R Connections

LEROY A. “ROY” YEOMANS ’50 of Ripon, Wisconsin, died Feb. 26, 2023. At Ripon College, he participated in Phi Kappa Pi (Merriman), and then graduated from the National College of Chiropractic in Chicago, Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946 in the European Theater. He joined his father, George Yeomans, doctor of chiropractic, in practice in Ripon and retired in 1992 after 42 years. In 2022, he was honored as the Ripon Rotary Club’s longest-serving Rotarian, the City of Ripon declared Feb. 2 as Roy Yeomans Day, and he was the only World War II veteran participating in an Old Glory Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He was a member of the Ripon Gun Club and enjoyed hunting, golf and attending music performances. Survivors include two sons.

Full obituary: butzinmarchant.com/default.asp?p=obitviewdetail&obiid=5758

Submitted by: Office of Constituent Engagement

Dear Class of 2002,

I hope this message finds you doing well and enjoying the arrival of spring. Our class has been up to some exciting things lately and we wanted to share some updates with you. But before that, we are eager to know what’s new with you! Whether it’s a recent accomplishment or just something that made you smile, we would love to hear about it. If you need some inspiration we are always on the lookout for book and streaming recommendations. You can send an email to our Class Agents at [email protected].

Alumni Weekend 2023 will take place June 22-25, 2023. There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500). There will also be rooms available on campus in TriDorms and Bovay Hall. Registration is now available here!

Here are some updates from our class:

LIZ WEBB BEELES ‘02 shares: “In early 2022, my husband and I spent two weeks in Costa Rica and absolutely loved it. We have traveled together to many warm locations looking for places where we might like to eventually spend our winters and this was the first time it felt like the right fit. Now we’re back in Costa Rica for two months scouting locations and testing out conditions for remote work (which is going quite well!).

After nine years in public affairs with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, I started a new position in September as a brand manager and graphic designer with the established non-profit, TechnoServe. Not only has this allowed me to work remotely from anywhere, but more importantly it gives me the chance to support opportunities for people living in poverty to have a better life. I am happy to be meeting so many incredible people doing tremendous work all over the world and am learning something new every day.

If that wasn’t enough change, we also sold our home in Salem in late 2022 and moved to our beach house in a small town on the Oregon coast. We have several big home projects in our future, but are looking forward to settling into full-time beach life. The move meant saying goodbye to my dragon boat team of seven years, which means I’ll be seeking out other paddling sports, such as kayaking, to enjoy this summer. If you’re going to be in the Pacific Northwest, please reach out, I’d love to catch up!”

JESSICA ROSEN LIVELY ‘02 was promoted in November 2022 to Director, Brokerage & Advisory Advertising Compliance at Lincoln Financial Advisors.

EMMYLOU HOEFT WILSON ‘02 shares: “I have been an Optometrist in the State of Wisconsin for 15 years now after working for twqo years in the Chicago area after graduation. I have also volunteered in my community with the Lion’s Club of Fitchburg, the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin transporting donated corneal tissue (please check the box on your license to be an organ donor!), and performing free eye exams in my clinic for underprivileged members of the community through the Lion’s Club and UW-Extension-Dane County Centro Hispano. I have also volunteered outside my community on international health care missions traveling to underserved populations around the world to perform eye exams for those without access to healthcare and glasses.

In 2019, I was appointed by the Office of the Governor and confirmed by the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services to the State of Wisconsin Optometry Examining Board which regulates licensure of optometrists throughout the state. In 2022 I was voted into the position of Vice Chairperson by my peers.

In my free time, I love to travel and spend time with my husband of 15 years, Tim, and dog of 13 years, Penny.”

As for me, CORRYN, I will be stepping down from my role as Class Agent. It has been a privilege and an honor to serve in this capacity, and I will always cherish the memories and connections that I have made during my time in this role.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who have shared your updates and supported our reunion party planning over the years. Thanks for keeping in touch.

As I pass the baton to a new group of Class Agents, I look forward to staying in touch and hearing about all the exciting things that are happening in your lives. Please stay tuned for updates from your new Class Agents.

Sincerely,

Corryn ‘02

P.S. There will be a special giving event in conjunction with inauguration weekend, April 20-23, to celebrate Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse, and the exciting momentum happening within our campus community. This event will be an extension of the #OneDayRally brand and experience. Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to your participation!

Submitted by: Class Agent: Corryn Siegel Greenwood

Hey Ripon ‘87 Alums,

If you happened to be with your ‘87 friends at Norton’s last summer in between Alumni Weekend events, then you know how SCOTT MULLIN ‘87 and I (ANDREW IRVING ’87) became your new Class Agents. Since 2015, DORRIE SMITH SCRANTON ’87 and CHRIS TEMPLETON ’87 have graciously done their time, pleading with you all for your latest news and lifetime events, and then sharing that with you. Seven years was enough and so, by an officially non-official vote, Scott and I were chosen to grab the baton. We are all very grateful for Dorrie’s and Chris’s work and thank them for taking on the challenge these past seven years.

And what a challenge it is! Despite very fond memories of our time at Ripon, we are all a bit too humble when it comes to sharing our successes with our classmates. Scott and I did some begging on Facebook and even offered up a $100 gift card or charity donation to the alum who had the most exciting news. Here are – not the top three – the only three contributions we received:

• BILL TOURLAS ’87 “took a vacation”.
• JANNAN ROESCH ’87 was back on campus in early February to officiate a swim meet.
• LINDA DORMAN FREI ’87 (pictured at right) has been teaching math in Sparta, WI, for 35 years and counting. On February 3rd, the school celebrated the culmination of a successful charity drive with Linda getting a pie in the face along with two other teachers. She’s our $100 winner!

Hey, three bits of news are better than none! Poor Dorrie and Chris had to make up news from time to time just to fill a few lines in their letters. Perhaps Scott and I should have led by example. If that’s the case, here are two more updates for you:

• After teaching French, advising, and running the French House at UW-Madison for 24 years, I left the university and took a position with an independent K-8 school for gifted, talented, and advanced students. I also moved from downtown Madison, WI, to a house nestled in the UW-Madison Arboretum. It was always a dream of mine to live in the city, but still in nature and I couldn’t have asked for a better location. Oh, and I got married in 2019.

• SCOTT has been with Regenesis (environmental remediation) pretty much since he graduated from Ripon and is now Vice President of their Remediation Services Division. Scott, his wife Kathy, and their twin sons (now heading into their late 20s, so hard to believe!) seem to keep busy, but always find time to travel together.

In more news, if you happen to scroll through the latest news articles at ripon.edu, you may have seen an article about MARIO FRIEDEL ‘88 and SHERRY THOMPSON FRIEDEL ’87’s latest musical endeavors. They came very close to a Grammy nomination in 2022. To find out more about Sherry and Mario’s musical journey, click here.

I wish I had more news for you. Maybe this Class Letter will inspire you to share more. If you’re not a Facebook person, please reach out to us directly so we can feature your life updates, latest endeavors, your favorite recipes, or even your take on the latest TV shows.

Alumni Weekend is scheduled for June 22-25! More information about the event and activities occurring during Alumni Weekend will be available at alumni.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend. There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500). There will also be rooms available on campus starting in April.

Please also think about our next milestone: Alumni Weekend 2027. Faster than you know it, we’ll be celebrating our 40th! When I attended our 35th, I was amazed to see how much the College and the city of Ripon had evolved over the years.

Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why Scott and I accepted this new role so eagerly. OK, eagerly may not be the word… let’s just say that we are both honored to help bring you some class news and keep you in touch with Ripon.

On behalf of Scott and myself, thank you for reading and please stay in touch!

Andrew Irving ’87

Scott Mullin ’87

P.S. There will be a special giving event in conjunction with inauguration weekend, April 20-23, to celebrate Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse, and the exciting momentum happening within our campus community. This event will be an extension of the #OneDayRally brand and experience. Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to your participation!

Submitted by: Class Agents: Andrew Irving and Scott Mullin

Hello Class of 1997,

I hope you have had a great start to 2023!

There is so much going on at our alma mater this spring, most notable being the inauguration of Dr. Victoria N. Folse, the 14th President of Ripon College, the weekend of April 21. For more details regarding the inauguration events, visit here.

Looking forward to summer, mark your calendars for June 22-25, Ripon College’s annual Alumni Weekend. Even though it isn’t a reunion year for our class, all alumni are always encouraged to attend; it is a great way to connect/reconnect. We brought our kids to Alumni Weekend for the first time last year, and it was really fun to show them around town and campus so they could understand what makes Ripon such a special place for mom and dad. More information about the event and activities occurring during Alumni Weekend will be available at alumni.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend soon. There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/HQ83E1) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (call 920.748.5500).

I frequently talk about how special our time at Ripon was and the benefits of an education at a small, liberal arts college. One of the greatest of those is connection to each other after all of these years. It is easy to stay connected to Ripon and to our class. Here are some suggestions:

Submitted by: Class Agent: Kristin Bazzoli Piotrowski

Happy Spring, Class of 2003!

TWENTY YEARS! Yes…you read that correctly! 20 years ago, we graduated from Ripon College! It feels like just yesterday we were nervously navigating the dorms and new faces as we started our freshman year. So much has happened in all of our lives since then, but how lucky we are to have the foundation that Ripon gave us in our time there! Although I called the campus home 20 years ago, it still has the familiarity of home every time I am back. Which brings me to our first order of business…Alumni Weekend! Join us at Alumni Weekend in June!

Alumni Weekend 2023: We have been busy planning Alumni Weekend over the past few months and we are excited for all the fun we have in store! We already have a good crew coming and hope you will join too!

1. RESERVE THE WEEKEND: Alumni Weekend is June 22-25, 2023!

2. BOOK YOUR HOTEL: 

   1. Heidel House (Green Lake) – Book online here

   2. Cobblestone Suites (Ripon) – Book by calling 920.748.5500

3. SOCIAL MEDIA: Check out and join the Class of 2003’s Facebook page. As the celebration approaches, more updates on reunion details and how to be involved will be posted at this site.

4. UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFO: Make sure we have your updated information!

5. DONATE: Show your support for Ripon College and your graduating class with a donation this fiscal year. Especially in this, our twenty-year reunion year, it is important to support RC.

Reasons to join Alumni Weekend:

1. Reconnect with your classmates.

2. Meet the new President – Dr. Victoria N. Folse.

3. Meet the new Athletic Director – Christopher Schumacher.

4. Say goodbye to retiring Professor of Psychology, Joe Hatcher.

5. Enjoy the new shops and restaurants in downtown Ripon.

6. See familiar faces from our time on campus.

7. Enjoy the events your reunion team (MITCH SMITH ’03, ELAYNE NORWEB ’03, BRYAN GERRETSEN ’03, LIZ MATELSKI ’03, and AMANDA LUTTENBERGER RIESENBERG ’03) have organized!

Class Notes:

BRENDA BAYARD VAN ROSSUM ’03 of Verona, Wisconsin, says: ”I opened up Kind and Joyful Childcare, a childcare center in Madison, WI, licensed for 120 children ages 6 weeks-12 years, in May of 2017.”

GINA COMPITELLO ’03 became Chief Marketing Officer of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra in 2022, thanks in large part to the fantastic musical and liberal arts education at Ripon. She is step-mama to two amazing boys and still consumes more coffee than is probably a good idea.

RYAN JORN ’03 and JESSICA STOCKTON JORN ’03 says: “Ryan was offered and accepted a term position at the National Science Foundation as a Program Director. He coordinates the review and recommendation of grants requested from the foundation in the chemistry division. He is on a temporary leave of absence from Villanova during this time. We also joyfully welcomed our fifth child, Nikolai, in January.”

HEATHER BRAUND KOTLESKI ’03 shared: “My husband and I recently bought our dream house in Deforest, WI. We’re loving the small-town community.”

AMANDA LUTTENBERGER RIESENBERG ’03 said: “I just completed my Wellcoaches certification to become a certified Health and Wellness Coach. I finished and won the Myvatn marathon in Iceland last year while Sean played in a hockey tournament there. I love my job working with strokes and stroke prevention and am looking forward to graduating in May with an associate’s degree to complement my Ripon degree I have been busy with all the kid’s activities and watching them play football, baseball, volleyball, soccer, sing and perform in the musical. Joey is a junior, starts as a wide receiver and also plays tight end. His football team made it to the Wisconsin State Football Championship game for Division 2 this past fall. We are busy looking at colleges with him and getting ready for baseball season. Brooke is a freshman and is involved with just about everything in school, including singing, musical, soccer, volleyball, and many clubs. I’m looking forward to seeing as many people at our class reunion this summer! My Airbnb with other classmates has already been booked. I hope everybody can make it!”

JEN WHITE ’03 says: “It’s been a very busy year for me with two different new positions that I started. In February 2022, I became the Task Lead for the Flight Dynamics Analysis on the Roman Space Telescope, while continuing as a Flight Dynamics Engineer for the Landsat 8 and 9 spacecraft. As the Task Lead, I’m responsible for leading the software development team for the flight dynamics ground system. Then in May, I was promoted to a manager and a Task Lead for the Conjunction Assessment and Risk Analysis (CARA) team (while also continuing as a Task Lead for the Roman Space Telescope). The CARA team is responsible for ensuring the safety of NASA spacecraft by monitoring conjunctions with space debris and other spacecraft. I’m responsible for ensuring the operations, analysis, and software teams work cohesively and assist with technical questions.”

BRIDGET WHITEHOUSE THOMAS ’03 and her husband added another son to their family. Graham Thomas was born January 6, 2022. Big brother Griffin adores him.

New this year: The College will hold its annual online giving event in conjunction with the Inauguration of Victoria N. Folse. Ripon Rally Days will kick off on April 20 and run through April 23. Our goal is for the Class of 2003 to top the Reunion Class Leaderboard on the event’s giving page that weekend. Make your special 20th Reunion gift today and be counted early toward this celebration. We will add your name as a donor from our class to the Ripon Rally Days totals when the page and leaderboard open.

Elayne ’03
(917) 509-4826

Liz ’03
(920) 475-7415

Submitted by: Class Agents: Liz Matelski and Elayne Monnens Norweb

Greetings Ripon College Class of 2005!

We have several events upcoming- please let me know if you’re in town for any of these (or anytime, actually) – I’d love to catch up in person! Events include: Inauguration of Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse on Saturday, April 22 at 11a.m., Commencement on Sunday, May 14 at 1p.m. and Alumni Weekend is June 22-25; while not a milestone reunion year for us, Alumni Weekend is always a good time!!

More information about the event and activities during Alumni Weekend will be available soon. There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500). There will also be rooms available on campus starting in April.

Most of us have recently or will be turning 40! Is it hitting anyone else differently than other years? I’ve thought a lot about the fact that almost half my life is over. In the day-to-day of raising kids, all the running, working, keeping the house, staying in touch with friends and finding moments to do the things I actually want to, it’s easy to not notice the days slipping by. Then all of a sudden, a month, year or three have gone by and I wonder what I’ve done with my life. If you’ve had a moment to examine where you are at and where you want to go, remember this: please do not judge your life based on what is working for others, what society has deemed “successful” or even what 19-year-old you thought you’d have accomplished. I believe success is simply doing a little better than yesterday. Also, sometimes, you need to say screw it and jump out of a plane because 40 is just a little bit scary so why not do the scary (this will be me in May).

My life update: I got a new job! I’m still at Ripon (dynamite probably couldn’t get me to leave this place!), but I’m now the Executive Assistant for Academic Affairs. I’m supporting the VP/Dean of Faculty, the Faculty, faculty committees and anyone else working hard in academic affairs. This comes after six months of doing this work and supporting the new President on an interim basis. I’ve learned more about how the college runs and a lot about myself. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow professionally while staying at a place I love. My boys, now eleven and seven, are full of attitude, independence and sass, except when they aren’t – ha! We’ve been in our house for a year and a half; we’re finally rearranging all our stuff to best fit our lives instead of just where it fits when we moved it. It feels good to settle in.

Here is what is going on with your classmates:

CJ JOHNSON ’05 writes – “I’m still currently living in the Minneapolis suburbs with my family. The big family update is that my wife and I got married last September! I’m still currently running our vehicle financing dealership as well. I’m still collecting shoes and doing my best at attempting to collect cars.”

PAUL LARSON ‘05 and SARAH MCGILL LARSON ’05 write – “We moved to Green Bay in 2019. The move resulted in a career change to actuary for Paul. He is a risk-modeling actuary at Humana. Sarah teaches math at Bay Port High School. Paul’s big news is that after three years at Humana, and about three before that, he finished his 8-exam sequence and earned a credential. We are curious if Amanda reads all of these to edit out bad language. As Paul wrote this, Sarah kicked a scale in the bathroom and whacked her toe. (For the record, I, Amanda, only edit punctuation here and there, no other editing!)

Kids Parker (4th grade) and Tanner (2nd grade) are awesome in school. Tanner maxed out on her reading assessment a few months ago. Parker was placed in an accelerated math program this year, and the math majors rejoice. Upcoming trips include Las Vegas/Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, some camping in upper Michigan. On a whim, we ALMOST planned a trip to Iceland in March (Cold? Yes, but the geothermal activity keeps the waterfalls running year round!). We got a lot of details figured out before changing our mind, so we might hang on to the idea for another year or two.”

RENEA VORPAHL MERTENS ’05 writes – “Our family of five is still happily living in the Green Bay Area. We are busy with gymnastics, swimming and lots of toddler activities. I was recently promoted to Sr. Claims Consultant at Acuity Insurance and continue to provide onboarding programming to our claims professionals. Looking forward to warmer weather and spending time at our camper in Wautoma.”

JENNY SCHULTZ ‘05 is currently working for Roche on a one-year contract in Burich, Switzerland.

ASHLEIGH KEITH SMITH ’05 writes – “I’m still at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee as level 2 Elephant Caregiver. Don has a new customer service position that lets him work from home. It’s nice to have similar schedules again to spend time together. Still have the same ‘zoo’ at home: two dogs, five cats, two ferrets, and two aquatic turtles. We also love getting to spend time with our grandson. He started preschool this fall.”

SARAH SMITH ’05 writes – “I’ve been married for almost five years to my husband, Patrick. We have a cat named Dexter who loves to eat houseplants so we’re slowly turning the yard into a giant garden. I’m still a librarian at Carnegie-Stout Public Library. I’m planning a trip to Ecuador with my sister, BECKI SMITH ‘09, for my 40th birthday.”

A few more thoughts from me: Do you remember what 19-year-old you wanted out of life? What the big plans that you dreamed about in your dorm room? What did you think it meant to be successful “as an adult”? No matter the paths life has taken you, I know Ripon helped give you the foundation to find success – whatever that looks like for you! Please give to help our current and future students receive that same foundation. The website is simple – ripon.edu/give and is open 24/7.

All the best!

Your Class Agents,

Amanda ‘05
(920) 299-1081

Daphne ‘05
(414) 841-7210

P.S. There will be a special giving event in conjunction with inauguration weekend, April 20-23, to celebrate Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse, and the exciting momentum happening within our campus community. This event will be an extension of the #OneDayRally brand and experience. Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to your participation!

Submitted by: Class Agents: Amanda Zahn Przybyl and Daphne Meyers Leigh

Think Spring! And Be Inspired!
What keeps us moving forward? | What pushes us to succeed? | What motivates us daily

Inspiration

Webster defines inspiration: “the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something.”

You might ask – to do or feel what?

Well, as we emerge from the winter doldrums, shake off the cold/limited daylight/sunshine, and begin our spring journey, refreshed and ready to get outside – college spring break, golfing, planting gardens, etc., we become inspired.

This energy is contagious. You inspire others with the same energy and voila you notice everyone’s demeanor has changed from gloom and doom to happiness, cheerfulness and all this tumultuous energy is felt everywhere.

So fellow alums and current Ripon students, now that spring has sprung, may you be inspired to inspire others, and may it be the one thing that’s contagious!

Main Message

No doubt many of you have endured a long and cold winter. Spring can’t come fast enough! Here’s a thought…instead of letting the winter cold drive us insane – let’s refocus! Even if you’re enjoying warmer weather – let’s refocus our mindset for 2023.

This spring’s message focuses on “Mastering the Art of Giving”. I’m calling on all of my fellow classmates to “give” to Ripon College this year. There are as many reasons to give as there are ways to give. Below are a few examples.

Give advice and encouragement. Visit your local high school and talk with students about college. Offer any advice the students seek. Share your Ripon College experience.

Give money. Set aside some extra $$ for the Ripon College Fund Raisers.

Give of your talents – Volunteer at your local high school and present during the school’s Focus on Career Days – share stories about your Ripon College journey and how your education led you to where you are today.

Give a recommendation/help with applications. Serve as a reference for high school students seeking letters of recommendation for their college applications, scholarships, etc. Assist high school students in completing the necessary paperwork to apply to a college or to apply for a scholarship. We’ve all been there! Connect with your local Ripon College recruiter. Meet with students who show an interest in Ripon College and share your experience as a Ripon graduate.

“Give others all that is alive in us—our interest, understanding, our knowledge, our humor, everything in us that’s good. In doing so, we enhance the sense of aliveness in others while enhancing our own. When we give, we get a “heightened vitality” of what it means to be human.” – Erich Fromm, The Art of Loving

Let’s Master of the Art of Giving Class of ’85! Share your “Ripon Giving” stories and let’s start a ripple effect. I look forward to hearing from all of you!

Alumni Weekend is scheduled for June 22-25! More information about the event and activities occurring during Alumni Weekend will be available at alumni.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend soon. There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500). There will also be rooms available on campus starting in April.

Heather ’85

P.S. There will be a special giving event in conjunction with inauguration weekend, April 20-23, to celebrate Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse, and the exciting momentum happening within our campus community. This event will be an extension of the #OneDayRally brand and experience. Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to your participation!

Submitted by: Class Agent: Heather McFadden Barrie

Dear Classmates,

46 years ago, this spring, many of us were enjoying our final semester at Ripon College before graduating. The Class of 2023 is currently in this position, finishing their final few weeks before the May 14th commencement ceremony. Some will continue on to graduate studies, most will enter society, as college graduates, ready to enter the workplace. Fortunately, employers are hiring, which has not always been the case. But it is always the case that a Ripon College graduate has received a good education and would make a good employee.

The new Class of 2023 proudly become Alumni of Ripon College, joining a distinguished group that includes our class and others since Ripon’s first graduating class of four women in 1867. In 2009 and 2014, I proudly attended Ripon’s graduation ceremonies for two of my daughters. I have seen that some of you also have shared your college with your children. Every alum parent I’ve met has been proud to share their school with their children or grandchildren. There are 19 Legacies of brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, grandparents and great grandparents that are calling Ripon home this year.

After graduation we’ve all gone where life takes us, sometimes returning briefly, and sometimes only able to remember Ripon. Every summer we have the opportunity with Alumni Weekend to return and mix with our classmates, and also with members of other classes. There is a lot that makes us alike and makes us all happy to have been part of Ripon’s history. Alumni Weekend is June 22-25 this year. Any year is a good time to visit, but our next special emphasis will be our 50th Reunion in 2027.

More information about the event and activities occurring during Alumni Weekend will be available at alumni.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend soon. There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500).

Alumni of all classes also do their part to help keep Ripon College financially viable and affordable to students. Please help as you can. Last year, more than 48% of our classmates contributed something. That’s 67 of us. Our class did well, with third in participation and seventh in dollars. Thank you!

In recent years, we’ve had #OneDayRally as a 24-hour period for donations. It has been fun and successful. This year it is replaced by Ripon Rally Days, 14 for 14, a giving event in conjunction with the Inauguration of Dr. Victoria N. Folse as the 14th President of Ripon College; on April 20-23. 14 ways to give in honor of our 14th president.

In my last letter to you, last October, I told you that I was on the verge of leaving for a European trip. Not to leave the suspense hanging, my wife and I took a cruise to Rome and back, and stayed 11 days in Italy using a VRBO. Now in retirement, it was possible to have a longer trip than while working, so this was seven weeks in duration. I recommend it if you are able. We are living near Roanoke, Virginia, now and hope to explore our new state more. I loved Wisconsin, but Virginia is where the next chapter of our life is based.

Several of you responded to my plea for information about yourselves. Thanks. Please remember that you can email stuff to me anytime, or just write to the college.

ANDREA MORRIS ‘77: “I had a great 2022. Enjoying semi-retirement. Teaching very part time in the nursing masters program at California State in Dominguez Hills. Got to visit my fifth and sixth continents with a trip to Brazil, Argentina, and Antarctica. Amazing is truly a word for Antarctica. And got to do some citizen science projects there. More trips planned for this year and just in general enjoying not going to work every day.

JOHN COLWELL ‘77: “I can contribute that as of 12/2022 I have stepped down, after five plus years, as the President of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA.org). I served one partial term and then two full terms, which is the longest time anyone has served as President of NACBA. It was a true honor and a privilege to work with my fellow Board of Directors in the advancement of the rights of consumer and small business bankruptcy debtors. I remain as a member of the Board of Directors as the immediate past President.”

ELENA KEZELIS ‘77: “Thanks for reaching out. I think we all enjoy reading what others are doing, but we forget to update information about ourselves. Retirement is lovely, as is my latest title: “Grammy”. My husband and I became Florida residents several years ago (but kept our house in Springfield, Illinois, for summer visits) and are traveling again post-pandemic whenever he’s not golfing and I’m not babysitting the little ones. We hiked Acadia last year, explored Costa Rica with National Geographic in March, then we are taking a longer trip through western Europe and Iceland this summer. I’d love to catch up with anyone who might be in the vicinity of our home in Fort Myers, Florida.”

J.J. VAN NAME ‘77:  [Now “J.J.” but was “Jeannie” during her Ripon years.]: “I had a challenging bit of interaction with ROB MEYER ‘78 last year when he was sick, and some challenging years before that as well. He was a force….  The good news is he was a total free spirit, and he had a lot of adventures and loved his world of radio and his animals and travels. (Rob died on November 22, 2021).”
J.J. wrote this life synopsis: “Moved from a lifetime in Philadelphia, my beloved home city with incredible historical Green Space, a 1740’s farm house, wildlife… largest city park in the world…to the Bay Area in 2018, Oakland California, a whole wide world of green space… mountains, ocean, redwoods, eucalyptus, evergreens, fruit trees, wildlife, birds. Came for the Shakespeare and the Women’s community. Have made a life in the theatre since leaving College, much of which has been Shakespeare, and a wonderful stint Off-Broadway in New York with great reviews and fun caricatures in The New Yorker. Have rekindled a close friendship with my college roommate, BETSY BAER ‘77, in Chicago, went to see her in October on Lake Michigan and did some sea glassing together, both of our hobbies!

The photos are me and Betsy back at Smith Hall at Ripon, roommates, probably sophomore year. And then on the beach, Lake Michigan looking for beach glass which is naturally tumbled pieces of different colored softened, broken glass. I am on the left with the long dark hair. Betsy has the short curly hair.” (I enjoy Then-and-Now pictures.  ~Alan)

EDWARD MORRELL ‘77 of Northfield, Illinois: “My wife and I are now married 45 years and still chasing adventure. One family is still the center of our life- four grown kids and five grandchildren. Working a bit less and more gardening and beekeeping!”

Notes provided by the College:

The college provided notes on two more classmates, both of whom had interesting articles about them.

DAVID EGGERT ‘77 of Appleton, Wisconsin: Ripon College Connection Brought Eggert Back to Serve Community: “Eggert, a West Bend native, spent his undergraduate years at Ripon College, where he studied medicine and was a member of the basketball and tennis teams. In 1974, during his sophomore year basketball season, he blew out his knee. His orthopedic surgeon was from Neenah, and that doctor became his mentor. At that point he decided, “Not only do I want to do medicine, but I want to be an orthopedic surgeon.” When Dr. Eggert was looking for a community in which to expand his orthopedic practice about 10 years ago, he knew Ripon was where he needed to be.”

PARKER VIVODA ‘77 of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin: Middleton Trio Enter Wrestling Hall of Fame: “Vivoda wrestled in high school as a heavyweight. He wrestled freestyle for the Wisconsin National Team. At Ripon College he was a three-time football letter winner and captain, and a four-time letter winner and two-year captain of the wrestling team. He also was a three-time NCAA Division III national qualifier. Vivoda graduated in 1977 and began his career coaching and teaching in Glenwood City. His team won the conference championship in 1979, then he left Glenwood City to move to Middleton in January, 1981.”

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

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

Always for Ripon,

Submitted by: Class Agent: Alan Lawrence

Dear Class of 1966,

I don’t know what the weather is doing where you are, but here in central New Mexico it’s all over the place. First, it’s in the low 40’s. Later this week it’s in the mid-60’s before dropping again to the 30’s. Every night it’s in the 20s. And we finally had snow! As usual, it lasted less than a day. But it was nice to see the back yard covered in a white blanket. I took pictures with my computer that acts like a phone. But neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet will deter me from scattering dried meal worms around the yard for our neighborhood road runners, the last of the prehistoric animals. What incredible creatures they are.

Alumni Weekend is scheduled for June 22-25! More information about the event and activities occurring during Alumni Weekend will be available at alumni.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend soon. There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500).

I framed my invitation/request for updates with my issue of how I don’t easily take “no” for an answer and look for workarounds to get to “yes.”

Well, our former class agent, HELEN HANSEN ’66, expanded on this framing.

HELEN HANSEN ’66: “Barry: What a great theme! The worst “nos” are the nos we sometimes tell ourselves, unless, of course, they make us safer or healthier. As Bob’s health declines, it seems life gets smaller. And there are more “nos” than “yeses”. So, finding the yeses in “what is” is the challenge: 

• I say “yes” to the gifts of friends and family showing up although it is hard to show up. 

• I say “yes” to walks with Lola, our dog, who delights in her walks along the river. 

• I say “yes” to the lengthening of daylight, which at our latitude [St. Paul, MN] is a fantastic breakthrough. 

• I said “yes” to a respite trip last September that took me to California to visit my daughter, Mary Bubacz, and to Washington state to visit Bob’s Uncle Gordon, who died not long afterwards. I visited cousins and my best friend from nursing school at the University of Washington. Bob’s brothers cared for him while I was gone. “Yes” and thanksgivings to them.

• I said “yes” to cutting off my long hair on a whim!

Everyday I try to say “no” to feeling I am missing out on retirement. Then I try to say “yes” to what it is I truly and deeply want in my life: to care for Bob and make his life filled with as few “nos” as possible.”

Bob Rice’s update is a study in saying yes. I mean, imagine working for the same company until retirement. Who gets to do that today?

BOB RICE ‘66: “Hi Barry; Bob Rice here. After graduation I started working for Northwestern Mutual in Milwaukee. I was 21 and started in sales. In 1969, I married Penny and we are still happily married and had three children. In 1979 Northwestern asked me to move to Boise, Idaho and manage their office. We did that and are still here! I retired in 2006.

I remember I was asked to Represent Ripon College as a White House Fellow by visiting The President in Washington, D.C. I think it was my senior year. LBJ was president. They had dinner in The White House, but it was like a cocktail party where everyone was walking around and meeting people. I was visiting with Lady Bird Johnson and spilled spaghetti on myself!! As I recall Lady Bird just kind of laughed and said “Oh no”! Very embarrassing, but the trip was a wonderful experience.

We have five grandchildren and three now live in our area. I’m still active with some golf, fishing, and bird hunting with my chocolate lab, Emmit.”

Elliot Samuels is another classmate who said “yes” to his career and is still working at it sometimes for free! I’m blown away by the number of clients he has represented. The stories he could tell.

ELLIOT SAMUELS ‘66: “Not much to say. After graduating from the University of Chicago Law school in 1969, I did a stint at the Cook County Public Defender’s Office, and then private practice. I estimate I represented at least 4,000 clients in criminal cases mostly in Chicago, but also Texas, LA, Kansas, Wisconsin.

I did a lot of work in Federal Courts in bank, securities and tax fraud cases, and I won a few as well. In the course of my work, I represented some of the best, and worst, that society has to offer. My pro bono work is based on referrals from individuals and organizations in the Waukegan area.

I’m married to Debbie for 48 years, have two adult daughters, Julie and Lauren, and five soon to be six grandsons. All are doing very well in school and sports. I spend a lot of time re-reading my history books (modern European history). My health is very good, and I have no plans to retire. We spend time with Fred and Pam Graf, and Bob Dorn. Hope this fills in a few blanks.”

Sandra Rennie said yes to an accident of nature…and learned a lesson.

SANDRA RUMMEL RENNIE ‘66: “Nothing to report here. Just enjoying our local grandkids and keeping in touch with our other family members with our Aura system for posting pictures and occasional visits. Family is #1 at our house.

Oh, one interesting thing we did was accidentally grow a small patch of wheat in our suburban backyard by broadcasting wild bird seed. This was mostly my husband Thom’s project. We harvested, thrashed, winnowed, and ground the wheat, and got two loaves of very crunchy bread out of it. Will try not to do that again.”

I suspect we all have a lot to report even though we don’t think so. Many moons ago I attended the wedding anniversary of my cousins in Southern California. I was struck by the various people who shared their remembrances of the couple and how we never know the impact we have on people. And so, as I read these updates, I am again struck by how each of us has impacted the lives of many people—family and friends as well as people with whom we meet daily in our work and comings and goings. Yet, we never really know how we impacted their lives unless they tell us and we tell them as happened at my cousins’ anniversary celebration. But how often do we do this?

I traveled to Florida to have this kind of conversation with my mother who was not in the best of health. We did not have the greatest relationship, but I felt I needed to let her know I appreciated what she and my father did for me. It’s a small Emily Dickinson moment with profound larger consequences. It was probably one of the most important things I have done in my life. I believe we all have these moments and, maybe, my next request for the next newsletter will be about the small things you have done that had a larger impact.

It’s for this reason that I continue to volunteer with Albuquerque Reads. Each school year, I tutor two kindergarten students in reading as I attempt to introduce them to the wonders and importance of books. (I just had a young girl go nuts over Don’t Touch That Button as she shook the book to change the picture on the next page, giggling all the way. Will she become a reader or just go on to shake other books?) Once I was asked why I do this work. My answer: I’m planting seeds. And that’s what each of us does with every interaction we have even though we may never know the results.

I think about this when I see pictures and short videos I receive weekly showing the progress of my granddaughter. Watching her grow from the small three-week old infant my stepdaughter and her wife adopted to the rambunctious nearly three-year old has been a joy and a wonderment. I never had children and never expected this experience. And so, it was a joy to be with her in person last October in Brooklyn. As I walked toward their apartment, she was at the window shouting, “Barry!” I am thinking of going for her third birthday this coming June. I cannot collect enough memories.

I think all of this is an extension of my education training when I was at Ripon. Teachers have an impact and we are all teachers, impacting everyone with whom we come in contact. I think about the teachers at Ripon that had an impact on me. One is the reason I spent the next 30 years in California and the film/TV industry. Also, there is the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, that the world was created in an incomplete state. It is our responsibility to help finish the creation even though we know it will never be finished but handed on to the next generation. So, in my last years I want to try to plant seeds that will help this generation and, maybe, make up for the negative seeds I may have planted along my journey. Maybe Tikun Olam will be the theme of my next invitation, giving you the chance to tell your classmates how you have worked to complete the world. We’ll see.

Meanwhile, thanks to yoga and my new walking pad (a simple version of a treadmill that folds in half and stores under my desk), my health is holding up even with a few new physical adjustments as the years add up. Also, I kind of said good-bye to traveling far away. But recently, wonder lust has set in. I mean, I’d like to see the Northern Lights just once. Maybe.

Again, thanks to those who responded to my invitation. And there’s still time for the rest of my classmates to respond to the next invitation later this year. Until then, as I like to say before bedtime, “May we sleep in peace and wake in joy and good health.” Stay well.

Barry ‘66

P.S. There will be a special giving event in conjunction with inauguration weekend, April 20-23, to celebrate Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse, and the exciting momentum happening within our campus community. This event will be an extension of the #OneDayRally brand and experience. Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to your participation!

Submitted by: Class Agent: Barry Simon

GLORIA BERTSCHIE LUDDECKE ’56:
813-468-0997 / [email protected]
“Spring greetings to all! I think most of you would recognize the Lane Library. I know I spent plenty of time there and probably you did too. I am back playing the keyboard at a Nursing home service for my church. I am back to choir and handbells at church.

I am playing for my senior group at the senior center I attend regularly. There are three of us now. We did a cooperative sing-a-long last month. This month we are each doing a segment of our allotted hour. One of us plays by ear almost solely, another – I think – about half by ear a bit by music, and me? Sorry to say – only by music. I go when I can to a monthly piano performance group where we each play for each other our choice of music. Some play by ear, some their own arrangements, some by music, some with music, some by memory. It’s a nice group.

I have enjoyed my elder daughter’s company on a Christmas cruise. I have enjoyed my younger daughter’s company as she recovered from shoulder surgery. I enjoy my grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s company when their schedules allow though none live in St Pete Beach. Three grandchildren live in other counties in Florida and the fourth in Connecticut.

I still drive. Just not as much and not after dark. My daughters are excellent drivers when they visit.”

CAMPUS UPDATES

NEW PRESIDENT!
The College recently announced the appointment of its first woman president, Dr. Victoria N. Folse. Dr. Folse, a respected scholar, and administrator, brings to Ripon more than 30 years of experience in higher education and a long-standing commitment to the liberal arts. She has had a great first semester and we are excited to see what President Folse has in store for our college’s future. Dr. Victoria (Vickie) N. Folse, will be inaugurated as Ripon’s 14th president on April, 2023. She will be the first woman to be formally inaugurated as president of Ripon College. There are numerous welcome receptions being held – I believe I sent you a list in the last letter. More information can be found here.

SCIENCE NEWS

Isn’t this very modern looking? This is the new Science Center to be built and opening in the fall of 2024. It is 68,500 square feet of goodies for the science students. In addition, the Farr Hall of Science will be expanded and renovated. If you have any favorite memory of Farr Hall of Science, or any of the earlier science buildings, you are encouraged to submit them to Jaye Alderson, College Editor, at [email protected].

SPORTS NEWS

How is that for a great looking stadium? It is 157,000 square feet and will be located where the Sadoff Field used to be.  It will have a 2,000 seat grandstand and a press box.  Soccer and football, both women’s and men’s will be played here.
On February 12, over 150 alumni, parents and fans of Red Hawks basketball gathered for Alumni Basketball Days 2023. It was the 5th Anniversary of the Women’s Basketball and 25th Anniversary of the Men’s Basketball championship games. This shows the support for our Red Hawks!

CLASSMATE UPDATES

KEITH GUISE ’56:
[email protected]

“I am not chatty by nature so this will be terse. I turned 88 at the end of December. I bought a new townhome with my son, David, in March 2022. (Did not think I would be buying a new home after downsizing to an apartment in 2018.) I am clear of cancer diagnosed in 2017 that caused us to move back to Greensboro, NC, in 2018.  Elena, my wife, will be 90 in June and we have been married since 1960. Lived in Venezuela from 1957 to 64, Mexico 1964 to 66, Milwaukee 1966 to 73, Southern California 1973 to 84, Albuquerque from 1984 to 86, Durham, NC, 1986 to 88, and Greensboro 1988 to 98 then we moved to Callawassie Island, SC. Met DON ALLEN ’61 on Callawassie Island and he was a Sig also. I was diagnosed with cancer in2017 and cured in 2018, and have been back in Greensboro since 2018. We are both relatively healthy (for our ages). That is it in a nutshell.”

FOREST MOY ’56:
978-764-9096 / [email protected]

“Gloria, I enjoyed your active and busy schedules.”

ROGER GERTENRICH ’56:
503-841-5496 / [email protected]

“My wife, Caryl, and I have lived in Oregon for over 50 years now & still love it. I am a retired dentist, retired at the age of 57, but did some part time teaching thereafter. I am a now and have-traveled-the-world, former mayor of Salem, OR. I played team basketball until the COVID hit. I have done many dental check-ups on fish here. Ripon’s liberal education was helpful.”

HARRIET BRUCKMAN ROOP ’56:
714-751-9276 / [email protected]

“Thanks for doing the newsletter-not easy to corral all of us! There is nothing new to report -still in Costa Mesa, CA –I am enjoying our needed rains. I am more a recipient of the musical venues and groups here than a participant but enjoying the accessibility of the venues here close to home.”

CLOSING

Do you know that you can get a monthly email newsletter with upcoming events? This is available to you and contains a lot of information. Do you have a BUCKET LIST? If you do, you can share it with Ripon Magazine’s Editor, Jaye Alderson, at [email protected].

Thank you to all classmates who responded with news.  It is nice to hear from each and every one. A special thanks to all who have e-mail. It is a quick and efficient method of communication.

Alumni Weekend is scheduled for June 22-25! There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500).

Thanks to anyone who was able to help support the donations for our building projects.

Regards,

Gloria ’56

P.S. There will be a special giving event in conjunction with inauguration weekend, April 20-23, to celebrate Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse, and the exciting momentum happening within our campus community. This event will be an extension of the #OneDayRally brand and experience. Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to your participation!

Submitted by: Class Agent: Gloria Bertschie Luddecke

Dear Class of 1991,

Notices of Sympathy

It is with sadness that I share the passing of Mary Williams-Norton on Sept. 27, 2022. Professor Williams-Norton was a professor of physics at Ripon College for 37 years from 1975 to 2012. She was the Harrison E. Farnsworth 1918 Chair in Physics and chair of the department, taught physics and astronomy and was Ripon’s representative for the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium. She was a strong role model, emphasizing the contribution of women in science, and designing Physics Fun Force, a group of physics students who visited elementary-school classrooms to engage children in science activities. A strong advocate for Welsh-American relations, culture and heritage, she facilitated Ripon’s study-abroad program at Swansea University and Bangor University. Survivors include her husband, Gregory A. Norton and two daughters JEANNE NORTON ‘99 and Laura Dunday.

Evelyn M. Kain, emerita of art, died on December 30, 2022. Professor Kain taught at Ripon for 28 years from 1983-2011. She was the Helen Swift Neilson Professor of Cultural Studies and received the James R. Underkofler Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award in 1994. She performed with Collegium Musicum, Ceresco String Band and the college choir for decades.

Professor Kain earned a degree in art history from Columbia University and a Ph.D. from the University of Vienna, Austria, where she lived for 13 years. Fiber arts were her greatest passion. As an art historian, she wrote and lectured about medieval art, women artists and Vienna 1900, and translated scholarly books from German to English. Survivors include her husband, Eugene J. Kain, associate professor emeritus of art and two sons.

Updates from Ripon College

Inauguration Ceremony: April 22, 2023
Last summer, the College announced the appointment of its first woman president, Dr. Victoria N. Folse. Dr. Folse, a respected scholar, and administrator, brings to Ripon more than 30 years of experience in higher education and a long-standing commitment to the liberal arts. Dr. Victoria N. Folse, will be inaugurated as Ripon’s 14th president on April 22nd, 2023. She will be the first woman to be formally inaugurated as president of Ripon College. More information can be found at ripon.edu/inauguration.

Alumni Weekend: June 22-25 2023
There is still time to make plans to attend Alumni weekend. Our very own TRACY MAHER ‘91 will be in attendance! Full roster of events can be found here. There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500).

New Professor Bio

Lillian Brown of Columbus, Ohio: Lillian is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada! She is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Ripon College. Most of her work involves creating theatrical encounters that conjure a sense of enthusiasm and social responsibility. She received her BA in Theatre from The University of Northern Colorado and an MFA in Theatre from The Ohio State University. In addition to being an educator, she is a solo performing artist, actor, and director. Learn more about Lillian here.

More College News

• News stories published by the College

• Latest Ripon Magazine, which includes features of alumni and faculty

Class Notes

It’s been a while since we did reverse-alpha order!

BART O’CONNELL ‘91: “I’ve been enjoying Austin, TX, the last few years, but still have frequent Chicago trips to visit family.”

AMY MIETZEL ‘91: “I am having an art show with my most recent mixed media art at the Goodman Center Ballweg Gallery in Madison WI. It will be up for the month of April with a small reception on Friday, April 21from 5-6p.m.”

TRACY MAHER ’91 writes: “In September 2022, I officially joined the Ripon College Alumni Association Board. I am thrilled to be representing the Class of 1991. Please share your ideas on keeping Ripon great for future generations. On a personal note, I am still in Florida and working for HDR. I’m really enjoying pre-retirement life in the land of retirees. My shih tzu, Bear, on the other hand is enjoying full retirement and stays home with my parents while I work. I will be on campus this June for Alumni Weekend. Please reach out if you will be attending, I would love to get together.

Also please note my new email address [email protected]. I still have my old email address, but am in the process of transitioning to this new email address. I still have my work email address as well.”

 KARL FELD ’91 was married to Lindsay A. Gardner on October 15 in an intimate ceremony at St. Mark’s Chapel in Raleigh, NC. The wedding was attended by their combined children Stephenie (25), Amelia (18), Sydney (17), and Bridget (16). Stephenie continues to work in manufacturing in Durham, NC. Amelia is in her first year of Simulation and Game Design Studies at Wake Tech Community College in Raleigh, NC. Sydney has been accepted into Middle Tennessee State University beginning in the Fall. Bridget is finishing her sophomore year of high school at Corinth-Holders High School. Bridget continues to play national club volleyball with hopes of a D1 placement in college. Karl continues to work at the Defense Media Activity (www.dma.mil) as a contracted Subject Matter Expert for research and analysis and was recently published in MIlitary Review on DoD survey operations. He is ABD in Communication, Rhetoric and Digital Media at NC State hoping to finish in the Fall and wrapped up his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt over the holidays. Lindsay continues to work in federal policy at the Tennessee Wildlife Federation in Nashville, TN.

SAMANTHA BAILEY FAST ‘91: “The past six months have been rough. In September, I had a series of strokes in my right occipital and parietal lobes, followed by surgery to repair my right carotid artery, which was 95% blocked. I spent a couple months on short term disability focusing on physical and occupational therapy to support recovery. I started back to work part-time in November and built back up to full-time toward the end of January. At this point I feel 90% recovered, but I’m still dealing with fatigue and headaches. I have been extremely fortunate, both that I went to the emergency room in enough time to be diagnosed and treated before a more devastating stroke could occur, and that my recovery is going very well. My prognosis is excellent and I’m very grateful to be alive. I’m also grateful that I can still work, although I’ve radically changed my lifestyle to focus on a stroke preventative diet, daily exercise, stress management, and rest.”

We love hearing from you! 

You don’t need to wait to send an update—send one anytime (like today, as soon as you’re done reading this) and I’ll be sure to include it in the next letter. Or send an update to the college and they’ll pass it along. Also, don’t forget that we can publish pictures!

Do you need to update your email address?

Please be sure to update your email address (and other contact information) at: ripon.edu/update-contact-info/.

We have a Facebook group

If you’re on Facebook, please ask to join our Class of ’91 group for updates and Ripon news. Alternatively, send your email address to [email protected] or text me at 612-978-4124 and we can add you to the group that way.

Warmly,

Samantha ‘91

Tracy ‘91

P.S. There will be a special giving event in conjunction with inauguration weekend, April 20-23, to celebrate Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse, and the exciting momentum happening within our campus community. This event will be an extension of the #OneDayRally brand and experience. Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to your participation!

Submitted by: Class Agents: Samantha Bailey Fast and Tracy Maher

Class of 1990,

We hope you are all enjoying the new year and working through all of 2023’s exciting challenges. A new year means new opportunities to create memories and learn new things!

Alumni Weekend is scheduled for June 22-25, and is alwaysa fun time! More information can be found at alumni.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend. There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500). There will also be rooms available on campus in April!

We would like to thank you for your continuous support of Ripon College, especially during the #OneDayRally. We hope that you will continue to support the College and thank you in advance for your generosity. We encourage all classmates to support the ongoing work of the college and remember the positive role education plays in a successful, productive life.

COLLEGE NEWS

The College recently announced the appointment of its first woman president, Dr. Victoria N. Folse. Dr. Folse, a respected scholar, and administrator, brings to Ripon more than 30 years of experience in higher education and a long-standing commitment to the liberal arts. Dr. Victoria N. Folse, will be inaugurated as Ripon’s 14th president on April 22, 2023. She will be the first woman to be formally inaugurated as president of Ripon College. More information can be found at here.

Another update is the $35 million dollar Strategic Infrastructure Plan. The administration announced in December that the college is moving forward with renovating Farr Hall, building a new on-campus stadium, and upgrading the residence halls. Ground will be broken this coming spring with the residence hall improvements slated for later in 2023.

We wish you the best and hope to hear from you soon!

Christina ‘90

Bob ‘90

P.S. There will be a special giving event in conjunction with inauguration weekend, April 20-23, to celebrate Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse, and the exciting momentum happening within our campus community. This event will be an extension of the #OneDayRally brand and experience. Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to your participation!

Submitted by: Class Agents: Christina Maggio Kellerstrass and Bob Corkery

Class of 2000,

This will likely be my (ANDRE MIKSHA ’00) final letter to you as Class Agent. CHAD CLEVELAND ’00 and NICK PARSONS ’00 have stepped forward to serve you for years to come. I am in their debt for taking on this work and look forward to Chad and Nick taking class agency to the next level.

First, be sure to add a pair of dates to your calendar: There will be a special giving event in conjunction with inauguration weekend, April 20-23, to celebrate Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse, and the exciting momentum happening within our campus community. This event will be an extension of the #OneDayRally brand and experience. Alumni Weekend 2023 will take place June 22-25, 2023. While it’s not a significant reunion year for our class, the recent loss of several classmates makes our continued connection all the more critical. There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500). There will also be rooms available on campus starting in April.

Last fall my letter reported on the loss of JODI MISSAK FULTON ’00 in May 2022. As I relayed via email this winter, though, we lost two more classmates: DAN PACER ’00 and ERIN VASCONCELLES ’00.

DAN PACER ’00 passed away on November 29th after a three-year, courageous battle with cancer. You probably remember Dan as majoring in business management and playing baseball for Gordie Gillespie, the same coach Dan’s father had played for in college. He received a master’s degree in e-commerce technology from Depaul University. He was a senior web developer for Stats Inc. in Chicago and for americaneagle.com. He enjoyed all sports, including Cubs games, Bears games, golfing and playing on summer softball teams. He ran numerous half-marathons and completed the Chicago Marathon in 2017 for charity. He loved science and technology, animals cooking and trying new recipes.

ERIN VASCONCELLES ’00 passed away on January 22nd. After Ripon, Erin went on to earn her Master’s degree and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Bowling Green State University and to serve as a Licensed Psychologist and Clinical Lead and Training Coordinator at the University of Missouri in St. Louis. Erin had many clinical interests including the treatment of anxiety and depression, interpersonal relationships, and identity-related concerns. As no surprise to us, her peers describe her approach as warm, client-centered and strengths-based. Erin, too, was an avid sports fan: Duke University Basketball, Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Blues, and, of course, her beloved St. Louis Cardinals. Her most precious and memorable times were sharing her tickets with her family and friends. She loved all Broadway Shows and was fascinated by orchids, becoming an expert in those flowers and a member, president, and trustee for the Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis.

We also lost two of our class’s professors: Mary Williams-Norton and Evelyn Kain.

Professor Williams-Norton passed away last fall after a battle with metastatic breast cancer. She retired in 2012 after serving in the Physics Department for thirty-seven years as both professor and, of course, department chair.

Professor Kain passed away in late December, having taught at Ripon for twenty-eight years. She was the Helen Swift Neilson Professor of Cultural Studies and performed with Collegium Musicum, Ceresco String Band and the college choir for decades.

In happier news, the Ripon College Board of Trustees just authorized plans to move forward with a $35 million strategic infrastructure plan which will address the renovation and expansion of Farr Hall of Science, a new on-campus stadium, and upgrades to residence halls. The first phase will prioritize a $24.5 million investment in the science center and an $8.5 million investment in the campus stadium, both of which are projected to break ground in the spring of 2023. Planning for upgrades to the residence halls has commenced and the College hopes to finalize plans within the next year.

Here’s to hoping that the updates and pleas from Chad and Nick will be more uplifting and less tragic.

Red Hawks forever,

Andre ’00

Submitted by: Class Agent: Andre Miksha

Class of 1986,

Sitting here waiting for an epic snowmageddon asking myself why am I still in the Midwest? How many of you have moved to warmer climates, do you miss the rest of us? Would like to hear how you’re adapting, what’s been unexpected, is the grass greener, and what you miss? Really, please, would appreciate the material for the Class Letter.

My son graduated from Ripon in 2019 and I’m no longer on the Alumni Board, so I’m not as tuned in with Ripon as I once was. Excited to learn more about the expansion and upgrades to Farr Hall and interested in how the City of Ripon reacts to losing an Ingalls field partner. Coach Ernst’s last game was one for the ages, Ripon 82 – Lawrence 0, I was shocked, but very happy to share the score with my sister, a “Larry”. That’s an unbelievable score. Thanks Coach Ernst!

I’m looking forward to a vacation in England and Scotland this June, if anyone is going to be there let me know, let’s share a pint! Your stories of adventure, achievement, or special events would add significantly to the fall report.

Alumni Weekend is scheduled for June 22-25! More information about the event and activities occurring during Alumni Weekend will be available at alumni.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend soon. There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500). There will also be rooms available on campus starting in April.

Have a great summer and don’t forget Ripon.

Dan ’86

P.S. There will be a special giving event in conjunction with inauguration weekend, April 20-23, to celebrate Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse, and the exciting momentum happening within our campus community. This event will be an extension of the #OneDayRally brand and experience. Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to your participation!

Submitted by: Class Agent: Dan McNaughton

Fellow 2020 Classmates,

The coming of a new year tends to bring change, and change abounds at our beloved alma mater. In December, Ripon College announced the first phase of a $35 million strategic infrastructure plan, with this phase focused on developing and expanding our STEM capabilities while enhancing the athletics experience. Specifically, in addition to significant renovations, 19,000 square feet will be added to Farr Hall, providing more laboratory, classroom, and collaboration spaces that will bolster Ripon’s commitment to academic excellence. To further Ripon’s commitment to the on-campus student experience, the college is also constructing a 2,000 seat on-campus stadium, which will be located on lower Sadoff. This stadium will house both the football and the men’s and women’s soccer teams, while also serving as a hub for intramurals, concerts, and student life programming. While the stadium is projected to open in Fall 2023, renovations to Farr Hall are scheduled to be completed a year later, in Fall 2024. This initial investment is part of a larger strategic plan, which will be revealed in April of this year.

These types of infrastructure investments, of course, are largely funded by alumni giving, so a huge thank you to everyone in our class who contributed to the college over the past year, especially those who were involved in another successful OneDayRally. Please be on the lookout in the near future for exciting news about new ways you can support Ripon College this year! Beyond the exciting investment mentioned above, campus has very much returned to its normal (pre-pandemic) levels of activity, including some great performances from our various athletics programs. In addition to our women’s basketball team hosting the MWC tournament, our men’s and women’s track teams made history by repeating as MWC champions!

Finally, I encourage everyone to attend alumni weekend from June 22-25 this summer; not only is this a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and classmates, but you will also be able to see firsthand the impact of these significant investments into STEM education and the student-athlete experience. More information about the event and activities occurring during Alumni Weekend will be available at alumni.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend soon. There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500). There will also be rooms available on campus in April!

CLASS NOTES

NOAH J. HERRIED ‘20 of Necedah, Wisconsin, is in his first season as an assistant coach for the Wisconsin Lutheran College baseball team. He works primarily with the Warriors’ infielders.

ADAM WRONSKI ’20 of Waco, Texas, is in the second year of his PhD in Environmental Science at Baylor University. He recently published the first paper of his PhD, which you can read more about here.

As always, best wishes to you all!

Adam ‘20

Kailee ‘20

Haley ‘20

P.S. There will be a special giving event in conjunction with inauguration weekend, April 20-23, to celebrate Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse, and the exciting momentum happening within our campus community. This event will be an extension of the #OneDayRally brand and experience. Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to your participation!

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

Class of 1992,

Spring is getting ready to emerge after the Wisconsin winter in Ripon, so it’s time to reach back out and provide updates. Wherever this letter may find you, I hope the snow is melting, the flowers are starting to bloom, and the birds are chirping. We are going to gain an extra hour of daylight soon after the winter darkness!

There are many exciting events on deck for the College. Before the end of the semester, Ripon College will be celebrating the inauguration of its 14th President, Dr. Victoria N. Folse. In conjunction with the inauguration, there will be presidential welcome receptions hosted across the country.

On campus, ground will be broken on the newly remodeled science center and on-campus stadium, a new strategic plan will be communicated, and the College will be welcoming the latest additions to the alumni family when the Class of 2023 has their May commencement.

In other news, Ripon College received a $150,000 Humanities Initiatives for Colleges and Universities grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. This grant is intended to fund a three-year effort to reimagine humanistic study for the 21st century and will support a plan to bolster humanities education by connecting College faculty and students with cultural institutions across the southern Fox Valley region.

Alumni Weekend is scheduled for June 22-25! More information about the event and activities occurring during Alumni Weekend will be available at alumni.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend soon. There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500).

Don’t forget that our financial support helps the College continue to excel and make huge strides forward in driving educational excellence. Your donations and continued support mean a great deal. Remember, our education helped support and create our future – let’s continue that legacy on for our younger alumni and future College students. Thank you for all your past and future contributions. They make a huge difference.

We would like to remember some people who made a huge difference to the college during our time at Ripon. Thomas E. Caestecher of Green Lake, WI, peacefully passed away at age 90. He was a Ripon College Trustee from 1985 – 2002, and I’m sure many of you remember his tremendous contributions to the College during our tenure and beyond. Many of you may have fond memories of Mary E. Williams-Norton, who served as a professor and department chair in the Ripon College Physics department for 37 years, and retired in 2012, passed away at 76. She was a trailblazer and role model for women in science. Additionally, Evelyn M. Kain, emerita of Art, who taught at Ripon for 28 years from 1983 – 2011, also recently passed away.

Class News:

LISA MAHNKE ’92 of Jamaica Plain, MA, is CEO/President NMS-US at Nerviano Medical Sciences, Inc. in Boston, MA.

JEFF HASSEMER ’92 has joined Adaptigent, a leader in digital transformation and mainframe modernization, as their new Chief Marketing Officer. He’ll lead the marketing and product management teams.

If you have news and life updates to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Ripon so we can share it with our classmates in our seasonal class letters. BONNI, JUDEE and I (ERIN) would like to wish you a wonderful Spring and hope that this letter finds you well.

Erin ‘92

Bonni ‘92

JuDee ‘92

P.S. There will be a special giving event in conjunction with inauguration weekend, April 20-23, to celebrate Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse, and the exciting momentum happening within our campus community. This event will be an extension of the #OneDayRally brand and experience. Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to your participation!

Submitted by: Class Agents: Erin, Bonni, and JuDee

Hello Class of 2006!

As it relates to our time at Ripon, spring always gives us a few things to remember fondly. Like the anticipation of Spring Break and Springfest. Or the sense of accomplishment associated with working our way through the half-marathon training program that was part of Joe Hatcher’s Theories of Motivation course.

You might remember that course started during our time at Ripon, and it launched the Ripon College/Ripon Community “RC-squared” half marathon, which is still running annually. It’s a nice legacy that some of our classmates took part in creating.

Speaking of Joe Hatcher, we wanted to make sure everyone was aware of the following news about some of the faculty and staff who were important to many of us during our Ripon years:

• Joe Hatcher will be retiring from the Psychology Department at the end of the current semester. He first started at Ripon in 1986.

• Evelyn M. Kain, emerita professor of art, taught at Ripon for 28 years, until 2011. Sadly, she passed away in December 2022.

• Kathy Welch served 19 years as Director of Health Services (though I think most of us just referred to her as “Nurse Kathy”) for 19 years. She moved on to a new role with SSM Hospice care in January 2023.

• Mary E. Williams-Norton was a professor and department chair in the Physics Department for 37 years before retiring in 2012. Sadly, she passed away in September 2022 at 76 years of age after battling metastatic breast cancer. 

• Jeanne Williams retired from the Educational Studies Department in 2017, but will return to the College in the fall semester to teach Secondary English Teaching Methods. 

• One last thing: While the College and Ripon news is fresh on your mind, now is a great time to submit updates for the next letter. Please use this Google Form: https://forms.gle/fFThutcoWRyTsr3A9.

Alumni Weekend is scheduled for June 22-25! We are not celebrating a reunion this year, but that is no reason not to participate in the scheduled events and activities. More information about the event and activities occurring during Alumni Weekend will be available at alumni,ripon.edu /alumni-weekend soon. There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500). There will also be rooms available on-campus starting in April.

Class News:

VICTOR MAGNUS ’06 of Wautoma, WI: “I unlaced my boots and retired from military service after 21 years in July 2021. I also formed my own business in 2021 after years of preparation. The Victor Magnus Agency provides insurance solutions throughout Wisconsin. JACKI WEISS MAGNUS ’05, works for CESA 5 in Portage as a Solutions Architect. This year we celebrated 21 years together and 17 years of marriage.”

CRYSTAL MARTINEZ ’06 of Houston, TX: “Moved to Houston, Texas from Chicago, Illinois a year ago. Currently a 12th Grade College Counselor for Kipp Houston High School. Actively trying to recruit students to attend Ripon College – No luck so far! Also, still in touch with all my Ripon College besties. Shout out to STEPHANIE CHACHARON ’06, JESSICA FORMAN-GOLDBERG ’06, and HOLLY NORDMAN MEYERS ’06. We are planning a girls’ trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming soon.”

ALI RISSE ’06 of Slinger, WI: “I started a new career journey as a Sourcing Manager for Milwaukee Tool in January of 2022. I have thoroughly enjoyed the move to a new company and my new responsibilities.”

JENNIFER BAKER SCHILLING ’06 of Pelican Lake, WI: “In the summer of 2020 I began working as the Finance Technician at the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. I also volunteer as a member of their Drone Team.”

KELLY SOLBERG WILHELME ’06 of Appleton, WI: In September of 2022 was promoted to Director of Marketing at Weidert Group, an inbound marketing agency for complex industries. “And my daughter started 4K (and I’m in denial that next year she’ll be in elementary school).”

Last, in some unfortunate van-related news:

ANDY KITSLAAR ’06 of Menona, WI: “My van got hit by a garbage truck while parked at daycare. It was a, ‘He’s gonna hit it! He’s gonna hit it! He’s gonna…he hit it,’ moment while watching with all the kids in my arms.”

Nicole ’06

Andy ’06

Ed ’06

P.S. There will be a special giving event in conjunction with inauguration weekend, April 20-23, to celebrate Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse, and the exciting momentum happening within our campus community. This event will be an extension of the #OneDayRally brand and experience. Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to your participation!

Submitted by: Class Agents: Nicole, Andy and Ed

Class of 2001!

We hope the early part of the year is treating you well. It’s been an active time at our beloved Alma Mater and, as always, we’re proud to report back about what’s happening at Ripon College with each of you!

The College is preparing for the usual activity of spring Giving Day event (formally #OneDayRally), Commencement, Class Reunions and Alumni Weekend. Excitement is also brewing around upcoming infrastructure projects (Science Center and On-Campus Stadium) and the Inauguration of Dr. Victoria N. Folse, Ripon’s 14th President. As you look to the rest of this year, we hope a visit to campus is also a part of your plans. Mark your calendars for these critical dates:

• April 22nd – Presidential Inauguration Ceremony for Dr. Victoria N. Folse

• April 20th-23th – Special Giving Event

• May 14th – Senior Class Commencement Exercises

• June 10th – 10th Annual Sutter Legacy Memorial Golf Outing at High Cliff Golf Course

• June 22nd-25th – Alumni Weekend

There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500). There will also be rooms available on-campus starting in April.

Class Notes:

BECKY PROVENCHER CRIOLLO ’01 of Chicago, IL, works for UChicago STEM Education doing school support and curriculum writing. She has 6 and 8 year old daughters and they just welcomed their first pet, an axolotl.

MIKE MISSAK ’01 of McHenry, IL, continues to run his annual fundraiser, Jeeps On The Run in Lake County, IL. It provides donations and support to the CEO Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. This was the 10th year he has led this effort. To date he has helped raise nearly $900,000 in toys and donations.

DANTE HOUSTON ’01 of Milwaukee, WI, has been promoted to Vice President, Client Delivery with AMN Healthcare. AMN is the largest healthcare recruitment firm in the nation. He continues his work on the Ripon College Board of Trustees, where he serves as Co-Chair of the Advancement Committee. When not serving Ripon, he invests time in helping those in the greater-Milwaukee area who are food-insecure.

CHRISTOPHER CURRAN ’01 of Chicago, IL, reports that after graduating from Ripon he decided to stay in school and study Industrial Design. Once he completed the program he spent the next 15ish years as an industrial designer from Chicago to California. Chris also was a teacher in Mexico during that time teaching Industrial Design at a school called CEDIM, in Monterrey MX. His last role in ID was for a publicly traded OIL company that was so much fun traveling and inviting ways to make OIL green! He then moved to Mexico and started a small import, manufacturing company and marketing business. He then enjoyed traveling the world for three years from Japan to South America. As the Global Pandemic hit, Chris decided to sell the company to his business partners and head back to Chicago. He believes the best part of it all is now carrier 3.0 selling real estate in the Chicagoland area with his mother’s team. He is able to blend ID with RE, for their clients to have a great experience when selling or buying a home. He’s excited for the inaugural summer with his boat on Lake Michigan.

We can’t wait to see you soon. Keep sending us your updates or drop us a note/text just to say “hi”.  And please continue to stay safe, healthy and happy!

Dante ‘01
414-378-4937

Nicole ‘01
608-513-9078

P.S. As mentioned above, there will be a special giving event in conjunction with inauguration weekend, April 20-23, to celebrate Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse, and the exciting momentum happening within our campus community. This event will be an extension of the #OneDayRally brand and experience. Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to your participation!

Submitted by: Class Agents: Dante Houston and Nicole Baumann-Blackmore

Class of 1999,

Greetings from Washington State and Vermont. We received no updates from our classmates since the fall Class Letter was published. Please email or call me or CHRISTINE if you have anything you would like to share in a future letter. You can also call the Ripon College Office of Constituent Engagement at (920) 748-8126 or email [email protected]. Our new Engagement and Communications Specialist is SAVANAH COUSERT ’22 and her email is [email protected].

Alumni Weekend is scheduled for June 22-25! More information about the event and activities occurring during Alumni Weekend will be available at alumni.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend soon. There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500). There will also be rooms available on campus starting in April.

A total of 23 members from the Class of 1999 donated funds to Ripon College between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. Donations to the Ripon Fund help provide support to every aspect of campus. There will be a special giving event in conjunction with Inauguration weekend, April 20-23, to celebrate Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse, and the exciting momentum happening within our campus community. This event will be an extension of the #OneDayRally brand and experience. Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to your participation.

Mike ‘99
(617) 512-5753

Christine ‘99
(252) 367-9335

Submitted by: Class Agents: Mike Berens and Christine Guy Winget

Hello Class of 1994.  I hope you all are doing well.

I recently hosted the Bay Area Welcome reception for new Ripon College President Dr. Victoria N. Folse. This was primarily an opportunity for the new President to meet Bay Area alumni and parents of current students, but it also offered an opportunity to mingle with interesting alums who attended Ripon during different decades. At the event I met NANCY WADLEY KEOUGH ‘67. Nancy shared stories from Ripon in the ‘60s and how the college helped launch her successful legal career, which included serving as a Captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps and active duty in Vietnam. Nancy, like so many other accomplished alumni, reminded me of why Ripon is special and made me proud to be associated with the college.

In the last year, I was on campus in April and September for Trustee meetings. I am planning to come back for the Presidential Inauguration on April 21 and 22. Please reach out if you will be there. And if you haven’t been back on campus in a while, make a plan to visit and check out the new infrastructure projects.

Update on the College

In December, Ripon announced a $35 million strategic infrastructure plan to renovate and expand Farr Hall, build a new on-campus stadium and upgrade the residence halls. The first phase will prioritize a $24.5 million investment in the science center and an $8.5 million investment in the campus stadium, both of which are projected to break ground in the Spring of 2023.

• Farr Hall renovations include: more than 19,000 square feet of new construction and new laboratory, classroom, collaboration and gathering spaces throughout. A range of aesthetic and functional improvements will also be made to the existing building.

• The new 157,000-square-foot on-campus stadium will be located on the underutilized lower Sadoff Field. It will feature a 2,000-seat grandstand and press box.  The stadium will house the Ripon College football and men’s and women’s soccer teams but  also will serve the entirety of the student body and Ripon community through potential intramural offerings, concerts and other student life programming.

• Presidential Inauguration Ceremony April 22, 2023. This will be the formal inauguration of new President Victoria Folse. She will be the first woman to be formally inaugurated as president of Ripon College since its founding in 1851. Vicki brings to Ripon more than 30 years of experience in higher education and a long-standing commitment to the liberal arts. I plan to attend the inauguration and hope to see many of you on campus for this historic event.
  • There will be a special giving event in conjunction with inauguration weekend, April 20-23, to celebrate Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse, and the exciting momentum happening within our campus community. This event will be an extension of the #OneDayRally brand and experience. Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to your participation!

Submitted by: Class Agents: Kimberly Woolley and Lisa Sproston Sutter