R Connections

ERIC ATKISSON ’94 of Alexandra, VA, had two more essays published this year, “Point of Origin” in Entropy Magazine and “Noxious Animals” in The Hopper Magazine. Both can be found online. Eric still works at the Patent and Trademark Office, where he supervises all of the agency’s public and internal communications, and he recently agreed to serve on the Ripon College Alumni Association Board of Directors with CARRIE ROCA-DAWSON ’94 and JOY BORTZ SCHLEUSNER ’94 (also a new member).

Submitted by: Eric Atkisson

Eric was recently hired to serve in the new position of Director of Communications at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, where he started as a public affairs specialist in 2011. In his new job he leads a division of up to 15 staff responsible for all of the agency’s external and internal communications, including media relations, speechwriting, strategic communication, and more. He continues to write nonfiction and fiction on the side and hopes to have more essays and short stories published in the years ahead.

Submitted by: Eric Atkisson

The following text is a copy of the remarks made at the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce event “A Night of Stars” on February 16, 2020, where Dr. JOHN BENKA ’60 was honored with the 2019 Park Ridge Lifetime Achievement Award.

He may have been born in Cudahay, Wisconsin, the son of a Milwaukee County Deputy Sheriff, but John Benka’s roots have gone deep in Park Ridge during his 22 years as Assistant Superintendent for Maine Township High School District 207 and his numerous volunteer activities both during his working years and after retirement in the community he has called home since 1973. 

Active in parish ministry at Our Lady of Ransom as a reader and distributor of Holy Communion, his faith has been a core to his professional and civic work and the philosophy of servant leadership. He served as Park Ridge alderman from 2000 to 2004 and served the maximum number of years as a library board trustee including two terms as treasurer, two terms as vice-president and on every committee during his tenure. He has coached Park Ridge basketball and football, delivers Meals on Wheels, and has volunteered for more than two decades at Franklin School as a tutor for the Benka home with the help of Rainbow Hospice, John was inspired to serve on the board of that organization. A founding board member of the Main Township District 207 Health Center, he also served on the Park Ridge Human Needs Task Force. 

After graduating from Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin in 1960, John served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army Chemical Corps in Ft. McClellan, Alabama. In 1962, he began teaching English at Ela-Vernon High School where he met his late wife, Diane. When Ela Closed, he moved to Stevenson to teach English and also coached football and basketball. When an opportunity presented itself, he accepted a position as assistant principal and Franklin High School in South Milwaukee. From there he moved to Milton, Wisconsin, where he served as principal and later as assistant superintendent. Recruited to Main Township High School District 207, he moved his family which by that time included sons, Tim and Andy, and daughter, Jennifer, to Park Ridge where he has lived, worked, and volunteered ever since.

He holds a master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and a Ph.D in Education Administration from the University of Wisconsin Madison. Son Tim recalls, “I remember watching him work on those professional awards and honors, John has been recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Citation by the Ripon College Alumni Association.

Even though he retired from Maine 25 years ago, John still shows up when Maine colleagues are hospitalized or to pay his respects at their passing saying simply, “We are family, it’s the Maine Way”. Suffice to say, whenever and wherever there is a need in the community, John Benka steps up to do what he can do to meet it.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

DAVID MIRISCH ’59

Phone: 760-715-0580 / [email protected]

During the COVID-19 time, I kept myself busy by donating my consultation services on fundraising events (during which I have been involved in 2,500) free of charge to any nonprofit in the state of Montana. For the first time in over a year, I was able to play a round of golf. And, I am proud to say that a full-length feature documentary on my life will soon hit the Film Festival circuit entitled “David Mirisch – The Man Behind the Golden Stars.” If you have a minute browse through the links on my website which is www.dmirisch.com. I think you will enjoy it.

Here are our class notes:

RONELL BRADBEER ANDERSON ’59 – Lives in an independent retirement community called Maris Grove in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania and stays in touch with some fellow graduates. She has 4 grandchildren – one a CPA, one a teacher, one a nurse, and one an engineer. In her spare time she does on-line antique appraisals and reads, paints, plays cards, and cooks when inspired.

DONNA HAUBRICH REICHLE ’59 – She and her husband still live on Fripp Island, South Carolina. They enjoy cruising in their golf cart at happy hour, walking the beach at sunrise on turtle patrol, and enjoying their Lowcountry coastal lifestyle. They are active in the Loggerhead Patrol, yacht club and the Audubon Club. She recently became vice-president of the Women’s Club. Additionally, Dave’s book, The Global Carbon Cycle and Climate Change: Sealing Ecological Energetics From Organism to Biosphere has recently been published. 

SANDRA FOX OSBORNE ’59 -She is catching up on projects that have long been put aside. She walks every day and takes pictures at the Mequon Nature Preserve incorporating her photographs in photo journals. She is proud of her granddaughter CORRIE OSBORNE ’17 who recently graduated from The University of Chicago’s School of Law and will begin as an Associate at Foley and Lardner in February.

CLIFFORD EIMON ’59 – He has four children and seven grandchildren, the youngest grandchild being one year old. His two sons are great golfers and they enjoy playing with him. They play from the blue tees and he plays from the front tees. He reminds them he used to “give them putts.” Now it is time they give him putts.

DAVID HILL ’59 – David and his wife have been enjoying their time at home reading and watching Italian and French TV programming. Because of COVID-19 they had to cancel two overseas vacations.

ALLEN PETERS ’59.– He was a teacher, coach and Athletic Director at Reedsville High School in Wisconsin. For 32 years he has been putting on “Al’s Alumni Classic” where boys and girls basketball teams compete. Al awards a cash scholarship to a graduating student-athlete. During COVID-19, Al and his wife Barb have been enjoying quiet time in their home.

RICHARD J. RADEMACHER ’59 of Wichita, Kansas, died June 15, 2020. At Ripon, he studied economics. He served in the U.S. Army before pursuing dual master’s degrees in economics and library science. He was director of public libraries in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Wichita, Kansas, retiring in 1999. He also taught economics at Emporia State University. He was an avid gardener. Survivors include two daughters; and nieces, including AMANDA LIETHEN GLASS ’07.

DANIEL C. RAJEWSKI ’59 of Schaumburg, Illinois, died Dec. 3, 2019. At Ripon, he majored in economics, played football and participated in ROTC and Phi Kappa Pi fraternity. He served in the U.S. Army, mostly at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and was a first lieutenant. After working 20 years in the insurance industry, he ran his own business, Schaumburg Electronics, until retiring. He volunteered for the Schaumburg Citizen’s Police Academy. Survivors include his wife, Darlene; two sons, one daughter and two stepdaughters.

Please do keep sending me your updates. I do look forward to continuing to hear from all of you. Here is a picture I’ll close with from the Gig Harbor Film Festival in Gig Harbor, Washington, with my lovely wife, Sandra, and dear friend, Julie Andrews. 

Sincerely,

David

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

DEBORAH JOHNSON VAN SLYKE ’60

480-284-5564 / 619-889-5061 / [email protected]

Hi everyone.

This certainly has been an unusual time. I hope that all of you are healthy and COVID free. Yes, I took a test and it was negative so I am able to endure the heat dome that has descended on Scottsdale. For the last week, I have had to forgo my morning swim as the water was like swimming in hot soup. This week our nights are finally down in the high eighties. I try to keep in good spirits by thinking of going up the hill in the snow. Remember the Toilet Bowl?

Would love to hear from more of you. How are your grandkids? Have you taken up any new hobbies? I just read a piece by Frederick Buechner on old age. He said it is our second childhood that we can enjoy and that  “what young children and very old children have in common is the advantage of being able to sit on the sideline of things. While everyone else is jockeying for position and sweating it out, they can lean back, put their feet up, and, like the octogenarian King Lear, pray and sing and tell old tales and laugh at gilded butterflies.”

Was happy to hear from our artist CLAUDETTE BEALL LEE-ROSELAND ’60 of Cedarburg, WI (check out her website: www.claudetteleeroseland.com). Claud has had a difficult year including run-ins with cancer, a broken leg, and other medical annoyances. She is on the mend and in good spirits. I am hoping to be in Egerton for Christmas and plan to visit her studio. She is soooo talented!

GERALD R. KIERGAARD ’60 of Madison, Wisconsin, died Feb. 19, 2020. At Ripon, he majored in English and philosophy and was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He also studied at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He taught for the Madison School District for more than 20 years. After retiring, he was a substitute teacher for the Monona Grove School District. He enjoyed bird watching, day trips,  woodworking, puzzles, casino trips, the Green Bay Packers and his dogs. Survivors include his wife, Yvonne; one son and one daughter.

BOB BORGER ’60 checked in from Waterville, Ohio. His wife Yvette is in the hospital with a variety of maladies. I remember Yvette from the 50th…delightful woman. Get well soon!

For those of you who are well…congratulations! For those of you who are going through bad periods or your spouse is, I am so sorry.  For those of you who are climbing the walls during this stressful time…you’re not alone.

Write me, call me, email me…….the next letter will include your news.

Take care, 

Deb

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

WAYNE WOLFGRAM ’63

313-550-5094 / [email protected]

Hi Classmates!

I hope you all are surviving and even thriving in these troubled times. I also hope that hearing from Ripon classmates brings back memories of much happier times. We were surely blessed compared to today’s students. 

No doubt there are graduates of Ripon’s chemistry program that are involved in developing a vaccine. We wish them God Speed!

Class Notes:

EDWARD L. “NED” CLAPP ’63 of Cockeysville, Maryland, died Aug. 24, 2019. At Ripon, he majored in history and was a member and officer of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He taught in the northern Chicago suburbs for six years, then at his alma mater, Gilman School in Maryland, for almost 40 years, retiring in 2007. He taught ancient history, American history and world geography, and served as director of the summer school, assistant middle school head and dean of students. He enjoyed puns, gardening, reading, history, crossword puzzles, travel and listening to classical music.

VERNON CRONEN ’63 of Wilmington, North Carolina ([email protected]) writes, “Like most people, Myrna and I have been trying to lead virtual lives: Virtual dinners with our daughter’s family, virtual meetings with friends over virtual drinks, etc. Our cooking abilities have improved by necessity. I am trying to learn how to use new technologies for my hybrid classes next semester. My chairman and younger colleagues have been very helpful and tolerant. (Oh, right, all of my colleagues are younger colleagues — by much more than a decade.) I hope all you stay well.”

ARTHUR SCHARFF ’63 of St. Louis, Missouri ([email protected]) writes, 

“With all the experiences we have had in our lives (4,500+ Years – WOW), I encourage each of you to share some of your wisdom; Life lessons learned. You have it. Please share.  

We can set a new class letter standard for the 57 other graduating classes by sharing our truths, and our wisdom with a bit of humor thrown in. That adds learning and sharing to the usual name, rank, and serial number. 

If not now, when? If not you, whom?

Food for thought, gathered from members of my Presidents Councils: www.presidentscouncilstl.com

1. Wise financial counsel for grandchildren entering the adult world: Live on 80% of your income, save 10% for a rainy day and invest 10% in retirement and never touch it until retirement.
   1. Required reading for children and grandchildren: Common Sense by John Bogle; As a Man Thinketh by James Allen; A Message to Garcia by Elbert Hubbard; The Richest Man in Babylon by George Clason.
2. Talk less, smile more (find the mask on Amazon).
3. Listen, observe and do not judge. If all else fails, give away Dunkin donuts. 
4. COVID dilemma: Even when I didn’t know what I was doing, at least I had a plan. Now I don’t even have a plan.
5. Everyone’s crystal ball is foggy.
6. “Facilitating other people’s process is like being a midwife. When the baby is born, the mother will rightly say “we did it ourselves”’~ From The Tao of Leadership by John Heider.”

(Note:  The Winter 2019 issue of the Ripon Magazine included the article “What is the greatest life lesson you took away from your professors at Ripon College?” The article included answers from twenty alumni from various classes. In my request for input for the Spring 2021 letter, I will ask classmates their Life Lessons Learned Since Ripon. I look forward to your wisdom.)”

DAN SCHULTZ ’63 of Silver Spring, Maryland ([email protected]) writes,

“Peg and I just celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary on August 8 by having a happy hour pontoon ride on Lake Ripley, Wisconsin, where we are during the summer months, followed by champaign and steak tartar. We will remain here at our lovely lake until mid-September, then back to our Maryland home for the fall and then onto Florida for January-May. We are very lucky to have each other and have the places we do to hunker down during these crazy times and we and our family and core friends have all remained safe from the COVID virus.  

Golf is part of our life in each place and we enjoy our couple outings as much as we do playing with the gals and guys. I swim and bike, Peg walks and works out, we binge on t.v. programs, and have a picture puzzle going most of the time. We have virtually no social life other than Zoom gatherings. Our kids and grandchildren visits were all canceled here at the lake as well as in the spring in Florida so we have had each other and that’s about it. We are hoping for a regime change in November and a vaccine by the end of the year!

Three more years till our 60th reunion and the mortality tables say we all have a good chance of making it so see you then if not before!” 

LYNN SIEBEL SUNDELIUS ’63 of Kalispell, Montana ([email protected]) writes, “My traveling companion and I returned from a trip to New Zealand and Australia just as the pandemic was leaving S.E. Asia. I had to put down my old dog the month before we left and after two weeks home looking at the walls, I acquired my “COVID pup.” I question the wisdom of someone in our age bracket taking on a labrador puppy, but our forced proximity has made him one of the best-trained dogs on the lake. My weekly volunteer job with CASA has gone on without interruption, as the office is large and the staff is rotating days to accomplish effortless social distancing.” 

ROGER WHEELER ’63 of Southbury, Connecticut ([email protected]) writes, “I have been exercising by swimming at a lovely small lake in Bethlehem, Connecticut. I swim all over the lake. During the pandemic, I have gotten to know Zoom because I go to meetings that use it. It’s all right, but I miss seeing the actual people. Also, the Episcopal church I attend uses Facebook and films in the palace of Sunday services for people at home, and they plan to keep doing this for the entire year. I am so happy that Ripon College is starting its new year with regular in-school classes. So many colleges and universities are starting their school year online. I want to wish you all the very best and stay healthy.”   

WAYNE WOLFGRAM ’63 of Grosse Pointe, Michigan ([email protected]) writes, “Nancy and I Facetime daily with our two granddaughters (10 & 7) who live in Grand Rapids, MI. I’m biking every day (nothing strenuous) and trying to clear out boxes of “stuff” we’ve collected over the years. I’ve even found and discarded the pay stubs from my 1963-1965 army days!”

Stay safe and pray for a vaccine!

Wayne

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

Peter Uhrig ’68

Phone: (512) 374-0768 / Mobile: (512) 762-1479 / [email protected]

Dear Classmates:

“May you live in interesting times.” The origins of this expression are unclear but few of us can doubt that these are indeed interesting, as well as challenging and even scary times. We have all surely felt the effects of COVID-19 to some degree or another. My sincere hope is that none of you or your loved ones have been or will be sick with this virus.

Note about the Spring 2019 Class Letter: Because of COVID-19 distractions, some class letters (including ours) did not go out or get posted to the “R Connections” website (https://www.ripon.edu/rconnections/). Our full spring letter should now be found there.

Classes were set to resume on Monday, August 17. Reunite Ripon is a roadmap for the 2020-21 academic year. It is comprised of the policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure a safe return to campus and in-person learning. Faculty, staff and administrators spent the summer planning for this return while ensuring the safe preservation of Ripon’s learning community and personalized education. It is a result of studying the best practices from other colleges and universities, collaborating with local health providers and procurement of sanitizing and personal protective equipment to allow for the in-person experience. There will, of course, be changes to the way students learn, work and socialize.

Ripon Professor of Biology Mark Kainz has been working as a contact investigator for COVID-19 for Winnebago County Public Health near Ripon. He interviews people and gives them guidelines to help limit the spread of COVID-19. “We’re not the COVID cops,” Kainz said. “We’re actually on people’s side. We want to help the community and the individuals in it be healthy. While I’m sure it’s not on the top of anybody’s list to get called by a contact tracer, we’re actually trying to help you.”

1968 Classmate News:

RICK KAMMEN ’68 of Hilton Head, South Carolina has been selected by The Best Lawyers in America for inclusion in the upcoming 27th edition in the field of Criminal Defense.

ALAN RATTRAY ’68 of Mentor, Ohio writes, “Working hard with our several businesses trying to keep them all afloat.”

SCOTT MATHOT ’68 of Loudon, Tennessee writes, “Karen and I are celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary this year and taking the whole family for a week on Turks & Caicos…Yikes!”

Obituaries:

JEANIE SAKRISON VELARDE ’68 died of leukemia in June 2019. She was an accomplished quilter whose work has been shown in national juried quilt shows. Two of her quilts have been chosen to be included in an inspired-by-Elvis quilt exhibit at the Library of Congress.

SUSAN SMITH AMACHER ’68 of Lake Shore/Nisswa Minnesota died June 3, 2020. At Ripon, she participated in music and theatre, was a member of Alpha Chi Omega, and later was a member of Partners in the Legacy. She earned a master’s degree in theatre at the University of Oklahoma and a Ph.D in economics from the University of Virginia. She had a passion for theatre and music, sang in church choirs, and played the piano. She taught in public schools in Virginia and Oklahoma. Her husband, RYAN AMACHER ’67, died in 2016.

DIANN WATERBURY GRAEBER ’68 of Bonita Springs, Florida, died Oct. 17, 2019. At Ripon, she majored in English and was a member of Alpha Phi. She was an educator, manager, advocate, supporter and volunteer. She lived for many years in Connecticut. Survivors include her husband, CHARLES W. GRAEBER ’68; and two sons.

It has now been over 52 years since we graduated, but I think we remember the world we were entering as we left the comfort of the Ripon campus. 1968 was also a year filled with challenges, unrest, and new beginnings. I look forward to the good things waiting for us just around the corner.

Best Wishes,

Peter Uhrig ’68

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

SCOTT A. NYQUIST ’69

Home: (239) 732-0523

Cell: (630) 632-1619

[email protected]

Dear Classmates,

Staying home for months now has given me a lot of time to reflect on my 73 years of life. I think a lot about my years at Ripon College. I met my wife of 52 years at Ripon. I got a first-rate education at Ripon. I made many life-long friends while there as a student and during my involvement with the College as an alum. I had the privilege of serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. The Alumni Board introduced me to alums who were at Ripon in the 70s, 80s and 90s, and to alums who were at Ripon five, ten, even 20 years before me. Regardless of the difference in our ages, we were all members of the same “family.” The stories we shared with each other (mostly true) were so similar, regardless of our time at the College. I treasure the friendships I made while on the Board and keep in touch with many of those I met while serving. I’ve also kept in touch with a lot of my classmates. For most of my 40-some years of working, my job involved a lot of travel. Instead of eating dinner alone while away from home, I would often contact Ripon friends a week or so in advance of my trip to their city and arrange to have dinner with them one night, sometimes in a restaurant, sometimes in their home. In many cases I got to meet their children and watch them grow up. I’ve even attended some of their kids’ weddings. I guess you could say my life has Ripon College woven into most of it. I send out about 120 Christmas cards every December. Forty of them are to Ripon friends.

Although I was a Chemistry-Biology major, classes I took at Ripon in Art History, Drama and Philosophy are ones that I value just as much as the science courses. Whenever Cynthia and I visit a city with an art museum, we try to always make time to visit. We love the theater, especially musicals. Many of my conversations with Ripon friends are truly philosophical discussions, especially after several glasses of wine.

In my last letter, I asked you to think about people from Ripon College who had a lasting influence on your life. For me, it was Chemistry Professor Earle Scott P’80/P’82 and Biology Professor Karen Weinke (now Karen Holbrook). They were brilliant in their field and excellent at teaching. They challenged you immensely. (Translation: Their courses were REALLY tough.) When you got a top grade in their class you were VERY proud of yourself. They always made time for students who were struggling or had questions. They both had a great sense of humor.

The other person who was very special to me was Dave Harris, Dean of Men. He was like a second father or a favorite uncle. You knew if you had a problem, he was always ready to listen and help however he could.

Last comment on my Ripon experience. I grew up in Chicago, mostly in the suburbs. I had only traveled to about four other states, all in the Midwest, before college. (I’ve been to 46 now.) My first year at Ripon, I met people from all over the country: NY, NJ, CT, MA, OH, CA, PA, DC, WI, MI, MN and even HI to name a few. I also met people of color for the first time, as well as people who practiced religions other than catholic or protestant. My high school of 3500 students was all white, save for four or five Asians whose parents were doctors or professors. My parents always disparaged people who were different from them. Going to Ripon meant meeting African-Americans, Asians and people of the Hebrew faith for the first time. Science tells us 99.8% of the DNA of all races is the same. I didn’t need science to determine people different than me were really no different than me. 

I hope some of you will share with me the experiences and people at Ripon that left a lasting impression on you.

Before sharing the news updates I received from class members, I want to share an article about our very own DON CHESTER ’69 of West Palm Beach, FL. The article appeared in the South Florida Hospital News & Healthcare Report. I contacted Don and got his OK to publish this as part of the class letter.

Profiles in Leadership

Don Chester is the Assistant Administrator and oversees community and governmental relations for St. Mary’s Medical Center and the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. In his role, Don tracks and monitors legislation within the state and local governments, and is responsible for the community partnerships associated with the hospital. Don has been at St. Mary’s Medical Center & Palm Beach Children’s hospital for nearly 50 years. During his time, he played a crucial role in forming the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, which is a nationally recognized lifesaving trauma system serving the county’s two Level I Trauma Centers at St. Mary’s and Delray Medical Centers. On the 30th anniversary for the Health Care District, Don was honored with a Legacy Award for his contributions to the organization. Formerly an avid triathlete, Don was critically injured 16 years ago while running. Now, a quadriplegic, he dedicates his time mentoring others who recently became injured. Don’s goal is to give them the confidence and tools to go back to living a productive life. Don is a graduate of Ripon College and has a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University.

Here’s the news I received from class members. I love hearing from all of you.

FRANK ANDERS ’69, of Chesterfield, VA, sends this update: “With COVID-19 restrictions in place it is the little things that create excitement. The hurricane yesterday (August 4th) passed through Virginia leaving us a much needed 5 inches of rain and curtailed my 7:18 tee time. On a more exciting note we generated a geyser in our crawl space this morning (the day after the hurricane) when a water line coupling separated creating our own swimming pool. I’ve just finished Dr. Seale Doss’ two books ‘Blood on the Risers’ (2018) and ‘Hattie’s Pink House’ (2020) and found them both enjoyable and easy to read.  Memories of philosophy classes with Drs. Doss, Hannaford and Tyree remain the highlight of my college experience. Social distancing has led to a wonderful experience of Zoom meetings with members of Beta Sigma Pi, many of whom I have not seen since graduation in 1969. To my surprise, I found that CHUCK WALDON ’66 and I, unbeknownst to either of us, were stationed in Chu Lai, Viet Nam at the same time — 1970 to 1971 — with the 198th Light Infantry Brigade and 1st Aviation Brigade respectively.  I suppose that this is a silver lining in COVID-19.”  

RICK BRANDT ’69, Tallahassee, FL writes: “I spent Thanksgiving last year with daughter Catherine in Richmond, VA. Spent Christmas 2019 with daughter Allison in Greenville SC. In February, I spent a couple of days with SCOTT NYQUIST ’69 and CYNTHIA SANBORN NYQUIST ’69 in Naples, FL then met some friends from Rockford, IL in Longboat Key, FL. I canceled a European trip I had scheduled for May because of the pandemic. I have been going to my local gym since early May for exercise, because outdoor walks in the heat and humidity here this time of year are tough. I’ve also been reading my way through books, mostly history and non-fiction. Some re-reads. I’ve been trying to find things worthwhile on TV, which is hard. I’ve also been staying in touch with friends by phone or text or email. Pretty boring. Don’t have Covid but almost wishing I’d get it to just get it behind me…and to have something new to focus on…a new adventure.” ?

PERRY BREWER ’69 of Mount Juliet, TN emails us: The COVID-19 pandemic has put a crimp in most everyone’s lifestyle. As a result, the Brewers have done next to nothing.  No trips, no visiting relatives, nada.  I did manage to fit in a right hip replacement back in January before the pandemic escalated to today’s level. Also, I had a tooth pulled Monday, so I am down to pudding, jell-o, applesauce, scrambled eggs, ice cream, and baby food for the next week or so. I do need to get new frames for my glasses as the old ones finally corroded through.  So, with the monthly beer club, whiskey club and men’s dinner all cancelled until further notice I am reduced to lounging by the pool and playing golf once a week.  There may be a start up of frisbee golf and wiffle ball in September to keep all us old guys active but that remains to be seen. In the meantime, I am biding my time on the Del Webb Landscape Committee looking for dead trees and shrubs that need to be removed/replaced.

DON CHESTER ’69 of West Palm Beach, FL says: “Since the COVID-19 pandemic started I have been extremely busy as part of St. Mary’s Medical Center’s Incident Command Team. Florida, and Palm Beach County in particular, continue to be hotspots. Needless to say, there have been many challenges. While not at the Medical Center I have been actively participating in virtual runs on my hand cycle. For each event you are given a certain amount of days to complete the course. I recently finished a 114-mile hand cycle ride around Lake Okeechobee and a 75-mile ride across Alligator Alley from Sarasota to the East Coast of Florida. The next event is a 142-mile ride in Massachusetts.”

JACK FLECK ’69 of Pensacola, FL emails us: “Getting in an hour walk in July can be challenging here in Pensacola. A morning rain can usually keep the temperature below 85. This year my plant propagation has focused on various hibiscus varieties as well as trying more camellias.” 

BILL GEBHARDT ’69 of Frankfort, IL writes: “SUE HECHT GEBHARDT ’70 and I are no longer Illinois residents. We sold our house in Frankfort and bought the lot we’ve been looking at for over a year. It’s on Swan Lake in Portage, Wisconsin! We have all our stuff in storage for six months. We hope the new house we are having built will be done within that time frame. We will probably become permanent Florida residents only due to tax implications. So six months in each location. Once situated, we’ll accept guests in either place. I’m still getting chemotherapy, but it’s down to every two weeks, and starting next month it’ll be once a month. Still taking chemo pills. But I feel good. Played golf three times this week. Can’t score like I could but I’m older too. Sue missed her 50-year reunion in Ripon when Alumni Weekend was cancelled due to COVID. We have been fortunate to stay away from it so far. I’m being extra careful due to my poor immune system.”

ALICE HALL HAYES ’69 of Washington, D.C. writes: “What a year 2020 has been!  I never believed that 1968 could be topped as so memorable. The good news is that there were good times and good things that we did during this pandemic. We even took a few side trips before the  long term social isolation started. One trip was to Hilton Head, South Carolina to the annual Gullah Cultural Arts Festival which is breathtaking for its artistic range, covering music, paintings, dancing, food, basketmaking, etc.

During our social distanced timeframe, Ed and I have done a lot of gardening, enjoyed reading some new books and authors, and walked some new pathways and public gardens. Additionally, we participated in several of the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in D.C. with our church and neighbors. I am still saddened by the passing of Congressman John Lewis but definitely appreciate the push for justice that he worked so tirelessly to achieve.

To highlight the joy of this year, Ed and I welcomed a new granddaughter, Josephine, in May.  Because the young family lives in New Orleans, my husband and I have not held Baby Josephine yet, but are looking forward to our next trip which will be to meet her. Our budding plans for our trip are to rent an RV and drive down to meet her in late August or September. Wish us luck!”

DEBBIE HAMELE KUKLA ’69 of Carmel, IN emails: “My husband, TOM KUKLA ’70, and I went with five friends on a private tour of Australia and New Zealand this January. It was the trip of a lifetime- breathtaking beauty and wonderful people. Made it home before COVID hit!”

PHIL MCCULLOUGH ’69 of Woodstock, IL sends this update: “I have been working every day down at my office at Northwestern University Medical School. Patricia is recovering from her second shoulder replacement procedure, which had been pushed back a couple of months as it was elective. Fortunately, from what I recall from anatomy class, she has no more shoulders left to operate upon. Just started teaching my Advanced Psychopharmacology class to the 3rd-year residents. It is via Zoom which is new to me. Speaking quite a lot with CHRIS OGLE ’80, Ripon College’s Dean of Students, about plans to re-open campus safely in the fall.”

JOAN NOVINSON NICHOLSON ’69, of Port Townsend, Washington, writes, “My husband, DWIGHT D. NICHOLSON ’70, worked in the Upward Bound program for several summers as a direct result of the influence of Dr. Erv Breithaupt and Rev. Jerry Thompson. Today he volunteers at the Community Boat Project with high school students from the area as part of a continuum of volunteering with youth. The son of one of the Upward Bound participants spent two weeks with us in the summer. We received a philosophy of life at Ripon that I believe would be a challenge to match.”

SCOTT NYQUIST ’69 and CYNTHIA SANBORN NYQUIST ’69 of Naples, FL write: “Like many of you, we have been staying home to avoid exposure to the COVID virus. Cynthia busies herself doing gardening, knitting & crocheting projects and watercolor paintings. Her crafters club has been making blankets and hats for the local children’s hospital. Now they are making stuffed animals to be used as Christmas presents for the kids. Scott continues as President of the Homeowners Association and is enjoying reading. He can highly recommend “Wait ‘Till Next Year,” by noted historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, especially if you are a baseball fan. At this writing, the baseball season has begun and Scott is glued to the TV watching every Cubs game. (Hopefully play will continue.) We celebrated 52 years of marriage on March 9th, a quiet evening at home. We had planned to attend Alumni Weekend 2020 and were disappointed when it had to be cancelled. Sadly, our annual August visit to Germany to see our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter was also cancelled. Scott talks with six fraternity brothers every Wednesday night via the Zoom platform. We are becoming experts at ordering online from Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Amazon, Macy’s, Barnes & Noble and others. 

DON PARK ’69 of Cambridge, MD sends this news: “We have been traveling a little. Spent a week with our daughter and her family at Hilton Head week of July 4th and just completed a week at the beach in Ocean City, MD. We miss dining out. Don’t risk even “al fresco” dining. If we aren’t cooking for ourselves then we order for pickup.  We did have a porch added to the back of our house. Now we have a nice view of the river.  Love the Beta Sig monthly Zoom house meetings. Great to catch up with the brothers.”

NICHOLAS “CHIP” RETSON ’69 of Aiken, SC sends this: “I have become a Zoom Meeting & Webinar expert! In my role as Chair of our local Chapter of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). I have been hosting almost daily meetings on the new COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Loan programs and helping our clients start and grow businesses. It’s been rewarding but I can’t wait to get back to more face-to-face mentoring and workshop presentations. 

I have two great books I recently read and highly recommend them to all – “Empire of The Summer Moon,” by S.C. Gwynne, which is about the Comanche Indians and the interruption of their lifestyle as farmers moved westward into the Plains. A well written history of both cultures. “The Heart of Everything That Is: The Untold Story of Red Cloud, An American Legend,” by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin, is a similar cultural history of the northern plains Indians — basically the Lakota Sioux who had been forcibly moved westward out of Minnesota. The key leader is Red Cloud, born into a dysfunctional Indian family. Through wisdom and courage, he ultimately brings together the largest number ever of warriors from numerous tribes to fight the US Army. One take-away for me from these books is how the failures of different cultures to even try to understand the culture of their opponents always leads to terrible waste on both sides.

Lastly, this Fall I will become a member of the Ripon College Alumni Association Board of Directors and look forward to working with others to support the College. “

ART SCARLETT ’69 of Glenshaw, PA writes this: “I won’t complain about canceled plans and trashed trips, however, COVID lock down has had interesting, unforeseen, benefits. Even though Alumni Weekend was cancelled the Brothers of Beta Sigma Pi, still held their traditional Thursday evening Alumni Weekend kickoff party at ROBERT “BOB” FLECK JR.’S ’65 Green Lake home – via ZOOM. Over 70 Brothers from the ’60s to mid ’70s were invited and about 35 attended! It was BYOB — virtual beer and brats were served — terrific view of Green Lake and the usual reminiscing with long-time friends. All time zones of the 50 states were covered. Discussions lasted over 2 hours and covered personal adventures and the perceived state of the College and beloved professors. Professor of Philosophy, Seale Doss triggered quite a lively reaction from lawyers and educators on the call. They were, in turn, admonished by acting house Sergeant-at-Arms, H. Keck:  “Those Brothers who joined the conversation to reminisce about Seale Doss, his influence on us and the philosophical applications of complex common law, have been fined the equivalent of a case of beer for: “intense discussions way over the head of an average Beta Sig.” Additionally, for those who referenced obscure authors and quoted from their published works ….. your fine is two cases.” Payable next Alumni Weekend.

I had no idea of the adventurous life Seale Doss had before his tenure at Ripon and that he has written at least two novels since he retired to New Mexico: “Blood on the Risers” (2018) and “Hattie’s Pink House” (2020). I’ve ordered both books. Thanks to KURT THORNBLADH ’70 for his efforts and patience in making these virtual house meetings happen and keeping us connected. Founded in 1964, Beta Sigma Pi has not existed on campus since 1994. However, the brotherhood is still strong. Looking forward to our next virtual house meeting and very curious to see who shows up. Who will I recognize?”

CYNTHIA KLINGEL SPRING ’69 of Meredith, NH emails us: “I am Chair of our Black Lives Matter Task Force in my congregation. I have been doing a lot of reading to try and understand the issues.  Part of my interest in this comes from knowing ALICE HALL HAYS ’69 and SAM JOHNSON ’69 at Ripon. I keep wondering if they or their children or grandchildren have been stopped by the police. I grew up protected from harassment just because of the color of my skin. And I was oblivious to it!  Lots of work to be done before we can really claim that this is the land of the free!”

BOB “OTTO” WACHHOLTZ ’69 of Papillon, NE writes: “My bride bought 13 jigsaw puzzles and traded for three more.  And not the 48-piece US states from our grade school days.  Eyesight and sanity (?) are slowly returning.  Hopefully the current insanity is just a minor speed bump in retirement.”

Several of you emailed me pictures. I forwarded them to the College but will also upload them to the R Connections website: www.ripon.edu/rconnections

So this is the part where I ask you to support Ripon. If you have not yet made a gift to Ripon College this year, please consider making one. A gift of ANY amount is sincerely appreciated. Just about all small colleges struggle financially. It’s kind of a way of life for them. The pandemic has thrown a real curve ball into their already stretched finances, so please be generous. You can specify where you want your money to go: scholarships, building fund, endowment, library, athletic dept., etc. You can give in memory of a professor or a classmate. Our class had 32 individuals who supported #OneDayRally, a special giving day for Ripon College, as well as 19 individuals who made a gift to the Emergency Assistance Fund. Thank you to all of you who gave to Ripon! Finally, please consider making the College part of your estate plan. It’s easy to do. Contact SHAWN KARSTEN ’09, Vice President of Advancement, at [email protected] if you have questions about this.

Be sure to let Ripon know your new address if you move or if you change email addresses. Speaking of which, I only have email addresses for about half the class. I’d love to be able to communicate with more of you by email. Attached is a list of people for whom I have no valid email address. If you’re on it, please share your email with me. The college will not bombard you with emails and you can opt out of the emails they do send.

Also, Alumni Weekend 2021 will be held June 24-27, 2021. You can get more information from the Ripon College website. You can also register online there once the date approaches.

Keep in touch.

Always for Ripon,

Scott

P.S. If you need an email address or street address to reconnect with a roommate, fraternity brother/sorority sister, lab partner, fellow ROTC cadet, contact me.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

JIM BEISNER ’71

770-570-7725 

[email protected]

Greetings, Class of 1971!

We are moving toward our 50th year since we graduated from Ripon College. Many successes have happened to us since that special occasion that can be attributed to the education we received so many years ago. Our continued financial support of this vital mission will ensure incoming classes will experience the best quality education possible.

Our 50th class reunion is scheduled during the 2021 Alumni Weekend, which will be June 24-27, 2021. We will be sharing our reunion celebration with the Class of 1970 as their reunion was postponed this year due to COVID-19. The goal is to get as many classmates as possible to return to campus and celebrate our 50 years of success that started at Ripon College. I invite any classmates interested in assisting in the planning of the reunion to contact me. Areas needing assistance include the Memorabilia Room, Service of Remembrance, and our class memory book. I want to invite all of you to consider spending a weekend at Ripon and enjoy some fellowship with your classmates. You will receive more details concerning the reunion events later this year.

Class Note:

LAURENCE B. HUNTING ’71 died March 11, 1979, from a brain tumor. At Ripon, he majored in Latin American Studies and was a member of Beta Sigma Pi fraternity. He traveled and had taught transcendental meditation in Mexico. (Ripon College was recently informed of the death of Laurence hence why this is being shared at this time.)

As we look back at our experiences at Ripon, we can all see the benefits we derived from that special time. In some way, the Annual Fund assisted all of us. It underwrites all aspects of yearly operations, including but not limited to laboratory supplies, technological innovations, library resources, faculty support, financial aid and scholarships, athletics, opportunities to study abroad, the arts and facilities. Since this is our reunion year, I urge your consideration to increase this year’s gift in recognition of our 50th reunion and all we have accomplished because of Ripon College.

Sincerely,

Jim

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

STEPHANIE GREENE ’72

[email protected]

Dear Classmates, 

As fall approaches, the year seems to have been going in slow motion as it has been speeding up. The winter sped away as COVID-19 caused the spring and summer to disappear into something that we have never seen. New York, the city that never sleeps, had an eerie quiet throughout the spring, yet you could hear the birds singing and see the trees and flowers blooming. During the summer months, the pandemic has subsided here and the city is coming back to life. As we remember all those lost to the pandemic, let us take a few minutes to remember and offer condolences for a few classmates who left us this year. 

GLEN R. GASIOREK ’72 of Spring Hill, Tennessee, formerly of Arlington Heights, Illinois, died Jan. 15, 2020. At Ripon, he majored in Politics and Government and History and was a member of Beta Sigma Pi fraternity. He graduated from Loyola Academy and Drake University Law School. He was an attorney for the State of Illinois Department of Insurance. He enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and golf. In 2010, he hiked the Grand Canyon with his brother, ALAN GASIOREK ’73, and a sister, brother-in law and niece. Survivors include his wife, Corryette Gasiorek; one son; and a sister-in-law, our own LYNNE HORNE GASIOREK ’72. 

MARIAN WIEST SOMMERFELDT ’72 of Green Lake, Wisconsin, died May 24, 2020. She studied English at Ripon and received a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She worked on the board of directors at Community Options in Green Lake. Survivors include her husband, Glen; and one son. 

MICHAEL W. FARRELL ’72 of Morris, Illinois, died March 14, 2020. At Ripon, he majored in history. After two years of master’s degree studies in journalism at the University of South Carolina, he worked for the Morris (Illinois) Daily Herald for 36 years as a reporter and editor until retiring in 2010. He and his wife travelled widely in the United States, Russia, China, Europe, Africa and Central and South America. He was an avid student of history, visiting every presidential library. He enjoyed sports, especially the Twins, Vikings and Ripon College teams, gardening and reading history. Survivors include a brother, Martin Farrell, professor of politics and government emeritus. 

I trust that all of you are staying safe as we move through these difficult times. Classes have started at Ripon College and there will be a blend of in-person and online learning. Each Monday, there will be a dashboard on the College website to keep us all informed on the progress of the academic year, especially as it relates to COVID-19. 

I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the 2020 #OneDayRally giving day for Ripon College. Our class was in the top tier of giving this year. If you have not made a contribution to the College, please consider making a gift by the end of the calendar year. 

I wish all of you and your family well and that we will be able to visit the campus soon. Please feel free to send any news about how you have been spending your time. 

Sincerely, 

Stephanie

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

JAN PETROVSKI MACLEOD ’74

(630) 920-2450 / [email protected]

Hello, everyone! The pandemic has thrown a wrench into the workings of all our lives but I trust you are finding ways to stay healthy, happy, and busy even if you must stay at home. Andy and I were planning to do a lot of traveling this year, but instead have embarked on reclaiming our gardens and decluttering the house. We read, take lots of walks, and get excited about running errands. We could get our groceries delivered, but Andy insists on going because it’s the one thing that gets him out of the house. Our ancient microwave died a while back, and we were thrilled to have a reason to venture out to find a replacement! I will never take shopping for granted again.

JANE RUNKEL FREDERICK ’74, of Shorewood, Wisconsin reports it’s pretty much the same thing at her house. She has been busy with her gardens, and also making jams and jellies with her rhubarb and currants. She says the tomatoes, grapes, beans, and pumpkins are all coming along. Meanwhile, she takes lots of walks and gets excited about trips to the grocery store. Sounds all too familiar!

SELMA BAYDOUN CEMAN ’74, of Green Lake, Wisconsin says she has “doubled her grandchildren!” She had two already, but two new ones arrived this year, and she’s happy to be retired so she can enjoy all of them. She adds that she loves her new condo and is looking forward to Ripon gatherings in 2021.

LINDA LANDIN KAROW ’74 of Elkhorn, Wisconsin was supposed to take a long-awaited trip to France this summer, but that has been put on hold. She has been reorganizing her home, and has posted photos on Facebook of some beautiful shawls she has made. You are truly talented, Linda.

LISA JENNI LAATCH ’74 is now living in the Ft. Myers, Florida area, and “enjoying the slower pace of not working.” She says they sold their business last year and traveled around in their RV. They can’t do that now, but I would bet she’s planning new adventures for 2021. It’s great to hear from you, Lisa, and happy trails!

SCOTT DICKS ’74 & LINDA MOHR DICKS ’74 of Middleton, Wisconsin have been hunkered down at home since mid-March, venturing out only for exercise and necessities. Scott and I have been swapping coffee memes and wildlife stories on Facebook. I must say, Facebook can be lots of fun if you forego the politics and stick to joke-swapping and photo sharing! Scott has lots of time for deck sitting since he retired in January. Congrats, Scott, and know I am raising a glass in your honor.

VIRGIL STUCKER ’74 of Tryon, North Carolina writes, “Retirement became even more distant as my heart felt the burden of families coping with a mentally ill family member who was suddenly turned out of residential care or who was not able to access needed mental health care, even when hospital support was needed. I collaborated with a NY Times reporter on this article: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/23/health/coronavirus-mental-health.html. Also, we published a Guide which takes COVID-19 into consideration: A Family Guide To Mental Health Recovery: What You Need To Know From Day One https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088GGDQ6D?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860.

New hobbies? During the shutdown, I am trying to find more time to play my Native American flutes and my saxophone.”

ERIC K. SORENSEN ’74 of Marengo, Wisconsin writes, “ I continue to bring my ren faire character, Mustzfa Ali, to life at the Janesville Renaissance Faire, REN in the Glen, and a gathering of Rogues and Ruffians.”

BIL LEWIS ’74 of Cambridge, Massachusetts writes, “ I continue to perform and teach as James Madison (#4). I am, with my friend, a farmer in Idaho – dairy goats.”

MARY MUNRO ’74 of Evanston, Illinois, died on December 10, 2019. At Ripon, she majored in English and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She attended Indiana University Bloomington for her master’s degree in English before embarking on a career in publishing in Chicago. She enjoyed literature, reading, listening to National Public Radio, gardening, and being outside. Survivors include her husband WILLIAM LEINER, JR. ’74, two sons and one daughter.

So that’s all the news I have for you this time. Please stay in touch and let me know what’s keeping you busy. I have been trying to find a balance between staying busy and slowing down to enjoy the simple things. I wish I could have you all come over to sit on the deck with me, but since we can’t do that, know that I am thinking of you and wishing you good health and happiness while we wait out the virus. I look forward to seeing your smiling faces down the road.

See you in Ripon –

Jan 

A Note from the Office of Constituent Engagement:  Stay up-to-date with our latest news and information. Make sure that we have your most updated contact information including email and phone number by visiting ripon.edu/update-contact-info or emailing [email protected].

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

JONDI GUMZ ’75

(831) 461-1120 / [email protected]

Dear Classmates,

What a totally crazy year! Unpredictable to say the least! I hope all of you are finding ways to deal with the COVID-19 situation. Thanks to everyone who gave to #OneDayRally in the spring — $98,317 and 43% participation by our class! It’s exciting to see the support for Ripon College in these challenging times.And thanks to SUE CHAPMAN CARLTON ’75 who helped get the word out on this class letter!

I have been enjoying my new job, editor at Times Publishing Group, a locally owned business in Aptos, California — using my reporting skills to keep folks up to date with the COVID-19 situation. See for yourself at tpgonlinedaily.com. And I’ve been enjoying my grandchildren, Amaris Joy, who turned 3 this week and has a good arm for throwing a ball, and Matthew, who turns four next month and is really into fresh produce, like the tomatoes and padron peppers growing on our deck and the lemons he can pick in the backyard. My husband is the gardener but he’s been sidelined by a foot fracture, his driving leg, after running barefoot on the beach. Oh, and I got my hair cut, so I’m almost unrecognizable!

I do hope we can gather in Ripon, June 24-27, 2021 for our 45th class reunion to be celebrated with the Class of 1976! Please mark your calendar.

Keep sending your news to me at [email protected]

SUSAN SCHREYER STANDER ’75 emails from Paradise Valley, Arizona: “Quarantine and retirement feel pretty much the same, minus the travel. Thankfully, I love my house, so staying home is not unpleasant. Our daughters took turns quarantining with us, one of them for three months! Our nest is now empty, once again, and my cat is grateful the granddogs are gone. My husband and my daughter are both hospital-based health care providers, so I devote considerable time to worrying about their health and safety. So far, everyone is healthy. And I spend a great deal of my free time calling voters in our Legislative District to check up on their physical and financial well-being during the COVID crisis, and encouraging anyone who hasn’t already, to register for Arizona’s Permanent Early Voters List, so they can receive their ballots early, via mail. I am also actively campaigning for astronaut and all-around good guy Mark Kelly for US Senate. I wish all my classmates good health.”

Connect with Susan at [email protected].

CHARLES “RICK” ESTBERG ’75 emails from Severna Park, Maryland: “He has pushed back plans for his retirement from the National Security Agency and now is hoping to cash in his proverbial chips around Christmas this year. On a happy note, the Red Cross has at long last (it’s been 19 years) liberalized its blood donation restriction policy to allow those who spent extended periods in Germany to donate once again. He donated this week, the first time since 2001, bringing his total to 99 donations. The very first two took place at Ripon all those years ago. On a far sadder note, and as the reunion committee already knows, he mourns the loss of his older son, Charlie, who died on April 25th after a decade-long struggle with drug addiction. Rick has begun writing a book about Charlie’s life, as a testimony to all the positive things his son was, as well as a warning to parents (or even grandparents), in the hopes that they will be wiser than Rick and his wife Lucie were, and will not casually overlook the myriad warning signs that they did during Charlie’s formative years. With luck, the book will be finished by the end of 2020. He’s looking forward to our postponed reunion next summer! The Jeopardy game sits in wait…”

Connect with Rick at [email protected].

ANDY RICHARDS ’75 emails from Florida: “Darlene and I are looking forward to seeing 2020 move on and getting back to normal. We cancelled all of our travel plans for the summer and fall and are staying safe in Central Florida (Howey in the Hills). Fortunately, we are able to play golf often, socially distanced, so that helps to pass the time. We were hoping to visit our daughter Jennifer in St. Charles, Illinois for her 30th birthday, but instead we will be doing a celebration remotely. Both Darlene and I enjoy staying active and we recently purchased a Peloton exercise cycle and absolutely love it!”

Connect with Andy at [email protected].

STEVE SWANSON ’75 emails from Manassas, Virginia: “Continuing my second journey with the Department of Defense in the Pentagon representing the US Southern Command responsible for overseeing DoD activities in the Caribbean, Central and South America, our neighborhood. Planning a third voyage with Barbara via real estate investing in Virginia–join us. Enjoyed the Outer Banks last week with the three grandkids, Athena 13, Colin, 12, and Deanna 9, and, Alison, my eldest daughter. Grew a beard during the week- my youngest daughter’s reaction, upon return -‘scruffy’ — shaved the next day).  As to ‘surviving COVID,’ I conducted a ‘virtual’ annual cardio exam (ensuring my three stents of nine years are functional (no EKG!) (The real secret–‘running’ more so as an ‘aging’ Airborne Ranger, ‘shuffle’ with the grandkids).  Be safe, better yet, live!”

Connect with Steve at [email protected].

SUE CHAPMAN CARLTON ’75 emails from Fort Mill, South Carolina: “We just returned from a week’s long vacation in Lake Lure, NC. Both of our daughters and their husbands and our 2 grandsons met at a VRBO house. We had great fun swimming, boating, golfing, hiking, playing games and dining in. We felt safe and hope the next two weeks will be virus free for all.

In South Carolina, I’ve been playing golf, doing water aerobics, and going to the gym. Our Del Webb community provides some activities and we socialize on Friday evenings in our driveways. Some ADPi sisters have been doing a Zoom happy hour on Saturday evenings and a few girlfriends here do a Zoom game night on Thursdays.”

Connect with Sue at [email protected].

LEON PASCUCCI ’75 of Rancho Mirage, California, emails, “All is well in California desert as we cope with self-quarantine since mid-March; seeing very few friends and basically going nowhere while we remain healthy.  But time for reflection, reading and gobs of junk TV. “

Connect with Leon at [email protected].

DALE HARING ’75 of Skokie, Illinois, retired in May from Cobra Electronics as the director of facilities. He and his wife of 43 years, Renee, expect to be grandparents by Independence Day weekend.

Connect with Dale at [email protected].

KAREN “KUCKS” KUCKHAHN KEHL ’75 of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, emails: “Dealing with some health issues from my multiple myeloma have kept me very close to home. My fantastic sister came to visit and we are now going by the Property Sisters as renovating my bedroom was on the agenda. My son got engaged in Newport Beach and we are excited to welcome Sara into the family. Had a Zoom birthday party for my 93-year-old mother and she marveled at the technology!!! Amazing what she has seen in her lifetime. Stay safe everyone!!!!”

GAIL BARTKOWSKI ’75 emails from the southern tier of New York State: “Pretty much isolating except for groceries/essentials & some short shopping trips. I was able to recently swim in Seneca Lake, one of the Finger Lakes, & visited a winery – don’t get excited – didn’t even have a wine slushie & I still fell! ? I’m OK!  I’m OK! I just have balance & proprioception issues. I may hold a record for ankle fix’s within five months. Anyhoo, always great to hear from RIPON friends.”

NANCY LAWS KERN ’75 of Littleton, Colorado, emails: “We’re entering Smoke Season on the Front Range of Colorado. Four major wildfires have turned our lovely blue skies a little pale, and the mountains look like a hazy landscape painting. But this, too, shall pass. Probably before COVID does. Other than no traveling and very limited dining out, life isn’t too odd. Walking, biking, and swimming outdoors with my pals have gotten me through the summer. Our weekly free City Park Jazz concert has morphed into BYO picnics in various backyards, socially distancing, but at least able to see our friends. I really missed the Reunion this year, and hope we can all celebrate our 46th in 2021.” 

Have you stopped getting emails from Ripon College? It could be the College does not have your new email address. You can update your email and contact information — very important because our class reunion has been rescheduled for June 24-27, 2021 and you’ll want details. So go to http://www.ripon.edu/update-contact-info/. It’s that easy.

If you have a question, just email [email protected].

Class letters will be posted online at www.ripon.edu/reconnections if you want to catch up with classmates before our reunion.

Is there a classmate you want to reconnect with? Email me [email protected] and we will figure something out!

Best,

Jondi

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

ALAN N. LAWRENCE ’77 P’14

153 Northbreeze Dr, Appleton, WI 54911-1224

920-730-9515 / [email protected]

Dear Classmates,

The coronavirus pandemic has made this year to be unlike any other any of us has experienced, and it is still without an end in sight. At the very least it has been scary, expensive, and disruptive.

You all know that in-person classes were stopped mid-semester at Ripon College and in most other schools around the world. You may also be aware that Ripon College is planning to open for traditional on-campus in-person learning this fall, with classes beginning August 17. But the college website says, “All college-sponsored events have been postponed until further notice or until virtual arrangements can be made.”  We all hope this is safe and productive, but we also know it is a vastly reduced experience than what we all had while we were students.

While watching our own personal trips and vacations go down the drain, I also watched as the annual Alumni Weekend was canceled in June. Since I live an hour away in Appleton, I’ve often been able to attend, and I long for that opportunity someday in the future. In lieu of an actual Alumni Weekend experience, the College put together a video, using snapshots and videos from previous weekends. I am again sharing a picture of those of us who attended the 2019 Alumni Weekend. 

I was joined by MARYJO MACSWAIN ’77, JEAN BLACK ’77 and CONNIE JESS ZOLKOSKE ’77.

Thank you to all of you who helped with Ripon’s #OneDayRally fundraiser on April 29.  Some of you were prepared for it, and some of you saw the frenzy of online activity.  MARYJO MACSWAIN ’77 again offered a matching pledge encouraging classmates to participate. #OneDayRally came to a close after 18 hours and 51 minutes with a record $1,918,598 was raised for the Ripon Fund and the new Emergency Assistance Fund, which is supporting the unanticipated needs of our students because of COVID-19. There were a record 2,015 donors, 108% of the goal. This was an additional 569 donors over #OneDayRally 2019.

With help from MARYJO MACSWAIN ’77 we have a Facebook page for our class. 

https://www.facebook.com/RiponCollegeClassof1977

Please visit it, then Like or Follow so that your news feed will include items about your classmates.  Please also leave a posting about yourself.

I have news from one classmate:

BIRGIT ABROMAITIS RETSON ’77 of Williamsburg, Virginia, writes, “Took my three young adult children on a cruise to Italian and Greek Islands last fall! It was a wonderful way to enjoy our family and surroundings to the fullest!”

I’ll add to BIRGIT’S note that she had some good timing, traveling before the world changed. I’m so glad that I did some traveling in 2017 to France and England, when times were still normal (and before Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris burned).

Please send news about yourself either to the College or to me to be shared in our next class letter. We’d love to hear from you.

Remember that your financial help is very important to help keep Ripon a competitive and quality institution. Your donations are important every year. Your participation is very important.

Always for Ripon, 

Alan

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

Gregg Petersen ’78

10829 Hilltop Lane, Columbia, MD 21044

410-884-0407 / [email protected]

Dear Classmates:

Happy fall classmates! My most fervent wish for you and your families is that this letter finds you in good health and spirits as we wait for the COVID-19 vaccine to be distributed. This letter will be much shorter than the one you did not have sent to you from the spring due to the interruption of the academic year with COVID-19. However, your spring class letter is uploaded to the R Connections webpage (ripon.edu/rconnections), and I will include it after this letter. In news since the spring, we led the #OneDayRally participation for the third straight year, we became aware that our classmate LIZ PECHA-POELKER ’78 is one of Ripon’s newest Trustees, and sadly we lost two of our classmates. 

HEADLINES FOR THIS LETTER:

• Sad News
• ’78 Classmate Updates
• #OneDayRally-Class of ‘78 Again Tops Participation
• Class Letter Updates Needed for the Spring

Sad News:

THÈRÉSE DES LAURIERS FOX ’78 of Golden Valley, Minnesota, died May 15, 2020. At Ripon, she majored in French and business management and participated in Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She worked for the Robbinsdale School District for 20 years. Survivors include her husband, Chuck; two sons and three daughters.

NANCY SCHNEIDERS KREJCI ’78 of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, died June 5, 2020. At Ripon, she majored in economics and politics and government, and participated in Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She received a law degree from Marquette University Law School and was an administrative law judge for the State of Wisconsin for 38 years. She enjoyed attending sporting events and theatre and taking summer road trips. Survivors include her husband, GREG KREJCI ’78. 

Some of you asked about a memorial fund for Nancy. 

While I am not aware of a specific fund that was set up in Therese’s or Nancy’s memory, you can send a donation in their memory to Ripon: You can make a donation to the Ripon Fund, for instance. You do this by noting the purpose on the online gift form or send a note if you mail in a gift.

’78 Classmate Updates:

DAVE HANUS ’78 of Salem, Oregon, writes, “Surviving our stay at home order, working on the “honey do” list (amazing how the list grows while staring at the walls for months). Dreaming of trips to take and family to visit. Drove the Indian Ocean Drive, Hwy 1, Perth to Broome then to Horizontal Falls last November.”

LIZ PECHA-POELKER ’78 of Saint Louis, Missouri was elected to the Ripon Board of Trustees last fall! Liz was officially elected a Trustee in October of 2019 and her first meeting was in early February. She reports that the current staff –  the VPs are doing a great job. “Enrollment is looking so good for the fall, if they can, of course, keep it up.”

 #OneDayRally April 29th-Class of ’78 Leads Participation for the 3rd Straight Year!:

We did it again!!! Thanks to our 63 donors! Thanks to you, we broke the 2018 participation record of 48 donations set by our class in the inaugural year of the #OneDayRally! Our impressive show of support during #OneDayRally helped the College exceed the donor goal of 1,851 donors in 20 hours and 20 minutes. Special thanks to those who gave a second time to add to our number. And I do appreciate all of you that had the will but not the ability to be a part of this record this year. Finally, very special thanks to LOUISA GEBELEIN JONES ’78, LISA WOLLAN ’78, LIZ PECHA-POELKER ’78, and SUE FEITH SHANNON ’78 for their support reaching out by email and phone during the Rally.

So….what is our goal for next year? Since we hit 63 this year, I think we can hit 78 next year…and the name of our 2021 #OneDayRally Campaign?: “78 for ‘78” of course!  We will need 15 more of you to give on the #OneDayRally date. I know we can do it. Please consider timing your Ripon Fund gift to Ripon for the last week of April next year.

I am very proud to be a part of this very spirited, charitable, and warm group of friends and classmates bound together by our Ripon experience that continues to endure 42 years later. Our list of donors follows. From JEANNE LIETZAN and ROB MEYERS’ initial advanced donations to JOHN ZINDAR’s in the final minutes before midnight central time, everyone’s support was needed to distance ourselves from the classes of 2000 and 2019 that tied for second at 52. 

#OneDayRally Supporters (some were anonymous-thanks to you too!): Jose Aleman, Denise Baird, Leslie Balestracci, Beth Benezra, Danni Caldwell, Julie Sharon Chovan, Ginny McGehee Condon, Danny Davis, Catherine Depew, Barb Doerrer-Peacock, Erika Doss, John Ehrhardt, Rebecca Galloway, Patricia Gardner, Bryan Habeck, Mark Hebda, Susan Hedman, Alan Hodkiewicz, Helen Holter, Mary Holtrop, Erica Hill, Meredith Valentine Johnson, Louisa Gebelein Jones, Terry Jones, Melanie Civin Kenion, In Memory Of Tim Kingston, Greg Krejci, Sharon Raupp Langley, Carla Olsen Larsen, Karen Leahy, Kevin Leavitt, Bryan Lemmenes, Jeanne Lietzan (Game Changer), Karl Loucks, Beverly Spittell-Lehman, Jonathan Loew, Rob Meyer, Ann Miller, Paul Nancarrow, Justin Niebank, Jeff Orear, Liz Pecha-Poelker, Gregg Petersen (Game Changer), Barbara Janssen Pugh, Mike Rainey, Linda Brown Remick, Tom Ritsch, Sue Feith Shannon, Eddie Smith, Mary Sweeney, Geoff Thrumston, Kathryn Vermoch, Jon & Joan Verson, Laurie Wagner, Anita Wallace, Jim Wilkes, Lisa Wollan, Lud Wurtz (Game Changer), and John Zindar.

Class Letter Updates:  

For the next letter, please send me your thoughts about Ripon or what you and your family are doing and include a picture. Do you have any new hobbies or experiences as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic? Send me a note about those! In the meantime, have a happy, healthy fall!

Best wishes and warm regards,

 Gregg

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

KEVIN L. WARMACK ’79

(773) 220-5360 / [email protected] / [email protected]

 Greetings All,

When we last communicated in early March, it was pre-COVID-19 shut down when a mask was something we wore to a masquerade ball; COVID-19 was something strange, and Corona was the beer that you inserted the lime in. Since that time, we have all probably gone from commuting to and working from an office to working remotely from home; Zoom is one of your favorite venues to meet your family, friends, and co-workers to ensure that no one gets the virus and above all, watching reruns of sports events became a substitute for a live game (I’m sure we were all glued for “The Last Dance”). So I have stories from some of our classmates on their COVID-19 pandemic survival.

First, to my knowledge, we have not lost anyone from our class to the virus. I know it’s funny for us, but if you’re like me, you’ve been taking advantage of the “Senior Hours” at the local stores.  Hey, we worked hard for this. I’m glad to know that we are all still here, still at it.

Class of 1979 News and Notes:

DAVID SPENCER ’79 writes, “COVID-19 life: Fortunately in Northern Minnesota, the trails, lakes, rivers, and back roads allow for plenty of social distancing and space to get out on a daily basis. We have not missed much of our former lives except for friends, family, and a sense of comfort in going out. But, we are healthy and can get outside every day: it is enough.”

MIKE ZAHN ’79 writes, “Unbeknownst to him, JAY MCDONALD ’79 helped us decide to buy a Speed Queen washer! My wife looked at online reviews and Speed Queen looked awful. Then we found an enlightening article in Wirecutter that quoted Jay and we were sold. So Ripon connections just never wear out. . .Other than that, I’ve been doing some songwriting and dusting off some old garbage I wrote in college and beyond. My wife continues to raise some lambs and turkeys on our small farm, with some help from me. And we keep efforting to keep connected in our current distantly social world.”

TIM BEAUCHAMP ’79: “Oddly enough, I’ve kept about 75% of my fitness consulting and training client load during this COVID shutdown, training most by remote (FaceTime, Zoom, Google Duo) but some one-on-one in a private gym where we have really strict hygiene rules and the ability to stay at a distance. Still have had plenty of time to work on the house, but I am getting ready for shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff from a fall this spring. I was looking forward to getting back to the Midwest for some reunions, and still might do a drive out there in the fall depending on how the shoulder recovers, and if we manage to get this damn pandemic under control. And yeah, I’m wearing a mask when I’m around other people.”

 BOB GRANT ’79: “My COVID-19 story -In March I took three months off to self-isolate and I learned a few things. In no particular order:

• I have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree and it took me two days to figure out how to file for unemployment in Maine. I have no idea how people less fortunate managed. The State website is not optimized for a phone. Their solution: go to the library. Except the libraries were closed. My eyes have been opened.
• We fostered a Golden Retriever puppy for two months until her forever owners were ready. It was heartbreaking to give her up. We’ll never do that again.
• My wife and I rebuilt our main staircase in the Craftsman-style. The hand-built newel post and railing came out beautifully. This the fourth house we’ve renovated and we’ve still got the touch.

 During my three-month practice retirement, I learned: sitting still is of the devil and not anything I can do for very long; the pizza place in town also delivers cocktails, wine, and beer; apparently toilet paper is a commodity; carpenters are essential workers (really?); I can still grow my hair to Ripon era length.”

My COVID-19 story began March 17th. That was the last day that I commuted to downtown Chicago. I was due to be off on March 20th because I was scheduled for a radical prostectomy for the removal of my prostate due to me being diagnosed in December with prostate cancer (there’s a story there on how I found out while checking into my hotel in San Antonio, Texas but that’s another time). My office had offered us the opportunity to work remotely from home and my manager insisted that I take advantage of that. So then on March 18th, while working from my home office, I get the call – your surgery, which is considered elective surgery, is postponed. No date was given as to when I could have the surgery. 

So I began doing branch office reviews, virtually. I have not seen the inside of an airport since Valentine’s weekend. Not that I’m complaining, but we had over 100 reviews to be done this year, so being able to do those reviews and interview virtually was both a fiscal savings and a physical savings. So every day, I travel the country virtually, talking to our representatives in offices from Florida to Washington and all parts in between. I have also become adept at cooking. By the way, I did have that radical prostectomy on June 12th. Everything is ok and they got all the cancer. So I’ll be around to torment all of you to write something for this Class Letter!! 

Pray for the College and the students as they continue their academic semester. These kids are facing things that we could never have imagined in our years at Ripon.

 As always, it is a pleasure to write to y’all. Also, when you got news, don’t hold on to it, drop me a note so I can make your Class Letter the best!!!

Love Always,

Kevin

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

PEGGY GERO DAVALT ’80

608.658.3779 / [email protected] / [email protected]

What Did We Do During COVID-19? Inquiring Minds Want To Know!!

There has been so much that we have all endured since March of 2020, when the world that we all knew and loved, suddenly changed overnight. For those of us who are still in the workforce, life changed. For those of us who are huge sports fans, life changed. For those of us who have hobbies that allowed us to travel all over the US, life there changed. For those of us who loved to travel abroad and domestically, that changed as well. The overall theme is that life changed.  Long ago and far away, my dad, Bob Gero P’80/P’82/P’84/P’85, shared with me one day, when I was lamenting something that “the only thing that is constant in life is change.” Truer words have never been spoken. Thanks, Dad, for those words of wisdom. I am going to keep any more of my thoughts on the COVID-19 life we live to myself as there are outlets for all of us to discuss the pros, the cons, the ins and outs of it on social media or amongst each other. I would like to think that if we are adults about all of this, we can agree to simply disagree on anything related to this current life we’re all living now.

As you all know, we were to have celebrated our 40th Class Reunion during Alumni Weekend 2020. Chalk that up to another “life changed” event. What did we do? We had some fun!! Since I work in technology and spent many days early-on in during the COVID-19 crisis, setting up Zoom meetings, Skype for Business meetings as well as GoToMeetings, it quickly became apparent that we could do weekly Zoom meetings leading up to the Class Reunion.

The Ripon College Class of 1980 has a Zoom Room that I host and own (my contribution to any of you that wish to join) – and we refer to it as the Ripon College Class of 1980 Digital Hot “Spot” – (for those of you that forgot…the “Spot” was a place to go and I have a small jetpack (country life) that is referred to a digital hot spot…so…once you’re done moaning, let me share what we do.

Back in April we started with our weekly meetings. They start at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday nights and go to 10 or 10:30 depending upon our discussions and how tired we all are.  I am going to salute my partners in crime on this – THANK YOU all for doing this with me. It really has made me get through this difficult time we live in and it’s just been plain fun!! Fun is good!!

We have had many laughs, total outrageous things happen – I’m thinking of a comment about a “burner phone” that caused us to just not stop laughing.  In a story that JEFF PENNEY ’80, BERT KOHLHAGEN ’80 and KATHY GOODBOUT ’80 were discussing – how the Theta Chis would need help getting ready for formals, Jeff shared this quotable quote, “We needed Garanimals for men.”  Let’s not forget the excitement of my wild house…complete with the occasional winged attendee (i.e., a bird that flew in the house while I was chatting…not to mention a bat, as well as a snake that have visited….not all when Peggy’s been on the Zoom room).  

Regular Attendees – 

PEGGY GERO DAVALT ’80 – I am considered an essential worker at the State of Wisconsin, Department of Health Services working as an IT professional for Central Wisconsin Center (CWC) and Mendota Mental Health Institute (MMHI). She will have 29 years in working for the state in September of this year. I do not plan to retire yet, and am looking more at my dream of building a new home. My mom, Anne Gero P’80/P’82/P’84/P’85, passed away in October 2019 at the age of 88. I still raise and show Gordon Setters and have been recently re-appointed to the Gordon Setter Club of America, Inc., Board of Governors. My youngest sister, RUTH ANNE GERO ADAMS ’85 – was going to be awarded one of the Distinguished Alumni Awards during Alumni Weekend 2020. We had been planning to make this a family outing where all four of us would be at Ripon at the same time. My brother, PAUL GERO ’82 and his family, have returned to Lake Mills, WI where Paul did an amazing photographic study he called, “Portraits in the Time of Corona” that was featured on area TV stations. My other sister, MARY GERO GRONHOLZ ’84 and her family also live in Lake Mills and they spend time with Paul and his family. Mary is in charge of her Mary Kay Unit where she is the Senior Cadillac Sales Director with Mary Kay. She has worked for Mary Kay for 29 years. We all miss Mom and we all know that she had a deep love for Ripon College.

KATHY GOODBOUT ’80 – Kathy retired on May 1, 2020 from Dominican University where she worked for 40 years in the Admissions Office. 

ROBERTA KOHLHAGEN ’80 – Bert is still working for the Rockford Park District in Rockford, IL, where she has been for 15 years. Her duties are wide and varied and now with COVID-19 around, it has been interesting to figure out who plays what team, who CAN play what team, where is the compressor when you need it? It’s pretty crazy most days. They have not had ice since May, however, they are hoping once the compressor is fixed then they can have lessons again.

JEFF PENNEY ’80 – Jeff sent me this information to publish in this edition of the R-Connection.  Jeff makes frequent stops to the Zoom Room. I think the first time he arrived, it took us all about 20 minutes to get him completely set-up properly.  ☺  Gotta love technology, right?

Here’s Jeff’s message to me – 

Peggy, I want to tell you about the great 40th reunion that I had this June. It was a gorgeous Wisconsin summer weekend. White billowy clouds drifted over Rodman creating a postcard scene. It was Saturday afternoon and another renewal of the spirited Alumni Lacrosse game was taking place. This bunch of geezers reliving their glory day never fails to entertain. Between the huffing and puffing and the celebratory cheers of goals scored, a faint murmur wafted up the hillside where the thousands of fans were cheering. Excitement built as a few people started to make out the sound? The vibe in the crowd grew as did the sound, still, some could not hear it well. What could it be!  Finally, as the speed of sound crested the lip of the curb by Bovay, the sound was unmistakable; it was the trademark of Ripon Lacrosse, PEEB (BILL SCHNESE ’79)!  Many cried from the pure emotion of the moment. Afterward, the players and the thousands of fans mingled and talked. Soon some adult beverages made their way onto the hallowed grounds and there was a great joy. The camaraderie, memories, laughter and hope continued into the Class dinners and onward throughout the night of immense revelry. All eventually passing out from the revelry of the Blessed Cow or the excitement of a great time. It was another classic Ripon party. When I woke the next day, to my heartbreak it had been just a great and vivid dream. The realization that that great weekend just didn’t happen was an extreme disappointment of epic proportions.Throughout the entire day, I was filled with melancholy, but for the life of me, I could not explain why I had a smile on my face.

KEVIN WARMACK ’79, KENNETH P. CAMPBELL ’82, and CATHY LATHROP HAGER ’82 join as they can. Thank you for joining the Class of 1980 on our Zoom Room meetings!

The week of the reunion, we opted to start the Zoom meeting a bit earlier and we had DEBBIE ALLEN SHEPERD ’80 stop in from Florida where she is at the moment. It was great to talk to her and to hear how she has been doing since she left Ripon in 1978, I believe she said and headed to the University of Texas at Austin (I think). 

A regular for a few weeks was SARA MAURER ’80 back in Wisconsin to visit with her dad. Sara has been retired for a couple of years and Kathy, Bert and I had great visits with her for the time she was back in WI. Thanks Sara for joining us. Hope all is well back in Alaska. It was great to visit with you.

Last week, LISA HEIMLER ’80, joined us (along with KATHY GOODBOUT ’80) as they were in Wisconsin doing their own “State Fair Gathering” which I’ll share more about in a bit. Lisa just retired from a career as a physical therapist in a nursing home in the greater Chicago area.

Thank you to all the Zoom Room folks who stop in to visit. It is fun and just in case you want to join, here is the permanent link to the room.

Weekly Zoom Meetings on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. CDT.  (ANY Ripon Alums are welcome to join). Questions call me at 608.658.3779

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86022070250?pwd=UHlvMDBSQ1Z2OXZPczJMdGZYeWVtdz09#success

Meeting ID: 860 2207 0250 // Password: 733821

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,86022070250#,,#,733821# US (Chicago)

+19292056099,,86022070250#,,#,733821# US (New York)

Dial by your location

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

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+1 253 215 8782 US

+1 301 715 8592 US

Other Awesome News From Classmates

TOM JACKSON ’80 – shared this with me – “Hi Peggy!  Quick update – I recently retired after a wonderful career in analytical chemistry – helping preserve memories at Kodak, moving the future of transportation forward at GM’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell research center and finishing by working at the University of Rochester (NY) Medical Center developing methods to measure lung cancer biomarkers. Now Deb and I are traveling and enjoying retirement!”

CHARLOTTE POHANKA SPARROW ’80 – shared her news with me – “Hi Peggy – How about – still living in the Chicago area and working Risk Mgmt. Interesting time to be in Risk Mgmt. Eek! Oldest daughter has shifted gears and moved to Madison last year working on her masters in modern day library science (not what it used to be for sure). My younger daughter just moved back to Chicago following four years in Boston. Still working for a luxury travel operator, but heading to new opportunities. WFH has allowed me to nurture my garden in the early morning hours and enjoy it in late summer evenings. Also, I manage to get in golf and patio social distancing. Hi to all. Thanks for working so hard for us Peggy!!”

(You’re quite welcome, Char!!  I love doing this….Ripon rocks!!  Peggy)

SUSAN ANGELL SCHMIDT ’80 shared this tidbit of information – anyone up for a road trip to Wausau? Susan is married to ANDREW SCHMIDT ’81.  

WINNETTA “WINNIE” JONES ’80 of St. Louis, Missouri, writes “greetings to classmates and hopes everyone is doing well and staying safe.” Thanks for writing in, Winnie!! Hope you are well too!

Dr. Robert Wallace – shared this with me: “Dr. Bob Wallace has been retired from teaching for just over 1 year, but he has an office and laboratory in Farr Hall and is still publishing papers on rotifers.”

I also want to give a huge shout out to BRICE TERBEEST ’14, who, through a series of synchronicities, has ended up helping me with some retirement stuff (that’s likely why I’m still working). His business partner is my massage therapist’s daughter. She told me that I just need to meet with her dad and his business partner (who went to Ripon)…..and that was really enough for me (plus she scheduled the appointment…)….and the other thing is that her son, SHAUN ROBERTS ’23 is also at Ripon. And….Brice plays tennis with JOLENE RUEDEN SCHATZINGER’s ’07, husband professor of politics and government, Henrik Schatzinger, at the Willmore Center. Guess that Ripon Connection has always been in my life and that is one thing that has not changed. It’s an incredible constant that many of us share and will forever share.

What do you do, when there is no State Fair in Wisconsin? You create your own!! I share with you some photos from the “Life Changed State Fair” that LISA HEIMLER ’80 and KATHY GOODBOUT ’80 created the week of August 3!!

The “official” cow of choice that came from the Dime Store in Sheboygan, WI (right Bert?)

The cow is looking at all of us on last week’s Zoom meeting – 

Upper left  PEGGY GERO DAVALT

Upper right – LISA HEIMLER ’80 AND KATHY GOODBOUT ’80

Bottom – BERT KOHLHAGEN ’80

State Fair Food Fare – COVID-19 Style – 

Must be breakfast of champions….I notice the Bloody Marys.  ☺ 

State Fair Food Fare – Dinner

Lienie’s Canoe Paddler and another libation that I’m not sure the variety.

Thanks for sharing this with us!!  HOW. FUN.!!!

I think that I got everyone that sent something to me!! I’m so excited to have shared all of this Class of 1980 information!! You are all amazing to send me information so that others can see just how engaged we are in being retired, still working, still drinking and still enjoying fun – even when life changed. We, too, can all be able to change so that we can still do the things we want to – albeit with a bit different spin.

To Ripon College,

Peggy Gero DaValt ’80

Ripon College Class Agent

PS – D’uh – Our 41st Reunion will be in conjunction with the Class of 1981’s at the old Pub now called The Spot. I believe that we’ll also be sharing with the Class of 1985 and 1986. Should be a GREAT time!! Mark your calendars for June 24-27, 2021. See you back on campus for Alumni Weekend, 2021, for an amazing gathering of epic proportions!! ☺

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

1981 – Fall 2020

LARRY NIKOLAUS ’81

[email protected]

Class of ’81,

Hopefully, this Class Letter finds you healthy and creating new ways to keep yourselves entertained and happy in this crazy COVID-19 world we are living in. It is hard for me to believe that in just nine months we will be celebrating 40 years since our graduation from this fine institution called Ripon College. I am glad to see that for most of us, we are proving that being 60 does not mean over the hill. Everyone seems to be biking, hiking, walking, running, traveling, and generally taking advantage of what life has to offer. Keeping my fingers crossed and saying a prayer that we have the chance to meet in person at our reunion next June.

Please look at your calendar and consider making the pilgrimage back to Ripon for our 40th Reunion on Saturday, June 26, 2021. We will be also looking for volunteers to help us plan a memorable gathering for the Class of ’81. If you are interested in helping, please let me know!

LARRY ’81 and KATHY HARBUT NIKOLAUS ’81: Here in Colorado, Kathy and I are attempting to excel at social distancing by getting out into nature for some camping, biking, and climbing an occasional 14ner. I continue to work for MITRE supporting the Air Force missile warning program. Like most folks, I am working from home 90% of the time. Kathy, as a physical therapist, is still seeing patients a few days a week. The biggest challenge for me has been keeping my Scouts together with virtual troop meetings and campouts (all of us in our own backyards and Zooming).

JEFF GILMER ’81and Mary have been busy with the move to retirement, and Jeff finalized his two-year transition from the company. They are enjoying wintertime in South Carolina- cycling, running, and getting time to see MIKE ’83 and ELI PETERSON GUZNICZAK ’83. They purchased a lake home in Minnesota that kept them busy with lots of remodeling and are looking forward to making the permanent move there.

Delta Upsilon: The brothers of DU (classes from ’78 on) have been making the best of social distancing by joining together in regular virtual pub crawls. Great beer, greater company, awesome memories, and no drive home. 

JEFF MCANDREW ’81and his wife, Debbie, celebrated 26 years of marriage this year and have taken some time to travel. They went to New Orleans for Jeff’s 60th and to Door County this summer for biking and hiking, staying at their favorite resort called The Country House. Jeff published a book of fiction in May 2019 called “Numinous” about a pastor who struggles with his faith. Jeff finds time to keep in touch and collaborate with FRED HERSOM ’82 and MICHAEL TOLLIFSON ’82 on song ideas and songwriting in general. Jeff’s family has stayed in regular contact with CRAIG SATHER ’80 family over the past 20 years and their sons have become good friends.

BLAINE GIBSON ’81 is looking forward to being a grandfather soon and working on his golf game. Living in Wisconsin as empty nesters they are looking to downsize in the next few years. Blaine recently co-curated his first art exhibit at the Cedarburg Art Museum featuring Black Collectors of Art titled ‘Eye Of The Beholder.’ It was a lot of fun and runs through September 27th. Blaine will step down as the museum’s board president in January. He is still working his day job with RBC Wealth Management. Life is good and they are blessed.

DAVID ’81 and KRISTIN KOHLES JANSSEN ’82 traveled to Alaska this summer. They visited with GREG GERBOTH ’81 and his family in Anchorage. They spent time on Fox Island in the Kenai Peninsula where we saw lots of orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions & puffins, as well as incredible glaciers. They were able to see Denali in all her glory as well as caribou, dall sheep and even grizzlies up close & personal (a mom & 2 cubs walked right behind their car)! They held their son Michael’s & Silvie’s wedding at their home in August of 2019 and they are moving back to Wisconsin from Colorado in October. They will be celebrating their son Greg’s & Lindsey’s wedding in Boulder on September 12.

Thanks to all of you that contributed to Ripon’s #OneDayRally. Our class contributed over $80,000. Remember what Ripon College meant for you and continue your support.

Best,

Larry

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

PETER HINTZ ’82/P’10 

W844 Lakeside Drive, Green Lake, WI 54941

920-229-4399 / [email protected] 

KRISTEN RASMUSSEN OLSON ’82 

1204 10th Street NW, Austin, MN 55912

507-279-1091 / [email protected]

Dear Class of 1982:

We hope this letter finds you and your families well! 

KRISTEN RASMUSSEN OLSON ’82 and I (PETER HINTZ ’82/P’10) write to kick off our reunion preparations for our 40th Reunion in the summer of 2022. With enough help and interest, we can truly make this 40th a reunion to remember! 

At this time, we are forming a reunion committee to help create an unforgettable weekend, and we are also seeking volunteers to contact hard-to-reach classmates and to help plan events. If any of you would like to volunteer, in any capacity, we would be happy to have your assistance. We look at this reunion as an opportunity to reestablish connections for those who may have fallen away from contact with the College, in addition as a chance to gather with old roommates, dorm mates, living group friends, fraternity and sorority brothers and sisters, and all other classmates and friends!

Some ideas for the Reunion in June of 2022 include the following:

1. Class Booklet

Since many of us have not been in contact with each other in quite a while, a compilation reunion pamphlet/booklet/digital book would provide an opportunity to share and catch up. Many classes for 40th and 50th reunions have done this. Information included in the booklet could be, among other things,

1. Majors/living group
2. Family
3. Post-Ripon education & careers
4. What you are up to now
5. Favorite Ripon memory (class, professor, activity, music, roommate)
6. Share photos: Green List, graduation, submitted photos

We can also pay homage to members of the class who we have lost. 

2. Dinner

Normally, for significant reunions like our 40th, a formal dinner has been offered at a location on campus. As with our 35th reunion, which we held in Lane Library, we can have an informal entrée-type hors d’oeuvres dinner. We can also opt for an off-campus location. Another alternative, which Kristen and I find intriguing, is to have a “Springfest” type of event on the lawn outside the reunion with a keg and other beverages and informal music and food, and maybe even a band. Some of you are talented musicians in your own right, and maybe you would consider being part of the entertainment. That would certainly be special.

3. Other Reunion Activities:

We rented a big boat on Green Lake for our 35th Reunion. As you may know, the Heidel House closed in 2019, but talks are in the works here in Green Lake for a revamped resort. We may be able to avail ourselves to some of the amenities of the lake on this public space by then.

We welcome any of your ideas! 

Assuming and hoping that our current pandemic is resolved in the near future, Kristen and I encourage all of you to try to attend, but if that is not possible, please try to connect in some way. I am reminded of lyrics from The Car’s song, “Just What I Needed,” from their first album from 1978, “It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, as long as it was deep. Yeah.” We’ve all been on our own journeys. Alumni Weekends and Class Reunions are a great opportunity to share these experiences and celebrate our common experience as students.

For those of you who haven’t been to campus in awhile, you will note some things have changed. The road in front of Tri-Dorms and the Commons is closed, creating a nice campus walkway, and there is a campus green where the old gym used to be. There is a newly remodeled gym and fitness center and a new collaborative learning center in the library called the Franzen Center for Academic Success. Many things, however, are much the same. Living in nearby Green Lake and close to Ripon, I have taken advantage of walking the beautiful (and sadly vacant) campus this summer. Recently, on a whim, I tried a door to Scott Hall, and, finding it open, meandered up the 63 stairs (I remember counting them as a freshman) to 4th floor New Scott, to visit my old room, Room 406, which I had not visited since the spring of 1979. The hallway was much smaller and shorter than in my memory. They had painted some of the woodwork in the rooms “Ripon red,” but otherwise the rooms and furniture (and the view- spectacular for a college dorm) were much the same. 

While peeking into JOHN COLLIN ’82’s freshman room, next to mine, facing Lane Library side, I was reminded of the time John and I were in his room, in the spring of 1979, with the windows open, listening to Van Halen’s first album at a rather loud volume on a fine sunny afternoon, when Steve, the RA from Scott Hall (who lived exactly 63 stairs below us), came up to inform us that the library had called him and requested that we turn down our stereo, since it was bothering students in the library studying for exams. What a trip down memory lane.

For many of us, the freshman experience on campus was so profound. It is this residential and community experience that makes Ripon so special. Happily, the College is opening to in-person classes in the fall, with very thoughtful precautions and preparations. You can find this and other news online at https://www.ripon.edu/news/.

Best wishes to all of you and your families. Please submit any ideas you’d like to share to us for the reunion, and let us know if you’d like to help in any capacity. With your help, we can make it a fun and memorable event. Even if you are unable to help, we would love to hear from you. Drop us a note to our emails and we will be happy to pass along any news you wish to share. Don’t forget pictures, too!

News from our classmates:

We recently posted our spring class letter online on the R Connections website (https://www.ripon.edu/rconnections/). Please read news from KRISTIN JANSSEN ’82, MARTI SPITTELL ZIEGELBAUER ’82, KEVIN SHERIDAN ’82, KRISTEN OLSON ’82, and NANCY BUCK HINTZ ’82 and myself. 

Additionally, STEVEN WOODS ’82 of Prescott, Arizona, writes, “As the chief supply chain officer for the northern Arizona VA healthcare system, the COVID-19 emergency has been a trying time, but also rewarding knowing that keeping our medical facilities supplied and equipped enables our clinicians to save veteran lives.” 

Cheers,

PETER HINTZ ’82

Co- Class Agent with KRISTEN RASMUSSEN OLSON ’82

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

BARB WILLIAMS CLAY ’83

(612) 749-5010 / [email protected]

Greetings Class of 1983 – 

It’s been a while since we last connected and what a difference a year can make. JOHN CLAY ’83 is managing through the challenges of distance learning and working through constant change. It’s hard on all involved and especially for the kids. I am thankful to be working from home for RGA. It has been an amazing company, has been strong on retaining the workforce, and getting more involved in social justice.  

We got a chance to see our kids this summer and we were so grateful for that opportunity. It was more than a half year which is the longest we have gone without seeing them. This along with so many other situations will make the stories to be told in years to come. 

Here are the updates for Ripon at the time that this letter is written:

• #OneDayRally (ODR) was a wonderful success with a total of $1,918,598 raised for the college from 2,015 donors. The Class of 1983 has been consistently strong in giving with 32 participants raising $499,064 for ODR and 15 participants supporting the emergency assistance fund. This support is especially appreciated during these unprecedented times. 
• Students will be returning in the fall with Reunite Ripon precautions to ensure safety for all.
• Ripon has been supporting connections with alumni and current students through the R Connections Webinar Series to assist in navigating the pandemic along with many other topics. Check out the schedule and you can watch the recorded webinars at your convenience.
• The Alumni Board continues to meet via Zoom with a focus on supporting our current students and alumni connections. 

We have such an amazing class with so many making impacts.

LAWRENCE D. HUEBNER ’83 of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, writes, “I was fortunate to have received two special NASA awards during the past year. The first was the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Director’s Award. This award honors individuals for defending a technical position that conflicts with the Program or Organization’s initial or prevailing engineering perspectives, and for taking personal initiative to foster clear and open communication and resolve controversial issues. It was awarded to me in recognition of outstanding achievement of upholding the guiding principles of the NESC in leading the Boeing Commercial Crew Program Aerosciences Peer Review Team. The second award was for NASA Exceptional Service medal.”  

Thanks for the privilege of being your Class Agent and please take time to look for the blessings that come your way. 

Barb

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

HEATHER MCFADDEN BARRIE ’85

(262) 628-1377 / [email protected]

Reflecting on everything that has transpired in the first eight months of 2020, I am reminded of a class I took when I was working on my MBA – Finance Analysis – not one of my stronger subjects – nonetheless a course required to obtain my master’s degree. Two words the professor told the class at the beginning of the semester – “Don’t Panic!”

I “struggled” with the class – I “struggled” with the professor – I “struggled” with everything about the class every time I entered the classroom. I eventually came to realize that my internal “struggles” with this class – the “struggles” I had control over would never help me prevail until I took control of the situation! In other words, “Don’t Panic!” became my mantra to get through this class.

Here I am 30 years later hearing that professor’s words ring loud and clear in my head – “Don’t Panic!” – as the world endures a pandemic. Easier said than done! As the fall semester begins, Ripon College students, faculty and staff – “Don’t Panic!”

Let’s remind ourselves what happens when we panic – we get stuck focusing on fearful thoughts!

When we become anxious, stressed and start to panic, we should remind ourselves to pause and focus on what we can and can’t control that is causing us to feel this way. Control becomes the operative word. For me during this Pandemic, it took me a while to truly embrace the things I could and couldn’t control that caused me to panic, become anxious and more stressed out. I realized that watching too much TV, participating in too much social media, and engaging with people who had negative energy increased my stress levels, making me more anxious and causing me to panic. The solution became quite simple – turn off the TV, put my phone down and ensure I hung around people with positive energy.

As a new school year begins at Ripon College and on other campuses around the world, there’s no doubt this Pandemic will continue to generate panic, anxiety and stress in some shape or form among the student population. Let the words of a wise Professor prevail – “Don’t Panic!” Focus on what you can control within your environment to help alleviate these feelings.

Stick to the basics: Get plenty of rest — Eat well — Stay active

Beyond the basics: Identify what triggers your negative energy and what triggers your positive energy.

And most important: “Don’t panic!”

Advice from a fellow 1985 classmate, MARK JONAS ’85: “…enjoy the process. It is memorable, historic, unprecedented, etc… and it is your history. Have fun with it!”

As always, I look forward to hearing your updates and news so that I can share them with classmates in our upcoming class letters. Thank you to everyone who supported the College this past fiscal year. Our class had nine individuals who made a gift on #OneDayRally and we had 12 individuals who stepped up to support the Emergency Assistance Fund.

I look forward to hearing from you in the future!

Heather

A Note from the Office of Constituent Engagement:  Stay up-to-date with our latest news and information. Make sure that we have your most updated contact information including email and phone number by visiting ripon.edu/update-contact-info or emailing [email protected].

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement