Class Agent:

Heather McFadden Barrie ’85

Hello Class of 1985!

No doubt for those of you (which includes me!) still residing up North – der hey!  – Cabin Fever is setting in about now. We long for the day when the robins return, the gloomy frozen tundra turns to a luscious green, and the trees start budding. But as you know, the groundhog saw his shadow and I’m afraid we’re in for another six weeks of winter!

Don’t let that get you down – there’s so much planning to do before the snow melts. Start with marking your calendar for Ripon’s 2018 Alumni Weekend – June 21-24, 2018. Visit ripon.edu/alumni-weekend/ for additional information.

Well, I don’t know if you remember me but I defected to your class in 1983 when I decided to do the three year program. My former classmates from the Class of 1986 are quick to remind me of my defection! Remember that guy I was dating when I went to Ripon, Tom? Well, I’m still with him 35 years later (25 married years!) We live in Hartford, Wisconsin where it was super cool to host the US Open last year. We have three children: Erin (19), Nick (18), and William (16).

Low and behold I have a Ripon legacy – ERIN BARRIE ’20 is a sophomore this year. She’ll be the Class of 2020 – how fun is that! She too is an RA residing in Scott Hall (apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!). She also is on the swim team (way more athletic than her mom!) and loves the new Willmore Center. If you haven’t visited the campus recently, you’ll be jealous of the awesome Athletic Center they have. Every time I am in the Willmore Center for a swim meet, it is a walk down memory lane for me as I look at the Hall of Fame! Coach Elaine is featured and the photos from her teams are a blast from the past – no doubt all of you will recognize someone in the plethora of photos on display. Erin also spends a lot of time in the Rodman Center – so talented in the fine arts, unlike her mom. She’s an amazing artist, sings on the Choral Union Choir and looks forward to getting more involved in the theater as she customizes her major in Interior Architectural Design through the theater department.

I hope all of you are doing well, and that you’ll consider coming to Ripon in the summer of 2020 for our 35th Year Class Reunion! It’s not too soon to decide if you would like to be on the reunion planning committee. Stay tuned for further details!

Well that’s enough about me and my family. I was so excited to hear from some of you and look forward to hearing from more of you as time goes by – keep the emails coming!

Recently, JIM ESTEN ’85 has been slowly transitioning out of the tech field and now owns a boutique gym called No Bounds Training & Wellness Center in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. He’s teaching boot camps, qigong, meditation, and breath work…as well as hosting a myriad of other activities at the Center doing extensive outreach activities for Advocates of Ozaukee, the Red Cross, and the Saukville Food Pantry. His oldest of 8 kids is back from the Peace Corps and currently working on cruise ships as a youth director. Two kids are in college — both in Indiana.  Remaining 5 are still at home. Caryn and Jim just celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary on Valentine’s Day! Jim has accepted a position on the board of directors of Advocates of Ozaukee County — a local nonprofit fighting domestic and sexual abuse. Jim says: “If you’re in Cedarburg, stop by would love to share stories about life — those are best told over extended sessions of wine ‘tasting’. If you’re in the area, hit us up. We’ll pour!”

This past October 2017 NADINE KINGSTON SALEM ’85, JULI WELK JENSEN ‘85, CAROL MALEC LUND ’85, MARY PURDO PEKSA ’85, CAROL WOOD BROOKS ’85, JEAN KELLOGG CLARK ’85, got together in Sedona for the time in over 30 years! Some of us have seen each other over the years but not six of us at one time. It was a truly amazing, fun filled, dancing, laughing weekend!

STEVE TEMPLIN ’85 – Steve’s life story since Ripon…Attended grad school at Marquette and received his PhD. Taught 1/2 year at UW Center in Manitowoc; one year at Marion College in Fond Du Lac; and for the last 20 years I‘ve been teaching at Cardinal Stritch University in Glendale. I have to put up with students just like me when I was at Ripon every single day…Poetic justice!!!???

Think Spring!

Heather

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1985

Heather McFadden Barrie ’85

[email protected] / 262-628-1377

Greetings from the Class of 1985!!!

Welcome to Ripon College – Class of 2022!  May your freshman year be an amazing journey filled with classes that inspire you to be the best you and awesome adventures that shape your life as you continue to explore who you are and what you will become.  Remember, it’s your journey – so take advantage of everything Ripon College has to offer. Take it from us alums – the old farts who graduated 33 years ago!!!! Yes, before you were even born!!! We knew the sky was the limit back then and now… the sky’s the limit for you!

Congratulations Ripon College Class of 2018!  Welcome to the rank of Ripon College Alumni. Your last four years at Ripon College will be forever ingrained in your memories.  As you join our rank of becoming one of the many Ripon College alumni, you now have bragging rights to say you’re a Ripon College Graduate!!! Share your Ripon pride with everybody.  It will bring a smile to your face every time – guaranteed – you’ll always have a memory to share with anyone who will listen to your college adventures. Don’t forget about your alma mater. Visit often and partake in any events happening in your hometown.

For both Ripon College Freshman (Class of 2022) and recent Ripon College Graduates (Class of 2018), my fellow classmates have shared some words of wisdom, advice to live by, and secrets to success/happiness that we’ve all embraced for the past 33 years. Here’s what they have to say:

“Enjoy and cherish your college years; it may seem difficult at the time, but you’ll always remember time spent with friends and the experiences you shared.” – LISA BEHRENS KENNEDY ’85

“The life you live is the lesson you teach,” unknown – JEANNE TOMLIN LAWSON ’85

“Be happy!  Only you can make yourself happy!  Happiness breeds energy and enthusiasm which are the secrets to success. Low and behold…happiness and success go hand in hand!” – HEATHER MCFADDEN BARRIE ’85

Class Updates:

JEANNE TOMLIN LAWSON ’85 writes, “I’m a school psychologist living and working in Noblesville, Indiana.  My oldest daughter attends Bradley University in Peoria, and my youngest is starting her senior year of high school. I’m enjoying a summer break filled with paddle boarding, reading and cooking.”

Enjoy your journey!

HEATHER MCFADDEN BARRIE ’85

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

Class Agents:

Connie Herbon Moser

[email protected]

Vicki Vicha Erickson

[email protected]

Spring 2018

Greetings Class of 1984!  

I sit here and write to you very early in the morning from the side of the Canyons in Park City, Utah. VICKI VICHA ERICKSON ‘84, or Fritz as most of you remember her, and I have been coming to Park City with our families and friends for twenty years. This year, the snow is pristine (Thank goodness, because two weeks ago the mountains were barren), the skiing has been fantastic, and I have still been able to venture down quite a few challenging hills. Every year we back it down a bit from a challenge perspective, but it is fun to see the next generation take the hills with a vengeance. Next year, we hope to have SARA SHARER ’84 join us; she tried this year but was unable to make it.  

As I sit here with a BIG cup of coffee and Advil in hand, preparing for the next day of skiing, I would like to describe the buzz around campus focusing on three exciting areas: the Willmore Health and Wellness Facility, the new curriculum and enrollment. First, the Willmore Health and Wellness Facility. Over the last six years, I have had the honor of sitting on the Board of Trustees with DENA WILLMORE ’67. She has held most positions on the board and was the first female Chairman of the Board of Trustees. More importantly, she is a wonderful and giving human being and I thank her for her mentorship and her “pay it forward attitude” to Ripon. For those of you who have not seen the facility, all I can say is “WOW.” The facility has features for every student on the Ripon campus. The focus, when building, was to incorporate it into campus life and be an extension for the community. And, the college has succeeded. It is now one of the most used facilities on campus by students and residents! Please plan on coming to visit in June of next year for our 35th Reunion.

The next big project the college took on centered on the curriculum. With Dr. Ed Wingenbach, the Vice President and Dean of Faculty, leading the way, the faculty completely restructured and modernized the curriculum while maintaining the goal of a liberal arts education. In summary, “Ripon College’s five-course Catalyst curriculum rigorously develops the 21st-century skills that employers seek while streamlining the path to graduation. Catalyst ensures students are able to complete multiple majors and minors, study abroad and hold internships in four years. Students enjoy extensive freedom to pursue their passions and craft their own academic program of study.”  

Lastly, given the decline of college bound students, the Ripon faculty and executive team have placed a major focus on admissions and have now begun to see results from their work. Classes of 2018 and now 2019 (i.e., active enrollment going on) show an incline, but they need our help. Please refer and recommend Ripon College early and often.  

Now on to classmate updates. Over the last few years, I have reached out and asked for summaries from classmates. This year, two volunteered that have not provided updates to the college since graduation and I am very excited to share their summaries with you.  Thank you Jeff and Ivan!

JEFF SOLINSKY ’84 of DeRidder, Louisiana, writes, “It is with great pleasure that I submit this update of myself, my family and my life since graduation. It may be a little long as this will be my first ever update to my 1984 classmates. Please accept my apology in advance for its length.

After graduation I sat for both the OCAT and MCAT, as it was my desire to leverage my Chemistry-Biology major at Ripon into a career as an Ophthalmologist. I was accepted to the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago and then by Penn State Hershey College of Medicine for my follow on medical school training. Since I was in the Ripon ROTC program, the Army had first dibs on me.  Though I applied for an educational delay to serve and fulfill my obligation to the Army until after I completed my Ophthalmology schooling, the Army felt that my major was a perfect match to help fill a critically short chemical officer corps. I entered as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Chemical Corps. I contacted both ICO & Penn State and explained my obligation and situation. They both promised me a class slot once I completed my obligation to the military.

After finishing Chemical Officer Basic Course at Ft. McClelland, Alabama, I was offered a slot in up to three different Army specialty training schools before I reported to my first duty assignment. I chose Airborne Training and Ranger School. I completed airborne school in April 1986 and went straight into Ranger School a week and a half later. Which was some of the toughest (both physically and mentally) training that I have ever endured. I learned more about myself through those two courses than anything else I have done, before or since. I resigned my commission in October 1989 after spending several years in Germany then back to states and ending up at Ft. Polk, Louisiana where I concluded my service with a company command as a Captain, promotable to Major. Second only to my Ranger training, I treasure my time as a platoon leader and company commander. Those positions were the most rewarding of my lifetime. I value my time of service to my country in the Army beyond words.

While in Louisiana, a place that I had no desire to visit and, after arriving, had no desire to stay in, I met my beautiful bride, Darla Goins. I met her in the spring of 1989 and we married on November 11 of that same year. In 1995 we added our “one and only” to our family, Eden, our daughter, born January 21, 1995. As of this writing, Darla and I have been married for 28 years and Eden is 23 years old. Eden graduated with a BS with a major in finance last May (2017). She joined my employee benefits and financial planning practice following her graduation.  I could not be more proud of the young lady she has become. Beautiful and smart like her mother and tenacious like her father. Wink, wink. We love to travel the world together and have been to so many wonderful places across the globe. When at home, I enjoy gardening and woodworking in my woodshop when not tending to my honey bees or horses.

So, to sum up the past 28 years since landing in Louisiana and leaving the army; I unknowingly came to an unexpected (and unwanted) paradise, met a perfect, beautiful helpmate (Darla and I are truly a perfect match made in heaven) and together we produced our Eden.

See you at our next class reunion.”

IVAN PETERS ’84 of Prior Lake, Minnesota, writes, “Since graduation, I have enjoyed working for larger companies at technical lead software development positions. I worked in the financial division of GM for 9 years, and then changed to United Health Group in 2010. Currently, I am the technical practice lead of our Pega Enterprise solutions architects. Pega is roughly a fancy database-based Java case tool. Throughout my career, companies have suggested that I pursue management, but I like the technical lead position. Although they now bring me into management meetings to provide technical advice. Currently we work with both Amazon and Microsoft.

I met my wife, MaryKay, the summer of my junior year at Ripon, when 6 of our DU fraternity met at Mack Brown’s Minneapolis house on way to a multi-week Boundary Waters canoe and camping trip.  A Ripon girl I went on a date with brought her to meet us. We now have 3 daughters and one son, a son-in-law and a granddaughter. (We had a smash hit barn wedding for them). I still have my incredible computer programming cultivated social skills, but my family puts up with me.  We live in a southern suburb of Minneapolis. MaryKay resigned her awarded marketing regional management position at Babies ‘R’ US in the 2008 depression when they merged marketing into the stores. She was bummed, and I like to make her happy, so I cashed in my investment hobby and bought multiple rental properties to start a business that she runs. She now also runs a daycare for our 2-year-old granddaughter.

Two of my kids still live at home, paying off student loans. We all try to meet Sundays for dinner.

My wife’s favorite place is Disney World, so one of our vices is going there every Spring/Fall for 2 to 4 weeks each trip with various friends and family. Our next trip is March 9, though I enjoy fall wine fest more. I found the best places to get strong Margaritas and Long Island Iced Teas before going on rides or attending my wife’s shopping, though now with a granddaughter we have a more appropriate excuse to go. We are Disney annual pass holders.”

Connie

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1984

Virginia Vicha Erickson

[email protected] / 847-546-2775

Happy Summer,

I hope all is well with all of you.

This letter will be light on class news due to me totally dropping the ball. Like many of you, the last six months have been hectic in the Erickson household. I’ve learned that multitasking is the root of all evil and to live with gratitude because positive energy is way more fun than negative.

We moved my 90+ year old mother to Florida from Illinois, coordinated care as my mother-in-law prepared and recovered from a successful adrenalectomy and rejoiced as our daughter graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology with her BME. Topping it off with my younger brother’s ‘mild’ heart attack in June. An angioplasty and 2 stents later he is doing well. A lesson here for all of us – triple cheeseburgers are never part of a healthy diet after 40.

We are living our 50’s with passion and grace. I see the amazing things we’re are doing through my friends on Facebook. We are active; traveling Europe, enjoying grandbabies, moving into new homes, planning weddings, and watching our kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews graduate from high school and college. Some are starting new careers or following interesting hobbies and pastimes.

Next year is a milestone reunion year. It would be great to see everyone back at Ripon in person to share stories, pictures and experiences. I challenge all of you to start planning now for a trip to Ripon, Wisconsin during June 2019.

Please mark your calendars for June 27-30, 2019 now, more details about our 35th Reunion during Alumni Weekend 2019 coming soon!

I look forward to seeing you there.

VICKI “FRITZ” VICHA ERICKSON ’84

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

Barbara Williams Clay

[email protected]

 Spring 2018

Hello Ripon Class of 1983!

It is time for the class agent spring letter and I hope to reconnect with you in person this summer for Alumni Weekend and our very special 35th Class Reunion. When is this “great event” you ask? Mark your calendars and make your reservations for June 21-24, 2018. Our 35th Class Reunion celebration is just around the corner.

LEXIE SHEPARD KERMANI ’83 is sending out a letter in support of our reunion that is filled with memories and it is our hope that it will inspire you to join in the fun and support Ripon’s efforts. We have secured “The Spot,” (formerly known as The Pub) for our specific class party on Saturday evening, June 23. Now if that doesn’t bring back memories… well, it is new and improved and a wonderful venue for our gathering.

I also want to make you aware of an opportunity to participate in Ripon’s first-ever Giving Day: #OneDayRally. In honor of Ripon’s founding in 1851, our #OneDayRally giving day will be held for 18 hours and 15 minutes on April 25, 2018. Anything donated that day by members of our class will be put towards our class reunion gift.

In years past, we have risen to the occasion to support Ripon both in participation and funding. I am confident that we can continue this tradition. Here are some fun facts about our last two reunions:

Alumni Weekend 2018 and our 35th Reunion looks to be a blast, and we hope you’ll be able to join us on campus in June. Full weekend details including schedule and registration are available online at www.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend.

Please let me know if you would like to participate in the reunion planning. If there are professors that you would like to us to invite, a memory that you would like to share, or if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact any of the following:

News from classmates:

DAVID MATACZYNSKI CLANAUGH ’83 of Duluth, Minnesota, writes, “Working hard to revitalize the Habitat for Humanity mission in the Duluth, Minnesota-Superior, Wisconsin region as the affiliate’s executive director.”

Wishing you the best in 2018,

Barb Williams Clay Class Agent 1983

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1983

Barb Williams Clay

612-749-5010 / [email protected]

Hello Ripon Class of 1983!

Alumni Weekend was spectacular with the Class of 1983 presenting the largest giving check of  $1,232,908.86 and over the last 5 years we have contributed $2,235,700.78. What would be very meaningful is to increase our percentage of donors to exceed our 30% level and have an awesome showing of attendees for our 40th Reunion in 2023. Please think about this now to make plans to attend.

This year we had 20 attendees and we thoroughly enjoyed our time together:

DAVE STEWARD ’83, TODD JAEGER ’83, LEXIE SHEPARD KERMANI ’83, MASOUD KERMANI ’83, JOEY WATKINS ’83, JIM MENDYKE ’83, DAWN RUDNIK ’83, KATI WANEK FORSYTHE ’83, LYN ROSENBERG MCCARTHY ’83, SCOTT FLEMING ’83, BRYAN GHALIOUNGUI ’83, KEVIN DYKSTRA ’83, MARK FRANZEN ’83, JANICE HEINZ FRANZEN ’83, JOHN CLAY ’83, BARB WILLIAMS CLAY ’83, ROBERT BRANDFASS ’83, BILL JAHN ’83, ELI PETERSON GUZNICZAK ’83, MIKE GUZNICZAK ’83.

There were so many fun activities.  JIM MENDYKE ’83 planned the alumni lacrosse event for the “oldies” while bringing young athletes to participate in a competition and get a taste of Ripon College.  The Clays and Guzniczaks played in annual Doc Weiske ‘50 Memorial Golf Scramble, LEXIE SHEPARD KERMANI ’83 and KEVIN DYKSTRA ’83 continue to represent us on the Alumni Board and I will join them in the fall. MARK FRANZEN ’83 is a trustee and Janice and Mark were gracious hosts for us at their home on Green Lake during our 35th celebration, what gracious hosts and a fun time together on Green Lake.  

We reunited with professors, friends, and felt the amazing impact that we shared at Ripon. I look forward to reconnecting with you and invite you to do the same.  

Peace, love, and friendship to all. I look forward to hearing from you.

BARB WILLIAMS CLAY

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

Co Class Agents:

Cathy Lothrop Hager

[email protected]

Cell: 925-984-6713

Peter Hintz

     [email protected]

     Cell: 920-229-4399             

           Kristin Rasmussen Olson

                [email protected]

Cell:  507-279-1091

Spring 2018

Dear Class of ’82

Your Class Agents all wish you a Happy New Year and hope you are doing well.  

We noticed that our wonderful picture on Green Lake wasn’t included in the fall publication, so here it is.  We had such a great time and this is just too good not to share:

There are some changes coming as to how alumni news will be shared.  

• • R Connections will become an annual fall publication, therefore there will be no spring 2018 version mailed to alumni.

• Obituaries are going back to the Ripon Magazine starting in July 2018 and no longer be included in R Connections.

• A stronger Class Agent, class letter and news note presence online is being developed for release this fall.

What we were told is that once the Office of Constituent Engagement gets our letter, you should have it within a week as an email, and it can be posted on our Facebook page. This is really good news, as sometimes the news is stale by the time it reaches you. You will still hear from us twice a year but get one magazine a year.  

There are a couple of class notes and one passing.  

CHICAGO — On Sept. 9, the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science presented its annual College of Health Professions Distinguished Alumnus Award to DAWN LABARBERA ’82, Ph.D., PA-C, and director of Trine University’s emerging Master of Physician Assistant Studies program. She earned a Master of Science in physician assistant studies from Rosalind Franklin University, then called Finch University, in 1994. She helped drive the early growth and development of RFU’s physician assistant program, joining the faculty in 1996 and serving over the next decade in numerous capacities, including assistant professor, assistant program director and coordinator for admissions, research and clinical education. Dawn has practiced clinically throughout her career and has served as a part-time family practice PA since 2013 with Lutheran Medical Group in Fort Wayne.

THOMAS G. DORSCHEID ’82 of Janesville, Wisconsin, writes, “I now work at LeMans Corp. in Janesville, WI. I have 4 grandkids and one more due in December. Life is good!”

And we remember:

DIANE BAUGHN ’82 Born July 3, 1958. Died October 7, 2017 at the wonderful age of 59. Daughter of Donna (nee Karolus) and the late Richard. Sister of Georgianna and aunt of Aubrey and Nathan Krzynski. “Please celebrate my life. I lived so much longer than ever expected and cherished life and all surrounding it. I truly came to appreciate the love of family. Being aunt to Aubrey and Nathan was the best thing that ever happened to me.” Diane enjoyed life thoroughly and embraced everything. Her passion was sharing smiles and positivity while helping others through teaching, listening and loving. She saw each day as a gift. Diane asked that her life be celebrated and her memory kept close in the hearts of those she touched. A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon with a Time of Remembrance at 11:00 AM all at Forest Home Cemetery Chapel, 2405 West Forest Home Avenue, Milwaukee. Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, 620 S. 76th St #160, Milwaukee, WI 53214 or to Diane’s family appreciated.”

***Mark your Calendars***

We are thrilled to introduce a brand new initiative this year – #OneDayRally – a Giving Day for Ripon College – which will take place on April 25. Running for 18 hours and 51 minutes (5:09 a.m. to midnight), the College’s committee has planned extensive social media posts and events to encourage both new and loyal donors to increase their support of our College.

I (Cathy) plan to participate, so expect to see a post or two from me leading up to this day! And I am big on Facebook and dabble on Twitter.  

If you are in the area, go to the Alumni Weekend, June 21-24. We had such a blast, and there is much to see. If you can get there, go for some or all of the weekend. If you have any news, please feel free to share with any one of us or directly to the Office of Constituent Engagement. We love hearing about your travels, job updates, relocations, retirements, children or grandchildren and their achievements, or anything you want to share.  

All the best,

Cathy, Peter, and Kristen

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1982

Catherine Lothrop Hager   
925-984-6713 / [email protected]

Peter Hintz
920-229-4399 / [email protected]

Kristen Rasmussen Olson

507-279-1091 / [email protected]  

Dear Classmates from 1982,

Greetings from your class agents!

I (Peter Hintz) write this letter after attending Alumni Weekend 2018 in June. This year was our 36th reunion, so it wasn’t as big of a draw for our class as last year. However, those who attended had a great time, including KRISTEN RASMUSSEN OLSON ’82, LAUREL STEWART ’82, PETRA JONES-TRUJILLO ’82, NANCY BUCK HINTZ ’82 and me. Thanks to all of you who donated to our class gift. The college truly appreciates and is humbled by the generosity of alumni. While our class gift was little smaller this year, our 35th reunion class gift was an impressive $62,692, with 52 donors, 40% participation and over 22 Class of 1982 attendees! Our reunion attendance last year was impressive for a 35th reunion!

Just like last year, on Friday of Alumni Weekend, the Alumni Awards Dinner was held, as well as, the All-Alumni Reception, which was moved this year from Hughes House to The Spot (formerly the Pub). For those of you who have not been back in a while, the Pub has been refurbished, expanded and updated to an open student-friendly gathering place. Many people gather at the fire pit outside the Commons across from the old Memorial Gym (now a green space called “Memorial Tent Space,” during Alumni Weekend). Since the streets have been closed, this area makes for a nice large gathering space, where all classes come together, get reconnected, and share stories. I met up Friday night with JEFF PENNEY ’80, whose son was visiting for the alumni lacrosse game (held on upper Sadoff field on Saturday). He was trying to explain to his son his experience here at Ripon and the interesting sense of community we all shared through events like Springfest, all campus parties, a student-run radio station, Greek activities, and epic pranks. “Knowing everyone” is a unique experience of college days at Ripon, and attending a reunion is a fun way to celebrate that experience.

Alumni Weekend is also an opportunity to visit with your old professors. This year, I had the pleasure of seeing Norm Loomer and Paul Shoofs. Professor Schoofs told me this coming school year will be his last before he retires. Another end of an era. I will particularly miss him. I took his classes when I was there. He advised me as an economics major, and I now have the opportunity to teach economics myself at Green Lake High School in neighboring Green Lake, west of Ripon, where I live.

When you attend Alumni Weekend, you also get the chance to talk with other alumni from different years (or eras!). The “That was then…” program at the library on Saturday morning is attended informally by alumni of all ages and never disappoints. This year, we talked about “Convocation points” you could earn for attendance at cultural events in the 1960’s, and alumni gave their memories of seeing performers who came to campus, such as Duke Ellington and John Denver, for example, as well as great commencement speakers. We brainstormed but could not recall our speaker – it was too hot that afternoon! We also shared memories of Dr. Martz, who passed away recently, as well. His challenging classes were certainly thought provoking. Some of you English majors like me (my second major) appreciated how he limited you to two pages to discuss a Shakespeare play, which required disciplined succinctness. Some of you science students who took Professor Brooks were deducted a ½ point for each spelling error. Now that’s just not “write,” if you ask me.

We also shared memories of AL JARREAU ’62, who passed away last year, but came to Alumni Weekend six years ago in 2012, to celebrate his 50th reunion. You may not know that he would often give a shout out to Ripon College and any alumni attendees at his concerts. FRED HERSOM ‘82 and I attended that reunion and the two of us had a chance to talk to him for a while. Nice guy.

On Saturday afternoon, KRIS RASMUSSEN OLSON ’82, LAUREL STEWART ’82, PETRA JONES-TRUJILLO ’82, CINDY TRAYNOR ‘81 and I wandered through the campus visiting the new Wilmore Center, Demmer Hall, East and West Halls, Todd Wehr, Farr Hall, Memorial Union, Tri-Dorms and Johnson Hall. It is quite a trip down memory lane to see what’s changed and what is still the same, and to remember what classes you had and where. I recall my first class in the fall of 1978 was Introduction to psychology with Professor Young in Todd Wehr 104 (the big room) at 9:00 a.m. Kris recalled falling down the steps of Todd Wehr! Do you recall your first class at Ripon College?

Kris said that she particularly enjoyed looking through Tri Dorms and Johnson Hall and recalling move-in day. She actually got to see her old room last weekend, Evans 204, and realized that it wasn’t nearly as small as she recalled! With her youngest entering college in the fall, she has a flood of memories coming back and talked about that first exciting day sitting in Evans Hall’s lounge meeting her classmates and her advisor (Dr. Mary Williams Norton) for the first time.

After the alumni class reunions on Saturday night (do your own thing if it is not your reunion year, like we did–hard to beat a drink on the patio at The Heidel House and some great Italian food at Christianos in Green Lake!), Saturday concludes with an all-alumni party in the tent with music and dancing for all from 8 – midnight. It was fun to talk to classmates and to those from so many different classes.

Even if you do not feel particularly outgoing, you will find something you like at Alumni Weekend. There are many more activities I didn’t mention, such as the Doc Weiske ‘50 Memorial Golf Scramble, the Rally Run, the Greek socials, the Class March and lunch, campus tours, the prairie walk, wine tastings at Vines & Rushes, to name a few. Check out the College’s Facebook page for pictures!

As I mentioned in my class letter, we are welcome any news from all of you, and wish you all health and happiness. Our new big reunion is our 40th, only four years away. If any of you would like to assist in the planning or offer ideas, please let us know.

Cheers,

Your Class Agents,

PETER HINTZ ‘82

KRISTEN RASMUSSEN OLSON ’82

CATHY LOTHROP HAGER ’82

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

Class Agent:

Lawrence “Larry” Nikolaus

[email protected]

Spring 2018

Greetings, Class of ’81!

Thanks for those of you have that have visited the “Ripon Class of 81” Facebook page.  If you haven’t been there check out some of pictures I found of the good old days.

I am still working for MITRE and supporting the AF’s missile warning radars. I am also beginning my 13th year as Scoutmaster for Troop 194 and was proud to announce our 84th Eagle Scout in 30 years.  My wife, KATHY HARBUT NIKOLAUS ’81, continues to work as a physical therapist and in August, Kathy rode the 65-mile Tour of the Moon cycling event through the Grand Junction and Colorado National Monument. We had the chance to visit our youngest daughter in Germany this summer as she ended her year as a Rotary Youth Exchange student. Practice for our soon to be empty nest status.

Best,

Larry

Class Notes:

DEBORAH CIZEK SMITH ’81:  Sorry to start off on a sad note.  I received word that Deb passed away suddenly a year ago in February.  At the time of her death, she was living in Hinsdale, Illinois and was employed by Advantage Sales and Marketing.

JEFF MCANDREW ’81: In the spring of 2017 my son, Ryan Jeffrey McAndrew, graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a business degree from the Lubar School of business. In May of 2017, I won 2nd place in the Jean Nelson Essay at the Lakefly Writers Contest in Oshkosh. The award was presented May 12 at the annual writer’s conference. I am also president of the Wordsmiths Writers Club in North Fond du Lac, which has sponsored a scholarship for students at the local high school for the past two years.

DAN FINKELSTEIN ’81: I’ve been retired from corporate life for about 9 years and I have a retirement gig that I absolutely love. I test drive cars for Roush. Last year I drove 103,456 miles, flew 33,145… and found time to play 45 rounds of golf.  Mary and I have been married for almost 35 years and still live in Troy, Michigan.

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

Class Agents:

Jeff Penney

Peggy Gero DaValt

Spring 2018

“Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.

~Henry Van Dyke

Greetings Classmates!!

It’s that big celebration year!!

Greetings and happy birthday to those of you who likely already have or will be turning 60!!

Welcome to the next decade of our lives!! Just where did that past years go? I have pondered this over the past several months as I notice my high school classmates and college classmates all turning 60.  When I was 18 – 60 was ancient. Now that I’m almost there, I don’t feel ancient, I feel more like a classic – aged appropriately as I have gone on life’s journey through time. For four short years, starting in 1976, many of us took a trip to a small, Midwestern town, named Ripon, for college. While there we learned about life. When we left there, we continued to learn about life. Life is cyclic. Right?

Change

As with anything we have learned – change is always there. You will notice some changes to what Ripon College is doing to keep you more connected to them.

Here are three exciting newsworthy items, as they affect us (your class agents) and you (eventually)

• R Connections will become an annual fall publication, therefore there will be no spring 2018 version mailed to alumni.
• Obituaries are going back to the Ripon Magazine starting in July 2018 and will no longer be included in R Connections.
• A stronger Class Agent, class letter and news note presence online is being developed for release this fall.

Class News

As always, there are some of you that do keep in touch with me either via Facebook, the Ripon College Class of 1980 Facebook Group and by email. Please continue to share information with me. I love connecting with all of you, and while that is often not reciprocated, I have come to learn, that maybe, just maybe, not everyone has the same relationship with Ripon College as I do as, or as I think they should and I respect you for your beliefs.

For now, you get to have me as that life-long cheerleader for Ripon College. As my journey has taught me, the four years that I spent there, were perhaps the most amazing 4 years of my life because of all of you that I have met and cared for along the way. Plus I had fun while at Ripon College!!

SUSAN ANGELL SCHMIDT ’80

ANDREW SCHMIDT ’81

The big news from our family: our son, Alex, was accepted to the UW School of Law! He starts in August 2018. He is planning to return to Wausau to carry on the family tradition. He will be the fourth generation of Schmidt to practice law in Wausau. Andy and Sue enjoyed another summer at the cabin on Lake Superior. The older we get, the more we enjoy falling off the grid. There is something to be said for no electricity and no social media. We hear only the sound of waves crashing on the beach. We are enjoying another exchange student. She is from Spain and wants to be an attorney. Hmmmm, there seems to be a trend here!

From DEBBIE CLARK GLENN’S ’80 note to me: Mid October 2017, DEBBIE CLARK GLENN ’80 met up with ELLEN BARTH ’80, in Appleton, WI after she completed teaching at the Smocking Arts Guild convention in St Louis, MO. Debbie noted  she “Forgot how glorious fall is in WI”. They toured the state, viewing leaves and visiting Ripon alums…had dinner with fellow Alpha Delta Pi sisters, MARY BRANDT ’80 and CATHY SCHMIDT CRIST ’80 in Menasha, went for a tour of Birds and Art in Wausau and then to a show at The Grand in Wausau, entitled “Eagle-Mania” which is a cover band that plays all Eagles music and then met up with JANIE RUNKEL FREDRICK ’74 and toured Old World Wisconsin and a quick lunch in Madison with PEGGY GERO DAVALT ’80. Great seeing Ripon friends!

JEFF PENNEY ’80 –My youngest son just completed his basketball season on the freshmen team at Penn High School. They ended up losing in the league finals. The coolest part was his coach was his oldest brother. Other than that, it’s about time to watch the grass grow here in Indiana.

It’s time for work, so I must close. Be well and celebrate everything!! For those of you on Facebook, please make sure you continue to add to the discussion on the page for our Class. The Class of 1979, 1982 also have pages on Facebook. The link to ours is here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/283209381878413/

To Ripon College,

Jeff  and Peggy

Co-Class Agents

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1980

Margaret “Peggy”Gero  DaValt

608-658-3779 / [email protected]

Jeffrey C. “JC” Penney

574-247-1182 / [email protected]

Another year and another Alumni Weekend have passed.  I realize that I am a walking commercial for Alumni Weekend, so I apologize.  This year was different, it wasn’t our year, but several of us old timers travel up for various reasons, involved as a Class Agent or board member, just like the feel of campus and the nostalgia that that brings, or the most important item, the alumni lacrosse game. I enjoyed seeing lots of old friends like JIM MENDYKE ’83, JOHN MATHEWS ’89, TOBY STORZER ’82 (doesn’t he remind you of D-Day from Animal House),  BRET JAEGER ’84, TODD JAEGER ’83, TOM HARRISON ’78 and ANDY DICKSON ’79, and more my brain can’t recall. Of course, missing were several game regulars, ART PETERS ’80 and TED SCHALLER ’79, although they were missed, you soon forgot about their absences, because the, “Presence” was on the field, just  like the shark in Jaws, he subtly comes out onto the field and then, BAM, you hear PEEB! BILL SCHNESE ’79 has arrived and the energy level of old guys playing a kid’s game intensifies.  

We needed intensity, as organizer of the game, JIM MENDYKE ’83, brought his son’s U14 team to play us. We got game in hand, we thought, we had experience, moxie, and we towered over these guys!  What did they have – youth, speed, boundless energy, actual lacrosse skill! HA! I explained to the opponents, these young 13 and 14 year old boys, the extra old man rules. There was a penalty for hustle and running full speed. We could get away with any penalty, but they couldn’t. We had unlimited time outs and could call them anytime, even if we were technically not allowed to call them. Don’t question authority!  

We also had a few ringers, several of the boy’s coaches joined us, as did my son Seamus Penney (class of ’25?) and his high school teammate. Both boys are 15 and possessing the same or more attributes as the above team and they became our legs, “Hey kid, run over there and get the ground ball. Run up the field, we are too tired. Go chase that opposing player and play defense.” It was glorious and best of all, our ringers understood that it was our game, get the ball to the old guys, so they can shoot! Well it was an exciting game, the lead changing back and forth, until with time running out and the game tied, the Presence, called time out! It was do or die, he said, and he set up a sure fire scoring play. Filled with confidence and spirit, we took the field, 20 seconds left, the crowd was hushed with nervous anticipation! We set in our positions and you could feel your heartbeat, just like old time, we never lost and we are poised to be the champions again! Well, the player drove towards the goal like RUSTY RYAN’S ’80 Olds Cutlass, powered by a Rocket 350, the moment was upon us, but age happened, some of us needed inhalers at that moment, one was talking to the fans about the time a jeep drove up Sadolf hill, one was getting Metamucil from the sidelines. The youngsters converged on the ball, since we were gone and it dropped harmlessly to the ground. Kissing your sister, tie ball game! Sometimes your life plans don’t work out. However, several things were great about this game:

1. It was fun for both teams, even the refs said they want to do it again next year!
2. It is fun to compete, whether on a field, at work, or beating the pants off the family in a board game!
3. I was able to play lacrosse in my 60”s. I have played in 5 decades. I even scored, but so did the Presence and he is 61!
4. The best was able to be on the field with my son playing the game I love! Of course, he critiqued my game afterwards like I used to do after his games. It was brutal!

Thanks for indulging my boring life! Take care and don’t hate!

JEFF PENNEY

Class notes:

JOE LUKANICH ’80 is still kicking and as grumpy as ever. He hosted my son, his friend, and I for alumni Weekend at his Green Lake home. He both enthralled and frightened the boys.

RUSTY RYAN ’80 has retired from IBM and has started his own construction firm in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

Class Agent:

Kevin Warmack ’79

(773) 220-5360

[email protected]

[email protected]

Spring 2018

Greetings All,

The Spring Thaw (in February) has hit. The Golf Show was this past weekend in Chicago, and of course I was there! We’re just over a year from celebrating 40 years since that fateful May day, Basketball season is in full bloom at Ripon as both the Men and Women’s teams have qualified for the Midwest Conference Tournament (The Women’s Tournament was held at Wilmore (Storzer) last weekend.) But it’s time to start spreading the news!  

So here is some Class of 1979 News:   

JAMES GOODRICH ’79 of Lomita, California, has been quite busy. In December, Jim married his longtime partner and friend, Allen Perlstein. Welcome to the Class of 1979 Family, Allen!  Then in February, Jim retired as a 5th grade teacher from Long Beach Unified School District.   Congratulations, Jim!

JAMES LAUFENBURG ’79 of Arlington, Virginia, is now the Director, Military District of Washington Ceremonies and Special Events at U.S. Government.

SUZIE MEIER ’79 of Chicago, Illinois, writes, “After 13 years in DC, I moved back to Chicago in November, 2017. (My timing could have been better given the winter we’re having!) Am really enjoying reconnecting with Ripon friends SANDY LUNDEEN MEYER ’79, MARYJO MACSWAIN ’77, BARB EDUCATE DOLAN ’78, TERRI FOLEY SCHNEIDER ’80 and others. I just started the 7th year of my consulting practice for nonprofit boards – still loving it.”

ERIC PETERMAN ’79 of Delavan, Wisconsin, is now working for Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative located in Sierra Vista, Arizona as the Public Relations Manager.  This is quite a change for him from being a newspaper man, even during those weeks on First Floor New Scott in 1975! Congrats on the move.  

Move over Harrison Ford, DIANE QUON ’79 of Lake Forest, Illinois, is here! Diane now has a second career as an Award Winning Filmmaker. Four years ago, Diane went back to Film School and eventually produced a film that was presented at the Sundance Film Festival in January. The film is a documentary entitled Minding the Gap. It is the story of three young men who bond together to escape volatile families in their Rust Belt hometown. As they face adult responsibilities, unexpected revelations threaten their decades-long friendship.  Diane and her team won the Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Filmmaking in the U.S. Documentary Competition. Here is a picture of Diane at Sundance. Congrats Diane, we are all proud of you!

40th Reunion Planning

Remember when we used to type “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.”  Well, I’m adapting this to state that now is the time for us to begin planning what our 40th (can you believe it, we’re as old as our parents were at this time!) Reunion Party is going to be. I’m expecting quite a few of us to show up and celebrate, so I’m looking for volunteers.  You can let me know by e-mail, carrier pigeon, snail mail, smoke signals, text, SMS, etc.

As always, it is a pleasure to write to y’all. Special thanks to BETH PALMBACH NEMECEK ’79 for those Facebook posts from the College. Let’s plan to get together soon. By the way, I may be in your neighborhoods (work travel). So watch out for a reach out for a beer or 3!

Also, when you got news, don’t hold on, drop me a note so I can make your Class Letter the best!

Love Always, 

Kevin L. Warmack, ‘79

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1979

Kevin L. Warmack

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

June 27, 2018  

Greetings All,

I last wrote on February 27, 2018 (4 months ago). I just left Ripon College this past weekend after Alumni Weekend and began the “Countdown to 40”  for next June 27-30, 2019 when the Class of 1979 celebrates our 40th (can you believe it!!) year since walking out of Ripon. But before that, I’ll give you the rundown on this past weekend, notes from our classmates, and then I’ll start getting ideas for next year.

Alumni Weekend:

Alumni Weekend was good. Some differences in that the registration was in the Commons as opposed to the Pub (now called “The Spot.” Yes, I know, there is only one Spot!! But these are the times…)  The Alumni Awards Dinner was its usual self with everyone giving great speeches. One of the highlights of the evening was when JOSE ALEMAN ’78 (Yes, those wild Panamanians were back) received a Distinguished Alumni Citation and spoke, “When I was a student here, the walls in the world were beginning to be torn down. Now here in America, we see that they are building walls. Let’s tear down those walls!!”

I attended “That was Then” in Todd Wehr, Room 104. While the stories were good, it still didn’t have the pizazz of SUE ANGELL SCHMIDT ’80 (Come back, Sue!!). Now the highlight, during the All-Campus March from the top of the hill to Harwood Union, I carried the Class of 1979 sign and, of course, held up the “4 beers” sign!! So come and join me and hold up the 4 Beers!!

So here is some Class of 1979 News.   

Class of 1979 News and Notes:

BILL AINSLIE ’79, ADELE BINNING’79, and BILL CLAPP ’79 attended the retirement celebration for Skip Wittler. Skip retired after 40 years of teaching. I still recall his class of Biology 111 at 8:00 a.m.

MIKE ZAHN ’79 writes, “We have 12 sheep, 2 goats, 9 chickens, 15 turkeys, a dog, and a cat on our little 10-acre hobby farm. And 12 grandchildren. I’m still an Account Manager for a local company. I’ve been honored to have had a few opportunities to preach in the last six months as well.” 

40th Reunion Planning:

Remember when we used to type “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country”? Well, I’m adapting this to state that now is the time for us to begin planning what our 40th (can you believe it, we’re as old as our parents were at this time!!) Reunion Party is going to be. I’m expecting quite a few of us to show up and celebrate. So, I’m looking for volunteers. You can let me know by e-mail, carrier pigeon, snail mail, smoke signals, text, sms, etc.

Closing

As always, it is a pleasure to write to y’all. Special thanks to Beth Nemecek for those Facebook posts from the College.  Let’s plan to get together soon. By the way, I may be in your neighborhoods (work travel). So watch out for a reach out for a beer or 3!!

Also, when you got news, don’t hold on, drop me a note so I can make your Class Letter the best!!!

Love Always, 

KEVIN L. WARMACK ’79

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1978

Gregg Petersen

410-884-0407 / [email protected]

Dear Classmates:

The reunion has come and gone in a flash! Two hours for the reunion was way, way too short. 39 classmates, 80+ attendees overall counting plus ones and the return of our wonderful faculty members and spouses! We thought we could meet in the Martin Luther King Lounge but in the days before the reunion, we exploded out of the downstairs of Harwood Union up to owning the Great Hall for our event!  

The night prior to the reunion, in the very same location, Ripon College recognized JOSE ALEMAN ’78 and ERIKA DOSS ’78 as Distinguished Alumni with four of the tables filled with fellow ’78 classmates and faculty there in support! Erika talked fondly of her Ripon professors. Jose remarked over the irony that as we graduated in 1978 our nation was focused on tearing walls down, whereas today our nation was building a wall. Jose opined for a return to our past.

It was an interesting journey leading up to our reunion. Our very own Emmy winner and distinguished alumni, HELEN HOLTER ’78 spent over 100 hours putting together a video that is essentially a 1974 Green List/1978 Yearbook graduation gallery. The video is 30 minutes long with only 4 seconds per classmate picture. In the process of researching all of our classmates that started with us freshman year, there have been some sad discoveries that I noted below in addition to the recent passing of JIM MARTIN ’78. Helen “finished” the video on June 10th, so the link is now posted on Facebook and we played it on a loop at the reunion. Thanks to Helen for all of her painstaking care and time on the video. If you want access to the link or a copy of the video, please contact me.

Thanks also to reunion planners LIZ PECHA POELKER ’78 and LAURIE WAGNER ’78 who pulled together our great number of classmates, friends and faculty for the reunion. Thanks to ROB “TEX” MEYER ’78 who was calling everybody that has a phone number (and will answer their phone). Thanks to LIZ PECHA POELKER ’78, JOHN ZINDAR ’78, LOUISA GEBELEIN JONES ’78, and LISA WOLLAN ’78 as well for their fruitful efforts conducting our annual fund class gift outreach.

On the final morning of Alumni Weekend, I attended the Alumni Weekend Service of Remembrance where Professor Emeritus Doug Northrop spoke very eloquently. I noticed that the remembrance program listed some other year-group classmates that passed in the last year. I was shocked to find that JEANNIE UETZMANN PORDON ’77 and TOM CONNOLLY ’76 had passed away. Others of us may know two other classmates that passed from years ‘76 & ’80:  ADAIN BUMBY ’76 and MARK GREENE ’80.

HEADLINES FOR THIS LETTER:

• ’78 Classmate Updates

• In Memoriam: JOHN BERTOLDI ’78, JOE BRUCKER ’78, ADAIN BUMBY ’76, TOM CONNOLLY ’76, MARK GREENE ’80, JIM MARTIN ‘78, TIM PARKER ’78, JEANNE UETZMAN PORDON ’77, GRETCHEN VAN NEST ’78

• Class of ’78 Dominates Participation for Ripon #OneDayRally April 25th

• Class of ’78 Wins Class Gift Participation Trophy

• Reunion Comments

• Reunion Attendees

’78 Classmate Updates:

TAMARA “TAMI” BODEN-ELLIS ’78 of Somerset, United Kingdom wrote the following concerning our reunion year Class Gift Annual Fund drive: “Thank you for your letter (and gentle reminder). I shall be participating in “gifting” but sadly will not attend the reunion this year. I am sure it will be a delightful occasion and send on my very best wishes to everyone (& you). If you are able to take my book along and share it with others, I would be most grateful. As you will see from reading it to the end, it is part of a bigger dream. And that bigger dream needs the help of others. Lastly, a “Ripon Alumni” Invite (fundraiser). I have now lived most of my life here in England. And Peter and I would be happy to share our love of it. Our home has a double bedroom w/ensuite. If ‘Ripon Alumni’ would like to visit and give a donation to Ripon for staying, we would enjoy the visit. We live in the Southwest of England, (about) 150 miles (English miles) from London. If you would like to share that with the class at the reunion, please do. In the meantime, enjoy yourselves-hope you ALL have a lovely time in Ripon.Best wishes, Tami (& Peter, of course).”

I mentioned Tami’s book in our last class letter: No Way?!: How Pickles Became the Christmas Gherkin. Tami is using the book and proceeds to raise awareness of the needs for children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).

I talked to DAN DALLMAN ’78 of Waukesha, Wisconsin where he works for a marketing company after formerly working with AIG and Liberty Mutual Company. He’s married with five children: four girls and a boy. His son is attending University of Wisconsin Whitewater. He and Merriman brother, DAN CHIONCHIO ’78 of Princeton, Wisconsin go on an annual fishing outing every year, usually coming home with walleye and bass.

Freshman classmate BOB GREYTAK ’79 is a podiatrist in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

HELEN HOLTER ’78 of Seattle, Washington sends, “As a board director of the Seattle-Tashkent Sister City Association in Central Asia’s Uzbekistan, (she) is excited about the country’s new reform-minded president in power. She’s been meeting with top-level officials – including the new ambassador and ministry officials – to help in opening up Uzbekistan to business, travel, and educational student exchanges.” Helen’s production of our class video was appropriate given that Helen has made many videos before.  Helen announced, “I am doing another volunteer project with a Seattle cancer organization. I’m producing a video on genetic cancers, specifically those caused by the MSH2 gene.” According to a search I made, the MSH2 gene is associated with autosomal dominant Lynch syndrome (also called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome). Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that has a high risk of colon cancer as well as other cancers including endometrial cancer (second most common), ovary, stomach, small intestine, hepatobiliary tract, upper urinary tract, brain, and skin. The increased risk for these cancers is due to inherited mutations that impair DNA mismatch repair. It is a type of cancer syndrome.

NORMAN HURD ’78 of Portage, Wisconsin was my first semester roommate in old Scott Hall and then he left.  Norm and fellow Old Scott Hall (also known as “the slums” for their lack of carpeting and other amenities) freshmen GREG HOPKINS ’78, BILL SCHUMACHER ’78, and LUD WURTZ ‘78 were aspiring basketball players for the Ripon freshman team in fall of ’74. I checked in on Norm recently to see why he returned to his hometown after one semester at Ripon. Norm had to help out his mom who had health issues, so he left Ripon to be close to home.  Thereafter, he attended University of Wisconsin-Baraboo, and then finished out his education at University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Norm went on to teach high school health classes for 32 years in his hometown of Portage, Wisconsin while coaching the basketball team for 27 years before retiring in 2011. Norm now works at the Wisconsin Dells at JustaGame Fieldhouse in retirement and continues to work as a substitute teacher at Portage High School. Our nickname for Norm was “Normal” because he was so even-tempered among a bunch of us rambunctious young freshmen in the fall of 1974. There was a funny anecdote in his local paper about a basketball game where he was coaching, and he received a technical foul for using the (not very) extreme epithet of shouting, “Jeepers-creepers ref!” Norm clearly had basketball running through his blood; Norm proudly told me that both of his sons were selected to the All State Wisconsin basketball team. They are coaches now at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and Gale Ettrick Trempealeau High School (nicknamed “GET High!”-how interesting!) respectively. Whenever Norm hears the song Band on the Run (#23 of the Top 100 songs of 1974) by Paul McCartney and Wings he flashes back to his days at Ripon, because that was the first song that played when he hooked up his stereo in our room in Scott Hall. He occasionally tracks on his friend ADAM KRIVELOFF ’78. He also had fond memories of Resident Assistants BILLY SMITH ’76 and MAURICE RUSSELL ’76.

JOE KEEGAN ’78 of St. Petersburg, Florida writes, “Heading to St Germain for the summer after the reunion! Summers in Wisconsin for the last 30 years! Getting together with fellow Merrimen for a golf weekend in Green Lake, the week before Labor Day.  JIM KOHL ’77, KERRY GILLE ’77, TIM SULLIVAN ’77, MARK RECHNER ’77, MARK BOHMAN ’76, AL SCHEELS ’76, PAUL WISNEFSKI ’77, DANNY CHIONCHIO ’78, CRAIG WINTER ’76 …. and BOBBY WEYHMILLER ’76! And the Duke of Earle… PAT EARLE ’76! Also see GEORGE MORT ’80 up North…. and an occasional ART PETERS ’80 and RUTH HOLLINGER PETERS ’79!”

KEVIN LEAVITT ’78 of New London, New Hampshire has worked for a tree service in nearby Sunapee for the last seven years.  Prior to that Kevin was in Connecticut for 15 years. Kevin left Ripon in 1976 and hasn’t besen back.  Before he left, he warmly recalls going fishing with Merriman brothers DAN DALLMAN ’78 and DANNY CHIONCHIO ’78 (see Dan’s note above). Kevin still enjoys fishing these days and mostly catches bass, pickerel, and trout on his outings. In the off-season, Kevin usually heads to Florida for a month’s vacation in the warmer climate.  

PATRICIA KRUG MORRELL ’78 of Northfield, Illinois, writes, “Married to ED MORRELL ’77 for 41 years! I continue as an interior designer but dedicate a lot of time to working with La Casa Norte supporting homeless youth. We are expecting our first and second grandchildren in April and July.”

I talked to BARBARA MENGEL ROMANELLO ’78 of North Prairie, Wisconsin. She just retired in the last year but she and husband GREG ROMANELLO ’77 are keeping quite busy with family. Most recently their daughter had triplets! That brings their grandchildren total to 7 – and all of them are boys!

DONNA HANSEN SCYMANSKI ’78 of Hamden, Connecticut wrote the following on our Facebook page just before the reunion: “…I would be interested, and others may also in our classmate’s junior year abroad studies (such a huge part of my life, though it meant missing experiences at Ripon, even graduating the following year). So, pics of me would be in the 1979 yearbook. I was thinking ‘little known facts’ sheet could be fun. Such as STEVE RASHID’s ’79 band played at my wedding. Kathy Bakshy’s daughter and my son are a couple. In 1982 heard my name called out in a nasal tone in Paris. Was MARY PALMQUIST ’78, that sort of thing.” MICHAEL POULOS ’77 responded, “STEVE RASHID ’79 conducted the orchestra at our wedding and played piano at the reception. And then he moved to Evanston and opened a studio a block from our office and studied music at Northwestern with my high school band director, Doc Owens. Such a small world.”

EDDIE SMITH ’78 of Atlanta, Georgia writes: “Hello, Greg (and classmates)! This is Eddie Smith. Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend the reunion. I am working with a number of other attorneys to provide legal assistance on a pro bono basis to families caught in the morass at the Southern border. I hope that you and your families are well. I hope that you have a great reunion. I wish for health and happiness for you; that such health and happiness enable us in gather together for our 45th. (snip) Peace! Go YANKEES!”

JERRY WAUKAU ’78 of Keshena, Wisconsin wrote: “I am sorry I can’t make it to the Reunion this year. We are burying a friend this weekend and I need to help with the arrangements with our local church. My family has increased by two this past year with the addition of two more foster children along with my two grandsons I am raising. I am still serving as the Health Administrator for our Tribal Clinic, which I have done for the past 33 years. We have grown over the years with a total of 140 employees and a budget of $25 million dollars. Not sure if this is important to anyone but I feel blessed by the foundation Ripon gave me and I will always treasure my time there. Our Elder Teachings tell us to give back to our communities and to give back to those less fortunate, which is why I have taken in the 2 foster children. I continue to do Hoops Basketball coaching and now I am doing Little League baseball. My younger brother tells me this is good therapy, but I wonder some days. My circle of mentors at Ripon has gotten smaller with the loss of Jerry Thompson, but we do stay in touch with Doc Young, and Doug Northrop. Give my best to our classmates and I will be thinking of you all this weekend. Keep the faith, Jerry “Gatie” Waukau.”

LISA WOLLAN ’78 of Valley Forge, Pennsylvania continues to keep Wisconsin in her life through visits to her cabin in Three Lakes and ongoing connections to the Ripon campus. She is planning a fall trip to the Canadian Rockies, hiking through Lake Louise, Banff, and Jasper as a great excuse to eat delicious food and drink fine wine. She serves as President of the Valley Forge Mountain Racquet Club and is a member of the Deltaville Yacht Club on the Chesapeake Bay.

In Memoriam:  

Freshman year classmate, JOHN BERTOLDI ’78, 58, of Niagara, Wisconsin passed away on Monday, July 13, 2015, at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay after sudden heart failure in the parking lot at Lambeau Field after judging a BBQ event. John went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, and his master’s degree from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. John lived and worked in Chicago for 12 years, working for Marshall Field’s Co. He returned to the Niagara area to work as the office manager of Bertoldi Oil along with his brother Jim Bertoldi. He loved his BBQ, especially the smoke of the BBQ. He was a certified KCBS judge and Table Captain. He was working on becoming a Master Judge.

JOSEPH BRUCKER ’78, 51, of Indiana Township, Wisconsin died unexpectedly Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007, at his home. He lived in Indiana Township for the past three years, previously residing in West Deer Township. He was a fine dining waiter for the Duquesne Club and Common Plea Restaurant in Pittsburgh. He was an avid sportsman. (Class Agent note: I was on the Ripon wrestling team with Joe our Junior year. Joe was a great teammate and talented wrestler.)

ADAIN BUMBY ’76.  Details in Fall 2017 R Connections.

TOM CONNOLLY ’76: I remember watching Tom play guard on our Ripon Redmen basketball team with LUD WURTZ ’78, TIM “SULLY” SULLIVAN ’77, GEORGE GOODNATURE ’77, and others. Tom was this clever, resourceful guard that always seemed to have this impish smile and flair to his game.

MARK GREENE ’80:  Mark was a member of Reader’s Theater and a Mapes resident with HORACE GARFIELD ’78, JOSE ALEMAN ’78, TOM HARRISON ’78, and others.

JIM MARTIN ’78, 62, of Racine, Wisconsin passed away Sunday, June 3, 2018 at Froedtert Memorial Hospital, Wauwatosa.  On August 11, 1979 he was united in marriage to KATHLEEN “KATHIE” GIBSON ’78. He was employed by the Garvey Group for thirty-seven years, retiring January of 2018. Jim was an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church where he was head of the acolytes and served on the vestry. He also served on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters and was a member of Harbor Lite Yacht Club. An avid golfer and fisherman, Jim especially loved time spent with his grandchildren.

TIMOTHY PARKER ’78, 59, of Janesville, Wisconsin passed away, at his home, on Saturday, November 14, 2015. Tim grew up in Janesville. He graduated from Craig High School. On August 1, 1981 he married the love of his life, Moe. He enjoyed curling, fishing, riding his motorcycle and the occasional trips to Las Vegas. Tim was a member and Past President of the Blackhawk Curling Club. He worked for Beloit Corporation in Beloit for 20 years. Tim had a quiet sense of humor and was known to be there to help out any friend who called on him.

JEANNE UETZMAN PORDON ’77, 62, of Brookfield, Wisconsin passed away on December 27th, 2017. Many of us will remember Jeannie as the ‘76 Homecoming Queen with JOAN MUCCI ESPOSITO ’78 on her court, with CHRIS ANDERSEN ’78 and JIM MARTIN ’78 acting as escorts for members of the court. I remember Jeannie as being friendly, humble, and incredibly graceful and skilled in sports. I also recall her treating me like a cat toy in our badminton gym class…you couldn’t win by strength, but by coordination, and she had that. Our own Ripon Athletic Hall-of-Famer, LOUISA GEBELEIN JONES ’78 had this to say about Jeanne: “Jeannie was an amazing athlete. A track star that I was in awe of everyday at practice. Such grace as she sprinted around the track or high jumped with ease – while I literally fell into the pole.”

GRETCHEN VAN NEST ’78, 56, of Rockford, Illinois died on Sunday, August 4, 2013, in her home. 

Class of ’78 Dominates Participation for Ripon #OneDayRally April 25th:  

In a sign of things to come on reunion weekend, we topped all other class year groups in participation by nearly 10% during the April 25th #OneDayRally with 48 donations!  Ripon’s director of annual giving, Kelly Nielsen, had this to say about the Class of ‘78: “What can I say but WELL DONE! It (was) so impressive to see the Class of 1978 take the lead over all those millennials on the #OneDayRally class leaderboard!”  The Class of ’78 was the only pre-2000 class to place in the top 10 for participation!  This effort by you wonderful classmates gave a turbo boost to our ongoing class gift collection and set the stage for a successful final drive in the final three months culminating with our reunion.

Class of ’78 Wins Class Gift Participation Trophy:  

70% participation!!!  The class of ’78 defended its possession of the Alumni Weekend gift participation trophy going away with the next closest alumni class more than 15% behind.  I want to thank all of you who opened your hearts and wallets to our class gift to the Annual Fund! We doubled our participation rate of 35% from last year to 70% this year!  As you recall, five years ago, with record support, our Class of 1978 accomplished something that no other 35th reunion class for Ripon College has ever done: we won the annual gift Participation Trophy with 63% of us supporting the Annual Fund.  We have set the standard for the school for charitably engaged class alumni. I want to especially thank classmates LIZ PECHA POELKER ’78 co-chair of the campaign, LOUISA GEBELEIN JONES ’78, and LISA WOLLAN ’78 for their leadership in outreach encouraging us to donate consistent with our circumstances for Ripon and its students!

Reunion Comments:

From Professor Bill Woolley: “Your class obviously dominated the whole week end from Awards Night to final breakfast. The class gift was also stunning.  Jean and I also want to thank (the class of ’78) for including us in the ’78 dinner on Saturday night. I thought afterwards that so many of my best memories of Ripon are tied to your class. There was that miracle class that Doug and I team taught that has created its own mini-reunion. And, a significant number of my favorite students are 78ers.”

From BILL NEILL ’67: “70%!!!!! FANTASTIC!!  Now to get the rest of our alumni to “understand” and join ya’ll! Well done ’78.”

Reunion Attendees:  

Classmates: BARB SCHINTZ ’78, BETH BENEZRA ’78, MIKE POULOS ’77, DENISE BAIRD ’78, MELANIE CIVIN KENION ’78, ERIKA DOSS ’78, LISA WOLLAN ’78, SHARON RAUPP LANGLEY ’78, SUE FEITH SHANNON ’78, ANITA WALLACE ’78, HELEN HOLTER ’78, LIZ PECHA POELKER ’78, MARY SWEENEY ’78, GINNY MCGEHEE CONDON ’78, LAURIE MEYER WAGNER ’78, SUE HEDMAN ’78, GREGG PETERSEN ’78, BRYAN HABECK ’78, LARRY LAUX ’78, JEFF OREAR ’78, DAN DAVIS ’78, TOM RITSCH ’78, JOE KEEGAN ’78, JOE PRATT ’78, TOM HARRISON ’78, MIKE CHAMBERLAIN ’78, GRETA GLUEK PORTER ’78, GEOFF THRUMSTON ’78, CHIN WEI FONG ’78, BARB EDUCATE DOLAN ’78, JEFF JOHNSON ’78, JUSTIN NIEBANK ’78, JAVIER CARRIZO ’78, WILL HIGGINS ’78, ERIC RIEDERS ’79, JOHN ZINDAR ’78, ROBBIE CORDO ’78, and JOSE ALEMAN ’78.

Faculty: Bill & Jean Woolley, CHRIS OGLE ’80, Larry & Betsy Miller, Marty Farrell, Elaine & Gary Coll, Bob Wallace, Skip & MICHELLE WITTLER ’76, Paul Schoofs, Bob & Carol Young, Diane Mockridge, and Norm & SUE BOOTHROYD LOOMER ’67.  Honorable mention: Spud Hannaford planned to attend as well but cracked 4 ribs in the days prior to Alumni Weekend.

Guests: KEVIN WARMACK ’79, LARRY MALCOW ’77, NANCY BUCK HINTZ ’82, and JANE RUNKEL FREDERICK ’74.

Class Letter Updates:  I continue to need your updates to make this a worthwhile letter for your fellow classmates.  Please keep sending them in!

Hey!  What are you guys doing 5 years from now?  I hope most of you reading this said, “Attending the 45th year class reunion!”  Don’t forget-make plans to be there!  You will not regret it, unless you hate having fun and visiting with good friends and faculty!

Best wishes and warmest regards,

Gregg

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

Class Agent:

Alan Lawrence

920-730-9515 [email protected]

Spring 2018

Dear Class of 1977:

Last June our class celebrated its 40th Reunion during Alumni Weekend. A number of us made it back to campus to enjoy our class reunion. We are invited every year to participate in the weekend. There is plenty to do and enjoy even without “our” class reunion. Chances are good that you know people in other classes and that you’ll know people any year that you visit Ripon. It runs June 21-24 this year, with most of the activities on Saturday.  I’m planning to be there on the 23rd before 11:30, in time for the Class March and Celebration and the BBQ Lunch. Maybe I’ll see you there.

See the college website for schedules and registration.

https://www.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend/

Facebook has helped many of us regain connections with our classmates. I have appreciated that opportunity.   Among them is my former roommate, MARK TESLIK ’76. I’m attending his marriage on April 14 at Devil’s Lake State Park.

The college sends notes when they hear from our classmates. LARRY LAUX ’78 of Dousman, Wisconsin, got together with his siblings including DONNA LAUX ’75 and went fishing in western Ontario. Yup, he caught some. Larry is married to NINA WULFF ’77.

I was also informed about the death of another of our classmates, JEAN UETZMANN PORDON ’77. Jean died December 27 at the age of 62. She was the wife of DENNIS PORDON ’74 for 40 years. Her obituary informed me that she had two children and has grandchildren. She enjoyed singing in the church choir and praise band, leading women’s ministry, and volunteering. Jean spent many years teaching at Divine Redeemer Lutheran School and coaching youth sports. She was always active playing tennis, kayaking, gardening, and sewing.

MARYJO MACSWAIN ’77 wrote to me about an idea to help celebrate Jean Uetzmann Pordon’s life. We are trying to do a memorial locker for her in the new Willmore Center. Contributors should send a check to Ripon College by April 15. You must note that it is for the Jean Uetzmann Pordon memorial locker. This will count towards your years of giving.

Always remember that your financial help is very important to help keep Ripon a competitive and quality institution. Your donations are important every year. Please consider making a gift to Ripon College this year. Your participation is very important. Please write back to me or to the alumni office.  We’d love to hear from you.

Always for Ripon,

Alan N. Lawrence

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1977

Alan Lawrence

920-730-9515 / [email protected]

Although I failed to make it to Alumni Weekend this summer, at least six from our class were there:  LARRY MALCHOW ’77, TOM KLOOSTERBOER ’77, NINA WULFF ’77, CONNIE JESS ZOLKOSKE ’77, MARYJO MACSWAIN ’77, and JEAN BLACK ’77. These are always fun events and I look forward to my next opportunity to be on campus again. It will be nearly four more years until our class celebrates its 45th anniversary during Alumni Weekend, but we are invited every year to participate in the weekend. There is plenty to do and enjoy even without “our” class reunion.

Notes about some class members:

ED MORRELL ’77 of Northfield, Illinois, writes, “Married to PATRICIA KRUG MORRELL ’78 for 41 years! She continues as interior designer but dedicates a lot of time to working with La Casa Norte supporting homeless youth. We are expecting our first and second grandchildren in April and July.”

ELENA ZIBUTE KEZELIS ’77 of Springfield, Illinois, writes, “After practicing law in Chicago and Springfield, Illinois and serving for the last 14 years as executive director of a hospital foundation, I have retired. Our oldest son got married in 2017, and our youngest graduated from college and has been traveling all over the world. We are traveling much more as well (Australia, New Zealand, Galapagos) and finally making good use of our house in Southwest Florida. I might even learn how to golf!”

PAULA STELLMACHER KUBINCHAK ’77 of Queen Creek, Arizona, writes, “Life has recently changed dramatically for me! I remarried in 2015 to an amazing Canadian, and we decided to get back into horses after 50+ years of not riding or owning. We now live at the Lazy K Ranch in Queen Creek, Arizona, with our 2 riding horses and 2 mini-horses that pull a cart. Life is perfect! We have 12 grandchildren between the 2 of us. Every one of them is a special gift.”

I happen to still be working as an IT worker in Greenville, Wisconsin. Retirement looks inviting, but I think I’ll be working a while yet.  And, for now, I’m working hard helping my wife in her campaign for State Assembly. She has a primary, so we are worried about the August election.

Please send news about yourself either to the college or to me to be shared in our next class letter.

Always remember that your financial help is very important to help keep Ripon a competitive and quality institution. Your donations are important every year. Please consider making a gift to Ripon College this year. Your participation is very important.

Please write back to me or to the Office of Constituent Engagement. We’d love to hear from you.

Always for Ripon,

Alan

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

Class Agent:

Jondi Gumz ‘75

831-461-1120

[email protected]

WARREN BLUHM ’75 of Luxemborg, Wisconsin, writes, “Did I ever mention that CJ and I got married on Jan. 28, 2017? After 20 years of bliss, it seemed like time to make it wedded bliss…The Gannett machine spit me out at the end of October 2016. I started a local independent online news outlet called the Kewaunee County Comet (kewauneecomet.com) which is becoming moderately successful, and I am also the editor of the Oconto County Times Herald weekly newspaper… the one bit of breaking news is that CJ has retired from her career in chemistry (the last quarter-century as a chemist for a prominent nutritional supplement company) and is happily trying out other things to do with her time. She seems so happy that I am tempted to follow in her path, except I’m having fun doing what I’m doing.”

RICK ESTBERG ’75 of Severna Park, Maryland, reports that he’s in rehearsals for a new stage production in Annapolis, this time in the musical farce Lucky Stiff.  He plays, in one disguise or another, a New Jersey tough guy, an Arab, and an Italian tycoon, one of whom ends up being the “Stiff.”  He recently won a Toastmasters district-level humorous speech contest in Wilmington, Delaware, where the best speakers representing over 100 clubs competed. From 9 to 5 it’s still work at the National Security Agency, where he is a senior foreign relations staff officer.  He’s looking to retire sometime in the next year or two; he and his wife will finish up with 75 years of combined service in the Department of Defense.

RUTH GALES FRECHMAN ’75 of North Hollywood, California, is the president of the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She reports on Facebook, “Great day at Los Angeles City Hall receiving a proclamation from L.A. City Councilmember Paul Krekorian. Just had to say a few words to my fellow L.A. citizens.”

ANDY RICHARDS ’75 of Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida, reports, “We are enjoying life in Central Florida, in a small town called Howey-in-the-Hills. Moved from Colorado to Florida several years ago, and definitely not missing the winters; however, we strive to be elsewhere during the summer months since the summer months are unbearable in Florida.  I am now fully retired and feel like I have never been busier.  I don’t understand how that works!  Darlene and I enjoy playing golf and travelling. We’re planning a visit to the Baltic countries this summer. I also hope to squeeze in some snow skiing this March. In addition to golf, I keep busy taking guitar lessons and cycling.” 

MARY JENKEL DELK ’75 of St. Paul, Minnesota, writes, “We just sold our house.  JACK DELK ’74 retires in April and we are building a home in Austin, Texas. We are looking forward to being close to our grandsons.  Look us up if you are in the area!” You can connect with Mary at [email protected].

DICK O’CONNOR ’75 of Olympia, Washington, writes, “Cathy and I celebrated our 40th last June with a peaceful three days at a B&B about a half hour away on south Puget Sound. I fished (but did not catch, typical), Cathy crocheted, and we did a little harp (her) and pennywhistle (me, or at least I am trying) practice just for fun. Getaways are underappreciated! We also visited friends in Orlando over spring break (first Disney trip ever, but one day at Epcot was plenty), enjoyed Thanksgiving in Denver (NANCY LAWS KERN ’75 is going to kill me if I don’t call her next time), and spent two days at B&B houses on the Cle Elum River in July with the five kids, spouses, and grandkids. I did catch a few trout there, but so did the grandkids, so we are not talking about high skill needed here. We currently have seven grandkids, with one coming next Saturday or so, and another in June. Retirement from the state looks like three-and-a-half years away for Cathy, so I’ll wrap up my high school teaching “second career” then as well. If anyone finds themselves in Washington State, particularly if you are heading near or by Olympia (state capitol, we all remember all 50 of them, right?), drop me a line and let’s catch up!” Catch Dick at [email protected]

LES PAGANO ’75 of Odenton, Maryland, writes to say his daughter was married in the Washington D.C. area on January 27. Classmates DAN RAK ’75, his wife ANN IBERLE RAK ’77, and Dan’s brother ED RAK ’77 were all in attendance.

JOHN DERGE ’75 reports from El Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain, where he and his wife moved last August. He writes, “We love it here.”

Nice to hear from BOB SEGAL ’75 who is in Dublin, Ohio, LAURIE LANDIS WOLFORD ’75 who is in Lone Tree, Colorado and BECKY HADLEY ’75 who is in San Antonio, Texas. Connect with Bob at [email protected]. Laurie at [email protected] and Becky is at [email protected].

Thanks to MARK WRIGHT ’75, for his 12 years of service on the Ripon College Board of Trustees! He stepped down in October.  Mark is married to MARCIA WILSON WAHOSKE ’75, and they live in North Mankato, Minnesota.

Mark writes: “I did visit the Willmore Center (the newest building on campus) and it is really quite a work of design and utility.  The indoor track and lobby are probably the two most impressive features and we hoped they would be during the design phase.  I would encourage alumni to help the college by working with the Admissions Office on recommending students and meeting with potential applicants.  Ripon, like every university and college in the country is working harder than ever to secure an entering class.  The college has the facilities, staff, faculty and coaches to operate with more students than currently on campus.  Ripon’s new Catalyst program puts us ahead of most schools with recognizing the skills graduates need to get a job, perform well in their career, work in a collaborative manner, utilize data effectively and objectively and continue to adapt to changes in needed skills.  In the greater scheme of things, Ripon is much the same relative to having small classes, clubs, fraternal groups and sports teams.  The big changes are in the addition of support services to help students, students having cars to come and go, courses in many areas with a more specific subject matter, the need for a more updated physical plant (this is a continual issue), and students being more engaged in social change, such as supporting public causes.”  

In February, Mark was at Grinnell College watching the swim team at Conference and hosting his 12th annual parent and team dinner for 50-plus people at Relish, a local restaurant. He writes: “This will be one of the largest groups ever to attend Conference.  The women’s team made Academic All American status for the 8th semester in a row.  No other Ripon team even comes close, from what I know.  For two semesters in 2015-2016 they ranked No. 3 and No. 2 in the entire country among all schools from D-III to D-I.  Their team averages were 3.64 and 3.86 for twelve women swimmers!”  

Mark semi-retired in August.  He writes: “Two organizations have retained me to do small business and financial consulting which is keeping me busy.  Marcia and I were in Chicago where we visited “the bean,” walked down the Navy Pier on an absolutely frigid and windy day and saw Hamilton, which was everything that people have said about it.  The singing and performance were amazing.  If any classmates have an opportunity to see the roadshow, which is about to begin touring the country, they should.  It is very good!  Very little speaking, almost all singing and the tunes are great.  We would recommend borrowing the CDs from your library and listening to the music for the week prior to seeing the show…  Marcia is currently recovering from foot surgery and should be back on her feet by late March.”

STEVE ANDERSON ’75 of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is president of Anderson Agency, Inc. in Plymouth, Minnesota. He writes: “It is amazing how quickly years pass and you reflect on events at Ripon when you were 18 years old. I remember freshman year and applying for a draft number for the Vietnam War. I also remember racial and political unrest not only at Ripon but campuses all over the country. Occasionally on my way to a cabin in Northern Wisconsin, I sometimes wonder about how much progress we have made as a country. As a parent of four and a grandparent of one (soon-to-be two) I am not always proud of some of the things we have neglected to fix during our watch. However, I am hopeful that there is some small way each of us will have an opportunity to make our world a better place for those who follow us.”  

I’m going to leave you with four words: Big Island Hawaii vacation.

Let me elaborate: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, coffee farm tour, a Santa Cruz surfing history connection, ripe papaya and secluded beaches, need I say more? I hope to have more news for you next time. If you have a new email, please let me know so we can stay in touch and mark your calendar for our next reunion in 2020, the last weekend in June. See you then!

Your Class Agent

JONDI GUMZ ’75

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1975

Jondi Gumz

831-461-1120 / [email protected]

Dear classmates,

Let’s hear it for LAURIE LANDIS WOLFORD ’75 of Lone Tree, Colorado, who organized a reunion for the Alpha Delta Pi sisters at Estes Park, Colorado, and everyone got their photo taken in front of the historic Stanley Hotel. SUE CHAPMAN CARLTON ’75 and KAREN KUCKHAHN KEHL ’75 were there along with MARY JAMIESON SAMELSON ’76, CHRIS OVERLY WALLACE ’74, NANCY GROOSE TERMAAT ’76, DEB STODDARD JESSOP ’77, MADGE BUSHNELL ’77, SELMA BAYDOUN CEMAN ’74, JUDY REISINGER DAVIS ’76, JOAN MUCCI ESPOSITO ’78, PEGGY ZAREK ODDO ’76, and LAURA MCGOWAN STAHL ’77. Great job, Laurie!

MARY JENKEL DELK ’74 and her husband JACK DELK ’74 has a new home in Texas. She writes: “So far, we really like Austin and really love being near the grandkids – and retirement is pretty nice also!  Our new address is 7317 Coit Rd, Austin, TX 78744. ”  Connect with Mary at [email protected]

LINDA MOGICATO SASSER ’75 reports she and her husband Carey “escaped the cold winters of Chicago for good last December” and moved to Peoria, Arizona, outside of Phoenix. They are enjoying living in a resort-style active adult community, swimming, biking, and hanging out with similar-aged people who also moved here from other parts of the U.S. and Canada.  Linda does public speaking (her website is www.brainandmemoryhealth.com) and markets her curriculum, BE! Brain Enrichment, to help people learn about brain health and develop their cognitive skills (like memory!) with the goal of postponing or preventing cognitive decline. Reach her at [email protected].

GEORGE LONG ’75 writes from East Greenbush, New York, “I finally retired from New York State Department of Transportation. Two weeks and I still have a big grin on my face. Now I just have to get this house in shape to sell, and the house in Vermont ready to move into, and we’re set. Anyone who wants to visit New England for the fall foliage, give me a call! We have 115 acres of woods, surrounded by more of the same, on a pond in the Vermont mountains. We’ll even throw in a tour of local microbreweries.” Connect with George at 518-477-7366 or [email protected].

SUZANNE MONROE POULOS ’75 of Evanston, Ill., attended the Ripon Alumni Weekend the last weekend in June with husband MICHAEL POULOS ’77 participating in several Beta Sigma Pi events including the oral history session. Thanks Suzanne for representing the class of ‘75. Suzanne writes, “I well remember LOUISE RENIER BOOTHBY’S ’75 comments in the Fall R Connections mentioning last year’s alumni dinner night where several of us from the ’70s joined together and had an amazing conversation just like we were back in college.

Michael and I have downsized into one condo and totally renovated our other condo next door, from a new roof down to the refinished wood and new tiled floors. Glad that’s behind us. Of course we had to lose some book storage in the process and now have 17 boxes of books to donate. Our Chicago Bar Association chorus and orchestra recently performed Rossini’s Stabat Mater. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus are performing it this weekend. All classmates and alumni are welcome to get in touch with us for a sail on Lake Michigan from Wilmette Harbor. Give us a call if you’re interested at 847-492-9800.”

SUSAN SCHREYER STANDER ’75 reports from Paradise Valley, Arizona: “Airbnb just named my casita an Airbnb Plus property.  To view our home and maybe schedule a visit go to Resort Style Casita in Paradise Valley. While my husband continues to work taking care of veterans, my retirement is spent tending to the cat and the casa, and working as a precinct committee person in our legislative district. I visited MARY ELLEN WEIS DOLL ’75 and MARTHA ROBBINS ANDERSON ’75 in Milwaukee last fall, and we had an amazing visit.  Some friends (especially Ripon friends) are forever.” Connect with Susan at [email protected].

STEVE SWANSON ’75 of Manassas, Virginia, writes: “Finally rejoined the family after nearly three years in Miami as a geo-bachelor. Don’t ask, long story. Barbara, Margaret, and I are taking a road trip next week to Austin, Texas.  Margie is attending the Keller Williams “Young Entrepreneur” seminar. And BA and I are checking out our two properties in the Fort Hood (Killeen/Harker Heights) area. The grandkids, Athena, Colin, and Deanna, successfully graduated the school year!”

STEVE RUGO ’75 and his wife Laura de Frise report from Chicago: Their son Peter lives in Los Angeles and started his own music management business in February; for a list of upcoming shows, see keel.la. Their daughter Aubrey recently moved from Chicago to Washington D.C. to work for Booz Allen Hamilton.  Steve’s architecture practice is thriving. He designs residences and more recently noted restaurants, you can see his portfolio at rugoraff.com. Laura left Christie’s after 30-plus years and is managing director for Ronald Varney Fine Art Advisers.

LITA WEISLOW KATZ ’75 writes from Silver Spring, Maryland, “My daughter Sarah is now living about 10 miles away instead of several hundred miles away — so my husband Bert and I are now the designated cat sitters when she goes on vacation.  She moved here for a job at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Lab working on space probe radiation shielding.” Since Lita retired from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency, aka NOAA, she accepted the job of treasurer for her synagogue. Recently, she spent an afternoon in the synagogue kitchen cooking an entry for the sisterhood’s kugel cookoff. Connect with her at [email protected].

DIANA AUSTRING ’75 posts on Facebook from New Zealand: “Luxuriating in the warmth of my wood burning stove in Waiheke Island’s winter, but heading to Perth, Western Australia, for five weeks in July to be main caregiver for my 3-year-old and 1-year-old granddaughters (Natasha and Sienna Rose; daughters of son Kris and his wife Tory); then will head up to Tombstone, Arizona, in October for three weeks to hang around with my siblings, with a likely road trip to Fort Collins, Colorado.

BECKY HADLEY ’75 of San Antonio Texas writes, “I hope to be traveling like Dee before long! I’m mostly retired, working one day a week ‘prn’ as a registered nurse in a surgical setting. Loving being a grandma to almost 2 year old grandson Micah who lives in Houston. Big event of the year is the wedding of our daughter Laura who lives in Washington, D.C. Her husband-to-be is a financial analyst for the CIA who has briefed the president several times. Another summer trip is to Martha’s Vineyard. In the process of planning lots more travel to bucket lists destinations.”  Connect with Becky at [email protected].

ANN DEVENISH CASSELL ’75 posted photos on Facebook from her travels with her husband DOUG CASSELL ’74 to the Scotland, visiting places like the ruins of the Culross Abbey, used in the Outlander series.

PHIL BOLDA ’75 of Tempe, Arizona, posted photos on Facebook about his trip to Pittsburgh for the Society for American Baseball Research conference.

RUTH GALES FRECHMAN ’75 of North Hollywood, California, completed her year as president of the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She writes, “It was a great two years as president-elect and then president. Awesome experience. I have been spending the last week organizing, so I can catch up on my real work that got put on the back burner.” See her website at ruthfrechman.com and find out more about her book, The Food is My Friend Diet.“

TIM VERNIER ’74 has written a new detective novel, Lightning’s Landing, second in the Dick Stranger series.

ROSIE GAY FATHEREE ’75 in Alpharetta, Georgia, posted photos on Facebook from her daughter, Katherine’s wedding in May.

KATHY KURKE ’75 in Ormond Beach, Florida, finished a new painting, “Moonstruck,” for the Daytona Art Show. You can see it on Facebook. Connect with Kathy at [email protected].

SHARON SCHECK SINA ’75 of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, is spending time with her grandchildren this summer. See her photos on Facebook.

JULIE OLSON KEILMAN ’75 is spending time with her grandchildren and she visited Mackinac Island, Michigan, in June.

GEORGIANNE BRAVICK ’75 of Appleton, Wisconsin, had to dig out of a snowstorm on April 16. Follow her on Facebook.

LEN KACHINSKY ’75 reports from Neenah, Wisconsin, that he’s feeling better, running six miles in 88 minutes or less.

WARREN BLUHM ’75 in Luxemburg, Wisconsin asks: “When are you done? When is your life’s work complete?” Read more at https://www.facebook.com/warrenbluhmwordsmith/

NANCY LAWS KERN ’75 of Littleton, Colorado, enjoyed watching spring training with friends in Scottsdale, Arizona, and hiking on Pinnacle Peak.

SCOTT TREMBERTH ’75, who lives in Henderson, Nevada, writes: “It would have been great to visit.  We are back in Green Lake, Wisconsin, for the summer. We go back to Vegas in the fall.”

I was hoping to catch up with SCOTT TREMBERTH ’75 when I attended the National Association of Real Estate Editors conference in Las Vegas. I did not realize it would be 107 degrees! Good thing the air conditioning was working. About that trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, my husband and I departed shortly before the Kilauea volcano blew up, covering roads with lava, and  and forcing entire neighborhoods to evacuate. Sad to hear. In April, I had a weekend visit in Mission Viejo, California, with my sister JOY GUMZ ’78, also an economics major at Ripon. Then my sister SHERYL GUMZ ALBERS-ANDERS ’76 drove in on a cross country road trip in her VW Bug. Now I’m staying at home and baking blackberry pie, fresh picked from the back yard. GREGG PETERSEN ’78 and brother MICHAEL PETERSEN ’75 shared a neat slideshow posted on Facebook and made for his 40th class reunion made by HELEN HOLTER ’78 using photos from the Green List and yearbooks. Anyone with these technical skills, give me a holler. I’d like to see if we can do this  for our next reunion, June 26-28, 2020. Until then, keep your news a-coming to [email protected]!

Your class agent,

JONDI GUMZ ’75

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

Class Agent:

Jan Petrovski MacLeod ’74
(630) 460-0320

Spring 2018

Hello and welcome to our class letter for spring 2018!  We might even call this The Food Issue because there will be a few food references ahead. One way that I know for sure that spring is coming is because today I received an email from one of my favorite drive-ins telling me they are opening for the season next weekend. Can gardening and deck-sitting be far behind?
Life has been pretty full since my last letter. Our granddaughter has kept us laughing, and we’ve enjoyed taking care of her on occasion to give her folks a break. Hard to believe she’s going to be joined by a sister in June and we can’t wait!
We managed to get tickets for the musical Hamilton, and recommend it to everyone. Not only are the music and acting fantastic, but the staging was incredible.
We took advantage of Chicago Restaurant Week and met our daughters for a lovely lunch at Trattoria #10, one of our favorite places in the city. We also give two thumbs up to Rivers, Catch 35, and Atwood. Add those to your list for the next time you are in Chicago.
Our winter was further enhanced by a delicious chicken & wild rice soup recipe from NICK VANDER PUY ’75 of Mellen, Wisconsin.  It’s too long to print here, but if you follow Nick on Facebook, he was kind enough to copy it there.  Add to that TIM VERNIER ’74’s old fashioned recipe, and you have the makings of a fine evening at home. Perhaps our class should publish a cookbook!

Speaking of TIM VERNIER ’74 of Tomah, Wisconsin, his long-awaited second novel in the Dick Stranger series was published in November. It’s called Lightning’s Landing, and I am looking forward to reading it, since I loved the first one so much. They are available at select retailers around the Tomah area, but also on Amazon. Congratulations, Tim!

SUE ALLEN GREEN ’74 formerly of Naperville, Illinois, is now settled in her new home in Roanoke, Virginia.  She’s very happy to be back in a milder climate and closer to her granddaughter. I hear that, Sue!

JANE RUNKEL FREDERICK ’74 of Shorewood, Wisconsin, will be visiting her daughter, Sarah, in Arizona and then on to California at the end of February. Jane says she and husband JOHN FREDERICK ’73 will be attending Alumni Weekend in June and hopes to see everyone there.

BARB BECHLER FLYNN ’74 of Carmel, Indiana, has managed to take part in a number of marathons over the winter, most notably a Donut 5K on December 23 and several in Disneyworld the first week of January, and she’s got the medals to prove it!  Barb says we shouldn’t be too impressed because she walks these courses, but I think it’s awesome and I hope to see her in Disneyworld next January.

ERIC SORENSEN ’74 of Marengo, Wisconsin, traveled to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for the Siouxland Renaissance Faire Winter Feast on February 17.  He said, “It’s hard for an old guy being Mustafa’s roadie but well worth the effort to help out a wonderful little Renaissance Faire. A grand time was had by all!”

I am hoping to make it to Alumni Weekend (June 21-24) this year, but a lot will depend on when my new granddaughter arrives. If you plan to go, don’t wait too long to make hotel reservations.
          In the meantime, I plan to take in the Chicago Flower and Garden Show, and meet up with CHRIS OVERLY WALLACE ’74 for lunch, among other things. If you are in the area, give me a call. I am having a lot of fun being retired and being able to make my own calendar and timetable, and would enjoy your visit.

Hope to see you soon!

JAN

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1974

Jan Petrovski MacLeod

630-920-2450 / [email protected]

Greetings, classmates!

How was your summer? Did you make it to Alumni Weekend? I hope that no matter how you spent your time, it was filled with friends, family, and good times.

Lots of big news in our family this summer: our second grandchild was born to our daughter, Kate, and her husband, JP. Baby Grace arrived in June and joined her 20-month-old sister, Lilly, and both have kept me plenty busy. I started Tai Chi classes this summer, and found it was a good balance for keeping up with Lilly. The other big news: our younger daughter, Mary, became engaged, and plans have begun for a summer 2019 wedding. At this point, they have the date chosen, the venue secured, and the bridal party in place, and it just keeps rolling along. So as you can see, there is a lot going on here and it’s all good!

The only classmate heard from recently was CHRIS DOHERTY ’74 of Andover, Massachusetts. Chris sent me a note via Facebook saying he wouldn’t be able to attend Alumni Weekend this year because he was on vacation, and at that moment, was in Scotland. He had just visited the Isle of Skye, which happens to be the ancestral home of clan MacLeod, and a fair amount of good whiskey, which I hope he sampled. Well, Chris, we envy you the trip, and we hope you will do your best to be with us in Ripon next summer for our 45th reunion.

Please be thinking about making the trek to Ripon next year, too! You will be hearing more about this as our reunion committee begins working on the plans, and if you would like putting your two cents in to the planning process, feel free to join us. Let me know (630-460-0320) or contact AMY GERRETSEN ’04 at [email protected] to be added to the committee. We would love to have your input.

Meanwhile, be happy and stay well,

JAN

Submitted by: Olivia Heck