R Connections

2011 – Fall 2021 Class Letter

Class agent:

SHANE ROEBER ’11

M: (262) 617-7707 / H: (262) 695-0555 / [email protected]

Dear Class of 2011,

Summer is my favorite time of the year in Wisconsin and it’s winding down. It’s a bummer. However, fall does bring a lot of nice things – such as Oktoberfest, pumpkin spice (though I’m not sure why this is just a fall thing? It’s not like you can’t ask for pumpkin spice in the spring if you wanted), hopefully some playoff baseball, and my birthday. It also brings with it this Class Letter. So, here are a few updates from the past six months or so that you may be interested in:

For Alumni Weekend 2021, alumni and guests from 29 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, were on campus, Aug. 6-8, representing the classes of 1961 to 2023. Further, our class celebrated our 10-year Reunion. It was nice to see everyone who was able to attend and thank you to those who contributed to our class gift! Save the date for Alumni Weekend 2022, which will go back to our traditional end of June date: June 23-26, 2022.

Classes started on Monday, August 30, and the academic year is in full swing with in-person classes. The College is continuing to follow CDC and Fond du Lac County Health Department guidelines regarding COVID safety protocols.

Speaking of COVID, this past year the College had a record-breaking number of donors for #OneDayRally in April 2021, with 2,087 individual donors from around the world. This undoubtedly helped the College, and its students, in an unprecedented time. If you were able to donate, thank you!

Below, you will find some class messages. Admittedly, I dropped the ball on reaching out this time around. I’ll pester you all a little more next time. Thank you to those who sent in something to share! Keep killin’ it in medical aesthetics, ALLISON JENSEN WALTERS ’11!

Class notes:

JOHN LIGHTFIELD ’11 of Burlington, Wisconsin, started a new career as an Administrative Law Judge with Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development on March 29, 2021.

ALLISON JENSEN WALTERS ’11 of Apple Valley, Minnesota, writes, “Killin’ it in medical aesthetics at the Hydrafacial Company.”

Take care and stay healthy,

SHANE ROEBER ’11

Submitted by: Class Agent: Shane Roeber

2012 – Fall 2021 Class Letter

Co-Class Agents:

ERIN SCHAICK ’12

(920) 312-3825 / [email protected]

BRANDON TAYLOR ’12

(406) 274-4708 / [email protected]

Hello, Class of 2012! 

I’m sure you’ll all agree that it’s been a long year (going on two) but it’s been really great to connect with those of you in our Facebook group and beyond. Despite the pandemic, Ripon College has stayed busy and recently hosted hybrid Alumni Weekend activities. Can you believe our ten-year Reunion is next summer?! Please save the dates of June 23-26, 2022, and we hope to see you on campus to reconnect in person and see the numerous upgrades around campus. We are also actively looking for classmates who would like to help with our tenth Class Reunion celebration, which would include classmate outreach. Please email Erin and me to let us know you are interested. 

A record-breaking 2,087 donors from all around the world supported Ripon’s fourth annual giving day on April 28, known as #OneDayRally, reminding us all that regardless of the circumstances, Red Hawks come together. Thank you to everyone who contributed! 

In-person classes started in Ripon on Monday, August 30 and whether school seems like a distant past, you’re a teacher, or you have kiddos entering a new semester, we hope you’re all safe, healthy, and ready to take on whatever you encounter in this new season! 

Without further ado, here are the life updates and class notes you’ve shared with us recently: 

CHAD KRUEGER ’12 of De Pere, Wisconsin, is making a career with FedEx Express as a courier. He married his wife, Jackie, on May 28 of this year.

SARAH WEINBERG HILL ’12 of Saint Paul, Minnesota, got married last Halloween to her best friend, JORDAN HILL ’11 and hopes to see some Ripon friends at their vow renewal on their one-year anniversary! Also, she started a job at Oakdale Public Library where she chats with kids (and adults, too) nonstop about the Legend of Zelda, Dogman, animal facts, and lots and lots of books.

KATHARINE SHADLE GAILS ’12 made a huge career change and is now the office manager at a dental office! It’s almost been a year since she started!! 

KATE HAMM FRIEDL ’12 and her spouse, Chris Friedl of West Allis, Wisconsin, welcomed twins to the family on May 14th.

LISA HILLEREN ’12 is still living in Chicago, Illinois, and started a new job as a project coordinator with Adage Technologies.

NYI NYI AUNG ’12 started a new role as a manager at Marubeni Corporation where he has been for over six years.

ARIEL DICKINSON ’12 of Madison, Wisconsin, and her husband welcomed their first child, Dorian Oliver, in July.

SHARON KLAPPERICH DOLL ’12 of Green Bay, Wisconsin, is currently working on her second Master’s degree in Education from the University of Glasgow.

SPENCER ’12 and AURORA POLLEI LAMEKA ’12 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, welcomed their baby, Millie Wren, on May 21st.

ELLIE BYLER ’12 of Jordan, Minnesota, welcomed their baby, Genevieve Joan, on June 29th.

KAYLA WALLICK MENDEZ ’12 of Bloomington, Minnesota, welcomed her third child, Xiomara Flor Mendez, on February 3rd. She spent her summer living in Papantla, Veracruz with her in-laws

MEGAN MCGEE NORRIS ’12 of Kenosha, Wisconsin, took a position as Guardian ad Litem in Racine County, Wisconsin, and is still running her own firm doing a lot of juvenile and family law. 

BRYANT VANDE KOLK ’12 of Ellicott City, Maryland, finished his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Notre Dame in May and was fortunate enough to run into a few Ripon friends at Alumni Weekend when back in town for his goddaughter’s baptism. 

JESSICA BRUNGARDT LARSON ’12 of Colorado Springs, Colorado, is still working for the County Attorney’s Office in Colorado Springs, but will be joining the drug court team doing child protection cases and will be adding in adult protection cases as well. She and her husband are enjoying being the proud parents of our almost two-year-old son, two dogs, and three cats.

AUBREY WEBER ’12 of Middleton, Wisconsin, started a new job as a Salesforce Administrator at Cerity Partners and will be beginning her fourth year on the faculty at Edgewood teaching Introduction to Human Communication. Aubrey just spent four days/three nights paddling in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and recently purchased her first kayak. She is still living in Madison with her elderly cat and dog and partner, Tim.

ERIC SCHUMACHER ’12 of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, and his wife welcomed their second child, Ryan, in April. Their family loves to spend time on the golf course and their two-year-old, Jack, might have the best swing of the family!

BRANDON TAYLOR ’12 of San Francisco, California, got married this June in San Francisco and lives with his wife, Christina, and puppy, Waffle, in their home there. He started a new job in April 2021 as a Senior Project Manager on the HR Enablement team at LinkedIn.

ERIN SCHAICK ’12 of Concord, New Hampshire, is AVP, Director of Development and Community Relations at CATCH Neighborhood Housing in Concord, New Hampshire. 

SAM STELMACK ’12 of Chicago, Illinois, is now an operations specialist at School Bags for Kids, LLC in Chicago, Illinois.

Thanks again to everyone for sharing and we hope to see you in person next summer for our Class Reunion!

Be well,

ERIN SCHAICK ’12

BRANDON TAYLOR ’12

Submitted by: Class Agents: Erin Schaick & Brandon Taylor

2013 – Fall 2021 Class Letter

Class Agents:

CHARLOTTE LEE WAHLE ’13

(971) 222-5905 / [email protected]

LAUREN ANN OTT ’13

(651) 399-4363 / [email protected]

ALI PELTIER ’13

(608) 228-0733 / [email protected]

Dear Class of 2013,

When I (ALI PELTIER ’13) was writing this Class Letter, I looked back on what I wrote for the Fall 2020 Letter. Reading it, I thought for sure we would be living in a world without masks, quarantining, working from home etc. by the time this was written, but I promise you I won’t dwell on the “new normal” (sorry, had to say it…) too much, and will move directly on to college updates and classmate’s news! 

Personally, not too much has changed since our last letter in my world. I am still working from home but starting to travel more (yay!) and still very slowly working my way through my MBA at the University of Iowa. My wedding is a year away, so my Type-A self is in full planning mode over here. So far, the highlight of the summer has been meeting up with some of my best friends in central Wisconsin for a week on the lake including SARA WIMMER KRAUSE ’12, LEXI GLISE HATLAK ’12, MARA JENSEN POULLETTE’14, ALLY BRETL ’14, and SARAH CARBALLO ’13.

Updates from Campus:

Alumni Weekend:

Alumni and guests from 29 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, were on campus, Aug. 6-8, representing the classes of 1961 to 2023, for the first-ever August Alumni Weekend after COVID-19 put a pause on campus events over the past 18 months. Save the date for Alumni Weekend 2022, which will go back to our traditional end of June date: June 23-26, 2022.

All class years ending in the numbers two or seven will be celebrating their Class Reunion this next summer at Alumni Weekend!

Campus upgrades:

The McCullough Family Lounge in Farr Hall of Science — a favorite location of students for studying and collaborative work — recently received an extreme makeover with the intent of making the space more contemporary and technologically friendly. The renovations were made possible by a lead gift from Trustee PHILIP MCCULLOUGH ’69/P’04, and his wife, Pat.

Also, a new Data Visualization Lab was installed in Todd Wehr Hall, which will be a great asset for our math and computer science departments. 

Endowment: 

Our endowment recently hit an all-time high and as of Thursday, August 19, 2021, it was at $112 million.

Start of the Academic Year:

Classes started on Monday, August 30 and the academic year is in full swing with in-person classes. The College is continuing to follow CDC and Fond du Lac County Health Department guidelines regarding COVID safety protocols

Now, let’s get down to the fun stuff… and the reason you all (honestly) check out this Letter.

Class notes: 

AMIE PRUDHOMME DWYER ’13 of Watertown, Wisconsin, writes, “My husband, MATT DWYER ’10, and I moved to Watertown with our daughter in August 2021 after being in Missouri for seven years. MATT is a PE and Health teacher at Mayville, and I am a special education teacher at Fort Atkinson.”

SARAH CARBALLO ’13 of Cincinnati, Ohio, writes, “I finally completed my four-year ophthalmology residency with Rush University in Chicago in June! I then successfully moved to Cincinnati with the help of FLYNN MORONI ’13, who braved a broken elevator on the sixth floor and a motley last-minute moving crew led by the mysterious (but effective) “Big Rob” all in the name of best-friendship. I started my LAST YEAR of training (aka 25th grade) completing a one-year cornea and external disease fellowship with my first choice of match – The Cincinnati Eye Institute. Next, I’ll be heading back home to sweet Milwaukee for my first big girl job in 2022, still ‘single as a Pringle’ with a great plant collection.”

KAYLYN FREEMAN MACKIN ’13 was married in April 2021, and hopes to start a family soon. 

CHRISTINA MOONEY ’13 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin writes, “Still single, and looking to mingle.”

MAYNA MUENCHOW ’13 of Westchester, Illinois, was promoted at work and, most importantly, got another fur baby!

ANDREA SLOSSER WORTH ’13 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin writes, “I completed my Doctoral Internship at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Wyoming! (Now to start paying off student loans…) My spouse, our dog, and I relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and I am now the Inpatient Geropsychology Postdoctoral Fellow at the Milwaukee VA Center Center.”

JEREMIAH RIDDILE ’13 writes, “I got married! This past March, I married my long-term girlfriend WanRu, also known as Ruby. We had a small celebration in her hometown and we hope to have a more formal wedding next summer when Chinese borders open up for friends/family. This fall, I’ll start a new teaching position as a high school social studies teacher in the Chinese public school system. Otherwise, my last couple of years have been busy learning some Mandarin, traveling around China, and of course playing a little soccer when I can.

MATT ROHRBECK ’13 and DARCIE FIRST ’13 of Columbus, Wisconsin, recently got a rescue dog and named her Callie!

KATIE WILLIAMS ’13 earned her Reading Teacher 316 license and is putting it to good use working as a Reading Teacher for grades 3-5 in Reedsburg, Wisconsin. She lives in Portage, Wisconsin with TIM HOLME ’14.

JENNA OSTROWSKI WRIGHT ’13 of Marshfield, Wisconsin, was married this summer after postponing twice last year due to COVID.

Stay safe and stay well, classmates!

ALI PELTIER ’13
(608) 228-0733

CHARLOTTE LEE WAHLE ’13
(971) 222-5905

LAUREN OTT ’13
(651) 399-4363

Submitted by: Class Agents: Ali Peltier, Charlotte Lee Wahle, and Lauren Ott

2014 – Fall 2021 Class Letter

Co-Class Agents:

TIM HOLME ’14

(608) 333-9526 / [email protected]

MARA JENSEN POULLETTE ’14

(920)-946-8498 / [email protected]

Greetings, Class of 2014! 

Oh boy, what a summer! We hope all of you had a great one as well. As we all know, as summer is ending fall is around the corner and Ripon College students are already back as of August 30th. I am really happy to be writing to you as it brings back a lot of great memories. I am excited to announce that I recently took a new job within the DNR. I am the new Conservation Biologist in the Central Sands region of the state. I still happily live in Portage, Wisconsin, with KATIE WILLIAMS ’13. Now here are other updates from the Class of 2014. 

Class Notes:

NAOMI JAHN SKULAN ’14 of Morris, Minnesota, writes, “NICK SKULAN ’14 and I welcomed our son, Peter Parker Skulan, to our family on May 3, 2021.” 

MAXWELL ROY ’14 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, writes, “I recently began my DrPH program at the Medical College of Wisconsin this fall ’21 semester. CETONIA WESTON ROY ’15 and I began our own real estate LLC and we bought a building on Martin Luther King Drive, just north of downtown Milwaukee, where it will house her business (Niche Book Bar) and a few other ideas we have. Our son, Xavier, just started second grade.” 

REBECCA NIEVES BAKKE ’14 of Maple Grove, Minnesota, writes, “ANDREW BAKKE ’14 and I welcome Alexander A. Bakke on February 13, 2021. I am an HR Manager at US LBM Holdings and Andrew is a Senior Software Engineer at Tintri.”

SAMANTHA ANGELL EASTBERG ’14 of Marshfield, Wisconsin, writes, “I’m starting my second year of post-doctoral fellowship at the Marshfield Clinic Health System. My husband, Josh, and I are expecting a little boy on November 4, 2021.”

BRITTANY LAHAIE BARTLETT ’14 of Campbellsport, Wisconsin, writes, “My husband, Nathan, and I welcomed our sweet daughter, Vivian Rose, to our family on January 6, 2021.”

JILL VANEPEREN BEILFUSS ’14 of Fremont, Wisconsin, writes, “My husband, MITCHEL BEILFUSS ’15, and I welcomed our sweet baby girl, Jordyn Alyse, on January 3, 2021.”

MATT LANGE ’14 of Waukesha, Wisconsin, writes, “My wife, Kristi, and I welcomed our beautiful daughter, Gracelynn Lange, into the world on December 1, 2020. I completed my MBA from Colorado State University in the spring of 2021 and am a Senior Supply Management Analyst for Harley-Davidson.”

SOPHIA KLINGENBERGER MARTINEZ ’14 of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, writes, “CHRISTIAN MARTINEZ ’14 and I were married on June 19, 2021. CHRISTIAN started his Masters in Social Studies Education at the University of Iowa this fall and I am in my sixth year of teaching science and coaching high school volleyball and soccer.”

ALI NEMECEK ’14 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, writes, “I graduated from law school at Marquette in May (finally done with school!) and am currently working for Ernst and Young in Milwaukee. My boyfriend, Mike, and I adopted our first fur child, Zadie, a Pitbull/Boxer mix, in June and she has stolen our hearts (and our bed, couch, wallets, and everything else)!”

BAILEY BODEEN ’14 of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, writes, “I completed an MS degree in Biology at UW Oshkosh in 2018. From there, I spent time as a research assistant for a contract research facility. I am now navigating life as a 2nd-year doctoral student at UW-Madison’s School of Veterinary Medicine.”

TYLER MESSERSCHMIDT ’14 of Newport News, Virginia, writes, “I am a Field and Laboratory Manager at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Also, I am drug and disease free and I’m looking for any ladies who missed a chance with me during college.”

ERIC LANGMAN ’14 of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, writes, “I am teaching science and social studies at Milwaukee Math and Science Academy.”

Thank you all for sending updates! They shouldn’t stop there! We encourage all of you to keep sending us your update to share with classmates at any time throughout the year. Please plan to join us for Alumni Weekend next year on June 23-26, 2022. At this past Alumni Weekend in August, there were 29 states represented, including Alaska and Hawaii. It is good to see things returning to normal after a rough 2020. We hope to see all of you at the next Alumni Weekend. Cheers!

Sincerely,

TIM HOLME ’14

MARA JENSEN POULLETTE ’14

Submitted by: Class Agents: Tim Holme & Mara Jensen Poullette

2015 – Fall 2021 Class Letter

Co-Class Agents:

SAMANTHA KAY ’15

(414) 587-5958 / [email protected]

KAYLIE LONGLEY ’15

(262) 212-7394 / [email protected]

Hey Classmates, 

We are thinking of you, and we hope you are all hanging in there. Classes at Ripon College started on Monday, August 30 and the academic year is in full swing with in-person classes. The College is continuing to follow CDC and Fond du Lac County Health Department guidelines regarding COVID safety protocols. We’ll write more in our spring Class Letter, but we wanted to take a quick moment to send a shout out to all of you, and to encourage you to stay safe and take care as we continue to get through this pandemic.

Class Notes:

KATIE BIEDLER ’15 of Saint Cloud, Minnesota, passed her Series 6 licensing exam for investments. She hopes to transition from retail banking into wealth management.

ELLY DAVIS ’15 of Middleton, Wisconsin, finally married the love of her life, Trevor Morris in front of their family and friends after waiting an extra year and postponing twice. The incredible bridal party included KAYLIE LONGLEY ’15, LEIGHANNE LACY ’15, her cousin, Dani Solem, and the Maid of Honor, her sister Gwen Davis. The highlight of the day was getting to see all the family and friends they’ve missed over the last year and a half! After the wedding, they vacationed in Saugatuck, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois. ELLY and Trevor currently reside in Middleton, Wisconsin with their two very spoiled cats, Slinky and Jax.

TEAGAN FORD ’15 of Jackson, Minnesota, is celebrating three years at Daktronics.

HOLLY KORTEMEIER ’15 currently lives in Stoughton, Wisconsin with her dog, Hooper. She works as a school counselor in the Oregon School District.

MICHAEL LANPHIER ’15 and wife, JOHANNA BURTON LANPHIER ’13, moved into a house in Lincoln, Nebraska last summer. He won a trip through work to Japan next year! MICHAEL and JOHANNA also shared their career wisdom and scientific insight with Ripon College students through Zoom for the Biology Senior Seminar course, which took place in Bear Auditorium in early October.

KAYLIE LONGLEY ’15 moved to Denver, Colorado, with its 300 days of sunshine, mountains, and craft breweries. She’s now the Marketing Manager for the Montessori School of Denver, and she’s also co-coaching Girls on the Run, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering elementary students through movement and conversation. She’s found Packers fans!

KATIE JO MCGEE ’15 is now the English Specialist at Etonkida in Nanjing, China.

CODY MESSERSCHMIDT ’15 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the Project Manager at 7Summits, an IBM Company and a digital solutions provider.

Take care,

Kaylie

Sam

Submitted by: Class Agents: Sam Kay and Kaylie Longley

2016 – Fall 2021 Class Letter

Co-Class Agents:

SARA DRIEBEL ’16

(262) 347-1484 / (262) 439-8124 / [email protected]

ELIZABETH KONIECZNY YAMAT ’16

(414) 369-7430 / [email protected]

Hi Team!

It was so fun to see so many of you for our Class Reunion (when the rain allowed us to meet up!). Alumni Weekend brought prairie hikes, s’mores, socials, and a funky 5K in which yours truly took last place. Our connections to each other remain an incredibly valuable part of our Ripon experience and getting to reunite and celebrate our fifth year together was exactly what the doctor ordered. It’s time to gear up for the next Alumni Weekend, which is scheduled to take place June 23-26, 2022.

A few Ripon updates that you all may be excited to hear: Upgrades have taken place inside Farr Hall and Todd Wehr! The next time you are on campus, be sure to check out the upgraded McCullough Family Lounge in Farr Hall, and the new Data Visualization Lab in Todd Wehr.

We are so excited to hear the ways that our Alma Mater continues to make learning more exciting and innovative, and are thrilled to hear what you have all been up to! Now, on to the updates!

Class notes: 

ALEX MORIARTY ’16 of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, bought a new car and got Lasik! Last June she also celebrated five years with her agency!

ALEXANDER MEHRE ’16 of Veazie, Maine, and his wife, Jessica, are settling into their new house with plenty of updates. He has been making Old Town kayaks and interning at General Electric. He is back for another year of studying mechanical engineering as the vice president of the Robotics Club!

ALISON LEAVER ’16 of Antigo, Wisconsin, graduated from vet school in May 2020.

ALYSSA KENNEDY ’16 of McHenry, Illinois, is in her second year of residency in Family Medicine at Mayo Clinic in LaCrosse.

ALYSSA NYCZ ’16 of West Hartford, Connecticut, was able to swing a trip home over the past summer for a week of Northern Wisconsin lake life, which went by way too fast! Whenever they get the chance, she and Kevin (who wishes he was a Ripon alum, but sadly missed out) make day trips to enjoy the beaches in Rhode Island. She even learned a few emergency medicine tricks during the last beach day, as one of them (not Alyssa) dislocated a shoulder in the pre-Hurricane Henri waves.

BRANDON MASTALISH ’16 of Mayville, Wisconsin, moved back home to Wisconsin and has been working for Wisker A Automatic Litter Box factory in Juneau, Wisconsin!

CHRIS WEAVER ’16 and NIKKI GLASHEEN WEAVER ’14 of Genoa City, Wisconsin, are married! They bought a home together and now reside in Southern Wisconsin. 

ELIZABETH KONIECZNY YAMAT ’16 of Glendale, Wisconsin, and her spouse, Brady, are excited to welcome their second child in February. Theo can’t wait to be a big brother!

EMILIE KATONA ’16 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, bought a house!

FRANK STELTER-HOGH ’16 of Naperville, Illinois, got a new job at Bolingbrook High School and bought a house with HANNAH METZ STELTER ’17!

GARRISON ANDERSON ’16 moved in with BRITTANY MANGIN ’17 in Chicago, Illinois. He started a new job in marketing for a healthcare technology company.

HOPE BELL ’16 of the United Kingdom has moved into a house and started law school for international law in the United Kingdom. She is almost done with her third year at her immersion school, which has expanded and now has 80 kids and seven foreign teachers that she is in charge of!

JADEE KELLOGG SEN ’16 and AKASH SEN ’16 moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. They and their dog, Apollo, are enjoying seeing the mountains every day and going on hikes on the weekends. 

JAMES-MARK OOKO-OMBAKA ’16 of Mount Vernon, New York, is an Independent Consultant (Operations Manager) at SEMA, an East-African civic innovation that makes public services and local governments work better. Originally founded in the Netherlands, SEMA was awarded the D-prize in December 2017 for a pilot project in Kampala, Uganda and an additional grant from Hague-based Knowledge Management Fund in May 2018 to test out SEMA’s theory of change. SEMA has now become completely localized in Uganda and expanding in Kenya, staffed by a local core team and advisory board. Financial support from government agencies speaks to the validity of their approach to furthering open government by providing localized feedback to assist public services by directly addressing citizen perceptions and needs. In the process, SEMA has developed a sustainable financial model by earning revenue through public and private procurements, supplemented by innovation grants and local donations. As the Operations Manager in Kenya, JAMES-MARK builds strategic networks, government partnerships, and efficient systems and processes to facilitate SEMAs growth within the region.  

JORDAN POLK ’16 of La Crosse, Wisconsin, is an admission counselor at Viterbo University and a head basketball coach at Hillsboro High School.

JOSHUA LUNA ’16 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, started a new job as the director of rehabilitation for a nursing facility, and he and his girlfriend are looking to buy their first home this year!

KATIE TREDINNICK ’16 of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, spent the summer outside learning about regenerative agriculture and finding its applications in public health, planetary health, and vet med. She was lucky enough to go on a magical vacation to Washington with the lovely SARA DRIEBEL ’16 and a vacation to the North Shore of Minnesota with her beau, PAUL MEUER ’13. She starts her second year of vet school in September and is both excited and nervous about what the year will hold!

KAY SENGLAUB ’16 of West Allis, Wisconsin, is the Matron of Honor in KELSEA PATTERSON ’17’s wedding in September! She took 11th place at the 2021 United States National Irish Dance Championships while competing in the Adult Competition in Phoenix, Arizona this July. She is looking forward to competing in the Mid-America Region in November.

LAUREN GOTTSHALL ’16 of Newark, New Jersey is an OB-Gyn Resident Physician at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, New Jersey!

LIZZIE PETERS ’16 of Appleton, Wisconsin, just started her fourth year of teaching at St. Edward School as the 4K AM and 3rd Grade PM teacher! She was just offered and accepted a swim team coaching position primarily with the younger kids. She has never done anything with the swim team, so she is excited to try something new in the aquatics world and learn from the other coaches.

LOGAN JENSEN ’16 lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

NICK LUEDTKE ’16 of Appleton, Wisconsin, is in the beginning of his sixth year of his Ph.D. at Iowa. His lab, advised by Christopher M. Cheatum, has recently been awarded multiple years of funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) to learn how enzymes work. His approach is to make enzymes that do not exist in nature to better study their atomic motions in the femtosecond timescale, or one millionth of a billionth of a second.

RACHELLA BENNETT ’16 of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, will be welcoming a baby boy in October!

SAMANTHA DEY ’16 of Union Center, Wisconsin, welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world with ALEX SNELL ’16. James Alexander Snell was born May 2021 at 10 lbs, 7 oz.

SARA DRIEBEL ’16 of New Berlin, Wisconsin, had a blast seeing elk, whales, porpoises, seals, and so many birds on a trip to Washington with KATIE TREDINNICK ’16. She has taken every opportunity to get outside this summer and practice her wildlife photography skills (mostly squirrels). Her nosedive into plant parenthood has turned into a lifestyle and she spends her time after work caring for her plants and pets. 

STEPHANIE ROSENOW ’16 of Appleton, Wisconsin, got engaged in August and now gets to have a lot of fun wedding planning!

TY KETZ ’16 of Clayton, Wisconsin, is coaching men’s basketball at Ripon College and just started his own basketball training business!

TYLER SHIMEK ’16 of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, is now teaching at West Allis Central.

ZACH BRAYER ’16’s life has become the plot of A Picture of Dorian Gray. Also, he is definitely not collecting art. 

Thank you for sharing your updates and news with us! Keep them coming! We would like to add one additional Class Agent to our team, and we are seeking an additional classmate to volunteer to work with us as a Class Agent. Since we just celebrated our Reunion, the time commitment will not be extensive, and it’s a great opportunity to stay connected with classmates and directly serve Ripon College. The new Class Agent would help us write our Class Letter that is published twice a year. Please email Sara Driebel at [email protected], or email [email protected], to state your interest in becoming a new Class Agent for our class.

Sincerely,

SARA DRIEBEL ’16

ELIZABETH KONIECZNY YAMAT ’16

Submitted by: Class Agent: Sara Driebel

2017 – Fall 2021 Class Letter

Class Agents:

ERIN CANON ’17

414-469-5945 / [email protected]

KONNER FELDHUS ’17

303-280-5835 / [email protected] 

WINONA HOLMES ROBBINS ’17

650-274-9231 / [email protected]

Hey, classmates!

We hope everyone shared in the joy of seeing pictures and videos of bright-eyed first years move into the dorms at Ripon this past August. It truly brings back so many exciting memories. For our class, that was merely eight years ago! Sometimes that feels like it was just yesterday, but at other times it seems as though it’s been decades. On that note, our FIVE-YEAR CLASS REUNION is coming up next summer! Make sure to mark your calendars for our Class Reunion and Alumni Weekend 2022: June 23-26, 2022. Hoping to see you all in person then! Please contact us if you would like to help plan our Class Reunion. 

Class Notes:

SARAH CONJURSKE ’17 of Green Bay, Wisconsin, received her doctorate of pharmacy in May of 2021 and is now working as a registered pharmacist for Walmart pharmacy in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. She also got engaged to her now-fiancée Joe Glasheen shortly after graduation from pharmacy school!

MARIAH EVERTS ’17 of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is working on year three of her naturopathic medical doctorate. She’s enjoying learning more about fertility, pediatrics, and hormone health in her studies and out in the field! 

KONNER FELDHUS ’17 of Des Moines, Iowa, is finishing the last few requirements of medical school and will graduate in May of 2021!

AMY FELS ’17 of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is the Archivist of the Oshkosh Public Museum. Amy graduated from UW Milwaukee with a Masters of Arts in History, Master of Library and Information Studies with an Archives Specialization.

STEVEN LANPHIER ’17 of Seattle, Washington, recently relocated from Madison, Wisconsin to Seattle, where he now works as an air chemist. He made the move with his awesome fiancée MIYE AOKI-KRAMER ’20!

TY SABIN ’17 was named to D3hoops.com All-Decade Team. The voting considered anyone who played at the Division-III level at any point from the beginning of the 2009-10 season to the end of the 2019-20 season.

BEN VORPAHL ’17 of Detroit, Michigan, recently announced that he will begin practicing dentistry in his hometown of Portage, Wisconsin after he graduates from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in May of 2022! 

ALLY WILBER ’17 of Port Washington, Wisconsin, writes, “I am now Curator of Public Programs at the Museum of Wisconsin Art (West Bend) as well as the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Visual Artists. I’m announcing my first exhibition as part of the Museum of Wisconsin Art’s curatorial team, ‘Claiming Space: A New Century of Visionary Women.’ The exhibition opens July 24th and runs through October 3rd, 2021, featuring 27 contemporary female artists in honor of the museum’s anniversary year and female founder.”

Take care!

Konner

Winona

Erin

Submitted by: Class Agents: Konner Feldhus, Winona Holmes Robbins, and Erin Canon

2019 – Fall 2021 Class Letter

Class Agents:

ERIC FELS ’19

(262) 365-9726 / [email protected]

RACHEL HAWLEY ’19

(224) 688-3049 / [email protected]

OLIVIA HECK ’19 

(262) 408-3785 / [email protected] 

TYLER STURZL ’19

(715) 889-3672 / [email protected]

Greetings, friends! 

It is that time of year again when Ripon becomes colder and the campus transitions into a beautiful canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows. For many of us, we too have been in states of transition — moving ourselves to different jobs, cities, and aspirations. During these transitions, you may think back to your college days when the world was much simpler and less chaotic. Remember to reminisce with those fond memories and find comfort in knowing Ripon has prepared you to face whatever transition lies ahead. 

As your Class Agents, we wanted to provide you with a few updates from your ol’ stomping grounds. First, Alumni Weekend took place August 6-8 and we saw alumni from over 28 states come back to campus to enjoy the events. It was a welcomed time to see others again either in person or virtually. 

Second, campus operations continue to move full steam ahead. In terms of fundraising, Ripon College had a record-breaking 2,087 donors from all around the world who supported Ripon’s fourth annual giving day on April 28, known as #OneDayRally, reminding us all that regardless of the circumstances, Red Hawks come together. Additionally, Ripon’s endowment recently hit an all-time high and as of Thursday, August 19, 2021, it was at $112 million!

With the colder days nearing closer, we also wanted to reflect on the hard work and sacrifices many of our classmates have made with the global COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination efforts. We want to pass along a sincere thank you to anyone who has provided care and comfort during this pandemic.

Questions related to what steps Ripon College is taking to make sure students attending the Fall semester are protected from the COVID-19 virus can be answered here: ripon.edu/coronavirus-information/.

Class Notes:

CARLY WESNER BOWMAN ’19 of Port Royal, South Carolina, mentions, “I’m working remotely for a company as a website manager! We are currently in South Carolina on the coast!”

JACK CLOUGH ’19 of Burlington, Wisconsin, is currently deployed with the U.S. Army National Guard. 

ERIC FELS ’19 of Hubertus, Wisconsin, states, “I have been interning with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps in Colorado since late May. This summer, I was serving with the U.S. Forest Service in Minturn on the White River National Forest as a developed and dispersed recreation technician. I am currently in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, helping the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest with sign inventory for the fall.”

KIM FRISQUE FOOTE ’19 of Marinette, Wisconsin, mentions, “In June, I started a new job working as a Human Resources and Compliance Support Specialist at Veriha Trucking in Marinette, Wisconsin. Roughly two weeks after starting my new job, my husband and I bought a house near my hometown!”

EMMA HALL ’19 of Derby, Kansas, says, “I am still working as a Patrol Officer in the Wichita Police Department East Bureau and enjoying every second. My partner, Clayton, and I are excited to announce our engagement on 8/28/2021 and the adoption of our new pupper. Fun fact: SoHo (our pup son) was named after the NASA spacecraft SOHO.” 

OLIVIA HECK ’19 of Bloomington, Indiana, mentions, “I am entering the third year of my Ph.D. program in School Psychology at Indiana University. My favorite part of graduate school is conducting neuropsychological assessments on children with various medical and mental health issues!” 

TEARA MORGENROTH ’19 of Greenfield, Wisconsin, says, “I just started the third year of my graduate program to obtain my masters in school counseling. I am currently an intern at Longfellow Middle School in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. I will be working with students to help them improve socially, emotionally, and academically so they can feel prepared for college and careers.” 

KATE MYSZEWSKI ’19 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the band director for Shorewood School District’s elementary school band programs. Kate is also a member of the board of directors of Knightwind Ensemble, Milwaukee’s Premier Wind Ensemble

TYLER STURZL ’19 of Madison, Wisconsin, states, “I now work in IT for Exact Sciences in Madison. My IT team supports the clinical and regulatory affairs division. I also recently built and moved into a new home on the east side of Madison. I’m looking forward to backyard BBQs and baking more.”

Cheers,

Your 2019 Class Agents,

ERIC FELS ’19

RACHEL HAWLEY ’19

OLIVIA HECK ’19

Submitted by: Class Agents: Eric Fels, Rachel Hawley, Olivia Heck, Tyler Sturzl

2020 – Fall 2021 Class Letter

Class agents:

ADAM WRONSKI ’20

(651) 301-9390 / [email protected]

KAILEE BETLER ’20

(920) 290-1327 / [email protected]

MITRA KERMANI ’20

(303) 807-3662 / [email protected]

HALEY STOWELL ’20

(715) 214-8025 / [email protected]

Fellow 2020 classmates, 

It comes with great pleasure to celebrate and share all of life’s exciting updates with each of you. Receiving great news about all that our graduating class is accomplishing is both uplifting and inspiring. As we reconnected at the beginning of August to celebrate our long-awaited Commencement ceremony, we were able to reflect on the memories that made our Ripon experience special, as well as celebrating all that we have accomplished as individuals since our last day on campus. As you read through the updates given by our classmates, know that all of Ripon is celebrating with you on this journey. 

ERIN BARRIE ’20 is now living in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, working for Gordon Flesch Company as a leasing coordinator. She recently became the proud dog mom of Moose and Lucy.

MORGAN DEVINE ’20 of Colby, Wisconsin, has accepted an offer from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington for a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health. In preparation for graduate school, Morgan had been selected to the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) GSEF-Graduate School Exploration Fellowship program, which offered a compensated summer research experience at a Big Ten university in summer 2020. Only two students from each ACM school are typically accepted to the GSEF program.

ERIC DOLL ’20 of West Bend, Wisconsin, will be starting his teaching career at West Bend West High School! 

FORREST GRADE ’20 thoroughly enjoyed Alumni Weekend and our commencement ceremony and looks forward to seeing more of our classmates at Alumni Weekend 2022 (June 23-26, 2022).

AUSTIN HEISELMANN ’20 of Burlington, Wisconsin, is spending post-graduation life flying helicopters as an Officer of the Army. We appreciate you and your servant heart, Austin! 

NOAH HERRIED ’20 of Necedah, Wisconsin, was recently accepted into a Master’s Program at Wisconsin Lutheran and has also accepted a Graduate Assistant coaching position with their baseball program.

BAILEY JERRICK ’20 of Stoughton, Wisconsin, has been working as a set builder for American Girl, in addition to making DIY crafts for their YouTube channel.

ANDREW JOHNSON ’20 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is looking forward to his new role teaching chemistry at St. John’s Northwestern Academies, where he is also the assistant cross country coach.

LINDSEY KARRAS ’20 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has begun her teaching career as a third-grade teacher in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

ABBY KORB ’20 of Washington, D.C., just started the second year of her MA in Political Science at American University in Washington, DC. She recently moved into Washington, D.C. from Maryland, and is going into her second year working at NGPVAN as a Political Research and Sales Coordinator.

MIYE AOKI-KRAMER ’20 recently moved to Seattle, Washington, with her fiancé, STEVEN LANPHIER ’17. She is looking forward to starting her role as an 8th-grade science teacher for the upcoming school year.

ALAURA LEMIEUX ’20 of Luck, Wisconsin, recently accepted a research technologist position at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

MAX MINDIOLA ’20 has started his second year of dental school at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. So far, he has thoroughly enjoyed the various spectacles upon which Omaha prides itself, especially the College World Series.

RACHEL MYERS ’20 of Kansas City, Missouri, will begin her first year of teaching in an elementary school as a music teacher. Additionally, special congratulations to Rachel and her fiancé on their recent engagement! 

ALEXIS RIGGS ’20 of Ripon, Wisconsin, has accepted a graduate school offer from UW-Madison for a Master’s degree in Clinical and Rehabilitation Counseling through the School of Education. Alexis prepared for this next step by focusing academic research on several areas related to accommodations for persons with disabilities and working in an organization offering opportunities for persons in the disability community.

ABEL GONZALEZ RODRIGUEZ ’20 of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was recently hired at Ripon College as a Technology Support Specialist/Programmer in the Office of Information Technology.

MACKENZIE SWART ’20 of Brookfield, Wisconsin, has been working at the happiest place on earth as a lifeguard at Blizzard Beach through Walt Disney’s College Program. 

EMILY TETZLAFF ’20 has started her second year of Optometry School at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. 

LARYSSA VACLAVIK ’20 of Portage, Indiana, is student-teaching in Portage, Indiana, where she is also the assistant coach of the high school swim team.

ADAM WHITE ’20 of Lombard, Illinois, recently finished an aquatic invasive species removal job in Minocqua, Wisconsin. He is moving to Gainesville, Florida, in the near future to work for GSE Engineering as a construction materials field testing tech.

ZEA WOODS ’20 of Madison, Wisconsin, is taking classes at Colorado State University Online, in addition to working at UW Health University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

ADAM WRONSKi ’20 has started his first year at Baylor University Graduate School in Waco, Texas. He is pursuing his Ph.D. in Environmental Science. He also thoroughly enjoyed the festivities of Alumni Weekend and greatly looks forward to next year’s events.

CARLEE ZANDER ’20 previously of Manawa, Wisconsin, recently moved to Springfield, Massachusetts to complete her MS in Forensic Psychology at American International College.

We congratulate KAYLIE MARKS WILCOX ’20 and DAKOTA WILCOX ’19 on their marriage! We are so lucky you included Ripon in your special day!

Moving forward we wish you all of the very best! Your Class Agents, along with all of Ripon College, are celebrating throughout all of your accomplishments! We look forward to seeing and experiencing the “life well lived” with all of you. 

Best wishes, 

ADAM WRONSKI ’20

KAILEE BETLER ’20

MITRA KERMANI ’20

HALEY STOWELL ’20

Submitted by: Class Agents: Adam Wronski, Kailee Betler, Mitra Kermani, and Haley Stowell

RICHARD “DICK” A. CHRISTENSEN ’58 of Reston, Virginia, died Nov. 8, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in history, participated in Ver Adest, theatre, music, forensics, College Days and Sigma Chi, and was commissioned through ROTC. He received a degree in law and diplomacy from The Fletcher School of Tufts University. He served as an officer in the U.S. Army and later as a reservist. He was an economic officer with the U.S. Foreign Service for more than 20 years in Caracas, Venezuela; Bucharest, Romania; Zagreb, Yugoslavia; and Prague, Czechoslovakia. He then worked at Meridian International Center, introducing emerging international leaders to both official and unofficial America. He also was active in his local community. Survivors include two daughters. His wife, RHODA RODEGHIER CHRISTENSEN ’58, died in 2008.

See below for the full obituary text:

Richard (Dick) A. Christensen passed away peacefully on November 8, 2021 at the age of 85 in Reston, VA after a short bout with pneumonia. Dick passed in the presence of his loving daughters, Karen and Courtney. He was predeceased by Rhoda, his beloved wife of 49 years.

Dick was born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, the son of George and Sylvia (Peshek) Christensen. He was an Eagle Scout, a graduate of Horlick High School and held a lifelong interest in music, starting at the young age of 9 when he began playing the accordion. He toured with the Boy Scout Drum and Bugle Corps in his youth, which sparked his interest in travel and exploring new places.

Dick was educated at Ripon College, where he earned a BA in History and at The Fletcher School of Tufts University, where he received a MA in Law and Diplomacy. During summers in college, Dick worked at Lassen Volcanic National Park in California, an experience which almost led him to a career as a Park Ranger, and which he held dear throughout his life. He spent two years on active duty as an officer in the US Army and later as a reservist.

Inspired by a fascination with different cultures and a civic commitment to service, Dick joined the US Foreign Service where he served as an Economic Officer for over 20 years. He held postings in Caracas, Venezuela; Bucharest, Romania; Zagreb, Yugoslavia; and Prague, Czechoslovakia. His facility with languages and genuine interest in people opened many doors for him. After retiring from the Foreign Service, Dick worked at Meridian International Center, where he was known for putting together programs on short notice that introduced emerging international leaders to both official and unofficial America and helped build mutual understanding and practical solutions to our global challenges.

Dick will be remembered by the many whom he touched as a good, kind and generous man, deeply interested in others and in the world around him. He lived everyday Christian values, always giving generously to his family and community, and sparing others criticism and complaints. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings in his hometown, he developed a love of modern architecture which he passed on to his family. Always intellectually curious, Dick knew “something about everything” and remained proud of his appearance on Jeopardy in the 1960s.

He, and his late wife Rhoda, were among the early residents of Reston where Dick was active on the Inlet Cluster board throughout his 50 years in Reston. His later years were filled with volunteer activities to enrich his community — at Travelers Aid at Dulles Airport, as an active member of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, a stream monitor, a regular blood donor, an usher at Arena Stage in Washington, DC and an election officer in his local precinct.

Dick is survived by his daughters Karen Christensen of Arlington, VA, and Courtney Christensen, and her husband Jay Michaud most recently of Lexington, MA as well as 5 grandchildren, Ian Christensen-Gibbons, Quinn Christensen-Gibbons, Greer Christensen-Gibbons, Caroline Michaud, Benjamin Michaud, and two step grandchildren, Claire Michaud Collins and husband, Dr. Richard Collins and Jack Michaud.

A service is being planned at St. Anne’s Episcopal church in Reston. In lieu of flowers, please honor Dick by making a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association, The National Park Foundation, or to a charity that is important to you.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

1980 – Fall 2021 Class Letter

Class Agent:

PEGGY GERO DAVALT ’80

 (608) 658-3779 / [email protected]

Dearest Friends and Classmates of the Ripon College Class of 1980:

As I recall, it was Sunday, August 22, 1976, that over 250 young students from all over the world showed up at this small, rural Wisconsin community we know as Ripon, Wisconsin to attend Ripon College. I’m being somewhat nostalgic because it is important to me to share with you how I have been navigating some of the changes that this world has brought to us over the past couple of years and the changes that I have seen as it affects me and my relationship with Ripon College. This is something that I need to share. My journey through the past many years as your Class Agent has brought me to this edition. 

One of my very most favorite books is Simple Abundance: 365 Days to a Balanced and Joyful Life by Sarah Ban Breathnach who created this #1 New York Times best-selling book back in 1995. In 2019, she revisited and revised her work to make it more contemporary. 

Pearl Bailey, an American actress and singer said this, “You never find yourself until you face the truth.” In Sarah Ban Breathnach’s February first entry, she shares what it is like for her to write. “Making the absolute best of ourselves is not an easy task. It is a pleasurable pursuit, it is the reason we were born, but it requires spiritual moxie, the quixotic blending of passion, patience, persistence, and perseverance. For many of us it also requires prayer. That’s because we find it far easier to learn to live by our own lights when we access a Higher Source of Power to illuminate our path.” She continues on in the entry, “So I started to ask for the Power to be switched on in my daily life: as a mother, a writer, an artist and a friend. When I asked, it was turned on. When I didn’t, I stayed in the dark. You don’t have to be a master electrician to understand what is going on here. Someone must turn on the switch. Asking is the only way to activate spiritual electricity. When there is Light, we see remarkably well. We see with clarity. And what we can see if we look deep within is that the Authentic Self is the Soul made visible.”

As Sarah wrote her original book, she decluttered her life of more than just objects that no longer serve us, but the clutter of other people’s opinion: about our lives, our jobs, our partners, our wardrobes, our weight, our children, our decorating style. Her conclusion as we try to wade through those thoughts every day to level a playing field just to find space for our own thoughts which does cause us to tire. The last portion of this entry shares this profound information, “Don’t try to remake yourself into something you’re not. Just try making the best of what the Great Creator made in you. The sacred art of nurturing our soul is the artisanal craft of Simple Abundance. Begin today by flipping the switch to turn on the Light.”

As I have shared over the years with all of you, my dad, Bob Gero, used to say that the only thing constant in life is change. His wisdom is totally evident in this present moment. He was very smart, and his words still echo in my mind. In being my authentic self, I will admit that I do not like change because it tends to not allow me to “control” my life in any given moment.

As my classmates, you may ask, “Why are you reflecting on this?”

My reasons are many but the biggest one is that I must speak my truth as I share with you how I have felt over the past couple of years. As many of you know, I have been one of the biggest fans of Ripon College. The time spent there had been four of my best years of life. I supported the College and did my best to contribute as a Class Agent, volunteer, and a silent recruiter of future students. I also supported the College financially, including through estate planning and hosting the Class’s Facebook group. I do my best to keep alumni up-to-date on the news of our classmates.

What has bothered me the most (my opinion only) is that I have realized my medical and health freedoms, as well as sovereign rights, are being eroded before our very eyes. This has especially impacted me as a State of Wisconsin employee considered an “essential employee” and having to work every day in person due to the facility that I am employed at. I am grateful for my job- that has never changed. What has changed for me is being forced to make medical decisions that never ever had to be made in this job. 

I have found there is comfort in finding people of like-mindedness, because I have found that the ability to agree to disagree is not often possible. I will say that from the political, socio-economic, and medical issues plaguing this world, division is what is happening between families, friends, and co-workers.

For me, I have stepped back. Normally, I am a very extroverted person, yet I have withdrawn and kept to myself only to protect my soul as it processes these changes that I’m seeing. I must watch myself as I go through days that I do actually stand up for what I believe even if many people in my work-world do not.

Earlier this year, Ripon College, put out an issue of the Ripon Magazine which caused me just to step back and say, “WOW” is this the Ripon College that I used to love? Is this the College that I was proud to be associated with? The resounding answer to me was no it was not. My instant thought was, I need to share with them how I am feeling and that something could be done, because I am not 100% sure that I am the only one who is feeling that angst about what I was seeing in the College’s major communication tool for alumni.

I have done the best I can to support the College. I do my best to recruit students, volunteer my time and energy and share the incredible experience I had while I was a student and now an alumna of Ripon College. I have also been a Partner in Legacy and have contributed a portion of my estate to Ripon College, but now I have had serious thoughts about cutting this back, as it is something I can choose to do. I feel that there is only one “side” presented in the Ripon Magazine. 

To problem-solve, I felt there would and could be an amicable solution to this situation I saw (as well as others who have shared with me their concerns). At this moment in time (11.14.21) I have been able to schedule a meeting with the College Administration to discuss some of my views on how the Ripon Magazine has been published of late. In the past, I always felt that there were other viewpoints and options shared in the Ripon Magazine and not strictly one. I contacted the College to update my Class Letter, and I am writing to let you know that I have reached out to the Administration and I did meet with Vice President of Advancement Shawn Karsten ‘09 on November 16 by phone and he has addressed my concerns from the College’s perspective. It was a very good conversation.

That’s why it has taken me so long to write this letter. Now writing this, I feel as if I have been authentic and not just hiding how I view and perceive things in this crazy, changing world we live in. 

Ripon College News and Events

President Zach Messitte announces that he will be stepping down as Ripon’s 13th President. He has served the College from 2012 and will be ending his tenure at the end of this Fall Semester 2021. 

For the complete report, you can check this out on the website – 

https://ripon.edu/2021/09/22/ripon-college-president-zach-messitte-to-leave-in-2022/?fbclid=IwAR17MuQ8sL_ZZxWAFqH0dxdEJ2Xyy1J0sXtAz_xJlbKWYXIbfVrokLrO4TA

Dr. Andrea Young has been appointed Ripon College’s interim president. A national search committee to find President Messitte’s replacement has been formed. Watch for more news as soon as someone has been hired.

https://ripon.edu/2021/09/27/dr-andrea-young-appointed-ripon-colleges-interim-president/?fbclid=IwAR3Br_KgIXbc9I4AOYAchbs51seDC_J9cof_KlEahNzY1eBaIVdNvEAKVbQ

Class News, Notes, and Announcements

For those of you that are on Facebook and have not already joined, I have a Ripon College (WI) Class of 1980 Facebook page that you are welcome to become a part of. 

Another reminder for those of you interested, there is a permanent Zoom meeting on Tuesday nights at 8:00 p.m. (CDT). Please join. Join regulars, KATHY GOODBOUT ’80, ROBERTA KOHLHAGEN ’80, and PEGGY GERO DAVALT ’80 for a most interesting chat. See you soon!!

The information to join is here:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86022070250

Meeting ID: 860 2207 0250

Password: 733821

ELLEN BARTH ’80 of Omro, Wisconsin, recently retired from the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, after 30+ years of employment where she worked most recently as a Wildlife Biologist Supervisor. She is enjoying retirement. 

In loving memory of MARY E. BRANDT ’80 – January 21, 1958, to July 24, 2021 – 

For those of you in the Class of 1980, she was a good friend to me as well as to her Alpha Delta Pi sorority sisters. Her love of teaching took her to Arizona where she lived for many years. You will be missed by all who loved you!

The celebration of her life was held in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Saturday, October 2.

https://www.hansenmortuary.com/obituary/603750/mary-elizabeth-brandt/?fbclid=IwAR3khsGwI6pQ5hYAyjagIEd-iZbUdURh9s6bzTQsufP49ntZVMER9nd03Pc

KATHY GOODBOUT ’80, LISA HEIMLER ’80, and SARA MAURER ’80 all met for dinner in late October, as SARA was traveling in Wisconsin for a conference. 

That’s it for me. Have a great autumn and winter season. How fast time flies!! Keep sending me information for your next Class Letter.

Celebrate everything,

PEGGY GERO DAVALT ’80

Ripon College Class Agent

Submitted by: Class Agent: Peggy Gero DaValt

PAUL R. BERENS ’63 of Appleton, Wisconsin, died March 28, 2021. At Ripon, he studied economics and history. He was a member of Partners in the Legacy. He obtained a teaching certificate from Lawrence University and was a member of the National Guard. He had worked in retail clothing, had an antique booth at a downtown Appleton mall, and also was a teacher in the Milwaukee public school system. He enjoyed travelling, shopping and collecting antiques.

Full Obituary:

PAUL ROY BERENS ’63 passed away peacefully on Sunday March 28th, 2021 at Frontida Assisted Living in Kimberly where he had been a resident since October of 2020. He was born on July 29 to the late Sylvester and Sylvia (Rabe) Berens. Over the years, Paul worked in retail clothing, had an antique booth at a downtown Appleton mall, and also was a teacher in the Milwaukee public school system. He attended St. Norbert’s High School, earned his bachelor’s degree from Ripon College and obtained his teaching certificate from Lawrence College. He also was a member of the National Guard. Paul thoroughly enjoyed shopping, loved Christmas, appreciated any opportunity to travel with his dear friend Laury and loved collecting antiques. He was a grateful member of A.A. for close to 50 years. He will be remembered by family and friends for his goofy smile and quick wit with a hint of sarcasm! Paul was kind-hearted and endeared by those who knew him best…he will be missed.

Paul is survived by his brother, Peter E Berens (Sandy Stevens-Berens); his grand-nephew Will Berens; and nephew Nick C. Berens. He also is survived by his close friend Laury Ellis; cousins, Paul Gremmer and Lucy Motley; and friends, Frank Fischer and Marcia Miracle. Paul was preceded in death by his parents Sylvester and Sylvia (Rabe) Berens; brothers, John and James Berens; and his nieces, Rachel Berens and Leah Berens.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established for scholarships at Ripon College (https://www.ripon.edu/make-a-gift/). 

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

1967 – Fall 2021 Class Letter

KATHY SANTIMAYS DUNN ’67

(704) 633-8999 / [email protected]

“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.”  – Maya Angelou

Happy 2022 to you! I’m sure we are all thankful for a semi-return to normalcy after the dreaded COVID ups and downs of the last months. I’m very thankful the vaccine and its booster made it possible.

I’m also extremely thankful for the updates and news shared by some of you!

DON ’67 and KATHY BROWN BARNHART ’68 live in Huntsville, Alabama as do their daughters. That makes it easy for grandma and grandpa to see their grandchildren frequently. Despite the deterioration of our infrastructure, DON was able to retire after a 27-year career in the municipal pipeline rehabilitation industry. KATHY joined DON in retirement after serving as chef at HudsonAlpha Institute’s Jackson Center. Neither rested on their laurels but instead started new endeavors. KATHY and her youngest daughter opened a women’s thrift clothing business. I’m sure their shop is thriving during these times. Perhaps influenced by Dr. Breithaupt’s art history class, DON discovered a latent interest in painting. He primarily does landscapes. I’m sure he’s really talented as he received a request for his first commissioned painting!

We all know what a hipster GEORGE GITCHO ’67 is. Now it’s official as he had a hip replacement this past year. I’m sure many of you can relate!

DICK KUEHL ’67 suggests we start downsizing or at least get rid of “stuff.” He realized this was a good idea after moving this summer. Unfortunately, it was one of the hottest days of the year and a downpour also ensued!! Then, just before closing a tree fell on their dock but thankfully it was repaired in the nick of time! What luck!

NANCY WADLEY KEOUGH ’67 became a third-time grandma when her son and his wife welcomed a girl – May Grace.

KEN KALIHER ’67 had a great reunion after 40 years with fellow Sigma Chi, DAVID FRANCO ’68. DAVID retired to Tampa, Florida and KEN lives in Bellingham, Washington. They got together when DAVID and his wife visited their son in Seattle. They all had hoped to visit Vancouver, BC, but the border was closed so they took a few steps into Canada at the Peace Arch Park which straddles the border.

As seems to be the case when Ripon classmates get together after a long absence, time apart vanishes and we’re back to the “good old days.”

You can easily experience this phenomenon this June 23-26 at our 55th Class Reunion! If you would like to help plan something simple and low-key please contact me. Also, if you make your contribution to Ripon College between now and June 30, it will count toward our Class Reunion gift.

Sure to be part of our Class Reunion festivities and adding a laugh (or three) will be DICK ’67 and LUCY BROOKS WRIGHT ’67. They will need a break after all the work they’ve done rehabbing their home and an old school house in Waupaca. They were hoping to get that break on a Danube river cruise. However, it was canceled three times – bummer!  Many of you can probably relate to postponed adventures.

I apologize for this late letter. I could make up a great story about why but, truth be told, it’s a victim of procrastination!

I hope you are all weathering well and looking forward to a spectacular rebound in 2022!

Submitted by: Class Agent: Kathy Santimays Dunn

JAMES F. COCHRANE ’52 of Plymouth, Minnesota, died Dec. 11, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in economics, lettered in basketball and participated in Ver Adest and Theta Sigma Tau. He strongly supported Ripon, both financially and in alumni activities. He had a 40-year career in management with Illinois Bell Telephone Co. and lived in Lake Bluff, Illinois, for nearly 50 years. He and his wife retired to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and then Plymouth, Minnesota, to be near family. Summers were spent at the family cottage on Gilbert Lake in Wild Rose, Wisconsin. He was active at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, Illinois, including organizing and leading high school mission trips for 45 years. Survivors include three sons and one daughter; and a brother DAVID COCHRANE ’54. His wife, JOANNE KLAWITER COCHRANE ’51, died in 2019.

The full obituary can be viewed here: https://m.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/0000414932/?fullname=james-f-cochrane

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

CAROLYN “CAROL” VLACK WOERTZ ’44 of Waukegan, Illinois, died Sept. 23, 2021. At Ripon, she studied sociology and was a member of Alpha Gamma Theta. She left early to return to Waukegan to work at Abbott Laboratories during World War II. For many years, she worked for the family business, Glen Rock Beverages. She also worked at Globe Department Store and as a medical assistant. She was involved in civic women’s organizations, volunteered at Victory Memorial Hospital and was active at First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed playing cards and traveling. Survivors include two sons and one daughter.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

MARJORIE ANNE FERRELL ’47 of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, died Nov. 15, 2021. At Ripon, she majored in English and speech communication and was a member of Alpha Gamma Theta. She taught in the Ripon school system and the Oregon School for Girls of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. She later received a master’s degree in communication arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master of divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary. She taught school in Burlington, Belvidere and Park Ridge, Illinois; and served as a pastor in the United Church of Christ in Random Lake, Wisconsin, and as a hospital chaplain in Omaha, Nebraska, Chicago and Madison, Wisconsin. She enjoyed traveling, camping, playing cards, and following Brewers baseball.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

DORIS JOHNSON MATTAL FOLEY ’49 of Racine, Wisconsin, died June 26, 2021. At Ripon, she majored in educational studies. She earned a bachelor of arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a teaching degree from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She was a third-grade teacher at S.C. Johnson School for more than 20 years. She enjoyed summers at Wind Lake, Wisconsin, traveling, bowling, reading, and the Green Bay Packers. She was a member of Living Faith Lutheran Church in Racine. Survivors include one son and two daughters.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

SHIRLEY BEHRENS POINTER ’49 of Madison, Wisconsin, and Naples, Florida, died July 30, 2021. At Ripon, she majored in chemistry and participated in Ver Adest and Delta Phi Sigma. She worked as an intern at Madison General Hospital, where she became a certified medical technologist. She worked for the Quisling Clinic in Madison and then again at Madison General Hospital until her retirement. She moved to Naples, Florida, in 1986 and was active in the community there for 30 years. She enjoyed craft making and volunteering. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Survivors include three sons. Her husband, JACK D. POINTER ’51, died in 2015.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

EUGENE D. WALLSCHLAEGER ’49 of Ripon, Wisconsin, died Dec. 1, 2021. At Ripon, he studied mathematics and was a member of Delta Sigma Psi. He worked as an accountant for the Ripon school system. He enjoyed spending holidays and summers in northern Wisconsin, fishing, working puzzles, card games, fireworks and bingo. He also liked big band music, reading and following the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Bucks. He also was involved with the Lion’s Club for 60 years, Our Savior’s United Church of Christ and Russell Manor Board.

ROBERT J. POTTER ’50 of Eagle River, Wisconsin, died Nov. 17, 2020. At Ripon, he majored in music and participated in Ver Adest and Alpha Phi Omega. He received a master’s degree in music education from Northwestern University. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a music teacher for 35 years, primarily at Brookfield East High School. He also enjoyed cooking. Survivors include one son and two daughters.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement