkel, celebrated their second wedding anniversary in August. They purchased their first home in June 2018 and she loves her job training customers and employees at Epic Systems Corp. in Madison.

LISA HILLEREN ’12 of Chicago, Illinois just closed on her first home in Chicago at the end of October. She works in academic affairs at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Most of her non-work time is filled with cycling; she recently completed a five-day tour from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh, and currently manages Chicago’s only open all-women amateur cycling team.

SHARON KLAPPERICH DOLL ’12 of Green Bay, Wisconsin is transitioning from Oconto to her new apartment in Green Bay, still teaching full time at Preble High School.

JEFF MARQUARDT of ’12 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is the sous chef for the Milwaukee Bucks players and coaches. He is celebrating his one-year wedding anniversary next month.

MEGAN MCGEE NORRIS ’12 of Kenosha, Wisconsin and her husband, Adam, welcomed an adorable baby girl in April named Ashlyn Marie. Colton is adjusting to life as a big brother and will be two in October. This means Megan is currently rocking that “2 under 2” life. She is loving working for herself and focusing on juvenile and family law in Kenosha and Racine County.

SAM MUTSCHELKNAUS ’12 of Cedarburg, Wisconsin has been hired by Aurora Health Care to be the full-time solo chaplain for the Grafton and Hartford hospitals.

ALAINA NESBITT BENNETT ’12 of Greenville, Wisconsin and her husband AJ BENNETT ’12 have a daughter, Madison, who is 7 months old.

GISELA ORTEGA ’12 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has made the jump to the private sector after many years of working in various housing and economic development non-profits and the City of Milwaukee. She has recently started a new role with gener8tor, a turnkey platform for the creative economy that connects startup founders, musicians, artists, investors, universities and corporations. The gener8tor platform includes pre-accelerators, accelerators, corporate programming, conferences and fellowships.

AURORA POLLEI LAMEKA ’12 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has accepted a position as a K4 teacher at Milwaukee Scholars Charter School.

ANNE RABACAL GROSS ’12 of Germantown, Wisconsin and her husband were very blessed to purchase their first home in November. Anne is also now a Research Analyst with Principia Consulting, a leading research and consulting firm focused exclusively on the building materials and construction industry.

TONYA REETZ ’12 of West Henrietta, New York just relocated to North Carolina, started a new job at Parker Hannifin, and bought her first home.

ERIN SCHAICK ’12 of Concord, New Hampshire is now Assistant Vice President of Community Relations with CATCH Neighborhood Housing and was recently named to the New Hampshire Union Leader’s 40 Under Forty.

JESSICA SCHMIDT ’12 of Ripon, Wisconsin has worked for Mayo Clinic for five years, and works from home, which she loves. Her kitty just turned two. She bought a house in August in Ripon and loves being a homeowner!

ERIC SCHUMACHER ’12 of Pewaukee, Wisconsin and his wife, Sarah, have an 8-month old, Jack, getting into trouble all over the house. He’s going to win the Masters in 2051.

KATHARINE SHADLE GAILS ’12 of West Allis, Wisconsin is now working part-time for the Milwaukee Zoological Society teaching children about animals. She also teaches English to children in China with a company called VipKid. She and her husband, RYAN GAILS ’13, got a golden doodle puppy this summer named Copper.

AMY SPRANGER ROSSMAN ’12 of Kenosha, Wisconsin and her husband Geoff bought their first house last June, and just celebrated their two-year anniversary in November.

BRANDON TAYLOR ’12 of Arlee, Montana is busy organizing his newly purchased home in San Francisco and planning his wedding for next June.

JUSTIN GAWLIK ’12 and BRYANNE TUDOR GAWLIK ’12 of Columbia, Missouri are expecting their first baby in July 2020.

BRYANT VANDE KOLK ’12 of Washington D.C. is employed through Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) as a Graduate Fellow for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

SARAH WEINBERG ’12 of Minneapolis, Wisconsin has returned to the United States after 2.5 years of teaching English in South Korea with her fiancé, Jordan. They will be getting married in October. She is hoping to attend graduate school for library and information science.

Thank you to all the people who sent us their life updates on Facebook or via email! Feel free to contact the college (or us) throughout the year and we will be sure to include them in our class updates.

Erin, Katlyn, and Brandon

Submitted by: Erin Schaick

Mikayla Flyte sits in a strawberry patch holding a handful of fresh berries.

Mikayla Flyte ’23 announced as finalist for Alice in Dairyland

Ripon College graduate student Mikayla Flyte is among the finalists to become the Wisconsin agriculture spokesperson and ambassador Alice in Dairyland. “I am honored to be a top candidate for the 78th Alice in Dairyland,” Flyte said. “I am really excited about the opportunity to learn more about Wisconsin agriculture and represent the diverse agribusinesses […]

Alicia Rytlewski ’10 stands in a floral background

Alicia Rytlewski ’10 to perform piano, voice recital April 26

Classical pianist and vocalist Alicia (Rhyner) Rytlewski ’10 will perform an alumna piano and voice recital in Demmer Recital Hall of Ripon College’s C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts Saturday, April 26, at 7 p.m. Rytlewski will be performing pieces mostly from her debut album of songs, “When We Were Bears,” released in late January. […]

Thank you from all of us at Ripon College. Rally Days 2025!

Ripon College Rally Days 2025 exceeds goal

Ripon College surpassed its goal of achieving 1,000 gifts during the eighth annual spring giving event, Rally Days 2025, from April 2-4, with more than eight hours left of the event. At the end of Rally Days, the College received 1,091 gifts and raised $506,534.20. The theme this year was “Impact History.” Every contribution moved […]

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