1975 – Spring 2021 Class Letter

Greetings, Class of 1975!

To gather or not to gather – that is the question – like so much of COVID-19 pandemic life for the past year! I certainly would like to gather, and the good news is I now have information to share about this summer’s Alumni Weekend plans. Alumni Weekend 2021 will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen with two distinct summer weekends of Ripon alumni programming for us. No matter how you’d like to connect, virtually or in person, the Office of Constituent Engagement is developing a variety of activities to continue to follow CDC, Fond du Lac County and College guidelines in both June and August. Full schedules, lodging, and programming details will be posted soon to www.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend.
JUNE 2021

• In honor of our June Alumni Weekend traditions, virtual alumni programming will be held Tuesday, June 22 through Saturday, June 26, and will include: an alumni town hall, R Connections webinars, affinity socials, a summer book club, and special recognition of the 2020 and 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees. 
• The only in-person event, the Doc Weiske ’50 Memorial Golf Scramble, will be held off-campus on Friday, June 25. 

AUGUST 2021
A combination of virtual and in-person Alumni Weekend programming will be held the first week of August. We will continue to evaluate the state of COVID-19. If circumstances change at the local and national level and we need to cancel in-person programming, that decision will be made and communicated by July 1, 2021.

• Virtual programming will be held Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 and will include: a reunion-focused alumni town hall that also previews the new academic year, additional R Connections webinars, the summer book club capstone, and the traditional “That Was Then” storytelling session. 
• In-person, on-campus programming will be held Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8 and will focus on alumni awards recognition including for our very own JON FASANELLI-CAWELTI ’75, a 2020 Distinguished Alumni Citation Winner; 2020 and 2021 reunion celebrations including our 45th Class Reunion, and will feature other outdoor events like Rally Run and prairie walk.
• Additionally, the Class of 2020 will officially be welcomed to our alumni community with a special commencement ceremony.

In personal news, I’m enjoying my new job as editor of twice-a-month and monthly news magazines and relish any time walking on the beach with my husband or hanging out with my grandkids (Matthew is 4 ½ and Amaris is 3 ½, he loves LEGO fire engines and she loves to toss a ball, so much fun!), but I’d like to see all of you, too!
In California, we have seen COVID-19 cases decline rapidly since the Christmas holiday. This makes sense. A contact tracing study in New York State of 46,000 cases found 74% came from private family or social gatherings (and my guess is masks were not worn). But California’s vaccine rollout has been slow and confusing with shortages, and people have different opinions about whether older people (65 and up, like us) should get the vaccine first (because the death rate is higher for people age 65 and up) or whether teachers should get priority so children can get in-person instruction.
Ripon College started classes virtually on January 25 after campus-wide testing and then the small number of cases and low positivity rate of .26 percent allowed in-person instruction to begin. The campus dashboard shows zero percent of isolation and quarantine beds in use as I write this. Updates are posted at https://www.ripon.edu/coronavirus-information/.
Despite the challenges, the campus reports good news on the admissions front: A 30% increase in deposits by incoming freshmen, a 40% increase in athletes three times more students from the four-county area surrounding Ripon, about even between men and women, with 35% first-generation students, which is up slightly.
I will say I am looking forward to our Class Reunion the first weekend in August, and so is RICK ESTBERG ’75 our Ripon Jeopardy host. He emailed me before a Zoom call in which we received updates on Alumni weekend saying, “This year I don’t think we can be stopped!” Hopefully, we get to see many of you at our Class Reunion on Saturday, August 7.
Also, #OneDayRally will take place on April 28 to generate support for Ripon College. The goal is to get 2,021 people to give (How did they pick that number?!!). You’ll see updates on Facebook throughout the day. The theme will focus on how things change, but overall stay the same, and how Ripon College is thriving in the face of adversity. Alumni leaders will be promoting this day with t-shirts and stickers so now you’ll know what #ODR means!
Here’s the class news. Please email me at jondigumz@yahoo.com to submit more news anytime you have anything to share!
BILL BRADBURN ’75 of Indianapolis, Indiana, has been designated an Indiana Artisan because of his crafted writing instruments. He is among 221 visual and food artists in 56 counties whose work carries the prestigious designation. You can read a feature story on Ripon College’s website here.
“My desire is to design and make writing instruments that blend utility and beauty,” Bradburn says. “Owners might transcribe to-do lists and manuscripts, lecture notes and love notes, symphonies and sympathy letters. Only writing tools crafted with great care can fully honor their owners and what they will record. Quality and uniqueness are keys to the work. I want the owners of my writing instruments to have complete confidence in the quality and durability of their purchases. They know that they will not see an identical design anywhere else; their writing instrument is distinctive.”
See his work at penchant4.com. Email him at wbradburn@gmail.com. At Ripon, Bradburn majored in drama.
DIANA “DUSTI” AUSTRING ’75 emails from New Zealand: “I’m still relishing my personal sanctuary space here on Waiheke (Aotearoa / NZ) and have now lived at the same actual address for over 21 years! This from the gal who’d never lived in any one town longer than three years, and attended 13 schools before coming to Ripon for three years.
“I’ve finally kinda-sorta retired except for the continued casual relieving I do at our local library. There wasn’t a lot of work from March-October, but I’ve been back to 1-2 shifts per week on average. I love spending time working in my yard (quarter-acre with BIG TREES in the front half), playing with my 13-year-old Choc Burmese cat, Bijou (who thinks she’s the bees’ knees when it comes to clowning around), reading, and playing pickleball several times per week (when lockdown permits, of course!) And, of course, still keeping my USANA business going–EveryDay4Life–and taking my nutritionals every day, and haven’t been sick and am still on no meds of any sort. 
“I spent a lovely month in Perth (Australia) with my youngest son and his family (Kris & Tory, and granddaughters Natasha Caroline (5), Sienna Rose (3), and Isabelle Scout (1) from January to February 2020. 
“Then back home for a week before heading to Tombstone, Arizona for a visit with my siblings on the “home turf.” Drove to Colorado (with my sister ROBERTA AUSTRING ’70, who lives in Kodiak, Alaska) the first weekend of March and had a great family reunion with cousins, some of whom I hadn’t seen since the ’60s! That was when everything COVID-19 started hitting the fan up there, but we managed to get through our weekend with no issues among the 30-odd people who descended on one cousin’s luxurious B&B at River House, in Durango, Colorado. 
“Was back quietly enjoying the property in Tombstone when advised by the New Zealand government on the 15th that if I wanted to get back into New Zealand, I should do it ASAP because they were likely to close the borders soon. I managed to change my flight from the 30th to the 19th, and had a surreal trip back home. I arrived on the last day they still allowed returning travelers to use public transport to get home–and was allowed onto the Waiheke ferry only after all others had boarded, being ushered to the top deck all by myself. Didn’t really matter that I was required to isolate for 14 days, as that’s when the first lockdown happened anyway. A friend who returned the next week was required to go straight into managed isolation regardless of living locally, so I was very lucky to get back when I did!
“With COVID-19, we’ve been through two lockdowns (the 1st total lockdown from 25 March-27 April; the 2nd all-but-lockdown from 12-30 August) and are likely to have more as there are still citizens returning from overseas (and far fewer leaving) so many that our population has grown to over five million now. Returnees are isolated/quarantined for two weeks, but there have been a couple of instances of COVID-19 in the community from frontline workers and/or people just out of quarantine who then test positive. So far they’ve been caught and tracked quickly enough, but there’s always a chance… 
“I feel almost guilty to be here with virtually no COVID-19 threats or restrictions at present, and knowing what is going on in the U.S. and so other many parts of the world. Masking is required for public transport, but there are no current gathering or travel restrictions, and life goes on again almost as ‘normal.’ Our ‘Team of Five Million’ stands ready, though, to react quickly should it again be needed.
“I hope that things improve elsewhere and that you will, indeed, be able to have a gathering later in the year.” She’s at everyday4life@gmail.com.
LITA KATZ ’75 of Silver Spring, Maryland, emails: “My grandson was born April 15. He and his parents live only about ten miles from us, but because of the blankety-blank pandemic we haven’t been able to get together much. We all isolated for a while when his daycare was closed toward the end of December, so we got together on January third before he went back to daycare and my daughter Sarah went back to work. I hope to get to the reunion in June, and do some other visiting in the Midwest.” She’s at litakatz@verizon.net.
LINDA MOGICATO SASSER ’75 is still enjoying life in Arizona with Carey, her husband of 41 years. Since COVID-19 put a kibosh on her live speaking, in 2020 she began doing webinars, and currently offers some on memory, brain health, and sleep. Linda and Carey stay active by biking, kayaking, swimming, and playing bocce. My son, Scott, is an attorney in California, and daughter Nicole and husband in Orlando are due to give Linda and Carey their third grandson in March. Linda’s book “Brain SENSE: A Guide and Workbook to Keep Your Mind and Memory Sharp” continues to sell on Amazon. She’s able to be reached at memory_concepts@comcast.net.
MARY ELIZABETH JENKEL DELK ’75 emails from Austin, Texas: “COVID-19 numbers in Texas are dropping and things seem to be getting ‘back to normal’ pretty quickly. We were able to see our grandkids throughout, which helped considerably. We all spent Thanksgiving in Green Bay celebrating my mom’s 90th birthday. It was a real treat to all be together. If any of you find yourselves in Austin, Texas, please call or stop by!” She’s at 763-442-0919 and marybethdelk@gmail.com.
SCOTT TREMBERTH ’75 emails from Henderson, Nevada: “Glad you’re doing good, Jondi! Stay safe.” He’s at stremberth@yahoo.com.
And I have some new emails for classmates.
R.P. ASHLEY III ’75 is at arp@chorus.net.
JON FASANELLI-CAWELTI ’75 is at jonjafc@gmail.com.
GLEN NESPER ’75 is at glen.nesper@yahoo.com.
LESTER PAGANO ’75 is at lapj1952@yahoo.com.
ANDY RICHARDS ’75 is at richardsdarlene@hotmail.com.
And I’m looking for new emails, if you can help, for STEVE ANDERSON ’75, EDDIE CASELBERRY ’75, BARBARA POTTER DAVIDSON ’75, RANDY GOREE ’75, and DENNIS O’LEARY ’75.
Please stay in touch and let’s hope for the best in 2021!
JONDI GUMZ ’75
H: 831-461-1120 / M: 831-461-5946 / jondigumz@yahoo.com
Your 1975 Class Agent

Submitted by: Class Agent: Jondi Gumz

1976 – Spring 2021 Class Letter

Greetings, Class of 1976!

Hello Classmates!  
We are sure most of you are glad to put 2020 in the rearview mirror and are looking forward to some sort of return to normalcy in 2021! I (PETER TUZ ’76) had my first COVID-19 vaccine shot last week and can’t wait for the second. Having a daughter in Germany with our three grandchildren, not being able to travel was the real bummer for me in 2020. We are sure many of you have similar stories. Feel free to share them with me (petertuz@aol.com) or MICHELE BARAN WITTLER ’76 (wittlerm@ripon.edu). 
As you plan your year, one event we would like you to add to your 2021 plans now is our 45th Reunion.
Alumni Weekend 2021 will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen with two distinct summer weekends of Ripon alumni programming for us. No matter how you’d like to connect, virtually or in person, the Office of Constituent Engagement is developing a variety of activities to continue to follow CDC, Fond du Lac County and College guidelines in both June and August. Full schedules, lodging, and programming details will be posted soon to www.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend.
JUNE 2021

• In honor of our June Alumni Weekend traditions, virtual alumni programming will be held Tuesday, June 22 through Saturday, June 26, and will include: an alumni town hall, R Connections webinars, affinity socials, a summer book club, and special recognition of the 2020 and 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees. 
• The only in-person event, the Doc Weiske ’50 Memorial Golf Scramble, will be held off-campus on Friday, June 25. 

AUGUST 2021
A combination of virtual and in-person Alumni Weekend programming will be held the first week of August. We will continue to evaluate the state of COVID-19. If circumstances change at the local and national level and we need to cancel in-person programming, that decision will be made and communicated by July 1, 2021.

• Virtual programming will be held Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 and will include: a reunion-focused alumni town hall that also previews the new academic year, additional R Connections webinars, the summer book club capstone, and the traditional “That Was Then” storytelling session. 
• In-person, on-campus programming will be held Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8, and will focus on alumni awards recognition, 2020 and 2021 reunion celebrations, and other outdoor events such as Rally Run and prairie walk.
• Additionally, the Class of 2020 will officially be welcomed to our alumni community with a special commencement ceremony.

In the meantime, since our last Class Letter we have heard from DAVE SCHWIER ’77 who is retired, living in Minneapolis, has had COVID-19, and is now enjoying a well-deserved trip to Costa Rica with his wife KATHY CULLEY ’80.
Fellow Minnesotan, PHIL JENNI ’76, continues his work as executive director for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota, mostly remotely from his home in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Like many of us, he hasn’t been able to visit his children and grandchildren who are living in Madison.
GERALD ROTHROCK ’76/P’12 is now officially a snowbird, spending half of the year in Maine and the other half (plus one day) in Florida where he and his wife Liz ’P12 purchased a house in the past year.
CHIP SOUTHGATE ’77 and his wife MARCY BILLINGTON SOUTHGATE ’77 have lived in Keene, New Hampshire for 30 years. They have four grandchildren. He, DAVE SCHWIER ’77, and PHIL JENNI ’76 took a bike trip around Wisconsin’s “Driftless Region” a few years ago and were able to visit Professor Bill Woolley P’92 at his home in New Berlin, Wisconsin. Chip shared the accompanying photos of the three bikers as well as one of Dave, KATHY CULLEY ’80, Paul Axelrod P’12, Michelle Fuerch P’12, Marcy, and Chip on a trip to Costa Brava in 2018. They all look exactly the same to me. 
CANDI HUTCHISON ’76 writes, “I am back in Colorado after a longer than originally anticipated time in Louisville, Kentucky. Up until Louisville, we had lived in several places, each for a handful of years. The impetus for the locale was to experience various parts of the country. The south-central region, in my opinion, is an unsung jewel, both in beauty and history. I’m not sure what had us embedded in the area for so long but the snug complacency seemed to deaden an inner vitality, so it was time to wake things up. I went to grad school in Boulder and spent my early adult years there. When it was time to pull up stakes, I knew then I would return west someday. I wasn’t sure it would be Colorado but here I am in Loveland, Colorado. I thought I would rebuild my staging and home/business styling company of 15 years here, but I should have known since my intention for the move was a psychic angioplasty, opening the channels for enhanced flow, that trying to recreate the same situation could not occur. Over a few months, I would set up staging appointments with homeowners and realtors and a plethora of extraneous reasons lead to most being canceled. It became quite humorous and a resounding ‘OK, I get it,’ prevailed. In waltzed COVID-19 and out sprung brushes, paint, and an expanded dedication to my fine art. Like with most new ventures, getting the word out is part of the leg work. I am using our Class Letter to do just that. (Thank you MICHELE BARAN WITTLER ’76 and PETER TUZ ’76 for picking up the well-championed job from JULIE CARLSON ’76 and connecting us once again.) I invite you to visit my website (candi-art.com), share it with others, and give an original art piece to someone special. This year is our 45th Class Reunion and stepping out from around the corner is our 50-year Class Reunion…oh, my gosh! Ripon memories remain vivid and those experiences were a rich and vital launchpad.”
TOM BROMAN ’76 of Barneveld, Wisconsin, spoke via Zoom on November 11, 2020, for Dr. Barbara Sisson’s “Biology of Cancer” class at Ripon College. The discussion centered on President Richard Nixon’s “war on cancer” and the impacts it has had on technology and research. Classmates MICHELE BARAN WITTLER ’76 and STEPHEN PUGH ’76 also joined via Zoom for Tom’s discussion.
ELLEN COLE SMITH ’76 of John’s Island, South Carolina, writes, “We are moving after 22 years in Atlanta to Seabrook Island, South Carolina.”
MARK TESIK ’76 of Portage, Wisconsin, is a chaplain at Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage, Wisconsin. He is thrilled to see our new Class Agents are hard at work and looks forward to our 45th Class Reunion in 2021!
RICHARD RUSSO ’76 of Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a new member of the Ripon College Board of Trustees. The official announcement can be accessed here.
KITTY NORTON ’76 moved to Springfield, Virginia, in January 2020 to live with her son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. She has been working with Wells Fargo Advisors for the past 22 years. She wishes us all a happy and safe 2021 and adds that she’s ready to travel and would like to see friends and fellow 1976 classmates JULIE CARLSON ’76, KAREN VOWELS EARLE ’76, and RUTH ANN STODOLA ’76. 
We also have some sad news to share:
WAYNE G. DAVIS ’76 of Winterset, Iowa, died Nov. 6, 2020. At Ripon, he majored in art, worked on WRPN radio and College Days student newspaper, and was a member of Beta Sigma Pi. He was an advertising director for Mills Fleet Farm, vice president of advertising for Central Tractor Farm & Family, and director of marketing for MicroFrontier. He was owner/president of TYPExpress and Digimage Arts where he used his skills in photography and videography in website development and marketing. He enjoyed traveling and served as a documentarian and ambassador for the Madison County Chamber of Commerce and secretary for the John Wayne Birthplace. Survivors include his wife, Kim; and one son. His first wife, PATTI CARVER DAVIS ’76, died in 2002.
We hope to hear and/or see from as many of you as possible in 2021. 
Stay safe!
Peter Tuz ’76
petertuz@aol.com
Michele Baran Wittler ’76
wittlerm@ripon.edu

Submitted by: Class Agents: Peter Tuz & Michele Wittler

1977 – Spring 2021 Class Letter

Greetings, Class of 1977!

Serving as our Class Agent means that I write one letter each semester that is sent to members of our class. I’ve been in this role since the spring of 2010 when NANCY BERRY TOLLESON ’77 phoned me one evening and asked if I’d be willing to rescue her from the Class Agent role that she had been serving for five years. She had followed in the footsteps of LARRY MALCHOW ’77/P’14, MARSHA TOLL ’77, and CLAIRE SANTARELLI GREGOIRE ’77. It has been a great privilege to have this role. If you have dreamed about taking over, talk to me, otherwise, I’ll keep serving.
This has been fun because it has brought me closer to our college than I had been in most of the years since 1977. And it has occurred partly during the years that two of my children attended and graduated from Ripon. Between this role, being a parent, and attending some of the annual Alumni Weekends, it sometimes feels like college wasn’t really 44 years ago.
I like hearing from you (either directly, or through notes you send to the College) because it helps me write this letter. I noticed that this time I’ve heard from three women, all with the letter “J” beginning their names. Let’s have some more variety in my next letter.
Class Notes:
JEAN “J.J.” VAN NAME ’77 moved to the Bay area of California in 2018 primarily for the strong Shakespeare community and has been cast in five plays, recently receiving a BATCC (Bay Area Theatre Critic’s Circle) nomination for Best Principal Actress in the San Francisco premiere of THE CAKE.
JANE STURTEVANT ’77 of Surprise, Arizona, writes, “I traveled to Iceland just before the pandemic started. Gorgeous place, so glad I went!”
JEAN BLACK ’77 of Inverness, Illinois, replied to my Facebook request for news to share: At the moment, nothing significant to add, just varying episodes of sadness throughout the past year. We were saved as a year ago we were set to sail on the Grand Princess – the one that couldn’t dock because of COVID-19. Wow! So, after that lots of bird watching, yard work, walking, cleaning, and dealing with several family health scares. Now constantly shoving mounds of snow and chipping inches of ice off of our driveway while waiting to get the vaccine in our arms. Looking forward to getting out to see people again!
Personally, I am finally free of a job. In October I decided my employer wasn’t respecting COVID-19 safety enough, and I was worried. With only five months until my planned retirement date, I decided to leave a bit early. I must say that I enjoy retirement and the change in responsibilities. I had been an IT Department worker and was always on call.
I was a member of the Beta Sigma Pi fraternity. The fraternity ceased existence years ago. But we had one member, Harvey Keck, a very mysterious guy who seemed always to be around while apparently unseen. (Okay, he is a myth.) In the past several years Harvey has been sending emails to all of us and has gotten us to start having monthly Zoom meetings. Because most of us didn’t know each other, and others have been forgotten, one of our members (MIKE ZEHFUS ’76) took on the role of collecting short “bio sketches” from the brothers and then sharing. That’s been fun to read. Any interest in doing something like this with our class?
MICHAEL POULOS ’77 shared something with my fraternity brothers, and I’m sharing with you. In 1976 the College celebrated its 125th anniversary. In 2021, we celebrate the 170th anniversary. Michael wrote, “For the 125th, I conducted the brothers of Beta Sigma Pi kazoo band, and then I conducted the Ripon College Chamber Singers in my own ‘Choral Variations on Happy Birthday Ripon College’ in a packed Memorial Gym.” You can hear his recording here.
You may be aware that Ripon College has been working to increase the size of its endowment so that it has the money it needs to help students attend an affordable school. In March, it was announced that the endowment had grown to $100 million. Zach Messitte, Ripon College’s 13th president, said: “The larger the endowment, the less we have to rely on students’ tuition dollars. Over the decades, alumni and friends have been incredibly generous, believing in our mission. They have donated their time, treasure and talent to make sure our future will continue to be bright.” We are still growing the endowment and welcome your help. To read more, click here.
As you know, Ripon College is always seeking donations. The fiscal year ends June 30, so this date is always mentioned in fundraising appeals. Normally we have an Alumni Weekend in late June, just before that deadline.
Alumni Weekend 2021 will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen with two distinct summer weekends of Ripon alumni programming for us. No matter how you’d like to connect, virtually or in person, the Office of Constituent Engagement is developing a variety of activities to continue to follow CDC, Fond du Lac County and College guidelines in both June and August. Full schedules, lodging, and programming details will be posted soon to www.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend.
JUNE 2021
In honor of our June Alumni Weekend traditions, virtual alumni programming will be held Tuesday, June 22 through Saturday, June 26, and will include: an alumni town hall, R Connections webinars, affinity socials, a summer book club, and special recognition of the 2020 and 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees. The only in-person event, the Doc Weiske ’50 Memorial Golf Scramble, will be held off-campus on Friday, June 25. 
AUGUST 2021
A combination of virtual and in-person Alumni Weekend programming will be held the first week of August. We will continue to evaluate the state of COVID-19. If circumstances change at the local and national level and we need to cancel in-person programming, that decision will be made and communicated by July 1, 2021.
Virtual programming will be held Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 and will include: a reunion-focused alumni town hall that also previews the new academic year, additional R Connections webinars, the summer book club capstone, and the traditional “That Was Then” storytelling session. 
In-person, on-campus programming will be held Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8, and will focus on alumni awards recognition, 2020 and 2021 reunion celebrations, and other outdoor events such as Rally Run and prairie walk.
I believe this letter will be emailed to you, so perhaps this announcement will reach you in time. Ripon College will celebrate One Day Rally (#OneDayRally) on April 28. This is a newer tradition. At its core, #OneDayRally is meant to bring everyone together as a community to celebrate an institution that has shaped the lives of so many in unique and similar ways. Join us in reaching our goal of 2,021 donors in 20 hours and 21 minutes! 
Last year, 2015 donors contributed $1,918,598 for the Ripon Fund and the new Emergency Assistance Fund. Please join us this year. We’re even having a photo contest if you have an old picture, or even something newer, to share, click here.
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.
Here is a picture from Alumni Weekend in 2019. Pictured from left to right are: JEAN BLACK ’77, MARYJO MACSWAIN ’77, Myself (Alan), CONNIE JESS ZOLKOSKE ’77, and my wife Diana P’08/P’14. Inspire yourself to attend this summer, or any summer. Our class has a five-year get-together in 2022 to celebrate our 45th anniversary of graduation.
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. Also, if you aren’t already a member of the Class of 1977 Facebook group, please join.
Always for Ripon, 
ALAN LAWRENCE ’77/P’08/P’14
(920) 730-9515 / alan_lawrence99@yahoo.com
Your 1977 Class Agent

Submitted by: Class Agent: Alan Lawrence

1978 – Spring 2021 Class Letter

Greetings, Class of 1978!

I hope this first Class Letter of 2021 finds you and your families in good spirits and most especially in good health! At the start of 2021, most of us are qualified (or just about qualified) for a priority COVID-19 vaccine group at age 65. Perhaps our fall letter will finally be when we have arrived at our new normal, post-virus, with vaccinations, and without masks and trepidation. 
As a class, it appears we have weathered the last year in fairly good health, but I expect that all of us have friends and family that have been affected and others of us are facing some very serious health challenges unrelated to COVID-19. That makes this an important time to reach out to our fellow classmates and faculty. I see that LARRY LAUX ’78 checked in on retired Professor Wayne Larsen in the last few weeks. MIKE CHAMBERLAIN ’78 and CHIN-WEI FONG’s ’78 request for publisher recommendations for their book detailed in our updates below gave me a chance to reach out to Professor Doug Northrop and Ripon College President Zach Messitte. The Ripon faculty and administration were happy to assist just like when we were students. Doug and Zach were immediately responsive to Mike’s request with recommendations for publishers.
If any of you would like to reach out to other classmates or faculty and need contact information, please let me know. I will do my best to find a way to help you reach out to them. 
The college continues to respond to other issues of great importance to us. You may recall from our spring letter last year that DANNI CALDWELL’s ’78 son is engaged to a woman, Suyi, from Myanmar. In January, Suyi was still there since getting her visa proved to be challenging in the former administration, compounded by COVID-19. Next, there was the added complication of the military coup following a general election on February 1. Suyi’s sister LYNN WHUT HMONE ’12 is a Ripon grad. Danni reached out to make sure Ripon leadership was aware of Lynn’s and Suyi’s plight. On February 9, President Messitte responded to Danni and other Ripon alumni and students by sending a letter of concern to United States Secretary of State Blinken urging him to “do everything that you can to protect democracy in Myanmar.” In the last decade, Ripon has graduated more students from Myanmar than from any other country outside the United States. Messitte further opined in his letter that “On behalf of our Burmese students and alumni, we stand with the people of Burma in their aspirations for democracy, freedom, peace and development.” As of this writing, Suyi is still in Myanmar, but it was heartening to see that the college shares Danni’s concerns and did its best to help call attention to the issue and petition for a solution with the US government.
President Messitte has also led two very informative Zoom Town Hall meetings in the last six months to update Ripon alumni and to answer any questions. Any alumni are welcome to listen in to these updates and pose questions for Zach, his staff, and faculty representatives. If you cannot attend future iterations of these virtual sessions, please feel free to pass me your questions and I will pose them for you to the Ripon leadership.
Two key topics you may have interest in from those Town Halls is how Ripon is dealing with the COVID-19 issue for classes and how fall enrollment is coming along. Classes officially started on January 25 with a mix of in-person, online, and hybrid (part online and part in-person) formats. The weekend before classes started, the entire campus community (all students, faculty, and staff) were required to take a COVID-19 test, which was administered on campus in Great Hall resulting in a less than one percent positivity rate. Beginning on February 1, the College began random weekly surveillance testing where approximately a quarter of the College community will be tested. With regards to enrollment, fall enrollment is projected to be the best in eight years!
I continue to work with our online class page on R Connections to add recent Class Letters to the archive and was able to add the list of our past Class Agents to the cover page in the last month. The past service by JEFF JOHNSON ’78 (78-84), HOWARD MOFFET ’78 (84-88), DANNI CALDWELL ’78 (88-95), JEANNE SPYCHALLA LIETZAN ’78 (95-99), and ROB MEYER ’78 & LYNN BANNON ’78 (01-07) is very much appreciated and should not go unrecognized.
Finally, congratulations to LISA WOLLAN ’78 on her selection to the Ripon College Board of Trustees! Our influence at Ripon continues to build as Lisa joins LIZ PECHA-POELKER ’78 on the Board. See some details in the classmate news section below. Take a minute to send Lisa a note of congratulations for accepting this honor to help guide the college during these very challenging times. Remember that both Liz and Lisa can help channel your issues and questions to the Board and provide a very accurate, up-to-date perspective with regard to the goings-on at the College.
HEADLINES FOR THIS LETTER: 

• ’78 Classmate Updates
• Faculty Updates of Interest
• Sad News
• #OneDayRally on April 28th 
• Alumni Weekend 2021 Updates
• Class Letter Updates for Fall Letter

’78 Classmate Updates: 
MICHAEL CHAMBERLAIN ’78 of Auburn, New York writes, “CHIN-WEI FONG ’78 and I spent the first six months of lock-down (March to August 2020) working on a book, tentatively titled, A Comprehensive Guide for International Students Applying to College in the United States. As you know, the landscape is littered with college guides geared toward high school students here in the United States, but there are no such guides for international students seeking admissions to US colleges. 
“The manuscript, now completed, has a heavy emphasis on liberal arts colleges with details on over 200 schools – including Ripon. The problem we’ve run into is the publisher that Chin-wei had lined up is no longer able to go forward with the project due to geo-political circumstances. That has left us scrambling a bit to find another publisher. What I am wondering is whether any of our classmates may have some leads or suggestions for nonfiction publishers or agents that we could contact? If so they can contact me or Chin-wei, with both our thanks.
Other than that, Chin-wei has been spending his time locked down in Malaysia and Singapore while I have been enjoying forced isolation here in Auburn. So, in addition to collaborating remotely and electronically, we have had frequent three-hour phone calls during the narrow windows when we’re both awake.”
KAY DREXEL HOLT ’78 of Sylvania, Ohio writes that she is “Still teaching at McCord Junior High. It’s been an interesting year, to say the least. There have been many challenges, but I have wonderful students who work hard and we have managed to persevere. I am still having fun teaching – plan to teach one more year for sure and maybe two. Speaking of small worlds: Bill & I went to Disney for Christmas, golfed almost every day. We got paired up with a cousin of one of my current students! Last, but definitely not least: My first grandchild was born in April 2020 so I will never say 2020 was the worst year ever — It ranks right up in the top for me!”
Smokin’ JOE KEEGAN ’78 of St. Petersburg, Florida challenged me on Facebook to the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Pushup Challenge in September. So, we recorded our efforts doing 25 push ups for 25 days and posted our videos to raise awareness for the plight of folks with PTSD. It wasn’t a fundraiser per se, but we did raise some funds for PTSD assistance organizations and definitely raised others’ general awareness of those both from the military and all walks of life that struggle with PTSD.
ROB “Tex” MEYER ’78 writes that he “Celebrated Birthday #10 on Feb. 28th for Cooper, the Super Duper Pooper Scooper Coonhound. Cooper has been keeping me alive here in Moscow, Idaho.”
The Reverend PAUL NANCARROW ’78 of the Twin Cities in Minnesota writes, “Thanks for checking in with us alumni/ae of ’78. It’s been a crazy year for all of us, I’m sure, and it’s kind of reassuring to be remembered by our class agent and our alma mater. When disruption and isolation can be such prevalent experiences for people, it’s always good to maintain the connections we have. 
“I don’t have much news to report: I’m just enjoying retirement. We’re sort of homebodies anyway, so when the pandemic required social distancing and staying at home, we were pretty much already there- we just had to start wearing masks. Not having a job to go to daily (and on weekends) meant I could do a lot more bicycling this past year: in 2020 I logged over 2,600 miles on streets and paths around southeastern Minnesota. That’s a big personal best for me–and a big step up from riding my old touring bike around campus at Ripon. While I haven’t published a new book, I have been writing a blog of theological reflections at paulsnancarrow.wordpress.com. That’s been a great way to gather up my academic studies and my parish experience into thinking about Spirit and life. Thanks for being in touch.”
GREGG PETERSEN ’78 of Columbia, Maryland has pursued birding and bird photography since the advent of the pandemic last March in lieu of teaching watershed classes that were cancelled by COVID-19 restrictions. He has used the nearby Gunpowder Valley Conservancy and Howard County Conservancy fundraising challenge events as forums to improve and showcase his photos of birds and other outdoor subjects. During a recent bird walk seeking Short-eared Owl sightings, he coincidently met Professor Doug Morris’ (see also Professor Morris’ obituary below) daughter Carla during a discussion about birds in Wisconsin. He now has another new local friend with Ripon ties. Carla said one of her best friends is Jenny Bowen who she attended Ripon High School with. Jenny is the daughter of our recently departed Professor John Bowen. It’s a small world. 
A classmate said you might be interested in his participation in a COVID-19 vaccine trial, so here it is: “I’m last in priority for vaccination at age 64 here so I volunteered to be part of an investigative vaccine protocol. I am a lab rat two shots into Phase 2 of an experimental protocol for the ARCTURUS-0021COVID-19 vaccine…which means I either have been given the placebo or one of three different levels of the experimental vaccine in a series of three shots given over a period of three months. Phase 1 is where they make sure the vaccine is not a danger and folks won’t have major adverse reactions. Phase 2 is to test the efficacy of respective doses. The protocol does not require me to be exposed to the COVID-19 virus. However, if I am infected with COVID-19 through day-to-day contact, I then report the infection to the vaccine investigation team that is led by two doctors and they bring me in for additional visits for interview, blood draw, and treatment if needed. After each of the three respective shots, I keep a daily diary of symptoms for a week, and after that, if I experience symptoms that may be COVID-related, I log those and if needed, make an exceptional visit to the research facility. Each time I visit, they take a few vials of blood and check vital signs to see how the vaccine is percolating in my system. For all of this, there is also a nominal fee paid for volunteering of up to $750 total. When I first signed up, the protocol duration was 14 months, which I thought was reasonable, but then they amended the protocol and extended the trial time to 20 months. At the end of the 20 months, they tell me if I received the experimental vaccine and in what dosage amounts. If at any time I decide I do not want to continue in the trial for the full 20 months and get vaccinated with an approved vaccine, I can opt out and do an exit physical. So, it’s possible that I may bail out if some activity I participate in requires vaccination, but I am in no rush to opt out now. And that classmates, is what is entailed in volunteering for a COVID-19 trial.” 
LISA WOLLAN ’78 of Minneapolis, Minnesota is a new member of the Board of Trustees at Ripon College. Lisa earned an MBA from Cornell University’s Johnson School of Management. She has worked for Dun & Bradstreet; in consumer-packaged goods brand management for General Mills (Minneapolis) and Kraft (Chicago); as vice president of marketing for a division of Keystone Foods; doing international consulting projects in India, Argentina and Thailand; and in marketing for Wawa Inc. in Philadelphia. She retired in January 2019. The official announcement can be accessed here.
Faculty Updates of Interest:
Paul Schoofs, professor emeritus of economics, and Patricia Parker Francis, professor emeritus of economics, are quoted in an article in the September issue of Insight on Manufacturing, based in Appleton, Wisconsin. “New Deal: Dairy Industry is optimistic USMCA can deliver a boost” states: “2020 was poised to be the year Wisconsin’s long-suffering dairy industry finally began to rebound, but just as the future was brightening, the pandemic hit. … One bit of help for the dairy industry could come from the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement, which went into effect July 1.” They also continue to give interviews about current economic issues for area radio stations.
William Woolley, professor of history emeritus, was profiled Sep 2, 2020 in the Ripon Commonwealth Press. The Ripon Rotary Club had awarded its highest honor, the Paul Harris Fellowship, to Woolley for having made significant and lasting contributions to the community.
Sad News:
WAYNE G. DAVIS ’76 of Winterset, Iowa died on November 6, 2020 at the age of 66. At Ripon, he majored in art, worked at WRPN Radio and the College Days student newspaper, and was a member of Beta Sigma Pi. Survivors include his wife, Kim, and one son. His first wife PATTI CARVER DAVIS ’76 died in 2002. More details in the Ripon Magazine.
THOMAS A. HOEHNE ’83 of Oshkosh, Wisconsin died January 13th, 2021. Thomas was the brother of TED HOEHNE ’77 and brother-in-law of KAREN STOCKDALE HOEHNE ’78. More details in the Ripon Magazine. 
Professor Doug Morris of Middleton, Wisconsin professor emeritus of music and founder/artistic director of the Green Lake Festival of Music, died Dec 4, 2020. He received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Tennessee, his master’s from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, and his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was a baritone soloist, lecturer, conductor, composer, adjudicator and clinician, and led numerous choir tours abroad. He was at Ripon for more than three decades, teaching, coaching voice students and conducting the choirs, and won numerous teaching awards. He founded and served as artistic director of the Green Lake Festival of Music, and also was the choral director at First Congregational Church and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Ripon. He was an avid tennis player and won several state championships. Survivors include his wife, Sharon Fitzmorris; one son, two daughters and two stepdaughters.
Louise Shang of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, a former archivist at Ripon College, died November 22, 2020. Survivors include one son. Her husband, Professor Emeritus of English William Shang, died in 2015. More details in the Ripon Magazine.
#OneDayRally on April 28th: 
Our goal for the next #OneDayRally is “78 for ’78” (donors). We had 63 donors last year, so we ask that 15 more of you to give this year. Please be kind (and responsive!) to LOUISA GEBELEIN JONES ’78, LISA WOLLAN ’78, LIZ PECHA-POELKER ’78, SUE FEITH SHANNON ’78, and me if we call or email you around April 28th for your support. Oher class agents are calling me to find out what our secret to participation is. It is quite simply each of you donors continuing to demonstrate your affinity for Ripon in its “Most Loyal Alumni Class” as Louisa Gebelein Jones has named us. If you prefer, you do not need to wait until April 28th to give, you can mail your contribution in now with a note designating the funds for the #OneDayRally. The mailing address is: Ripon College Ripon Fund, PO Box 248, Ripon, WI 54971-0248.
Here are some school year 2019-20 class giving ranking statistics that embody our class’s generosity: Class of ’78 #1 in Total Number of Donors (85, next closest class is ’69 with 68), #3 in Total giving percent (behind ’47 & ’48 who have a total of 4 and 12 solicitable donors), and #9 in Total (Amount) Giving ($143, 820.21). We continue to climb the total giving board as our circumstances allow, but our main goal is to have as many classmates participate as possible.
Alumni Weekend 2021 Updates:
I know many of us can’t wait to travel again, so I wanted to mention that the College has announced plans for this summer’s Alumni Weekend. Alumni Weekend 2021 will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen with two distinct summer weekends of Ripon alumni programming for us. No matter how you’d like to connect, virtually or in person, the Office of Constituent Engagement is developing a variety of activities to continue to follow CDC, Fond du Lac County and College guidelines in both June and August. Full schedules, lodging, and programming details will be posted soon to www.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend.
JUNE 2021

• In honor of our June Alumni Weekend traditions, virtual alumni programming will be held Tuesday, June 22 through Saturday, June 26, and will include: an alumni town hall, R Connections webinars, affinity socials, a summer book club, and special recognition of the 2020 and 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees. 
• The only in-person event, the Doc Weiske ’50 Memorial Golf Scramble, will be held off-campus on Friday, June 25. 

AUGUST 2021
A combination of virtual and in-person Alumni Weekend programming will be held the first week of August. We will continue to evaluate the state of COVID-19. If circumstances change at the local and national level and we need to cancel in-person programming, that decision will be made and communicated by July 1, 2021.

• Virtual programming will be held Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 and will include: a reunion-focused alumni town hall that also previews the new academic year, additional R Connections webinars, the summer book club capstone, and the traditional “That Was Then” storytelling session. 
• In-person, on-campus programming will be held Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8, and will focus on alumni awards recognition, 2020 and 2021 reunion celebrations, and other outdoor events such as Rally Run and prairie walk.
• Additionally, the Class of 2020 will officially be welcomed to our alumni community with a special commencement ceremony.

Class Letter Updates for Fall Letter: 
We always want to hear from you! In a serious final note, ROB MEYER ’78 said I could share with you that he is recovering from throat cancer surgery. I request that you please keep Rob and our other ailing classmates in your thoughts and prayers. Despite the expected bills from his extended hospital stay, Rob will still be giving to One Day Rally, just like every other year. That’s a great example of the indomitable Class of ’78 spirit!
Best wishes and warm regards,
GREGG PETERSEN ’78
(410)-884-0407 / sig29@aol.com
Your 1978 Class Agent

Submitted by: Class Agent: Gregg Petersen

1979 – Spring 2021 Class Letter

Greetings, Class of 1979!

Well, as we get close to celebrating a year under wraps, it’s good to know that we’re all still here living, breathing, and enjoying life as we know it. 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.
Here are some Class of 1979 News: 
LAURIE KOMBEREC OSBORNE ’79 of Oakland, California, became Laurie Bartlett on February 22nd when she married her long-time beau, Lyle. From the pictures that were on Facebook, she looks happy. Congratulations to the happy couple.
MIKE ZAHN ’79 of Merril, Wisconsin, has been busy writing and playing songs on his guitar. They are actually pretty good and Mike has an excellent voice. 
JAY KYP-JOHNSON ’79 of Batavia, Illinois, and a couple of DU’s in November launched The Phoenix Student Scholarship at Ripon College. The purpose of the scholarship is to support Students at Ripon who have had to overcome difficult life circumstances in order to continue their education. So if you are so inclined to give to Ripon in addition to the Ripon Fund, consider sending some money for the Phoenix Fund. 
MATTHEW BLAIR ’79 of Lexington, Kentucky, is sounding better as observed on Facebook. Let’s keep him in our prayers.
Speaking of prayers, BETH PALMBACH NEMECEK ’79 of Neenah, Wisconsin, is in need of a kidney. While she did have the successful transplant a couple of years ago, over the winter, COVID-19 struck and, as a result, her transplanted kidney was affected. She is back on dialysis and that is a saving grace, somewhat. We all know we’d rather see her in the same form as she was during our last Reunion. So, if you know of any way to help, reach out to Beth. 
TIM BEAUCHAMP ’79 of Seattle, Washington, had shoulder surgery and, from all indications, he’s doing much better. Rumor has it that he’s supposed to be Russell Wilson’s replacement when he leaves because of that rocket arm strengthened by the surgery. 

KEVIN L. WARMACK ’79 of Chicago, Illinois has had a busy and exciting February. He was featured in the CNO Financial “Associate’s Spotlight” for his comments concerning Black History Month. While the comments were exceptional, the picture that accompanied the comments was even better. KEVIN was dressed in Tiger Woods Red and Black but the Red was a Ripon College shirt with the Traveling Rally Cap. The picture was taken at Pearl Harbor on Saturday, December 7, 2019 while KEVIN was in Hawaii for “work!”

Kevin, along with BLAINE GIBSON ’81, KEN PINCKNEY ’81, and RYAN GAILS ’13, was a panelist on a Zoom call sponsored by the Ripon College Center for Diversity and Inclusion. They discussed our professional lives after Ripon College as black men and answered questions from student interns that delved into subjects like our first steps after graduation; favorite parts of our Ripon College journey among a number of questions. 
COVID-19 Updates:
Classes officially started on January 25 with a mix of in-person, online, and hybrid (part online and part in-person) formats. The weekend before classes started, the entire campus community (all students, faculty, and staff) were required to take a COVID-19 test, which was administered on campus in the Great Hall resulting in a less than one percent positivity rate. 

• Beginning on February 1, the College began random weekly surveillance testing where approximately a quarter of the College community will be tested.
• If you are interested in following the plans and procedures for how the College is faring with and tracking the COVID-19 positivity rate, you can visit www.ripon.edu/coronavirus-information/ for more information.
• For additional Campus news and talking points, you can find more at www.ripon.edu/news/.

#OneDayRally and Ripon Fund Updates:
Ripon’s annual giving day, known as #OneDayRally, will be held on Wednesday, April 28. Please save-the-date for this exciting day of supporting the Ripon Fund and sharing our Ripon spirit. This event has grown to be one of the most active days of virtual engagement for our entire Ripon College family, which means prospective students are taking note of this day, too. All alumni are encouraged to sport their Ripon College attire and post it on their social media platforms. As the day gets closer, you will be hearing from me.
Alumni Weekend 2021:
Alumni Weekend 2021 will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen with two distinct summer weekends of Ripon alumni programming for us. No matter how you’d like to connect, virtually or in person, the Office of Constituent Engagement is developing a variety of activities to continue to follow CDC, Fond du Lac County and College guidelines in both June and August. Full schedules, lodging, and programming details will be posted soon to www.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend.
JUNE 2021

• In honor of our June Alumni Weekend traditions, virtual alumni programming will be held Tuesday, June 22 through Saturday, June 26, and will include: an alumni town hall, R Connections webinars, affinity socials, a summer book club, and special recognition of the 2020 and 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees. 
• The only in-person event, the Doc Weiske ’50 Memorial Golf Scramble, will be held off-campus on Friday, June 25. 

AUGUST 2021
A combination of virtual and in-person Alumni Weekend programming will be held the first week of August. We will continue to evaluate the state of COVID-19. If circumstances change at the local and national level and we need to cancel in-person programming, that decision will be made and communicated by July 1, 2021.

• Virtual programming will be held Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 and will include: a reunion-focused alumni town hall that also previews the new academic year, additional R Connections webinars, the summer book club capstone, and the traditional “That Was Then” storytelling session. 
• In-person, on-campus programming will be held Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8, and will focus on alumni awards recognition, 2020 and 2021 reunion celebrations, and other outdoor events such as Rally Run and prairie walk.
• Additionally, the Class of 2020 will officially be welcomed to our alumni community with a special commencement ceremony.

Closing:
Pray for the College and the students. 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 get news, don’t hold on! Drop me a note so I can make your Class Letter the best!!!
Finally, until the herd immunity is there, wear your mask, wash your hands and get your COVID-19 shot (although I am enjoying a shot of Johnny Walker Red as I write this!!)
Love Always, 
KEVIN L. WARMACK ’79
(773) 220-5360 / kwarmack@gmail.com
Your 1979 Class Agent

Submitted by: Class Agent: Kevin Warmack

1981 – Spring 2021 Class Letter

Greetings, Class of 1981!

Forty years ago, we were already into our final semester at Ripon College. Ready to go out and face the world and meet or make the destinies that Ripon prepared us for. Careers, families, and other adventures and challenges loomed ahead. Today, many of us are preparing for, or engaged in, new adventures, being empty nesters, grandparents, or even retirees. Overall, I think our class has done well by our alma mater. 
2020 was a year of unprecedented challenges for many, but the isolation imposed by COVID-19 forced many of us to think about how much we value our relationships with family and friends. I know it prompted me to reach out and reconnect. Hopefully, for you as well.
On the list of things to be proud of this last year was the $240,789 that the Class of ’81 contributed to the College. Not bad, but there are still a few classes that came in ahead of us. On April 28th, the College will hold this year’s #OneDayRally. Please keep it on your calendar and let us see if we can beat last year’s giving. Thank you all, for your generosity and your investment in the future.
Each time I hear from or read about Ripon or one of our classmates, I think about how lucky I was to have part of the Class of ’81. I had the pleasure to listen to a live virtual Valentine’s Day concert performed by WANDA HOUSTON ’81 and her band. Beautiful music that brought back some great Ripon memories. 
Alumni Weekend 2021 will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen with two distinct summer weekends of Ripon alumni programming for us. No matter how you’d like to connect, virtually or in person, the Office of Constituent Engagement is developing a variety of activities to continue to follow CDC, Fond du Lac County and College guidelines in both June and August. Full schedules, lodging, and programming details will be posted soon to www,ripon.edu/alumni-weekend.
JUNE 2021

• In honor of our June Alumni Weekend traditions, virtual alumni programming will be held Tuesday, June 22 through Saturday, June 26, and will include: an alumni town hall, R Connections webinars, affinity socials, a summer book club, and special video recognition of the 2020 and 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees. 

• The only in-person event, the Doc Weiske ’50 Memorial Golf Scramble, will be held off-campus on Friday, June 25. 

AUGUST 2021
A combination of virtual and in-person Alumni Weekend programming will be held the first week of August. We will continue to evaluate the state of COVID-19. If circumstances change at the local and national level and we need to cancel in-person programming, that decision will be made and communicated by July 1, 2021.

• Virtual programming will be held Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 and will include: a reunion-focused alumni town hall that also previews the new academic year, additional R Connections webinars, the summer book club capstone, and the traditional “That Was Then” storytelling session. 

• In-person, on-campus programming will be held Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8 and will focus on alumni awards recognition including for our very own KENT TIMM ’81, a 2021 Distinguished Alumni Citation Winner; 2020 and 2021 reunion celebration, and will feature other outdoor events like Rally Run and prairie walk.

• Additionally, the Class of 2020 will officially be welcomed to our alumni community with a special commencement ceremony.

We are looking for volunteers to help plan events and activities for the Class of 81’s Class Reunion. If you are interested, please reach out to me.
Class Notes:
TOM ABENDROTH ’81 of Evanston, Illinois, writes, “Terri and I continue to do well living in our little circle of safe family and friends. Since the cold weather, it has shrunk to our daughters Kate, Eliza, and the men in their lives. I have now been Chair of the Ripon Board of Trustees for four meetings and three of those have been virtual. I never would have imagined that. We did make it to Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona for Thanksgiving this year, keeping the streak alive. Kate and her long-time beau Rob got engaged there. We are thrilled. We also got a couple of outside visits with my dad, BOB ABENDROTH ’51 and stepmom when the weather was still nice – meeting them at the stable where they keep their horse. They just got their second vaccine dose. Very grateful for that.”
TERRY CRAMER ’81 of Cable, Wisconsin, writes, “BRENDA JONES CRAMER ’82 and I moved permanently to Lake Namakagon in Northern Wisconsin, two years ago. We really enjoy every season and everything the area has to offer. We are just finishing up snowmobile/snowshoe/XC ski/ice skating/ice fishing season and preparing for the maple syrup season. After that, we are adding a puppy to the family – a flat-coated retriever. That and the lake should keep us busy through the summer. I will definitely be at our Reunion. I actually go every year to play in the Doc Weiske ’50 Memorial Golf Scramble. Over the holidays, we drove to Beaver Creek, Colorado for our nephew’s wedding (KEVIN ’82 and LORI JONES KING ’84’s son). Then onto Houston to play with the grandkids for a week. Then back to the lake. It was a nice little 4000-mile road trip.”
BLAINE GIBSON ’81 of Grafton, Wisconsin writes, “My daughter gave birth to a son last month, so I am a second-time grandfather.” Blaine was a featured panelist for a program through the Ripon College Center for Diversity and Inclusion featuring Ripon College’s black alumni during Black History Month on February 11th with fellow classmate, KEN PINCKNEY ’81.
CAROLYN GUY ’81 of Robbinsdale, Minnesota, writes, “My wife, Crystal, and I are planning to join all of you for the 40th Class Reunion and we hope to enjoy some golf for the Doc Weiske ’50 Memorial Golf Scramble.”
WANDA HOUSTON ’81 of Sheffield, Massachusetts, writes, “There’s been a lot going on and 2020 has not been easy, but we keep moving forward. COVID-19 has forced all of us to do old things in new ways. As an entertainer, my world was turned completely upside down. Suddenly, what I do for a living was deadly to myself and others; every performance a super spreader event. So, we’ve bonded together and Zoomed, live-streamed, and recorded performances so that those accustomed to weekly shows could get their “fix”. It was also a way for us musicians to have the relief we get from being together and playing. The response from our fan base has been eye-opening and heart-warming.”
DAVE ’81 and KRISTEN KOHLES JANSSEN ’82 of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, writes, “We traveled to Boulder, Colorado, this fall to celebrate the wedding of our son, Greg, (Ripon College men’s tennis coach in 2013) and Lindsey Sadler. Also found time to take a trip to Maui in February to escape the Wisconsin chill.”  
SUSAN FORREST-LOBB JEFFREYS ’81 of Phoenix, Arizona, says, “2020 was actually a good year for us. Mike is still in IT for Wells Fargo and made the work-from-home pivot fairly easily. I’ve really enjoyed seeing him more during the week! We’ve all managed to stay COVID-free and we got out a bunch of times in our self-contained motor home. The national parks were blissfully uncrowded! I did a lot of soul-searching this spring. I have realized after retiring from my corporate IT career that I would rather wear out than rust out on the couch. I did a number of powerful exercises to discover what would bring me joy and energy in the future. Long story short, I discovered that my Behavioral Super Power is Influencer and I’ve decided to become a Life Coach. I have named my business Courage Rises. This year will be all about creating video interviews on everyday stories of courage and bravery, teaching productivity and time management in a MasterMind format and gaining coaching skills. I’m excited (and a little nervous) about this new endeavor. Website to come, but for now, you can find my video interviews on YouTube by searching for @CourageRises. The first ones are a little rough, but they get better. :-)”
DONNA LESLIE ’81 of Mount Holly, North Carolina, writes, “Like most people I have been pretty much hanging out at home- although I am getting better at pickleball and the dog gets LOTS of walks. I hope to be able to make our Class Reunion, but that will be contingent on the speed of the vaccines here in North Carolina.”
LARRY NIKOLAUS ’81 of Colorado Spring, Colorado writes, “As for KATHY HARBUT NIKOLAUS ’81 and I, we have faced COVID-19 with lots of outdoor time, neighborhood walks, mountain trail hikes, some skiing, and tackling an overdue kitchen remodel. Like many of you I have been working from home 90% of the time still supporting the Space Force and mastering the art of Skype, Teams, and Zoom. Teaching my 86-year-old mother how to Zoom led to weekly Sunday Zoom meetings with her and all my siblings. Keeping my Boy Scouts engaged during COVID-19 has been a challenge, but I have managed to keep it going with virtual meetings and even a few virtual campouts. We plan to make it to the reunion and are looking forward to seeing all of you soon.”
KEN PINCKNEY ’81 of Glendale, Wisconsin, appeared with his wife, Lora L. Hyler, and their son, Will, on Thursday, Sept. 17, via Skype on the national television program “Live with Kelly and Ryan.” Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest were the hosts. You can access a feature of this story here.
ANDREW ’81 and SUSAN ANGELL SCHMIDT ’80 of Wausau, Wisconsin, write, “Our son, Alex, will graduate from UW Madison’s School of Law this May. He is the fourth generation, fifth Schmidt to be an attorney. We are very proud of him. Sue and I also contributed to the first dog park for Wausau. This summer we can finally take our dog, Topaz, for a run in our city’s new dog park.”
Some sad news:
MARSHA L. BILLUPS-WEST ’81 of Richmond, California died July 30, 2020. At Ripon, she participated in volleyball. She previously had been a quality control manager for Greenworks USA. She was an active member of the Berkeley Mount Zion M.B.C. and was involved with numerous of its ministries, including culinary and greeters. She was an avid fan of the 49ers and the Golden State Warriors. She enjoyed playing tennis, shopping, reading, watching old movies, and attending concerts. Survivors include her husband, Larry D. West; her mother, Catherine Billups, of Richmond, California; one daughter and one stepson. 
Thanks to all of you that sent me notes for our Class Letter. Keep them coming.
Best wishes,
Larry
(719) 314-5531
Your 1981 Class Agent

Submitted by: Class Agent: Larry Nikolaus

1982 – Spring 2021 Class Letter

Greetings, Class of 1982!

What an interesting year this has been for all! I (KRISTEN RASMUSSEN OLSON ’82) hope that you are finding ways to continue to engage with others, whether it be work, play, virtual meetings or happy hours, or other ways! I think that many of us will be pleased when we can finally be together again!
Ripon College reports that things are going well at the school, with a healthy student body and many in-person classes offered. Admissions for next year are at a 30% increase from this year. Let’s hope for a continuation of this great trend!

Remember how much fun we had at our 35th Reunion (boat cruise on Green Lake, left)? As your Co-Class Agents, PETER HINTZ ’82/P’10 and I have been putting our heads together to come up with ideas for our 40th Class Reunion, scheduled for June of 2022! Several volunteers have stepped up to help and we thank you for your assistance! If you would like to take on any small part of this planning, from contacting classmates, to sharing old pictures, to organizing a fun outing, or something else, we are all ears! Please contact me at kolsonc21@yahoo.com or Peter at hintzp@gmail.com. 
Let’s try to encourage as many of our classmates as possible to come back for our 40th Reunion! Whatever activities we choose for our group on reunion weekend, we are sure to have fun!
Class Notes: We have the following updates to share with you from our classmates:
ELIZABETH MELCHERT ’82/P’11/P’14 of Appleton, Wisconsin, writes, “Our daughter, KATIE LAVIOLETTE ’11, DPM, has completed her residency, is doing a fellowship in downtown Chicago in sports medicine, and is engaged to a classmate. They are planning for a New Year’s Eve wedding! I’m playing piano and organ for occasional online church services, am active in my twins’ Boy Scout troop, and have been working full time. We’ve stayed most busy during COVID-19, and happy to have had good health and vaccines!”
CHRIS ARTIG ’82 of Park City, Utah, reports that he retired on February 19th from 34 years as a senior engineer at Varex. 
THERESA SVITAVSKY COX ’82 of Durand, Illinois, retired in 2020 after 33 years of teaching physics and chemistry at Durand High School, Durand, Illinois.
LINDA JENSEN HALL ’82 of Cedar Falls, Iowa, writes, “KEVIN HALL ’82 and I have become avid pickleball players, and we were wondering if there would be any interest in having a fun pickleball match for our 40th Reunion. It is a fun sport that virtually anyone can play.” 
KEVIN SHERIDAN ’82 of Evanston, Illinois, writes, “2020. What a year! Obviously, the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted many people’s businesses and ability to earn a living. The pandemic resulted in the cancelation of most of my live Keynote Speaking events. With that said, I have always found that there is always a silver lining to catastrophic events. Mine was the fact that I authored a management book 13 years ago called The Virtual Manager, which is all about remote work, remote workers, and virtual managers. Friends are calling me prescient. As much as I’d like to claim to be a soothsayer, this fact was strictly coincidental. The good news is that, as more and more organizations are finding the need to train their workers on how to best work in this new virtual work world, these organizations are also finding value in illuminating their managers on how to be the most effective virtual managers. The result is that I have a whole new income stream by conducting podcasts offering such training.
“On a personal note, I recently enjoyed a vacation in Scottsdale, Arizona, visiting one of my brothers. It was great to leave the brutally cold Chicago weather. Both of my daughters will graduate this year, one from The University of Texas in Austin, and the other from New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois. Thankfully, both of my daughters are healthy, happy, and achieving great grades. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them!”
Kevin was also recently named to The Employee Engagement Award’s Top 100 Global Influencers on Employee Engagement for three consecutive years, as well as being designated as a Senior Fellow at The Conference Board.
CATHY LOTHROP HAGER ’82 of San Ramon, California, writes, “We discovered the joys of vacationing in a motorhome. We were able to see family in Oregon twice over the summer very safely. To the right is one of my favorite pictures in Klamath, California that shows the signs of the times.”

STEVE SHEA ’82 of Cudahy, Wisconsin, writes, “I was elected to the Milwaukee County Board three years ago. The very first vote I cast as a member of the Board was to put a National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, N.O.R.M.L., sponsored referendum on the ballot. If that doesn’t remind one of Ripon College, I don’t know what does. Even though I didn’t run for office to reconnect with fellow Riponites, I saw classmate SIOBHAN CHAMP-BLACKWELL ’82 for the first time in 38 years when she came to town for a government conference.” 
As for me, KRISTEN RASMUSSEN OLSON ’82, my husband and son and I visited Yellowstone National Park this summer. It was my first visit to a National Park, and I think I am hooked! Other than that, we have enjoyed time with our kids (one grown and one in college) and are keeping busy with our work – me with the Austin, Minnesota Area Chamber of Commerce and my husband with the local PBS television station, KSMQ.
As for me, PETER HINTZ ’82/P’10, my news is that NANCY BUCK HINTZ ’82/P’10 and I have moved from Green Lake, Wisconsin, to Rochester, Minnesota to be closer to family. I will finish out my school year teaching here in Green Lake, and join NANCY in Minnesota this summer, and then will be looking for another teaching position in English to begin in the fall in Rochester. Teaching both in the classroom and on-line at the same time this year in the pandemic has proven most challenging! NANCY adds: We are happy to share that we are the proud grandparents of an eight-month old granddaughter and two grandsons, aged two and five years. If you find yourself heading our way, please let us know!
Obituary: Sadly, one of our classmates passed away in late 2019 and we just learned of it. 
BRENDA JOCHUM FOELKER ’82, age 59, passed away on December 6, 2019. She bravely fought mental illness for many years. Despite her courage and the best efforts of family and friends, the disease was incurable. Brenda was born on March 23, 1960, the daughter of Marvin and Patricia (Cowgill) Jochum. She graduated Valedictorian of Rio High School, then received an Undergraduate Degree in Economics from Ripon College. Her love of travel and music was fostered in college when she traveled extensively with her choir through Europe. This love of travel took her on many more U.S. and international trips with her family. Brenda spent many wonderful years as a homemaker, raising three children and living in Green Bay, WI. She was a loving and devoted mother that was active and involved in their schooling, sports and activities. During that time, she remained involved in the community as well as choirs and orchestras including the Dudley Birder Collegiate Chorale that took her to New York to sing at Carnegie Hall. Throughout her life Brenda also enjoyed reading, tending to her gardens, loved her dogs and holidays with her family. Brenda is survived by her daughter, Allyson (Matthew) Warren of Cincinnati, OH, Benjamin (Ann) Foelker of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Courtney Foelker of Cincinnati, OH, and her three grandchildren. Brenda was preceded in death by her parents and her brother David Jochum.”

Alumni Weekend:
Alumni Weekend 2021 will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen with two distinct summer weekends of Ripon alumni programming for us. No matter how you’d like to connect, virtually or in person, the Office of Constituent Engagement is developing a variety of activities to continue to follow CDC, Fond du Lac County and College guidelines in both June and August. Full schedules, lodging, and programming details will be posted soon to www.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend.
JUNE 2021

• In honor of our June Alumni Weekend traditions, virtual alumni programming will be held Tuesday, June 22 through Saturday, June 26, and will include: an alumni town hall, R Connections webinars, affinity socials, a summer book club, and special recognition of the 2020 and 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees. 
• The only in-person event, the Doc Weiske ’50 Memorial Golf Scramble, will be held off-campus on Friday, June 25. 

AUGUST 2021
A combination of virtual and in-person Alumni Weekend programming will be held the first week of August. We will continue to evaluate the state of COVID-19. If circumstances change at the local and national level and we need to cancel in-person programming, that decision will be made and communicated by July 1, 2021.

• Virtual programming will be held Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 and will include: a reunion-focused alumni town hall that also previews the new academic year, additional R Connections webinars, the summer book club capstone, and the traditional “That Was Then” storytelling session. 
• In-person, on-campus programming will be held Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8, and will focus on alumni awards recognition, 2020 and 2021 reunion celebrations, and other outdoor events such as Rally Run and prairie walk.
• Additionally, the Class of 2020 will officially be welcomed to our alumni community with a special commencement ceremony.

Looking Toward the Future:
As we find more of our long-lost classmates, we will share emails with Ripon College so that those classmates can stay up to date with other things going on at the college, in addition to all our reunion plans! If you have moved, or changed your phone number or email, please update your contact information with Ripon College here, https://www.ripon.edu/update-contact-info/.
As we close our spring Class Letter, let’s take this reminder to stay engaged, celebrate those that you love and stay connected, whenever possible. We wish to personally thank all of you who have taken the time to write and share your stories. 
Until next time, stay happy, be healthy and fill your days with fun!
PETER HINTZ ’82/P’10
(920) 229-4399
KRISTEN RASMUSSEN OLSON ’82
(507) 279-1091
Your 1982 Class Agents

Submitted by: Class Agents: Kristen Rasmussen Olson and Peter Hintz

1983 – Spring 2021 Class Letter

Greetings, Class of 1983!

The Clay family has remained healthy, safe, and thankful. Everyone in the immediate family has been vaccinated, but me (as of the time of me writing this letter)! I am in that group that isn’t quite old enough or an essential worker, so I am patiently waiting my turn. It seems so odd to be documenting this for a Class Letter, but history is in the making. 
We are heading to Colorado Springs in April to await the arrival of our first grandchild. John will be there for a week and then will need to head back home to teach school. I am able to stay for a month in an Airbnb just a half block away from our daughter and son-in-law. Exciting times as we await to meet our new grandson.
I’ve had the pleasure of connecting on a fairly regular basis with LEXIE SHEPARD KERMANI ’83, LYN ROSENBERG MCCARTHY ’83, ELI PETERSON GUZNICZAK ’83, and JULIE PYSCHER FELLINGER ’82. Also, I want to shout out to LARRY HUEBNER ’83 for networking with my neighbor who is a junior in high school. Larry was so gracious in meeting with him and having a second Zoom call to include his colleagues. Networking is a powerful way to give back and learn from others. Over the years, I have been trying to network with two new people each month. If I can be of help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 
Campus COVID-19 Updates:
Classes officially started on January 25 with a mix of in-person, online, and hybrid (part online and part in-person) formats. The weekend before classes started, the entire campus community (all students, faculty, and staff) were required to take a COVID-19 test, which was administered on campus in Great Hall resulting in a less than one percent positivity rate. Beginning on February 1, the College began random weekly surveillance testing where approximately a quarter of the College community will be tested. Those who are interested in following the plans and procedures this semester, as well as tracking our COVID-19 positivity rate, can visit www.ripon.edu/coronavirus-information/ for more information.
#OneDayRally and Ripon Fund Updates:
Ripon’s annual giving day, known as #OneDayRally, will be held on Wednesday, April 28. Please save-the-date for this exciting day of supporting the Ripon Fund and sharing your Ripon spirit. This event has grown to be one of the most active days of virtual engagement for our entire Ripon College family, which means prospective students are taking note of this day, too. All alumni are encouraged to sport their Ripon College attire and post it on their social media platforms. 

• If you are interested in becoming a Social Media Advocate to promote our #OneDayRally and spread the word to reach our goal, please email nielsenk@ripon.edu to receive a toolkit with resources in the days leading up to #OneDayRally.
• Thanks again for supporting the College this past year, especially those who supported the Ripon Fund, as well as #OneDayRally.

Alumni Weekend 2021:
Classes ending in 0’s and 5’s AND 1’s and 6’s will celebrate their reunions together because of the cancelation of the 2020 festivities. 2020 and 2021 award winners will be honored as well, including:

• Distinguished Alumni Citation: RUTH ANNE GERO ADAMS ’85, JAMES DANKY ’70, JON FASANELLI-CAWELTI ’75 (posthumously), BRIAN FREY ’91, LORI STICH OBLUDA ’91, WILLIAM QUISTORF ’80, and KENT TIMM ’81
• Outstanding Young Alumni: SARAH ANDERSON ’10, LUCY BURGCHARDT ’10, JEFFREY GRINDE, JR. ’16, and SAMUEL SONDALLE ’11
• Athletic Hall of Fame: NICHOLAS BEAMAN ’11, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS BUDZYNSKI ’98, TODD CIESIELCZYK ’87 (posthumously), SCOTT GILLESPIE ’11, AARON JOHNSON ’03, NATHANIEL KOK ’01, TROY YOUNGBAUER ’96

Alumni Weekend 2021 will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen with two distinct summer weekends of Ripon alumni programming for us. No matter how you’d like to connect, virtually or in person, the Office of Constituent Engagement is developing a variety of activities to continue to follow CDC, Fond du Lac County and College guidelines in both June and August. Full schedules, lodging, and programming details will be posted soon to www.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend.
JUNE 2021

• In honor of our June Alumni Weekend traditions, virtual alumni programming will be held Tuesday, June 22 through Saturday, June 26, and will include: an alumni town hall, R Connections webinars, affinity socials, a summer book club, and special recognition of the 2020 and 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees. 
• The only in-person event, the Doc Weiske ’50 Memorial Golf Scramble, will be held off-campus on Friday, June 25. 

AUGUST 2021
A combination of virtual and in-person Alumni Weekend programming will be held the first week of August. We will continue to evaluate the state of COVID-19. If circumstances change at the local and national level and we need to cancel in-person programming, that decision will be made and communicated by July 1, 2021.

• Virtual programming will be held Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 and will include: a reunion-focused alumni town hall that also previews the new academic year, additional R Connections webinars, the summer book club capstone, and the traditional “That Was Then” storytelling session. 
• In-person, on-campus programming will be held Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8, and will focus on alumni awards recognition, 2020 and 2021 reunion celebrations, and other outdoor events such as Rally Run and prairie walk.
• Additionally, the Class of 2020 will officially be welcomed to our alumni community with a special commencement ceremony.

Class Note:
MARK FRANZEN ’83 and JANICE HEINZ FRANZEN ’83 of New Berlin, Wisconsin, are supporters of a new endowed scholarship that will link graduates of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Milwaukee and Ripon College, which will be called the The Franzen/Cristo Rey Endowed Scholarship. The full announcement can be accessed here. 
Thanks for the privilege of being your Class Agent and please take time to look for the blessings that come your way. Don’t hesitate to send me a class news update at any time. I always look forward to hearing from you!
BARB WILLIAMS CLAY ’83
(612) 749-5010 / BarbaraLClay1@gmail.com
Your 1983 Class Agent

Submitted by: Class Agent: Barb Williams Clay

1984 – Spring 2021 Class Letter

Greetings, Class of 1984!

I (VICKI VICHA ERICKSON ’84) hope that all is well with you and yours. Sending you all wishes of health and happiness as we try to put 2020 in our rearview mirrors. It’s been an interesting year of change and I’m hoping that there has been a balance of positives as well as challenges for all of you.
Over the years of writing and reading our Class Letters, I’ve learned our class is quite private. I am grateful to those of you who have shared some of their story with me either via email or by phone. Whether or not we were close in school, it is always a pleasure to catch up.
Class Notes:
KAREN MCCOY TACK ’84 of Riverside, Connecticut, is a freelance food stylist living in the NY area. Her positive memory of the past year will be spending time with her sons, Erik (25) and Liam (22).
DESIREE SWANSON STROM ’84 of Rochester, Minnesota, was one of those ‘fortunate’ parents to have a son graduating from high school and starting college during 2021.
SUSANNE SHEPHERD ’84 of Maple Shade, New Jersey, is currently a Warranty Claims Analyst at Subaru of America, Inc. She also recently became a grandma. Congratulations, Sue!
DAVE SHOGREN ’84 of Maplewood, Missouri, has been named as an outside trade advisor to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for a four-year term on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Processed Foods. Dave writes, “This is volunteer work for me, but it should be a good networking and learning opportunity. I’ll have an opportunity to represent the voice of small/medium exporters in developing and sending international trade policy recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture.”
I had an opportunity to join SUSANNE SHEPHERD ’84, CINDY BEHNKE ’85, and BARB WILLIAMS CLAY ’83 for a Zoom spa evening hosted by MARY GERO GRONHOLZ ’84. We had fun getting caught up, sipping wine, and testing products.
While I’m not a big Facebook user, I enjoy the photos from BRET JAEGER ’84, ERIC LUSTY ’84, KEVIN DOHERTY ’84, LINDA ANDERSON ’84, JEFF SOLINSKI ’84, SHELLY ANDERSON BYRNES ’84, MIKE MULFORD ’84, and ANNIE WILLIAMS LUNDBERG ’84 share. With some of those food posts, we may need to have everyone bring a dish to pass at our next Reunion!
Good news regarding this year’s Alumni Weekend.  Alumni Weekend 2021 will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen with two distinct summer weekends of Ripon alumni programming for us. No matter how you’d like to connect, virtually or in person, the Office of Constituent Engagement is developing a variety of activities to continue to follow CDC, Fond du Lac County and College guidelines in both June and August. Full schedules, lodging, and programming details will be posted soon to www.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend.
JUNE 2021

• In honor of our June Alumni Weekend traditions, virtual alumni programming will be held Tuesday, June 22 through Saturday, June 26, and will include: an alumni town hall, R Connections webinars, affinity socials, a summer book club, and special recognition of the 2020 and 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees. 
• The only in-person event, the Doc Weiske ’50 Memorial Golf Scramble, will be held off-campus on Friday, June 25. 

AUGUST 2021
A combination of virtual and in-person Alumni Weekend programming will be held the first week of August. We will continue to evaluate the state of COVID-19. If circumstances change at the local and national level and we need to cancel in-person programming, that decision will be made and communicated by July 1, 2021.

• Virtual programming will be held Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 and will include: a reunion-focused alumni town hall that also previews the new academic year, additional R Connections webinars, the summer book club capstone, and the traditional “That Was Then” storytelling session. 
• In-person, on-campus programming will be held Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8, and will focus on alumni awards recognition, 2020 and 2021 reunion celebrations, and other outdoor events such as Rally Run and prairie walk.
• Additionally, the Class of 2020 will officially be welcomed to our alumni community with a special commencement ceremony.

Don’t be a stranger – I’d love to hear from you. My phone number is (224) 656-3442 and email is vericks@gmail.com.
Stay healthy & be safe,
VICKI VICHA ERICKSON ’84
(224) 656-3442 / vericks@gmail.com
CONNIE MOSER ’84
(847) 372-5410 / clmoser24@gmail.com
Your 1984 Class Agents

Submitted by: Class Agents: Virginia Vicha Erickson & Connie Herbon Moser

1985 – Spring 2021 Class Letter

Greetings, Class of 1985!

“Thriving in the face of adversity”
We are Ripon warriors! We face adversity head-on! We endure! We persevere! We encourage! We don’t give up! 
When I face adversity, I go through different phases, depending on the adversity (frustration, anger, perseverance, acceptance, facing situations head-on, moving on). I do a lot of self-talk, meditation, praying, focusing on my positive energy rather than the negative energy that brings me close to that “rabbit hole.” All in all, I believe adversity builds our strength and endurance for all the ups and downs our life journey presents to us.
Reflecting thoughts that have helped me thrive during adversity, especially this past year include:
Adversity can be turned to opportunity simply by adjusting our perception and our attitude. (Gayle Lynne Goodwin)
When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind not with it. (Henry Ford)
Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength. (Mahatma Gandhi)
I asked fellow classmates how they thrive during adversity. I received the following from JEANNE TOMLIN GERBSCH ’85 and MARK MIHALIK ’85, respectively.
COVID-19 Challenges:
“I’m a school psychologist for a suburban elementary population. My school district has had in-person school every day since July 30. The precautions taken include masks, plexiglass screens between me and students, and lots of cleaning. Personally, I’ve been trying to eat and sleep well while also going for daily walks. We have had both students and teachers contract COVID-19 and whole classrooms have observed quarantine, but all have recovered to return to school. Our governor in Indiana has not prioritized teachers so there is still no plan for them to be vaccinated which is frustrating. I take it one day at a time and dream of travels we’ll make when it is again safe to do so.”
~Jeanne Gerbsch
“For me it was simple. I decided to retire! As a manager, I found it increasingly difficult to effectively manage remote employees. To me, the best thing about being a manager was interacting with my team – in person! As great as technology is, and the convenience of zoom, teams, etc., to me, nothing can replace in-person interaction. I really struggled with losing that, and was no longer enjoying my career. I was fortunate to have been in a position where retirement was an option. As such, my last day of work was 12-31-2020.  No regrets thus far!” 
~Mark Mihalik
And so, in the face of adversity, may you find the endurance and perseverance to ride the waves of conflict. I’m confident adversity will strengthen you as you ride life’s roller coaster!
Good news regarding Alumni Weekend! Alumni Weekend 2021 will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen with two distinct summer weekends of Ripon alumni programming for us. No matter how you’d like to connect, virtually or in person, the Office of Constituent Engagement is developing a variety of activities to continue to follow CDC, Fond du Lac County and College guidelines in both June and August. Full schedules, lodging, and programming details will be posted soon to www.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend.
JUNE 2021

• In honor of our June Alumni Weekend traditions, virtual alumni programming will be held Tuesday, June 22 through Saturday, June 26, and will include: an alumni town hall, R Connections webinars, affinity socials, a summer book club, and special recognition of the 2020 and 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees. 
• The only in-person event, the Doc Weiske ’50 Memorial Golf Scramble, will be held off-campus on Friday, June 25. 

AUGUST 2021
A combination of virtual and in-person Alumni Weekend programming will be held the first week of August. We will continue to evaluate the state of COVID-19. If circumstances change at the local and national level and we need to cancel in-person programming, that decision will be made and communicated by July 1, 2021.

• Virtual programming will be held Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 and will include: a reunion-focused alumni town hall that also previews the new academic year, additional R Connections webinars, the summer book club capstone, and the traditional “That Was Then” storytelling session. 
• In-person, on-campus programming will be held Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8 and will focus on alumni awards recognition including for our very own RUTH ANNE GERO ADAMS ’85, a 2020 Distinguished Alumni Citation Winner; 2020 and 2021 reunion celebrations including our 35th Class Reunion, and will feature other outdoor events like Rally Run and prairie walk.
• Additionally, the Class of 2020 will officially be welcomed to our alumni community with a special commencement ceremony.

In personal news, my legacy, ERIN BARRIE ’20, graduated in the Ripon College Class of 2020!  🙂
In closing, may I suggest you face adversity one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time! Whatever it takes to get you to the “other” side.
Stay healthy! Stay safe! Be good to yourself!
HEATHER MCFADDEN BARRIE ’85/P’20
(262) 628-1377 / hammbarrie@gmail.com
Your 1985 Class Agent

Submitted by: Class Agent: Heather McFadden Barrie

1986 – Spring 2021 Class Letter

Greetings, Class of 1986!

Dear Classmates,
What a year. I saved a ton on haircuts, only got one last year. Sorry, I refuse to include a photo… but I will share it with those who make it to our 35th Class Reunion in August. 
Alumni Weekend 2021 will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen with two distinct summer weekends of Ripon alumni programming for us. No matter how you’d like to connect, virtually or in person, the Office of Constituent Engagement is developing a variety of activities to continue to follow CDC, Fond du Lac County and College guidelines in both June and August. Full schedules, lodging, and programming details will be posted soon to www.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend.
JUNE 2021

• In honor of our June Alumni Weekend traditions, virtual alumni programming will be held Tuesday, June 22 through Saturday, June 26, and will include: an alumni town hall, R Connections webinars, affinity socials, a summer book club, and special recognition of the 2020 and 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees. 
• The only in-person event, the Doc Weiske ’50 Memorial Golf Scramble, will be held off-campus on Friday, June 25. 

AUGUST 2021
A combination of virtual and in-person Alumni Weekend programming will be held the first week of August. We will continue to evaluate the state of COVID-19. If circumstances change at the local and national level and we need to cancel in-person programming, that decision will be made and communicated by July 1, 2021.

• Virtual programming will be held Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 and will include: a reunion-focused alumni town hall that also previews the new academic year, additional R Connections webinars, the summer book club capstone, and the traditional “That Was Then” storytelling session. 
• In-person, on-campus programming will be held Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8 and will focus on alumni awards recognition, 2020 and 2021 reunion celebrations, and will feature other outdoor events like Rally Run and prairie walk.
• Additionally, the Class of 2020 will officially be welcomed to our alumni community with a special commencement ceremony.

Our Class Reunion is our last best chance to see each other before we hit our sixties. (COVID-19 be damned). Not sure I want to be so future-oriented anymore! Strange space to occupy, not wanting to look forward to far and living with people who have heard my greatest hits one too many times. I am sure the rest of our class is interested in what you’ve been up to lately. Please send me a note that I can share in the next Class Letter.
Meanwhile on campus: classes began on January 25th with a mix of live and remote learning. Recruiting for the class of 2025 has been going great. Interest in Ripon College has increased during the COVID-19 era. As of March 8, deposits for Ripon College incoming students are at 158, up roughly 15% from last year at this time. Great news!
Looking forward to interacting with you all during #OneDayRally on Wednesday, April 28th. If you haven’t been part of it yet, jump in and engage via email, LinkedIn, Facebook, or whatever your favorite platform is, and join in on the fun.
Hoping you all have been safe and able to avoid cabin fever these last months. 
Dan
(612) 209-2996 / dmcnaughton99@gmail.com
Your 1986 Class Agent

Submitted by: Class Agent: Dan McNaughton

1987 – Spring 2021 Class Letter

Greetings, Class of 1987!

What a crazy year we’ve just had. Hopefully, we are all starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We hope that each and every one of you are healthy, happy, and able to find some joy during this time of upheaval.  We can’t wait to see all of you in person at, or even before our next Reunion. Perhaps consider attending Alumni Weekend this summer?
Alumni Weekend 2021 will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen with two distinct summer weekends of Ripon alumni programming for us. No matter how you’d like to connect, virtually or in person, the Office of Constituent Engagement is developing a variety of activities to continue to follow CDC, Fond du Lac County and College guidelines in both June and August. Full schedules, lodging, and programming details will be posted soon to www.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend.
JUNE 2021

• In honor of our June Alumni Weekend traditions, virtual alumni programming will be held Tuesday, June 22 through Saturday, June 26, and will include: an alumni town hall, R Connections webinars, affinity socials, a summer book club, and special recognition of the 2020 and 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees, including for our very own TODD CIESIELCZYK ’87, a 2020 inductee (posthumously). 
• The only in-person event, the Doc Weiske ’50 Memorial Golf Scramble, will be held off-campus on Friday, June 25. 

AUGUST 2021
A combination of virtual and in-person Alumni Weekend programming will be held the first week of August. We will continue to evaluate the state of COVID-19. If circumstances change at the local and national level and we need to cancel in-person programming, that decision will be made and communicated by July 1, 2021.

• Virtual programming will be held Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 and will include: a reunion-focused alumni town hall that also previews the new academic year, additional R Connections webinars, the summer book club capstone, and the traditional “That Was Then” storytelling session. 
• In-person, on-campus programming will be held Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8, and will focus on alumni awards recognition, 2020 and 2021 reunion celebrations, and other outdoor events such as Rally Run and prairie walk.
• Additionally, the Class of 2020 will officially be welcomed to our alumni community with a special commencement ceremony.

Some campus updates to share. A small school in a small town has some advantages during a pandemic:

• Ripon classes started virtually January 25 following a campus-wide testing event with a less than 1% positivity rate!
• Students and faculty have adapted to learning and teaching in person, online or in hybrid ways

Admission numbers for next fall are looking good:

• Enrollment is up 30% 
• Student-athlete enrollment is up 40% 
• Evenly split between male and female 
• Approximately 35% first-generation students, a slight increase from previous cycles 

We’re a little light on classmate news this update, so please be sure to share your news with us at any time throughout the year. We’d love to hear from you!
Class Notes:
RAY SCOLAVINO ’87 of East Troy, Wisconsin, was made Distinguished Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Nice work, Ray!
BETSY MEYERS KNIGHT ’87 of San Diego, California, has discovered that she really enjoys working from home.
DORRIE SMITH SCRANTON ’87 of Woodstock, Connecticut, is obsessed with seed gardening with a focus on growing cut flowers. Trays of seedling have taken over the dining room, along with a winter sowing experiment. Could a dedicated DIY YouTube channel be far behind?
CHRIS TEMPLETON ’87 of Chicago, Illinois, is putting all that Colorado snowfall to good use with a newfound love of Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.
Your Class Agents,
DORRIE SMITH SCRANTON ’87
(860) 455-6108 / dsscranton@gmail.com
CHRIS TEMPLETON ’87
(312) 402-6207 / christinetempleton17@gmail.com

Submitted by: Class Agents: Dorrie Smith Scranton & Chris Templeton

1988 – Spring ’21 Class Letter

Greetings, Class of 1988!

From KATHY WADE ’88

I hope you, your family, and your loved ones are all well!  This has definitely been a strange year for me and probably for you, too. I have not attended a Ripon event since 2019! In a typical year, I attend, at least, one event each quarter. I sure miss my Ripon family and friends!

I have been on campus once since 2019! MATT KITTELL ’88, his wife, Cathy, their daughters, and I met on campus in July for a walk down memory lane and an afternoon in Green Lake. If you are missing being on campus or have not visited the campus recently, check out this virtual campus tour at https://tour.ripon.edu/. 

I have traveled once since 2019. Cathy Kittell, the Kittell daughters, and I road tripped in October of 2020. We stayed in a house on the South Bay of Little Saint Germain Lake! It was beautiful, relaxing, and most importantly, a change of scenery from our respective houses!! Cathy and I stopped at Prime Choice Meat Market and took this photo.
I am looking forward to being fully vaccinated in 17 days, as of the day I am writing this letter! Yes, I am counting down! I have several trips planned and hope to catch up with classmates and other alumni in those cities. Currently, I plan to be in Chicago and Carlsbad, California. I may be in Raleigh, North Carolina for a few days in July, or I may drive to Lake Lure, North Carolina with a few stops on the way. Let me know if you are near any of these locations and I will let you know when I will be there!
Upcoming Events
Alumni Weekend Returns with Two Offerings
There are several Ripon events to look forward to this summer.  Alumni Weekend 2021 will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen with two distinct summer weekends of Ripon alumni programming for us. No matter how you’d like to connect, virtually or in person, the Office of Constituent Engagement is developing a variety of activities to continue to follow CDC, Fond du Lac County and College guidelines in both June and August. Full schedules, lodging, and programming details will be posted soon to www.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend.
In June, In honor of our Alumni Weekend traditions, virtual alumni programming will be held Tuesday, June 22 through Saturday, June 26, and will include: an alumni town hall, R Connections webinars, affinity socials, a summer book club, and special recognition of the 2020 and 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees. The only in-person event, the Doc Weiske ’50 Memorial Golf Scramble, will be held off-campus on Friday, June 25. 
In August, a combination of virtual and in-person Alumni Weekend programming will be held the first week of August. We will continue to evaluate the state of COVID-19. If circumstances change at the local and national level and we need to cancel in-person programming, that decision will be made and communicated by July 1, 2021. 

• Virtual programming will be held Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 and will include: a reunion-focused alumni town hall that also previews the new academic year, additional R Connections webinars, the summer book club capstone, and the traditional “That Was Then” storytelling session. 
• In-person, on-campus programming will be held Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8, and will focus on alumni awards recognition, 2020 and 2021 reunion celebrations, and other outdoor events such as Rally Run and prairie walk. 
• Additionally, the Class of 2020 will officially be welcomed to our alumni community with a special commencement ceremony.

#OneDayRally
Ripon’s #OneDayRally event is on April 28, 2021. Please check out the #OneDayRally event link on Facebook.
Local Lodging Updates
A few years ago, the Heidel House closed. It is opening up, again, this July! I know I have a lot of memories there. My family and I dined there after our commencement ceremony. There is a new hotel in Ripon, the Mapes Hotel. If my memory is correct, it is where the Davis Hotel and Les and Bunny’s were. 
Class Notes
STEVE FORDHAM ’88 of Waukesha, Wisconsin, is an adjustor at Erie Insurance.
CAROL SHAY HORNUNG ’88 of Madison, Wisconsin, shared “I wanted to pass along the tidbit that I have a new book out, the start of a series that I’m really excited about. I even put 30 years of experience in the advertising world to work and wrote up a press release. STEVEN BANASIEWICZ ’89 provided encouragement and a read-through to make sure I didn’t stray in areas where I didn’t have the expertise. This is the first of a series and each book is going to take place in a different city and state. This one is Madison, of course, dear to my heart, and the next one has our heroes traveling to Nashville, Tennessee.”

In Closing
DAVID JONAS ’88 and I appreciate all of your support of the College over the years and in particular this last year! We hope to see you all soon! Please watch for the #OneDayRally updates! It is a fun day of giving and hearing from fellow alumni! Believe it or not, our next reunion, our 35th, is in two years! Wow!! Please start making plans to attend!

KATHY WADE ’88
(248) 470-4336
DAVID JONAS ’88
(202) 251-9640
Your 1988 Class Agents

Submitted by: Class Agents: Kathy Wade & David Jonas

1990 – Spring 2021 Class Letter

Greetings, Class of 1990!

Hope this note finds you healthy! It’s hard to believe that it’s been one year since our nation has been grappling with the COVID-19 crisis and… we hope this is behind us. 
We have good news regarding Alumni Weekend and our 30th Class Reunion! We will be celebrating our 30th Reunion along with the Class of 1991. As you know, many of us have friends from neighboring classes so this should be extra fun to share in the celebration. Alumni Weekend 2021 will be unlike anything we’ve ever seen with two distinct summer weekends of Ripon alumni programming for us. No matter how you’d like to connect, virtually or in person, the Office of Constituent Engagement is developing a variety of activities to continue to follow CDC, Fond du Lac County and College guidelines in both June and August. Full schedules, lodging, and programming details will be posted soon to www.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend.
JUNE 2021

• In honor of our June Alumni Weekend traditions, virtual alumni programming will be held Tuesday, June 22 through Saturday, June 26, and will include: an alumni town hall, R Connections webinars, affinity socials, a summer book club, and special recognition of the 2020 and 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees. 
• The only in-person event, the Doc Weiske ’50 Memorial Golf Scramble, will be held off-campus on Friday, June 25. 

AUGUST 2021
A combination of virtual and in-person Alumni Weekend programming will be held the first week of August. We will continue to evaluate the state of COVID-19. If circumstances change at the local and national level and we need to cancel in-person programming, that decision will be made and communicated by July 1, 2021.

• Virtual programming will be held Tuesday, August 3 through Saturday, August 7 and will include: a reunion-focused alumni town hall that also previews the new academic year, additional R Connections webinars, the summer book club capstone, and the traditional “That Was Then” storytelling session. 
• In-person, on-campus programming will be held Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8, and will focus on alumni awards recognition, 2020 and 2021 reunion celebrations including our 30th Reunion celebration, and other outdoor events such as Rally Run and prairie walk.
• Additionally, the Class of 2020 will officially be welcomed to our alumni community with a special commencement ceremony.

If you are curious as to how the pandemic has affected life on Ripon’s campus, here are a few updates:

• Classes officially started on January 25 with a mix of in-person, online, and hybrid (part online and part in-person) formats. The weekend before classes started, the entire campus community (all students, faculty, and staff) were required to take a COVID-19 test, which was administered on campus in Great Hall resulting in a less than one percent positivity rate. 
• Beginning on February 1, the College began random weekly surveillance testing where approximately a quarter of the College community will be tested.
• Those who are interested in following the plans and procedures this semester, as well as tracking the COVID-19 positivity rate on campus, can visit www.ripon.edu/coronavirus-information/ for more information.

#OneDayRally and Ripon Fund Updates:

• Ripon’s annual giving day, known as #OneDayRally, will be held on Wednesday, April 28. Be sure to save the date.  
• All alumni are encouraged to sport their Ripon College attire and post it on their social media platforms on that day. 
• Thank you to all of you who support the College in any capacity. The Class of 1990 had 29 donors who gave a total of $32,995.10 this past fiscal year, ending on June 30th. Nice job, Class of 1990. This support makes a difference, and it is especially admirable to see our class gift given what we all experienced this past year. 

Here are our Class Notes:
DAN TRAMPF ’90 of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, has been honored by his profession to be selected into the Wisconsin Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will be in April of 2021. He will be the first Ripon College Alum to be placed into the Hall of Fame as an athletic trainer. A plaque with his biography and picture will be placed at the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse, which is where all hall of fame plaques are featured. 
SUSAN FRIKKEN ’90 of Madison, Wisconsin was featured in a story about her experience at Ripon College. Here is a snippet from the article: Ripon College gave Frikken “life skills, the ability to engage thoughtfully and intelligently about the wide world, and a lifelong community of friends,” she says. Frikken’s studies at Ripon prepared her for a variety of career endeavors. She has worked in environmental education, as a ballroom dance instructor, at the nonprofit Whitman-Walker Health in Washington, D.C., and then as a massage therapist. The article in its entirety can be accessed here. Susan will also be featured in an article in the 2021 winter edition of the Ripon Magazine.
Don’t hesitate to send us your update for the Class Letter at any time throughout the year. We look forward to hearing from you, and we hope to see many of you this summer at our 30th Class Reunion celebration!
Stay safe and see you soon, we hope!
ROBERT E. CORKERY, JR. ’90
(508) 930-9027 / bcorkery@aol.com
CHRISTINA L. MAGGIO KELLERSTRASS ’90
(708) 764-1881 / christinacl27@aol.com
Your 1990 Class Agents

Submitted by: Class Agents: Robert Corkery, Jr. & Christina Maggio Kellerstrass

1991 Spring 2021 Class Letter

Submitted by: Class Agent: Samantha Bailey Fast

Simpsonville, SC- Merrie Christine Robillard, 69, wife of Richard Robillard, died Sunday, May 13, 2018.
Born January 26, 1949 in Port Washington, WI, Christine was a daughter of the late Frank Albert and Elaine Reichgeld Gruett. She was a dedicated teacher and worked at Oak Creek Elementary in Oak Creek, WI, Pontiac Elementary in Columbia, SC, and most recently having served 17 years at Fairforest Elementary School before her retirement.
In addition to her husband, Christine is survived by her son, Brett J. Robillard of Columbia, SC; her daughter, Heidi Rappole (Robert) of Raleigh, NC; and three grandchildren, Hayley Robillard, Abigail Robillard, and James Rappole.
She was predeceased by a sister, Susan Seimann.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 22^nd, 6-8PM at Dunbar Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the following charities that Christine supported: P. S. I Love You Ministries, P O Box 162242, Boiling Springs, SC 29316 or to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

BLANCHE BARTIZAL BABCOCK ’53 of Three Lakes, Wisconsin, died May 21. 2021. At Ripon, she majored in philosophy and psychology and participated in Ver Adest and Alpha Gamma Theta. She was a longtime benefactor and supporter of various Ripon College initiatives, was instrumental in the Babcock Family Endowed Scholarship and received the Medal of Merit in 2006. She received a master’s degree in education from the National School of Education and worked for many years as an elementary school teacher in Rondout, Illinois. She was active in her communities both in Illinois and Wisconsin. Survivors include one son and two daughters, including TIMOTHY BABCOCK ’82 and KATHERINE BABCOCK ’80; a daughter-in-law, SARA OBERHAUSER BABCOCK ’83; and a grandson, PETER BABCOCK ’09. Her husband, THOMAS BABCOCK ’51, died in 2002.
Full Obituary:
Blanche Bartizal Babcock, age 91, of Three Lakes, WI, died on Friday, May 21st at her beloved home on Butternut Lake, surrounded by her family and her long-time four-legged companion Sniffy.
Blanche was born on April 14th, 1930 in Riverside, IL, the daughter of Dr. John and Henrietta (Nee Skala) Bartizal. Blanche grew up in Riverside, IL, graduating from Sacred Heart Academy.
She graduated with a BA in philosophy from Ripon College. Subsequently she earned her Master’s Degree in Education at the National School of Education. Blanche worked many years as an elementary school teacher in Rondout, IL.
In 1954 she married Thomas Babcock, her partner for the next 48 years, with whom she had three children, daughters Nancy and Kathy, and son Tim.
They lived in Winnetka, IL for 17 years, where she was actively involved in the community. In 1986, she and her husband Tom moved to their summer home on Butternut Lake in the Nicole National Forest.
After moving to the Northwoods she was a founding member of Company B of the Hiles Volunteer Fire Department. Additionally, she volunteered for the hospital auxiliary, palliative care, the Native American Archeological excavations group, and the Butternut-Franklin Lakes Association and Foundation.
She is survived by her three children, Nancy (Roman) Ciapalo of Dubuque, IA; Kathy Babcock of Waukegan, IL; Tim (Sara) Babcock of Jefferson, WI; two grandchildren Peter and Bridget (who knew her as Babi); sister, Henrietta Pons, of Winnetka, IL; brother Paul Bartizal of Tennessee; and sister-in-laws Sally Barnhart of Phoenix, AZ, Susan Burt of Dana Point, CA, Bonnie Lyon of Eagle River, WI, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Dr. John Bartizal Jr., and her granddaughter-in-law Ellen Mae Stone Babcock.
There will be no service or visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Butternut Franklin Lakes Foundation, the Thomas and Blanche Babcock Family Scholarship Fund at Ripon College, or a charity of your choice.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

RICHARD L. MENSON ’65 of Dunwoody, Georgia, died May 17, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in history and economics, participated in the undefeated football team, and was commissioned through ROTC. He also was a graduate of Northwestern University Law School and George Washington University. He served his country as a JAG officer from 1965-1973, including 18 months in Vietnam. He joined Gardner, Carton and Douglas in Chicago, Illinois, and was a partner from 1977-1998. In 1998, he joined McGuireWoods as managing partner of the Chicago office. He retired in 2012. Survivors include his wife, Lynne Lemke Menson; and two daughters.
Full obituary:
MENSON, Richard Lloyd “Rick”
Born November 10, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, and died unexpectedly on May 17, 2021 in Dunwoody, Georgia.
Survived by his beloved wife of 50 years Lynne Lemke Menson; his daughters Dr. Melissa Halbach and Kristin Menson; his son-in-law Brandt Halbach; his grandchildren, Brynn Elisabeth, Ansley Ecklin, and Thomas Crenshaw Halbach; his brothers and sisters, John Menson, Rob Menson, Jim Menson, Susan Edwards, and Elizabeth McKinstry, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Rick was a graduate of Ripon College (B.A. ’65), Northwestern University Law School (J.D. ’68), and George Washington University (L.L.M. ’73). He served his country as a JAG Officer from 1965-1973 including 18 months in Vietnam. He joined Gardner, Carton, and Douglas in Chicago, Illinois, soon thereafter and was a partner from 1977-1998. In 1998 he joined McGuireWoods as managing partner of the Chicago office. He retired in 2012.
There will be a visitation on Wednesday, May 26 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Road Ne, Sandy Springs, GA. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, May 27 at 11:00 AM at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 1978 Mt. Vernon Rd, Dunwoody, GA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the following:
– Atlanta Vietnam Veteran Business Association Foundation, 2568 Mercedes Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30345
– Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1762 Clifton Rd. NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30322. (Contributions will support both the Champions and Friends of Dunwoody Country Club Professorship in Prostate Cancer Endowment and the Winship Sarcoma Fund.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

JAMES B. LANDWEHR ’56 of Glendale, Wisconsin, died May 8, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in English and participated in student government. He stayed active in several ways, including serving on class reunion committees and as Class Agent. He served in the Coast Guard and particularly enjoyed being stationed in Alaska. He worked for GM’s AC Spark Plug for the space program and First Wisconsin National Bank (now US Bank).  He was involved in his children’s sports, coached boys’ and girls’ softball, and was a swim official for the swim clubs and high school swim teams. After retiring, he volunteered with the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society, researching and lecturing on the History of the Great Lakes. Survivors include his wife, CAROLYN CALLAHAN LANDWEHR ’55; two sons and two daughters.
Full obituary:
Found peace finally on May 8, 2021 at the age of 92 years.  Preceded in death by his parents, Harold W. and Gladys, and sister Mary E. Berry.  Beloved husband for almost 63 years of Carolyn (Callahan) and children, Catherine, Jenifer (Joe) Vollmer, Hans (Linda) and Karl.
Jim graduated from Whitefish Bay High School and Ripon College.  He worked for GM’s AC Spark Plug for the space program and First Wisconsin National Bank (now US Bank).  He loved his years being involved with his children’s sports.   He especially enjoyed coaching, boys and girls softball, and being a swim official for the swim clubs and high school swim teams.
Jim joined the Coast Guard prior to college.  He loved that period, especially when stationed in Alaska.  In later years, on a cruise in the Alaska area, he and his wife had the experience of being on the receiving end of the Coast Guard services.  After college and work years it was time to enjoy his passion for the Great Lakes.  So the retirement years were spent volunteering with the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society researching and lecturing on the History of the Great Lakes.  He also began writing his memoir, but Alzheimer’s got in the way so he didn’t finish.  His daughter Jenny was able to pull his stories together and managed to get it published – “My Hitch”.  Had he understood what she had done, he would have been greatly pleased.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, May 14, 2021 at the Feerick Funeral Home, 2025 E. Capitol Dr., Shorewood from 4:00 PM until the time of the Memorial Service at 6:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Society, the Wisconsin Humane Society or the Wisconsin Marine’s Historical Society.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

G. WILLIAM “BILL” CHAPMAN ’52 of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, died May 19, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in economics, participated in athletics and Alpha Phi Omega, and was commissioned through ROTC. He received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He served two years as an officer in the Korean War. He was passionate about municipal law and represented numerous communities. He was instrumental in the 1988 creation of the Lake Country Municipal Court, the first such joint court in Wisconsin. He also dedicated years of service to the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Civil Service Commission. He was the longtime treasurer of the local YMCA and was key in the building of the new YMCA. He was recognized as Oconomowoc’s Citizen of the Year in 2000.  Survivors include two sons.
Full obituary:
G. William “Bill” Chapman died peacefully on May 19, 2021, at Shorehaven Health Care Center in Oconomowoc. Bill was born on September 8, 1930, to Herbert and Catherine Chapman.
He grew up in Hartland, received his bachelor’s degree from Ripon College, and his law degree from the University of Wisconsin. He served two years as an officer in the Korean War.
On June 21, 1952, he married Joyce Johnson. They had three sons, Stanley, James (Krista) and John.
He was predeceased by his infant son Stanley, and his wife Joyce.
Bill was passionate about municipal law; he was instrumental in the 1988 creation of the Lake Country Municipal Court, the first such joint court in Wisconsin. He represented numerous communities throughout his career, and dedicated years of service to the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Civil Service Commission. He was the long-time treasurer of the local YMCA, and was key in the building of the new Y. In 2000, Bill was recognized as Oconomowoc’s Citizen of the Year. His many other good deeds, including hours of pro bono work, mentoring, and counseling, were largely unknown to the general public. He is survived by his two sons, his niece Michelle Burris, other relatives and many friends.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be scheduled for sometime this summer at the new Chapman Park.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement