R Connections

Dear Class of 2000,

It’s our first class letter! Just a heads-up moving forward, we are going to be pretty informal in all of the letters. I can’t believe ANDRE ’00 has been doing this job for over twenty years! That’s amazing as I struggle to write just one letter – ha. Thank you, ANDRE, for the years of service to our class!

Our twenty-fifth reunion is right around the corner! 2025! Yikes, right? If you haven’t been back to campus for a reunion or anything else, maybe it’s time to come back for a visit! Knock the dust off and get out of your comfort zone. Maybe check out Hopp Stadium? I bet you will run into a familiar face and have a great time catching up!

I realize the majority of us follow the college on social media, so there is no need to repeatedly tell you what is happening at the college; you already know. Speaking of social media, we have our own page on Facebook called “Ripon College Class of 2000“. Thank you, JULIE KAISERLING PFEIL ’00, for making the page! For the most part, it’s a place to get important information out quickly or to gather information quickly. Back in March, I did put a Google form on the Facebook page asking for updates, and I did receive some updates. Thank you to those who shared!

Lastly, a big thank you to those of you who supported the college this past fiscal year! A little goes a long way.

IMPORTANT COLLEGE NEWS

• Starting in 2024, you can get a Masters in Exercise Science at Ripon College!
• Ripon College formally launches the Forever Ripon campaign, a $75 million effort to expand access through student affordability and innovative programs, enhance our facilities, and strengthen our institution through the Ripon Fund. This campaign will prepare Ripon for the celebration of our 175th anniversary in 2026, adapt to an evolving higher education landscape, and ensure a Ripon College degree is relevant for generations to come.

UPCOMING DATES

• The next Alumni Weekend is planned for June 20–23, 2024.

CLASS NEWS

ERIKA ENK ’00 works as a transgender health nurse care manager at UW-Madison University Health Services.

ERIN GATZKE MILLER ’00 and her husband own a brewery in Holland, MI (Brewery 4 Two 4); come visit!

GEORGE JOHNSON ’00 retired from the US Army in the summer of 2022; he now works as a government contractor. He and his wife, PATTI BECK JOHNSON ’98, live in Colorado Springs.

SARA ALLESEE KLEPP ’00 has been married to her husband, Jon Klepp, for 21 years, they have three daughters: Paiton (18), Addison (15), and Hana (11). SARA is currently in her 22nd year as a health and physical education teacher at Lake Denoon Middle School in Muskego, WI.

KATIE VOIGT ’00 is currently serving as pastor of the United Methodist Church of Antioch, IL.

ED PALMER ’00 and JESSICA SCHULZ PALMER ’00 are teachers in the Westfield School District, and are getting ready to send their first kid off to college!

CHAD CLEVELAND ’00 is entering his seventeenth year of art education and is teaching middle school and high school art at Fennimore School District in Fennimore, WI. He has a son, Austin (17). CHAD got remarried to a beautiful Iowa gal, Jerilyn, in 2022.

CONTACT US

• chadmcleveland.rcagent.200@gmail.com
• nick.parsons@yahoo.com
• Facebook: “Ripon College Class of 2000“

Red Hawks Forever,

Chad ’00

Nick ’00

Submitted by: Chad Cleveland and Nick Parsons

Happy Fall, Class of 2003!

The Class of 2027 has recently started their new adventures at Ripon. The College looks much different than when we first arrived at school, but the important things have stayed the same.

Academics: Ripon is launching its first engineering program to coincide with the opening of the new Franzen Science Center in 2024. This curricular addition comes after the recent announcement of two new campus infrastructure projects: The Science Center and Hopp Stadium—Ripon’s new athletics stadium. The Franzen Science Center, scheduled to open in conjunction with the program launch, will have more than 5,000 square feet dedicated to the engineering program, including computer facilities, fabrication and electronic design spaces for prototyping, a makerspace, senior design studio and an additional 2,000-3,000 square feet of collaboration space. Also included in the newly renovated science center will be expanded lab spaces that enable new curricular offerings in biomedical science and biochemistry.

Ripon will also launch its first master’s degree program, in exercise science, in the summer of 2024. The program will offer three specializations: exercise physiology, for those interested in working with athletes and clinical populations; sport psychology, focusing on the psychological needs of athletes; and sport management, for those interested in sports marketing and sales or becoming athletic directors.

Ripon Rally Days: Ripon Rally Days, a spring online giving experience, was held April 20-23 during Inauguration Week. This year, donors could choose from 14 ways to support Ripon College in honor of President Victoria N. Folse, the institution’s 14th and newly inaugurated president. The 574 donors who participated raised $327,710. The Class of 2003 once again had a strong showing; we were one of three classes who met their gift challenges. Nice work!

Alumni Weekend 2023: A big thanks to all who made our Twenty-Year(!) class reunion a success this past summer. It’s not too early to mark your calendars for Alumni Weekend 2024: June 20-23, 2024.

Forever Ripon: Ripon College celebrated its second largest fundraising year ever in fiscal year 2023 with almost $19 million in new gifts and commitments. This contributed to Ripon’s Forever Ripon campaign reaching more than $61 million — 82% of its $75 million goal — by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, with two years still remaining in the campaign. This campaign will prepare Ripon for the celebration of our 175th anniversary in 2026, adapt to an evolving higher education landscape and ensure a Ripon College degree is relevant for generations to come. Please see ripon.edu/forever-ripon/ for more information.

Thanks to all who have supported the College this past fiscal year, especially those who supported the Ripon Fund.

CLASS UPDATES

BRIE TERRELL HADFIELD ’03 writes, “After 11 years as a PA with Mercy Orthopedic Trauma, I left to go to the ortho department at Washington University School of Medicine (here in St. Louis). No regrets! My girls are in first and third grades now & Jay’s glad school is back in as he works from home. It was fun to see people at our Reunion this summer!”

MIKE MAXWELL ’03 is recording a comedy album, “Wait It Out!” at an upcoming show at Zanies Comedy Club in Rosemont, IL on October 29th. Tickets are still available for those interested! This summer, Mike also booked his first professional voiceover project. Most recently, he was hired to write a script for an annual conference for a global insurance firm. He’ll be filming his next commercial soon in Racine, WI.

DARLEEN WULF ’03 recently completed her degree at UW-Oshkosh, through their online education program. She writes, “I will walk in December and receive a Bachelor’s of Professional Studies in Leadership and Organizational Development. Last year, I was promoted to Lead Supervisor of the FSQA Department (Food Safety and Quality Assurance) at Brakebush Brothers in Westfield, WI, where I am now over all three shifts of the department. Yes, this does mean I work at night once in a while. I have to see my third shift crew as well! Earlier this year, I was elected Town Clerk for my township, so I am now learning about QuickBooks and how to run elections. This is on top of being the Secretary for my local fire department, where I also help run their yearly fundraiser. We just had another successful Bratfest in Harrisville, with all proceeds benefiting the Harrisville Volunteer Fire Department, over Labor Day weekend.”

Thank you again to everyone who continues to send updates. Remember that you don’t have to wait for the twice-a-year call for updates in order to share your latest news. Be sure to check out the online version of R Connections where you can upload updates, photos, and more!

Liz ’03
(920) 475-7415

Elayne ’03
(917) 509-4826

Submitted by: Liz Matelski and Elayne Monnens Norweb

 Dear 1973 Classmates,

All of us are now members of The Golden R Club! It means we graduated 50 years ago! I remember being at Ripon thinking someone who was 50 was old and now it’s been that many years since we wore our caps and gowns. Not saying we are old, just not as young as we once were. I saw that at the reunion with many of us having added a few pounds, having gray hair and not being as spry. Still going strong though! At the request of WENDY BRIDGES WAUGH ’73, I am going to try and add a few pictures of the Reunion to the end of this letter and you can see the changes in us for yourselves.

Speaking of pictures, I was glad a couple of you sent some along with your letters, and I will try to incorporate them as well. I am not tech savvy and am having issues as I just got a new laptop and am having trouble with its “bells and whistles.” But I will give it a try!

COLLEGE NEWS

Submitted by: Jean Kirkpatrick Lederer

Dear Classmates:

Trust all is well with you. It was good to hear from you.

It is hard to believe we were starting our freshman year fifty-five long years ago just as the Class of 2027 is doing now. Where did the time go? I remember very well my first few weeks of getting acclimated to classes and the campus as if it was just yesterday. Although there is a large time gap between our start and theirs, the quality of education has not changed in all those years. Through the support of our time, talents and treasures, Ripon College has maintained a superb educational experience.

CLASS NEWS

KAREN CARLSON ’61: “Miracle time. Sending a shout out to all who are asking for healing… Miracles do happen!

My daughter, Kim, has been wheelchair-bound for over three years and because no group home has been found, she has remained at the acute care nursing facility in San Mateo since June 2022.

She is the darling of the place, and I am blessed with finding miracle caregivers 24/7.

Two months ago, the husband of my caregiver came aboard saying, ‘We’ll get Kim walking.’

And he did! Last Sunday she took steps without the walker. It’s a start! My miracle caregiver is succeeding where physical therapy gave up and failed.

Praise and know all things are possible…”

MARY ANN CLAUDER JESSE ’61: “Not much going on in my neck of the woods. Guess we had the best of summer weather in comparison to the rest of the country. Have my daughter and her family staying here for the month of September, until they get packed up for their move to Scottsdale. Hope everyone has had a great summer.”

JEANIE VERMILYE JOHNSTON ’61: “I recently called LYNNE JOHNSON CLAFFEY ’61, my freshman year roommate and a sorority sister! She and I remain in fairly close contact!

We seem to be blessed with still being part of this world!

I live in Scottsdale, Arizona and have been here since 1967. I did send in an article to be published in the Ripon magazine in regard to SID JOHNSTON ’60’s death but I did never see it published! He passed away about six years ago.

Sid and I were married in 1959 and we had two children…. a boy and a girl! They have given me the joy of being a grandmother and even a great grandmother! Unfortunately, Sid and I divorced, but remained friends until his death….

I have been playing tennis for many, many, many years. This has occupied much of my free time! As time goes on though, rather than playing four or five days a week I’m down to about two days a week, but I am so happy that I can still play. It has really been the focus of my extracurricular life. I am planning to take pickleball lessons before long.

Obviously, I have been retired for several years, but when I did work, I worked in a school district here in the Phoenix area. After I retired from the school district, I was an administrative assistant in a church. Finally, I completely retired.

So many wonderful memories of our days at Ripon. In fact Lynne, and I drove up there a few years ago, but it was summer and the campus was pretty much closed. Those years were some of the best years of my life. MAC CLAUDER JESSE ’61 was out here a few years ago visiting her sister. We had lunch together and it was great catching up! I was saddened to hear about the passing of JOANNE TOSTRUD JOHNSON ’60 and Baumsy (JUDITH BAUM HALLORAN ’61).

I always love to hear about and from those I knew. Unfortunately, we hear from very few!”

DAVID MAWDSLEY ’61: “Recently I vacationed (isn’t every day a vacation when retired?) at a rental in Chatham, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. My son, daughter and their three children were there to enjoy. Two of the older grandchildren returned to their jobs mid-week. A nice time with local seafood, biking, whale watching and kayaking.  A great time to catch up on newsy stuff that didn’t get told before.

The vacation was a good temporary change away from my daily routines of piano practicing (lessons during the school year), minor bookkeeping for my church and weekday get-togethers with friends at the local mall after the breakfast hours. I try to eat right and stay fit with walking and biking so as to avoid the crazy medical/insurance services as best I can. My daily plans aren’t entirely consistent, but they’ll do.”

BILL PYE ’61: “I am on campus five or six times a year working with the Sigma Chi chapter. In that role I have had the opportunity to meet, and work with, a number of faculty and administration folks which has been delightful. Why didn’t I think of that when I was in college.

This year we lost one of our classmates, AKIRA TOMITA ’61, who lived near Tokyo. Most probably did not know him as he was only there for his freshman year. He loved Ripon and had fond memories. TIM BURR ’61 and I hosted him on campus a couple of years ago when he returned.

I see HOWIE MYERS ’61, retired attorney in Milwaukee, who works with me on the chapter. On September 8-10, our 1955-65 Sigma Chi Reunion Group convenes on campus for our annual get together. LEE JESS ’61 and MARY JO PIEHL JESS ’62 will be joining us this year and we are looking forward to seeing them.

We continue to spend five weeks on Ambergris Cayce, Belize each winter to break up the frozen tundra here in the Twin Cities.”

BILL TONTSCH ’61: “I am in Henderson, Nevada. I moved here in 1991. I have one daughter, and two grandkids. I am retired now but I was a house flipper in my younger days. I was married twice, but both mates have passed.”

As for me – Because I am a widow, to occupy myself I remain active in the community both in the nonprofit community and at the civic level here in Medford, Oregon. I have served on three City of Medford commissions including Budget, Community Grants and Urban Renewal. Now, I serve only on the Medford Urban Renewal Agency. In addition, I take classes at Southern Oregon University through the Osher Lifetime Learning Institute, (OLLI) am active in Rotary where I serve on four committees, one of which I chair, belong to two book clubs, serve on the OLLI committee organizing their social events, work out at the gym every day, and walk my two standard poodles. Sadly, the air quality in the Rogue Valley has been hazardous due to smoke from the fires in northern California which has greatly impacted outdoor activities. In between those activities, I volunteer usher at three theaters. The best part of that is that you get to see the performances for free! We are so fortunate to have good theater here.

In June, my younger daughter came from New York, and we traveled to the Oregon coast, which is magnificent, to visit the town of Florence. While there we visited the huge seal cave where hundreds of stellar seals congregate in a natural inlet cave off the ocean. From a distance you can watch them play and rest – wow what magnificent animals. Then we visited the White Wolf Sanctuary, maintained by a private nonprofit that maintains and cares for the rescued wolves. It was quite impressive.

Although I lost my older daughter in 2008, she is with me through her two extraordinary children, my wonderful grandchildren.

That’s all for now. Trust all is well with you and hope to hear from you in the future.

Regards,

Barbara ’61

Submitted by: Barbara Krieps Laskin

Dear Class of 1982,

Fall is finally upon us! I can’t believe that here in Minnesota we went from temperatures in the 100s in the daytime to the cool 50s at night, all in the matter of a day or two! I’m looking forward to the crispy air and pretty landscapes of autumn, even if it does usher in some cold Minnesota weather and snow! Hopefully, you have all had some great times over the summer with family, friends, nature or whatever you require to refresh!

Alumni Weekend had a good turnout again this summer. While it wasn’t a big reunion year for the Class of ’82, we had a few classmates in attendance, including JULIE PSYCHER FELLINGER ’82, PETRA JONES-TRUJILLO ’82 and KEVIN OSADJAN ’82. Mark your calendars for the fourth weekend in June 20-23, 2024 if you want to make a trip to see campus updates and connect with some of our classmates!

COLLEGE NEWS

The college writes, “Ripon College formally launches the Forever Ripon campaign, a $75 million effort to expand access through student affordability and innovative programs, enhance our facilities, and strengthen our institution through the Ripon Fund. This campaign will prepare Ripon for the celebration of our 175th anniversary in 2026, adapt to an evolving higher education landscape and ensure a Ripon College degree is relevant for generations to come. Please see ripon.edu/forever-ripon/ for more information.”

The three funding priorities are as follows:

Endowment Growth

• Creating Access
• Curricular Development and Innovation

Facility Enhancement

• Franzen Science Center, Hopp Stadium and Residence Hall Upgrades

Ripon Fund

As part of this campaign, Farr Hall of Science is undergoing a serious renovation. The newly named Franzen Science Center will be a complete renovation and will include instrumentation upgrades, more than 19,000 square feet of new construction and 68,500 square feet of renovation and expansion. The football and soccer teams will play in a new 157,000-square-foot Hopp stadium. In addition, this mixed-use space will provide a setting for concerts, intramurals and other student and community activities. What’s more, planned upgrades to the residence halls will enhance the campus living experience for all Ripon College students. This is necessary, but bittersweet for those of us who loved the charm of the old dorm rooms! To learn more, visit ripon.edu/infrastructure/.

Thanks to all who supported Ripon College this past fiscal year, whether you chose the Ripon Fund or Ripon Rally Days (formerly #OneDayRally). It is never too late to send a donation in support of all the college’s efforts. To donate, please visit alumni.ripon.edu/give/make-a-gift/.

If you’re wondering what any of our old professors are up to, check out the faculty news at ripon.edu/category/faculty/. We see fewer and fewer familiar faces here.

CLASS NEWS

We are always happy to share news from classmates who want to let you know what they’ve been up to. See the following information about some of our friends.

STEVE SHEA ’82 writes, “My wife, Laura, and I met CHRIS BENDER STARGARDT ’82 and her daughter at Milwaukee Irish Fest for music, tea, and scones. We convinced her to attend at last year’s reunion.”

STEVE also shares, “On vacation, Laura and I returned to Ireland. There is no country in the world that loves Americans more than Ireland. We arrived on the weekend of the All-Ireland Football final, their equivalent of the Super Bowl. We attended a poignant memorial service for Sinead O’Connor. Attendees ranged from non-conformists to families with little kids. We visited historic Dublin pubs. In the countryside, we visited castles, churches, and abbey ruins. In Co. Tipperary, we stayed at a Regency era manor house. One could imagine Mr. Darcy and Lizzie Bennett pulling up at the gate in a horse and carriage. (Yes, I took English Novel with Professor Ashley).”

LINDA JENSEN HALL ’82 shares, “KEVIN HALL ’82 and I retired on July 1, 2022. We are enjoying the feeling of retirement where every day is like a Saturday. This spring we were able to get our garden planted with flowers, and the front yard looks amazing (if only we could keep the deer from eating the hostas)! I’m working on training a bonsai, and training our two-year-old Sheltie for scent work. Both projects are a work in progress. Kevin is volunteering his time with the local pickleball club. It’s been a good summer with lots of sunshine and sweet corn. Thinking of all of you.”

GREG COX ’82 writes, “TERI SVITASKY COX ’82 and I went to Alaska in August and had a great time.”

SIOBHAN CHAMP-BLACKWELL ’82 writes, “In July this year, I was accepted as a 13th Generation Lineage holder of Chen Style Taiji (Tai Chi) along with 14 other students in my school. We were fortunate to have our teacher’s teacher, Grandmaster Chen Zhenglai, come from the Chen Village in Wen County, Henan Province China to Kansas City, Missouri, for our ceremony. You can read more about it here threedragonsway.com/grandmaster-visit. Attached are two photos, one of me with my teachers, Gary Huff and Kejia Lu, and one of me receiving corrections on my Lao Jia form from Grandmaster Chen Zhenglai.”

KRISTEN RASMUSSEN OLSON ’82 writes, “We have found that being grandparents is incredibly special. We are fortunate to have our daughter’s family living close by, so we have regular visits with the little tyke, Levi. Also, our youngest graduated from UW-Eau Claire in the spring and is working in Rochester as a management trainee at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. We are cherishing our family memories with both our kids close by.

CATHY LOTHROP HAGER ’82 writes, “Our family vacationed in Maui, near Lahaina about a month before the fires. We are devastated by the utter destruction.

Here are two pictures from July 2023, specifically in Lahaina at sunset. It is a special place and we are hoping for healing for the island and community.”

PETER HINTZ ’82 writes, “NANCY BUCK HINTZ ’82 and I are enjoying the Rochester, MN, community after moving here in 2021. Nancy is Director of Development and Engagement at Seasons Hospice, and I just began a new career as a staff attorney with Rochester Title. After teaching for 18 years, I have reinvented myself and begin a new chapter as an attorney again. Funny where life takes you. 

(Pictured from left: Eric Olson, Kristen Rasmussen Olson ’82, Nancy Buck Hintz ‘82, Peter Hintz ’82)

We are enjoying being in closer proximity to our family and are enjoying time with our grandchildren. We are also having fun meeting up with KRISTEN RASMUSSEN OLSON ’82 and Eric Olson, who live nearby.

Nancy and I welcome any of you to contact us if you find yourselves in the Rochester area.”

That’s it for now. If you’re ever in the Rochester or Austin, Minnesota, vicinity look us up! The Olson’s and the Hintz’s are always up for reconnecting with classmates!

Cheers,

Kristen ’82

Peter ’82

Submitted by: Kristen Rasmussen Olson and Peter Hintz

Hi All,

My thanks to the fab group that turned out for our 30^th Class Reunion this past June. I think this was the biggest turnout yet—even some first-timers who hadn’t seen the campus since 1993. There have been major changes, but in many (good) ways it’s still the Ripon College we know and love. JIM REUTER ’93 and I are honing our comedy routines for the 35^th Reunion—June 2028, save the date! In the meantime, the next Alumni Weekend is June 20-23, 2024, for anyone who is interested in attending.

Well, those of you who caught my plea for class news on our Facebook page did not disappoint (or you really, really did not want another Class Letter full of stories about me and my kids). Whatever the reason, we have news about alumni around the country doing great things:

JULIE TILLEMA HERNANDEZ ’93 completed her 22^nd year as a professor of psychology at Rock Valley College. She serves on the college’s academic council, institutional review board, and DEI committee. She enjoys spending time with her husband, George, son (20), daughter (17), two dogs, two cats, and two chinchillas.

Submitted by: Melinda Trainor Hutchinson

Dear Class of 1999,

We hope that you are all doing well. I cannot believe that another school year is up and running and that our 25th Reunion is right around the corner! I don’t know about all of you, but this summer was great, lots of time for fun and outdoor activities. The highlights of my summer were my annual trip with my son to Cape Cod and celebrating my son’s 10th Birthday (welcome to double digits). These letters give us all a chance to share what is going on in our lives and to stay connected with each other and our alma mater. Our next letter will be going out in February, so if you have fun updates, exciting vacations, or memories to share for that update, feel free to submit your updates on our google form which is always open.

Alumni Weekend is scheduled for June 20-23! More information about the event and activities occurring during Alumni Weekend will be available at alumni.ripon.edu in the upcoming months. Not sure about you all, but we cannot wait to celebrate with you in Ripon – 25 years later. Official information will be coming out, but in the meantime:

Are you interested in helping to plan this year’s Alumni Weekend events for the Class of 1999?

If so, email CHRISTINE at cgwinget77@gmail.com. So far, SARAH HUBERT HEYN ’99, CHRISTA REBEK LEWIS ’99, ALEX ARIFIANTO ’99, SEBASTIAN CHARLES FOREMAN ’99, and KRIS GOLDSTON WEINAND ’99 have joined the planning team, and we would love to have more folks join us!

There are room blocks at Heidel House and at Cobblestone Suites (call 920-748-5500). There are also house rentals available, but they do fill up quickly. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to stay in housing on-campus (and you can even request to stay in groups or with your college roommate).

In an effort to plan our Reunion celebration, we have created this google form to fill out asking if you plan to attend the events. At the reunion we are hoping to highlight some fun photo memories from 1995-1999 (and even fun events since those glory years). You can upload your photos on the above form or send them directly to RiponClassof1999@gmail.com. Even if you don’t have photos to share, please take a moment to fill out the form to indicate your plans to attend this upcoming summer.

CLASS NOTES/UPDATES

ALEX ARIFIANTO ’99 of Singapore, was recently promoted as a Senior Fellow with S. Rajaratnam School of International Students (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, where he has worked over the past eight years. He does research on contemporary Indonesian politics. In his spare time, he enjoys listening to jazz and American standards music. ALEX is looking forward to seeing his fellow classmates for the 2024 Alumni Weekend. Congratulations, Alex!

JULIE MATHERS HOGAN ’99 was promoted to Executive Vice President of Marketing & Communications at CCS Facility Services in Denver. Congratulations, Julie!

RIPON COLLEGE UPDATES

Ripon College formally launched the Forever Ripon campaign, a $75 million effort to expand access through student affordability and innovative programs, enhance our facilities and strengthen our institution through the Ripon Fund. This campaign will prepare Ripon for the celebration of our 175th anniversary in 2026, adapt to an evolving higher education landscape and ensure a Ripon College degree is relevant for generations to come. To date the College has raised over $61 Million.

If you also haven’t already heard, Ripon College has launched a Masters of Exercise Science Program. What an exciting time for our alma mater! You can check out more about the program here.

On August 26, our dear residence halls opened for first year students. I still vividly remember moving into Scott Hall in August of 1995 and cannot wait to see all of the updates this upcoming summer. In case you are curious, 195 first year students and 15 transfer students started classes this year and they are from 19 states and Pakistan.

Do you have other things you would like to hear about in our letters? Email us and we are happy to include information in the future.

Christine ‘99

Mike ‘99

P.S. If you haven’t already, make sure to join our Class of 1999 Facebook group so that we can all stay connected.

Submitted by: Christine Guy Winget and Mike Berens

Dear Classmates:

Happy Fall (Well, maybe when it cools down a bit)! I can’t believe summer has come and gone, all but the heat and for some, the heavy rains. I hope your summer was full of good times and memory making.

For those of us who attended our 55th Reunion in June, we had a great time and were able to see and hear our new President share a bit of her story and her vision for Ripon College. I hope you have been able to go to “The Spot” jukebox playlist sent earlier. It’s a blast from our past for sure.

CLASS NEWS

BOB MARTIN ’68 and Janet Meyerhoefer Martin were kind enough to meet me and my wife, Linda, while we were in Philadelphia as part of our Pennsylvania summer trip. We had a delightful lunch and then walked around a bit of downtown including the vast Reading Terminal Market, home to many food vendors and merchants including many Amish from Lancaster County.

DAVID ZERFOSS ’68 and Jenny Bennett Zerfoss were on the mainland, far from their home in Hawaii, taking in many sights in New England. They were able to arrange a meet-up with DOUG WHITELEY ’68 and DIANE THORSEN WHITELEY ’68.

From DIANE – “The WHITELEY’s and the ZERFOSS’s spent three days together in August, visiting Providence, Rhode Island, and neighboring towns. We never stopped talking and laughing”. As I write this, the WHITELEY’s are visiting Equador and the Galapagos Islands.

OBITUARIES

JANE FABER RUBIN ’68 of Maple Grove, Minnesota, died February 19, 2023. At Ripon she majored in biology and was an Alpha Delta Pi. She moved to New York City and did breast cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and then taught science at Grace Church School. After marrying, she returned to Minnesota. She taught at the Osseo Area Schools Adult Basic Education center for more than 15 years. She was an active member of her church and enjoyed music, playing piano, gardening and watching Minnesota sports. Survivors include her husband, Barry and two sons.

PATRICIA SLOAN CLOGSTON ’68 of Asheville, North Carolina, died March 12, 2023. At Ripon, she majored in history and was a member of Phi Betta Kappa and Alpha Delta Pi. She worked in the information technology department as a systems Analyst at Cargill. She was a pioneering woman in a traditional man’s field. She and her husband spent four years in Brazil where she was a consultant to automotive companies. Back in the United States, she developed a product that generated code for a small firm and then worked for IDS/American Express. She volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Minneapolis-St. Paul and Asheville. After retiring she was an artist in pottery and glass. Survivors include her husband, Charlie Clogston.

COLLEGE NEWS

Thanks to all who supported Ripon this past year through the Ripon Fund, the special spring Rally Days or through other gifts. The continuing alumni support is now visible with the new, now almost completed, on-campus Hopp Stadium along with the large renovation and addition to Farr Hall, opening in 2024 as the Franzen Science Center.

The competitive pressures of higher education leave no time to rest in fundraising. Schools are competing for students and faculty and to attract them means a constant need to improve facilities, curriculum, scholarships and salaries. To this end, Ripon made the formal launch of the Forever Ripon Campaign at the inauguration of President Folse in April. It is already well on the way towards the $75 million goal.

The campaign aims to expand access through student affordability and innovative programs, enhance facilities, and strengthen the institution through additions to the Ripon Fund. This campaign will lead into the celebration of Ripon’s 175th anniversary in 2026 and will ensure a degree from Ripon is relevant for years to come.

STAY CONNECTED

Please visit our Facebook group page, Ripon College Class of 1968. Information about our class can be found here. Join the group to add information and make comments.

As always, if you have news to share, please send it to me or the Alumni Office at Ripon, at alumni@ripon.edu.

Peter ’68

Submitted by: Peter Uhrig

Happy Fall, everyone!

It’s been a very busy summer, and I can’t believe I am already writing our Fall Class Letter. ANDY MACLEOD ’76 and I have been on the go since spring with a number of road trips and another riverboat trip on the Mississippi. We also took a trip to Starved Rock to see the spring waterfalls, and we have another booked for next month, which will include a boat trip on the Illinois River. We’re hoping to catch some of the fall colors along the river and bluffs.

Now the excitement continues as I begin to plan our 50th Reunion – can you believe it’s almost here? It will be held, as always, during Alumni Weekend, June 20-23, 2024. (Yes, DO mark your calendar!) Classmates CHRIS OVERLY WALLACE ’74, JANE RUNKEL FREDERICK ’74, LYNN GRIFFIN ’75, GEORGE BOOTHBY ’74, and SCOTT DICKS ’74 joined me on our first Zoom planning call, along with AMY GABRIEL GERRETSEN ’04 of the Alumni Office last week, and we began sketching out what our grand celebration will look like. We would love to have more of you join us, as “many hands make light work”, and will ensure our celebration is a reflection of all of us.

Specifically, we would like to have a few folks help gather photos and memories for a memory book, which will then be put together for us by the Alumni Office. We’d also appreciate a few folks to help plan our Sunday morning memorial service. This involves suggesting music and readings for the service, and anything else you deem appropriate. This can be decided in the spring, but starting now gives plenty of time for consideration.

Last, but not least, we would welcome anyone who could assist with organizing our class gift. This is a very important component of our celebration, especially in light of the ongoing Forever Ripon campaign.

The Forever Ripon campaign is a $75 million effort to expand access through student affordability and innovative programs, enhance our facilities and strengthen our institution through the Ripon Fund. This campaign will prepare Ripon for the celebration of our 175th anniversary in 2026, adapt to an evolving higher education landscape and ensure a Ripon College degree is relevant for generations to come. To date the College has raised over $61 Million.

Our class is perfectly positioned to take a leadership role for all other alumni groups, as the newest Golden R class of alumni. And as always, any gift, no matter the size, is important to the future of our Alma Mater.

CLASS NEWS

PATRICIA CHANDLER MAYER ’74 took some time out recently for knee replacement surgery. It went well, and I can report she is back in the pool and back to living her best life. Bring some of that energy along with your winning smile to the reunion next summer, Tricia!

I know lots of us have been downsizing and clearing out our old “stuff” – for me, it’s an ongoing process- so I would ask that you set aside any Ripon photos and memorabilia you come across. Your photos, along with photos of your treasured memorabilia will be priceless additions to our memory book!

JANE RUNKEL FREDERICK ’74 has been cleaning out her attic and much of her lovely home in preparation for redecorating and window replacement. Daughter Sarah, and her boyfriend Kyle, spent a week or so lending a hand. But the BIG NEWS is – Kyle proposed, Sarah said yes, and now JANE will be helping them plan their wedding! No details yet, but stay tuned. And of course, all the best to the happy couple.

KIM KOBRIGER ’74 writes that he just returned from an Alaskan cruise, and he says you can’t believe the beauty of Alaska unless you see it for yourself.

CHRIS OVERLY WALLACE ’74 says she is going on an Alaskan cruise next year, so I am hoping to hear more about glaciers and polar bears in the future – and maybe some pictures!

I am very sad to report we lost our classmate, DENNIS PORDON ’74 on July 10, 2023. DENNIS worked for more than 40 years in investment banking. He was also a man of deep and abiding faith, and was an active and devoted member of his church for over 30 years. You may recall that DENNIS was preceded in death by his wife, JEAN UETZMANN PORDON ’77, in 2017. They are survived by one son and one daughter, as well as JEAN’s sister and our classmate, JOAN UETZMANN LEROY ’74. Our sincere condolences go out to the entire family and all their friends.

Finally, a note about reunion housing. On-campus housing will be available and I understand there are now houses you can rent in Ripon if you have a large group. Blocks of rooms are being set aside at The Heidel House and Cobblestone Suites, and if you really want a walk down memory lane, the old Davis Hotel on Watson Street has been completely remodeled and is now called the Mapes Hotel.

Room Blocks:

• Mapes Hotel (Ripon) – Book online at mapeshotel.com (access code: riponcollege101)
• Heidel House (Green Lake) – Book online at choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/NH19X9
• Cobblestone Suites (Ripon) – Book by calling 920.748.5500

 Meanwhile, please reach out to your Ripon friends and urge them to meet you on campus for Alumni Weekend next June. It promises to be a wonderful experience where we can share our family news (and grandchildren photos), reminisce, and just bask in the warmth of old friendships. You will be hearing a lot from me and the Alumni Office in the coming months so be sure we have your current contact information. You don’t want to miss any of it! I truly look forward to seeing you all.

Be well and happy,

Jan ’74

P.S. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any of the reunion command at the Alumni Office with questions or suggestions. Better yet-join us! Just like the Reunion: the more, the merrier!

Submitted by: Jan Petrovski MacLeod

Hello Classmates:

We hope the fall of 2023 finds you all well!

One of the earlier memories for Ripon freshman in 1972 was attending their first college football game in town at Ingalls Field – proud home of the Ripon Tigers and shared with Ripon College. The field was built in 1888 and pretty much looked it. Within the month, Ingalls will be home to the Ripon Red Hawks no more. Thanks to a generous gift from STEVE HOPP ’83, Hopp Stadium is set to open during Family Weekend on September 30, but a grand opening celebration will be held October 21. The $8 million project is being built on the former lower Sadoff field and will host Ripon football and soccer games for many years to come. The stadium is across Union Street from the Willmore Center and has seating for 2,000, as well as appropriate locker and concession facilities.

Meanwhile….work on the Franzen Science Center continues, funded with much help from MARK FRANZEN ’83 and JANICE HEINZ FRANZEN ’83, the $25 million project will give Ripon state of the art facilities for the sciences. It is scheduled to open in 2024.

CLASS UPDATES

The news from fellow classmates is about what one might expect from a class approaching its 50th Reunion. It is set to happen June 2026, dates to be released soon. Retirements, grandchildren and reminiscences rule the day.

In their own words:
JEAN JANES ’76: “I’ve left Chicago after 23 years and moved to Appleton, WI. Not quite retired yet; I’ll continue working remotely for JLL with occasional trips back to the HQ in Chicago.”

BETSY CARLSON KRIZENESKY ’76: “There will probably be a lot of retirement announcements this year. I just retired from 24 years of teaching Russian at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, and am very much looking forward to a trip this fall to the Republic of Georgia, a country where Russian is widely spoken despite being wildly different from Georgian. Dr John Radomsky was my beacon and his daughter, Roxie, is still a close friend of mine.”

PEGGY ZAREK ODDO ’76: “Hello, I am 68 years old, single, living in a lovely golf community in Prospect Heights, Illinois. I have two awesome kids, Anthony (38) and Monica (34). Anthony lives and works in Bainbridge Island off the coast of Seattle, Washington, and Monica is a trauma ICU nurse in Jacksonville, Florida. Her husband, Sean, recently obtained a position with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a defensive coach. My mom is 100 years old and lives alone, but has wonderful caretakers that come and go (and of course me and my siblings do that as well). I teach dance strength, yoga, tap and I have my own personal training business. I play piano for the seniors at various nursing homes in the area. I travel when I can, especially to see the kids. I am living in a suburb of the greater Chicago area and there’s lots to do: Cubs games, Ravinia, outdoor music festivals. Plus, I do keep in touch with my sorority sisters from Alpha Delta Pi. I think I’ve written enough. I hope this will all fit in the space allotted.”

HUGH WHIPPLE ’76 and MARGARET WIFF WHIPPLE ’76: “We’re very boring. Nothing new to talk about that would be worth being on your report. Will hopefully see STEVE BINKLEY ’76 at The Concours d’ Elegance on August 27th. Looking forward to our 50th if we live that long. A surprise is in order which we’ll let everyone know at The Golden R Dinner. Meanwhile stay safe and well.”

MICHAEL VERKUILEN ’76: “Great to hear from you. My news involves another grandchild (third) late last year, but my first granddaughter! She’s a beauty, too. Started this year with a two week Panama Canal cruise with some extended family. Quite the adventure, especially for it being my very first cruise. Looking forward to a September Walt Disney World trip with more family, including all three grandkids. My oldest son will be joining us from his home in Tokyo, too. Otherwise, enjoying good health and continued semi-retirement. Hope you are, as well.”

PETER TUZ ’76 made only one trip to Germany to visit daughter and grandchildren. “I am probably one of the few members of the class of 1976 to still be working. But when your job involves talking to interesting people and visiting mostly interesting places, why retire?” Hoping for another European trip before 2023 is out.

Michele ’76

Peter ’76

Submitted by: Peter Tuz and Michele Baran Wittler

Hello,

I’d like to start this note with a special thanks to CONNIE HERBON MOSER ’84, who has decided to step down as Class Agent following twelve years of service. CONNIE – thank you for all you have done as Class Agent – keeping in touch with our class, planning reunions and your continued work on the Ripon College Board of Trustees!

Next year marks a milestone anniversary for our Class of ’84. Please mark your calendars and start planning your trip back to Ripon, June 20-23 for our reunion weekend. There is something for everyone – music, a 5K, golf, a casual stroll through campus, shopping downtown Ripon, grabbing a beer at the Goose Blind and, most importantly, connecting with old friends.

If you are a regular or if you haven’t been to a reunion in a while, please consider making the trip. Late June in Wisconsin is lovely and there are a lot of positive changes on Campus that you may enjoy seeing – renovation and expansion of Farr Hall (now the Franzen Science Center), Hopp Stadium, and future renovations to the residence halls. You can learn more about this at ripon.edu/forever-ripon. I especially like that Ripon is starting an engineering program. If you haven’t been on campus in the last decade, you might enjoy seeing the changes to the Storzer Athletic Center (now the Willmore Center), Lane Library, and Harwood Memorial Union.

The town of Ripon has transformed in recent years. Many will remember when store fronts were empty. Today, downtown Ripon is thriving – The Fox Valley Glove Outlet is still there if you are in need of a pair of Minnetonka slippers, you can grab a delicious Grinder and a beer at the Roadhouse, or visit many shops and restaurants on the strip.

We are in the early stages of planning our class Reunion, we will keep it simple and casual. If you would like to help out with planning our small team would welcome any volunteers for planning, reaching out to classmates or simple moral support.

With that said, if you have any interest in joining me as a Class Agent, it would make me happy and may make these letters more interesting. Being a Class Agent involves staying in touch with classmates, an annual newsletter to the class, planning the reunion and communication with college alumni staff. (There has to be someone out there who has a gift for writing good letters!) Please contact me or the Office of Constituent Engagement, alumni@ripon.edu or 920.748-8126, for more information.

Alumni Weekend 2024 is scheduled for June 20-23! More information about the event and activities occurring during Alumni Weekend will be available at alumni.ripon.edu in the upcoming months.

Room Blocks:

• Heidel House (Green Lake) – Book online at choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/NH19X9
• Cobblestone Suites (Ripon) – Book by calling 920.748.5500

See you in 2024!

Vicki ’84

Submitted by: Vicki Vicha Erickson

Dear Class of 1994,

Greetings from Cottage Grove! I don’t know if you’re in the same boat, but I’m in “Back To School” mode. I have seven days under my belt with a new crew of first graders, I’ve helped my high school sophomore get back into the swing of things, and settled my oldest into his freshman year at Milwaukee School of Engineering. With all of this going on, I procrastinated on getting our letter written! It’s due tomorrow as I type this to you. You might be thinking, “But you’re a teacher–you had ALL summer!” Yes, you are right! I had ALL summer and yet, here I sit.

COLLEGE NEWS

There are so many exciting things happening on campus right now. Highlights I spotted while browsing through today’s September Newsletter include the following:

• Hopp Stadium will have its grand opening on October 21st with a women’s soccer match against Monmouth College and football versus Lake Forest College. 

• Construction on the newly named Franzen Science Center (formerly Farr Hall) is underway.

• Ripon will now be offering an engineering program for students.

• In the summer of 2024, Ripon will begin to offer master’s degrees in exercise physiology.

• The Class of 2027 entered school this fall 195 strong and 15 transfer students joined the student body.

Class of ‘94, this is a big year for us! CARRIE ROCA-DAWSON ’94, KIMBERLY WOOLLEY ’94, ERIC ATKINSON ’94, and I just met to begin planning our 30th Reunion! We would love to have more of you join us in our efforts. If you don’t join us, CARRIE might plan a toga night for us. I don’t know about you, but I wish to leave those days behind me. Seriously, please join us!

We hope you’ll plan on returning to Ripon to reminisce and celebrate our 30th. Alumni Weekend is June 20-23, 2024. If you plan on attending, we recommend making your lodging reservations now.

The College has set up the following room blocks:

• Heidel House (Green Lake) – Book online at choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/NH19X9

• Cobblestone Suites (Ripon) – Book by calling 920.748.5500

Back in the day music played a major role in my college experience. Certain songs take me back to very specific memories. I often hear a song and know exactly what year it came out based on what year I was at Ripon. Those iconic early 90’s hits would be fun to incorporate into our celebration. Please be thinking about what you’d like to have on our “30th Reunion Playlist.” Send your suggestions to either KIMBERLY or myself.

Save the dates for Alumni Weekend now, friends, and we look forward to seeing you in 2024!

Best,

Lisa ‘94

Kimberly ’94

Submitted by: Lisa Sproston Sutter and Kimberly Woolley

Hello Everyone!

Can you believe that just over 15 years ago we were beginning our senior year at Ripon? How time flies! And, of course, this means that next summer will be our reunion! Alumni Weekend will take place next year from June 20-23, 2024. If you haven’t been to campus for a while, what more perfect time is there than for a reunion? We are busy planning a few different great events for us all, so make sure to watch for updates on our Class of 2009 Facebook Group (and through official college channels.

With that in mind, this year is also a perfect year to donate if you haven’t before (and continue if you do!). At Alumni Weekend, all reunion classes will present their yearly donations in front of the assembled alumni, and while it isn’t officially a competition, we definitely want to show the other classes just what the Class of 2009 is all about! We completely understand that all of us are in different places financially and career-wise and that some might not be in a position to give. That said, if you are in the place to give even a small amount, it all adds up to ensure further growth of the college and continued financial support for future students. All gifts made by us from July 1, 2023 through the Reunion will count towards our presented total. More information about the current college fundraising campaign can be found at ripon.edu/forever.

If you are someone that likes to plan early, remember that Ripon has limited hotels. That said, there are room blocks set at Heidel House (Under new management!) and Cobblestone Suites (call 920-748-5500 to reserve blocked rooms). Additionally, on-campus housing will be available with online Alumni Weekend registration starting April 1 and you can request to stay together with other members of the Class of 2009.

We are excited to celebrate our 15th Reunion next year with you all, and we really hope to see many of you on campus next June. Make sure to save the dates now! Below are a few updates we received for fall. We would love many, many more for spring leading into our reunion! Email us at joshlegreve@gmail.com or emilyannmeyer@gmail.com to share a bit of your life with our class.

JOSH LEGREVE ’09 had his recent presentation “Lenses of Culture: Addressing Culture in the Novice Classroom” named the ‘Best of Central States’ at the 2023 Central States Conference in Columbus, Ohio. He will be giving this presentation at the national world language teaching convention, ACTFL, in Chicago this November.

EMILY MEYER ’09 and her family moved to Wamego, Kansas at the end of last school year. After a very short time as a stay at home mom, Emily was hired as the Assistant Director for Apartment Living at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. Lily started second grade and is exploring Scouts this year, and James is 4 and in his last year of preschool.

ELIZA CHERRY STEPHENSON ’09 and BRUCE STEPHENSON ’09: Bruce is starting a new job as a Senior Software Engineer for Cloud Systems at Blackbaud. Eliza is starting her fourth year at Ripon Middle School as a Clerical Aide and also coordinates field trips for elementary students on teacher in-service days. Their son, Ari, is in second grade and their daughter, Vivian, started kindergarten this year. The years are passing quickly!

KATIE KRUEGER KRAMER ’09 and JOSH KRAMER ’09 still live in Cedarburg and manage four Anytime Fitness locations in the area. They’re busy with their two kiddos – Cora (4.5) and Jeffrey (1.5). Their family enjoys going on adventures, being active outside, and doing volunteer work to raise awareness and support for the Down Syndrome community.

COLIN FREEMAN ’09 in a shocking update, reports that he is the quiet type. In other exciting news, Colin is now a homeowner!

ZAC MANS ’09 shares that he is going into his second year directing theater at Anoka High School. BRANDI GASPARD MANS ’10 is the staff Draper and Instructor for Costuming Technology at the University of Minnesota.

JOSH FREY ’09 and his wife, Katie, welcomed their daughter Charlotte (Class of 2045?) this spring. Josh currently works as the Deputy Director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s (DTRA) Nuclear Science & Engineering Research Center at the US Military Academy at West Point, where he is the Program Manager for the DTRA’s Cadet Summer Internship Program. Next year, he will transition to the Academy Faculty as an Instructor within the Department of Chemistry and Life Sciences.

Be well,

Josh ’09

Emily ’09

Submitted by: Josh LeGreve and Emily Meyer

Hello Class of 2012!

So exciting to learn more about the Forever Ripon campaign and its goals to expand access through student affordability and innovative programs, enhancing the school’s facilities, and strengthening our institution through the Ripon Fund – be sure to check it out! It has been amazing watching the growth and positive changes on campus since we’ve graduated, and I know there are still so many things to look forward to. And I can’t believe Ripon will be celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2026. Even though I know it is years away, time sure has a way of flying by now!

CLASS UPDATES

We hope you’re all safe, healthy, and excited for the rest of the year! Without further ado, here are the life updates you’ve shared with us recently:

MATTHEW BREUER ’12 is continuing the Psychology Doctoral journey.

SHARON KLAPPERICH DOLL ’12 is starting the final phase of her second masters degree: the dissertation, and with any luck, will be completing it in April.

KATHARINE SHADLE GAILS ’12 and her husband, RYAN ’13, welcomed Quentin Gails into their family at the end of December and he is the happiest little man!

STACEY HAMILTON ’12 recently celebrated a five-year work anniversary as an Assistant Director in the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment at Cornell University. Stacey and her husband also celebrated seven years of marriage this past May and are dog parents to two pups, Zena and Zeus.

JESSICA BRUNGARDT LARSON ’12 is still working for the El Paso County Attorney’s Office handling our Family Treatment Drug Court docket, the Well-Baby Court docket, and the Adult Protection Services (APS) docket. Jessica has been asked to join a panel to present for the Colorado Bar Association on APS in November and has also been helping create a new approach to building collaboration and cooperation in our child protection cases. This pilot program should fully launch in October. Lastly, Jessica has been an Advisor for the Women In Leadership Program for UCCS this last year. All that being said, Jessica’s most important role is wife and mom/pet-mom to two amazing kids, two dogs, and two cats. Life is always buzzing around here.

HAYLEY MUELLER-MILNE ’12 is celebrating her daughter, Juniper, who is a year and a half now; she’s sweet and wild! Hayley and her husband are celebrating their one-year anniversary in October and finally taking their honeymoon.

MEGAN MCGEE NORRIS ’12 continues to be her own boss and serves as a GAL for Racine County, helping out with the attorney shortage up north. Megan was also just accepted to Loyola University of Chicago to get her LLM in Child & Family Law. Her kids just started 3k and 4k.

SARAH JACOBS RUSCH ’12 is currently in her tenth year teaching social studies at Chilton Middle School. Sarah and her husband have two daughters, Wren and Molly, and are currently expecting a surro-girl due this November!

ERIN SCHAICK ’12 just celebrated one year as Director of Events & Corporate Relations at Easter Seals New Hampshire, Vermont & Farnum. She’s looking forward to their groundbreaking event for their new Military & Veterans Campus next week!

BRANDON TAYLOR ’12 is a Senior Manager at LinkedIn on the HR Enablement team leading some of the largest internal tech initiatives at the company.

SARAH WEINBERG UNDERHILL ’12 finally graduated with an MLIS and is looking for a position as a Teen Librarian!

Thanks again to everyone for sharing!

Be well,

Brandon ’12

Erin ’12

Submitted by: Erin Schaick and Brandon Taylor

Hello Everyone!

It’s Labor Day and summer is winding down as I write this letter, although by the continual scorching temps across the country you would never know it. I made it to Ripon for Alumni Weekend in June and saw just a few of you. Hope to see many more of you next year as we celebrate 55 years since our graduation from Ripon. (More on that later.) Here’s the news I have for you about Ripon College along with updates from classmates.

Ripon College Welcomes the Class of 2027
On August 26th, Ripon College welcomed 195 first-year students. An additional 15 transfer students also joined the campus student body, for a grand total of 210 new students. Some interesting facts to know about the new freshman class:

• Gender breakdown is 40% female, 60% male.
• Wisconsin residents represent 64% of the new class, but the class also includes students from AK, AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, NC, NV, OH, OR, PA, TX, WI) and one country outside the US (Pakistan)
• The makeup of this class consists of 26% diversity.
• 36% of new students are first generation college attendees and 30% are Pell Grant eligible.
• 41 students are coming as part of Ripon’s local commitment award strategy
• The class includes 143 Student Athletes as well as 38 Artists, Musicians and Thespians
• There are 17 Legacy students (family member attended Ripon)

AL JARREAU ’62 Biography Published by Ripon Professor Emeritus
Professor of Music Emeritus Kurt Dietrich recently published an authorized biography of jazz/pop vocalist AL JARREAU ’62, entitled “Never Givin’ Up: The Life and Music of Al Jarreau.” Jarreau is the only person in history to win Grammy Awards in three different categories: jazz, pop and R&B. He recorded more than two dozen albums over three decades and was renowned for his ability to sing many styles, including scat singing and taking on the character of guitar and percussion, all with his versatile and soulful voice. He acted on Broadway in the hit musical “Grease” and appeared on the television programs “New York Undercover” and “Touched by an Angel.” Jarreau majored in psychology at Ripon. When he first moved to California he worked as a rehabilitation counselor for the state of California. He did musical performances on the side until his singing career took off. “He was really under the radar and didn’t sign his first record contract until he was 35 years old. That was almost unheard of even then, much less today,” Dietrich says. “But his lifeblood was touring. He was an arresting figure in live performance.” Kurt Dietrich taught at Ripon for 39 years. He graduated from Lawrence University, received his master’s degree from Northwestern University and his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. At Ripon, he directed the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, taught brass instruments and a variety of music courses.

Forever Ripon $75 million Capital Campaign Surpasses $61 million
Ripon College celebrated its second largest fundraising year ever in fiscal year 2023 with almost $19 million in new gifts and commitments. This contributed to Ripon’s Forever Ripon campaign reaching more than $61 million — more than 80% of its $75 million goal — by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, with two years still remaining in the campaign.

Madigan Named Midwest Athletic Conference Athlete of the Year
CORMAC MADIGAN ’23, was named the 2023 Midwest Conference Student-Athlete of the Year for Men’s Sports. This is the first time a Red Hawks student-athlete has been selected for this honor. Madigan was a standout performer in the College’s football and baseball programs and one of the most decorated athletes in school history. A graduate of Laconia High School in nearby Rosendale, Madigan holds six school records. He helped lead Ripon to a 9-1 season in 2022 and a share of the Midwest Conference football championship for the first time since 2001.

On the baseball diamond, Madigan was an All-Midwest Conference outfielder. Madigan’s successes in the classroom and in the community are equally impressive. A chemistry-biology major, he graduated from Ripon with a perfect 4.00 cumulative grade-point average, earning him several Academic All -American Honors. Madigan worked with the Ripon Food Pantry, Murray Park Elementary School, the Ripon Fire Department and the Salvation Army. He also tutored students on campus, helped move College employees into and out of their homes and assisted with high school and junior high school football and baseball camps on campus.

Ripon College to Offer Master’s Degree in Exercise Science
Ripon College will launch its first master’s degree program in exercise science in the summer of 2024. The Masters curriculum will be a 15-month program. The new program will offer three areas of specialization: Physiology, Sports Management, Sports Psychology. A 4+1 program will allow Ripon College undergraduate students to begin taking the graduate-level courses in their senior year and complete the master’s degree in just one additional year after receiving their bachelor’s degree.

RC Professor Is Keynote Speaker at Google Conference About Women Techmakers
Jan Plane, Associate Professor of Computer Science, was the keynote speaker at the workshop “A Deep Dive by EDU Change Makers,” hosted April 27 by Google NYC Women Techmakers at the Google Headquarters in New York City. The theme of the workshop was “Dare To Be.”

Ripon College to Offer Engineering Program.
Ripon College is launching its first engineering program to coincide with the opening of the new Franzen Science Center in 2024. John Sisko, Ripon College Vice President and Dean of Faculty, stated “We are making curricular expansions to meet the educational needs of current and future STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) students. The physical needs of the engineering program as well as state-of-the-art facilities for all of our science programs were integral considerations throughout the entire design process for the new science center.”

As part of the engineering program, the College also is establishing an Engineering Advisory Board, comprising regional industry partners. This advisory board will help optimize Ripon’s engineering program to best suit the technical needs of the region, offer internships and co-op programs to students and ultimately help create a path to employment for graduates.

Median Household Income: $53,304
Median Property Value: $121,800
Poverty Rate: 9.88%
98% of Riponites are US citizens
93.2% Identify as White (Non-Hispanic)
3.14% of residents were born outside the US
3,870 persons in Ripon are employed
No unemployment data for Ripon, but Fond du Lac county unemployment 3.70%
Largest industries in Ripon: Manufacturing, Retail Trade, Educational Services

 
Alumni Weekend 2024
Alumni Weekend for 2024 will take place Thursday, June 20 through Sunday June 23.

55-Year Class Reunion
I am organizing a reunion for our class on Saturday evening, June 22, 2024 over Alumni Weekend. Please save that date on your calendar and make plans to attend. Hotels in the Ripon area fill up fast for Alumni Weekend so make your reservations ASAP. More info on the reunion as it becomes available. If you would like to help organize the reunion, please contact me. That said, there are room blocks set at Heidel House (reserve at choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/NH19X9) and Cobblestone Suites (call 920-748-5500 to reserve blocked rooms). Additionally, on-campus housing will be available with online Alumni Weekend registration starting April 1.

CRISTA STALEY ELLIS ’69 of Saratoga Springs, New York, died March 14, 2023. At Ripon, she studied philosophy and participated in College Days and Alpha Chi Omega. She also studied graphic design at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. She worked as a journalist at Lerner Newspaper and The Pioneer Press in Chicago, and retired as a graphic artist from Avco Co. in Clifton Park, New York, in 1988. She was an accomplished painter and potter, showing in art exhibits. She also enjoyed knitting, dying and spinning her own fibers, nature, water, Crosby Stills and Nash, cooking, sewing, babies, barns and driving to Vermont to see the fall colors. Survivors include one son and one daughter.

MARILEE HOFFMEYER SHORE ’69 of Maryville, Tennessee, and formerly of Hendersonville, North Carolina, died May 10, 2023. At Ripon, she majored in German and participated in athletics, student government, music, theatre and Kappa Delta. She earned a master’s degree in library science from the University of Michigan and worked in both public and private libraries primarily in Illinois and North Carolina. She and her husband, Bob, were active in the Little Theater in Hendersonville. She loved cats, who were named after opera characters. She was also active on the boards and committees in churches and other groups everywhere she lived. Survivors include three stepdaughters.

DAVID P. SINISH ’69 of Collinsville, Connecticut, died June 14, 2023. At Ripon, he majored in psychology, participated in music, athletics and Phi Delta Theta, and was captain of the ski team. He was an avid paddler, instructor, conservationist, advocate, speaker, writer and water quality monitor. He served on the board of the Farmington River Watershed Association, as founder of the Connecticut Canoe Racing Association, as an organizer of the Eastern Region U.S. Olympic Whitewater Kayak Trials and as a member of the Farmington River Coordinating Committee, Canton Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency, Board of Selectmen and Board of Assessment Appeals. He enjoyed gardening, playing his flute, and building kayaks and wood-strip canoes. Survivors include his wife, Carrie; one son and one daughter.

JAMES C. SPOTTS ’69 of Cape Coral, Florida, died January 2, 2023. At Ripon, Jim played on the Red Hawks football team, and was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He lived on Islamorada in the Florida Keys and worked as a dive boat captain and a dive instructor from 1995 until his move to Cape Coral. Survivors include two sons, a sister and two brothers.

NOTE: The number of classmates known to have died is now 34.

Here are the updates I received from members of our class. I love hearing from you guys.

FRANK ANDERS ’69 and BOBBI SUESS ANDERS ’69 of Chesterfield, VA: “We happily announce the birth of our granddaughter, Cecilia Grace Anders, on July 25, 2023. She is the daughter of Frank and Kari Anders and joins their son, Leland Theodore, who was born December 22, 2021.”

MARK BAUER ’69 of Pewaukee, WI: “Life is a series of days and weeks, punctuated here and there by super occurrences or drab non-occurrences. But life is generally good. I have a body-wide collection of orthopedic surgical scars, gray hair and variety of arthritic joints, but still love the light of day and the darkness of sleep without interference of a working profession (paid my dues). Still raising/growing those rascally pitcher plants that help keep the backyard bee population to the barest minimal. I have two grandsons, one a sophomore at Concordia in Mequon, one a sophomore in high school, and both are active in basketball in each school. My delight is watching them compete. They are both just over 6’4” and very skilled. My only granddaughter is a 4-year old New Yorker and struts like a teenager already. Yes, still studying German. It fascinates me. I do look forward to a 55th Reunion. The 50th was entertaining. Isn’t it something how we all change, not only proportions, height and health, but also philosophic outlook and attitudes. I still marvel at how the years have whisked by. I thought it would take much longer to get old. Not much else is really newsy. Fill in the blanks for me.”

TERRY BROWN ’69 of Richmond, VA: “I did go on another trip this year, this one in May was to Egypt to see the monuments and antiquities. After a couple days around Cairo to see the museum and pyramids, we flew to Luxor to cruise around and see the temples. It was hot, in the 90s and 100s; but not as hot as some places in the US recently.”

DON CHESTER ’69 of West Palm Beach, FL: “Like almost everyone else I have been dealing with this summer’s extreme heat to the point where I got heat stroke a few weeks ago. I work out daily with a hand cycle ride around the neighborhood on Saturdays. It is important to note, because of my spinal cord injury, I do not sweat and my body does not accommodate the heat or cold. A couple weeks ago I was feeling great. If 6 miles is good, 8 miles is better. One hour and 12 minutes of exercise in extreme heat is not a good idea. Ended up spending a night in the hospital with a tube in my nose the size of a storm drain.  On June 23, I celebrated 50 years at St. Mary’s Medical Center and the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. Giving some thought to retiring when I get old.”

BOB FERNBACH ’69 of Castle Pines, CO: “Not a lot to report, but Stacy and I got a new grandchild this week — 6 lb., 10 oz. boy, from Stacy’s older son here in Colorado! We went to the east coast to visit family and friends in April/May, and to Seattle and Portland in June to visit my daughter and other friends/relatives. Both enjoyable trips. We have a trip to SoCal planned in October to visit my son and friends, including BARRY MORTON ’69 and Jane Morton.”

BILL GEBHARDT ’69 of Portage, WI: “SUE ’70 and I are both well and enjoying our home on Swan Lake in Portage. Our flowers are in full bloom. We’re currently having our kitchen in Fort Pierce, FL remodeled. Also adding a small kitchen area and bar in our home in Wisconsin. Both projects should be completed in a month or so. In July, we went to Illinois to see our granddaughters participate in a dance recital. They were really terrific.

I played in the 120th annual Pater Filius golf tournament at Midlothian Country Club with our two boys. It’s an alternate shot event. Our oldest son, Matt, and I won the Pro Division. He’s one of the pros at Naperville Country Club in Naperville, IL. Best to everyone. We plan to attend my 55th Reunion next summer. We live only one hour from Ripon!”

ALICE HALL HAYES ’69 of Washington, DC: “We have had a whirlwind spring & summer. The winter and spring were spent preparing for Ed’s and my 50th wedding anniversary, occurring on April 22, 2023. Our children organized a lovely family celebration to recognize the occasion.”

PAUL GELB ’69 from Stirling Castle, Scotland: “I’ve been traveling for a year now. Highlights include three months in Lisbon, three months in London, a month in Italy and a month in Edinburgh, mainly attending the Fringe Festival which had been a long-term bucket list item. With all the International traveling I’ve had little time to play in bridge tournaments but have been playing a little in online tournaments and recently reached the level of Diamond Life Master.”

FRED KIEKHAEFER ’69 of Castle Rock, CO: “I officially retired in 2012; I finally admitted it in 2023. After building a marine propulsion company (in seven years), selling it to Mercury Marine and, then, managing Mercury Racing for 22 years, I moved to Colorado from Wisconsin. I started a small consulting firm, K-Lab Design Works. My first major project was again in marine propulsion: I conceived a variable pitch surface drive for high-performance diesel-powered boats. From concept to design. From design to prototype. From prototype to design refinement. From refinement to second prototype. From second prototype to project termination. Working mostly alone, this took eight years. In those eight years, my target market moved to outboard engines. So, I quit. That was a hard decision. In the midst of this project, my wife, Carol, and I moved to Miami (for the water and boat testing). Then COVID hit. We moved back to Colorado for more space; less restriction. Carol went back to graduate school studying artificial intelligence and machine learning as applied to targeted medical therapeutics. She’s a critical care physician and research scientist, so that makes sense.

Now, I spend time differently. With charities. Since I have a few exotic cars, I donate race track time and show time to entertain and raise funds for Morgan Adams Foundation (childrens’ cancer research), Warrior’s Chariot and Wounded Warrior Project (for military vets, police and first responders), AeroAngels (donated pilots and private aircraft getting sick and damaged kids to specialized, far-away treatment) among others. To keep my creative skills functioning, I am designing and building unique outdoor furniture (like my ergonomic hammock). In other down time, I hang out with three cats and a dog – or go to a gym (typically six days a week). Although voted “least likely to return for a second ski trip” by my Ripon frat brothers, I’m still skiing. I haven’t missed a season in 55 years. Catch me if you can, snow bunnies!”

DEBBIE HAMELE KUKLA ’69 of Long Boat Key, FL: “In early June, my husband, TOM KUKLA ’70, and I met JAN KINGERY BEVERLY ’69 and her friend for lunch on Anna Maria Island. It was a very special reunion sharing past and present happenings. Jan and I were Ripon classmates and Alpha Chi Omega sorority sisters.

Florida feels like home, especially because we see our three grandchildren (12, 14, and 15) and daughter often. Being on the Gulf has opened up so many new adventures from turtle hatchings to seeing manatee and dolphins to magnificent sunsets! In two weeks, Tom and I are headed back to Italy to three of our favorite places (Sorrento, Cinque Terre, and Lake Como), as well as a stop in London, then back to the beach!”

DAVE LEACH ’69 of Chandler, AZ: “After my travels around the US last year and my December trip to Israel, France and England, I came home and started to date, and quickly marry a lady I have known for about five years. We are now Mr. and Mrs. David and Judy Leach. We honeymooned in the RV boondock camping in Northern Arizona and Utah, visiting Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. If anyone has never been there they are incredibly beautiful and wondrous to behold. Once we got back I moved to Judy’s house in Chandler, AZ (I don’t recommend moving in Arizona in July!). Now we are planning to take a few months on a working RV vacation to Judy’s home in southeastern WI, then north to the lake areas in Northern Wisconsin to the Upper peninsula and back into the lower states to New England for the fall foliage. We’ll visit friends and family along the way and then press on down the East Coast to D.C., Virginia and the Carolinas. We’ll try to see a bunch of sights and points of interest as we go. Then west to Knoxville and down to Atlanta to see more friends and family. Then west and back to Arizona possibly through mid-Texas to see more places and people. We figure to be on the road for two to three months. It should be a great time. We’ve also got a Northwest tour to do some time, but I’m not sure when.”

DAVE LEE ’69 and SUE STEGER LEE ’69 of Appleton, WI: Sue and I are looking forward to Alumni Weekend 2024. Hard to believe that our class falls into the elders group, but if, like me, likely retaining at least some of the wild ass elements of our youth – who am I kidding? Sue and I are beginning to spot vision screen this year’s batch of school kids for our Lion’s Club – at the rate of 13,000 screenings per year, we expect to surpass 100,000 vision screenings by Fall 2024. Sue is a Lion’s zone chair and I am secretary of our past district governors group for Wisconsin. Also this year I am serving as the Lion’s state chair for childhood cancer, which is one of Lion’s five global focus areas – we have an initiative to get donations from all of the 600 Lion’s clubs in Wisconsin this September which is childhood cancer awareness month – those funds will be used to help families of need who are dealing with childhood cancer. Wishing all of our classmates the very best of health and happiness for the coming year and hoping to see a mega turnout of classmates for our 2024 Reunion.

NANCY OLIVER LEIFHEIT ’69 of Sycamore, IL submitted:

“A Class Letter poem”
It is with reluctance I search for the words, similar words to the past,
And know full well, this request won’t be the last.
So,
I feel sure the Class of ‘69
Has spent the year pretty close to fine.
Searching for something new to impart
When Scott Nyquist emails and asks us to start
Thinking about what we did this past year.
Was there anything different, did we go far or stay near?
Are your hips, knees, and shoulders all old or some new?
Did your children or grandkids grow taller than you?
Looks like Farr Hall will be new and the football field, too,
But our memories of Chem Phys and Homecoming we still view
With our minds that are sharp, fully remembering it all,
Getting our credit cards ready when the new students call
To ask us to support our Alma Mater this year,
And we say, “Of course! While we were here,
We earned much more than just an education of knowledge
But gained friendships, camaraderie, and the value of college
Not to mention the era of freedom and exploring of the soul
The water tower, Greekers, the Spot and the Toilet Bowl.
So, Scott, until next year, this is my letter.
Perhaps next year with 2 new knees, I’ll think of something better!

Submitted by: Scott Nyquist

Dear Class of ’98,

It was fantastic to see so many of you at our 25th Reunion this summer! I had a great time – though I did question my decision to stay in Bovay in the summer heat. The experience was… authentic. It had a great view of stadium construction on Lower Sadoff, though. The contrast of old and new really plucked my nostalgia strings. That, and Professor Hatcher’s retirement reception in West Hall. I spoke to students from recent classes about how much he influenced them, and it echoed my own experience, despite our classes being 20 years apart.

Another favorite was the class march and the State of the College address by President Folse (only partly because of ’98s unspoken but universal decision to peel away from the march and find seats in the shade instead, like cool kids beelining for the back of the bus).

I had the opportunity to hear President Folse speak previously, when Eric Tammes and I came up for her inauguration. At the time, I felt certain that the College’s future was in good hands, and that feeling was reinforced further during Alumni Weekend.

You may have heard about the Forever Ripon campaign – the largest philanthropic and engagement initiative in Ripon’s history. The goal of this $75 million campaign is to improve access and impact, and focuses on three funding priorities: endowment growth, facility enhancement, and the Ripon Fund. You can read more about it at ripon.edu/forever-ripon. I’m planning to give what I can, and encourage you to do the same.

I’ve saved the class updates for the end. There’s a sad one this time – I’m sorry to have to share that CHAD BUTTERFIELD ’98 from Buckeye, Arizona, passed away on May 18, 2023. If you have memories that you’d like to share in the next letter, please send them along.

KRISTIN DODDS ’98 is deployed again and the Senior Vice Commander for her VFV Post, so still organizing events with them.

SARAH ENG ’98 is about to celebrate her first anniversary of working at FundApps, and is still delighted to be there. She recently used a meeting technique that she learned at Ripon with her new team. (Any other Scott Hall RAs remember “peaks and valleys” with Clarke?)

SHANNON MCKINNEY-FREEMAN ’98 continues to direct a research lab focused on Hematopoietic Stem Cell (HSC) Biology in the Department of Hematology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In April, she was awarded a new R01 grant from the NHLBI to study the effects of sickle cell disease on HSC function. This work has direct relevance to improving the safety of gene therapies for sickle cell disease. She was also promoted to Full Member (Full Professor-equivalent) at St. Jude in 2022. She continues to serve on the Executive Committee of the International Society for Experimental Hematology, where in 2024 she will serve as President. This Fall, she will submit a T32 training proposal to the NIH to fund a training program for postdoctoral fellows at St. Jude in benign pediatric Hematology. She is looking forward to visiting Ripon College again in October, where she will present a seminar and meet with students. While visiting, her daughter Mary, a High School senior, will enjoy a campus tour. Thus, Shannon is doing her part to encourage the next generation to consider Ripon College for their undergraduate studies.

LYNNE PHILLIPS ’98 writes, “It was great seeing many of you at Alumni Weekend! 25 years… Well, after all that time, I finally got my dream job. In April, I became the Curator of Hearthstone Historic House in Appleton, the first house in the world lit by a central hydroelectric plant. I spend my days researching, writing, working with interns (from Lawrence, but I like them anyway), and caring for the collections. I wandered the US for 22 years, but I’m back in my hometown and loving every minute! If you’re ever in Northeast WI, stop by and I’ll give you a tour!”

Thanks for reading, and keep the updates coming!

Sarah ’98

Submitted by: Sarah Eng

Dear Class of ’66,

It’s fall and that means a newsletter is coming soon. This has been an eventful year for me, but more about that in the newsletter. Send me what you have been up to, where you’ve traveled to, family info (my granddaughter just started preschool at age three!) and, most importantly, what you have learned.

The best thing about maturing is that the world looks different. Things I thought were infinitely important recede and life just seems transformed. So, I urge you to share your experiences with your classmates.

You can email your information to me at barryearle77@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from all of you.

COLLEGE NEWS

ALUMNI WEEKEND 2024
Alumni Weekend 2024 is scheduled for June 20-23, 2023.

FOREVER RIPON CAMPAIGN
Ripon College celebrated its second largest fundraising year ever in fiscal year 2023 with almost $19 million in new gifts and commitments. This contributed to Ripon’s Forever Ripon campaign reaching more than $61 million — more than 80% of its $75 million goal — by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, with two years still remaining in the campaign.

As we look back at our experiences at Ripon, we can all see the benefits we derived from that special time. In some way, the Annual Fund (now the Ripon fund) assisted all of us. It underwrites all aspects of yearly operations, including but not limited to laboratory supplies, technological innovations, library resources, faculty support, financial aid and scholarships, athletics, opportunities to study abroad, the arts and facilities.

Yours,

Barry ’66

Submitted by: Barry Simon

Memory Lane Reflection
It’s Been 43 Years Since Mount St. Helen’s Erupted
AND
The Ripon College Class of 1980 Graduated!

Greetings Fellow Classmates,

Please do not faint.

Yes…Here’s my Class Agent letter – Hope you are all doing well.  Welcome to 65 for those of you there and for those not quite there enjoy yet another life milestone.

News from Ripon College

Forever Ripon Campaign
Ripon College formally launches the Forever Ripon campaign, a $75 million effort to expand access through student affordability and innovative programs, enhance our facilities, and strengthen our institution through the Ripon Fund. This campaign will prepare Ripon for the celebration of our 175th anniversary in 2026, adapt to an evolving higher education landscape and ensure a Ripon College degree is relevant for generations to come. For more information check out the Ripon College website here.

Class Obits

NANCY J. SAFEBLADE ’80 of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, died June 23, 2023. At Ripon, she studied politics and government. She worked as a nanny in France, in a kibbutz in Israel and as a nurse’s aide for many years. She enjoyed reading, swimming, sailing, hiking and camping. Survivors include her mother, Evelyn Safeblade; and siblings, including DAVID E. SAFEBLADE ’81.

Class Notes

I’ll share some of the tidbits of information that I have received and am aware of.  

If you ever have any information, please just call me, text me or email me at gorsetr17@gmail.com or gorsetr@gorsetr.com.

BILL QUISTORF ’80: “Hi, Just a note for the alumni news. I was recently honored with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s highest award, the Distinguished Service Medal. This was awarded in recognition of our Helicopter Rescue Team completing the most challenging rescue missions of my career. Strong winds and mountain turbulence nearly prevented the rescue of this young man who was trapped by a two ton boulder, high up in the Cascade mountains.”

KATHY GOODBOUT ’80, ROBERTA (BERT) KOHLHAGEN ’80, and PEGGY GERO DAVALT ’80 have continued to do their weekly Zoom meetings on Tuesday evenings, which started back in 2020. Anyone can join if they would like. Reach out to PEGGY, BERT, or KATHY for the Zoom link. They meet from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  One of the highlights of the evening is the “Long Wisconsin Good-bye.”

Please remember there is a Facebook Group Page for this Class – it’s under Ripon College (WI) Class of 1980 (facebook.com/groups/283209381878413).  

LISA HEIMLER ’80, KATHY GOODBOUT ’80, and PEGGY DAVALT ’80 met for dinner at a Wisconsin Supper Club known as Feil’s in Randolph, WI in April. It was so much fun!! Great food, friendship and a 50’ salad bar made it all fantastic!! (Right, Goodbout??)

KATHY GOODBOUT ’80 and LISA HEIMLER ’80 enjoyed a cruise to Portugal earlier this year. It was a beautiful cruise and their photos delightful. So relaxing for sure!!

This is older news from SUSAN ANGELL SCHMIDT ’80 and ANDREW SCHMIDT ’81: “First, our son, Alex, graduated from UW Madison’s School of Law. He is the fourth generation, fifth Schmidt to be an attorney. We are very proud of him.

Andrew and I also contributed to the first dog park for Wausau, Wisconsin. This summer we can finally take our dog, Topaz, for a run in our city’s new dog park.”

That’s a wrap!! Hope you are all doing well and enjoying life and living it fully!

From Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach, this incredible quote – 

“Gradually, as you become curator of your own contentment, you will learn to embrace the gentle yearnings of your heart.”

Celebrate everything,

Peggy ’80

Submitted by: Peggy Gero DaValt

Hello Class of 2001,

I find myself thinking back to our time at Ripon College more than ever. We both have kids in high school and are starting to have conversations about what life looks like after graduation. The wisdom we think we have is usually met with eye rolls and sighs, but we still try!

One life lesson that I, and I’m sure many of us, have forgotten is “Work Hard, Play Hard”.  Some of us mastered that during our time at Ripon, but could use a refresher course now that we are in our forties and have many competing responsibilities. When we receive class updates, they are usually about achievements in our professional lives. We would like to challenge you to also share the things you do to “Play Hard” – the things that bring you joy, help with your work-life balance, and give you a sense of fulfillment.

With this in mind, we would like to highlight upcoming Ripon College events and accomplishments of faculty that inspire us. For other Ripon College news, please go to ripon.edu/news.

Kurt Dietrich releases biography of AL JARRAU ’62
Professor of Music Emeritus Kurt Dietrich recently published an authorized biography of jazz/pop vocalist AL JARREAU ’62, entitled “Never Givin’ Up: The Life and Music of Al Jarreau.” Jarreau is the only person in history to win Grammy Awards in three different categories: jazz, pop and R&B. He recorded more than two dozen albums over three decades and was renowned for his ability to sing many styles, including scat singing and taking on the character of guitar and percussion, all with his versatile and soulful voice. He acted on Broadway in the hit musical “Grease” and appeared on the television programs “New York Undercover” and “Touched by an Angel.

Jarreau majored in psychology at Ripon. When he first moved to California he worked as a rehabilitation counselor for the state of California. He did musical performances on the side until his singing career took off.

Kurt Dietrich taught at Ripon for 39 years. He graduated from Lawrence University, received his master’s degree from Northwestern University and his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. At Ripon, he directed the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, taught brass instruments and a variety of music courses.
If you’d like to learn more, you can do so here.

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra at Ripon College Oct. 1
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra will return to Ripon College Sunday, Oct. 1, for its annual appearance on campus. The free performance will be presented by the Caestecker Fine Arts Series and the first family of Ripon College, President Victoria N. Folse and Dick Folse. The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is Wisconsin’s largest cultural organization and is among the finest orchestras in the nation. Since its inception in 1959, the orchestra has found innovative ways to give music a home in the region and develop music appreciation and talent among area youths. The full-time professional musicians perform more than 135 classics, pops, family, educational and community concerts each season in venues throughout the state.

It will begin at 3:15 p.m. in the field house of Willmore Center, corner of Thorne and Union streets. No tickets are required, and admission is free and open to the public.

Megan Gannon completes ultramarathon
In July, Associate Professor of English Megan Gannon participated in High Lonesome, a challenging100-mile ultramarathon race. “The High Lonesome 100 is a high-flying Colorado mountain race transecting the southern end of the expansive Sawatch Range,” organizers state. “Starting and ending at the base of Mount Princeton, the loop course takes runners along soaring ridges, through idyllic meadows and remote basins, across five alpine passes and through two ghost towns. Runners will be treated to 27 miles of the National Scenic Continental Divide Trail and 35 miles of the classic Colorado Trail. This course is wild, tough and relentless. …”
To read more about Gannon’s experience, click here.

In other amazing news, Ripon College will be adding a new Engineering program and its first ever Masters degree program in Exercise Science!

Ripon College to Offer Engineering Program
Ripon College is launching its first engineering program to coincide with the opening of the new Franzen Science Center in 2024. John Sisko, Ripon College Vice President and Dean of Faculty, stated “We are making curricular expansions to meet the educational needs of current and future STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) students. The physical needs of the engineering program as well as state-of-the-art facilities for all of our science programs were integral considerations throughout the entire design process for the new science center.”

As part of the engineering program, the College also is establishing an Engineering Advisory Board, comprising regional industry partners. This advisory board will help optimize Ripon’s engineering program to best suit the technical needs of the region, offer internships and co-op programs to students and ultimately help create a path to employment for graduates.
You can learn more about the Engineering program here.

Ripon College to Offer Master’s Degree in Exercise Science
Ripon College will launch its first master’s degree program in exercise science in the summer of 2024. The Masters curriculum will be a 15-month program. The new program will offer three areas of specialization: Physiology, Sports Management, Sports Psychology. A 4+1 program will allow Ripon College undergraduate students to begin taking the graduate-level courses in their senior year and complete the master’s degree in just one additional year after receiving their bachelor’s degree.
To learn more about the Master’s Degree, click here.

Finally, we would like to send a big THANK YOU to all who have supported Ripon College this past fiscal year. Because of your support, Ripon had its second largest fundraising year ever!  For more information on the importance of your donations and fiscal priorities of the College, visit ripon.edu/forever-ripon.

Keep in touch,

Dante ’01

Nicole ’01

Submitted by: Dante Houston and Nicole Baumann-Blackmore

Hello, Class of 2016!

Fall is upon us, and there is no time like the present to cozy in and catch up!

Before we chat about what’s new for everyone, an important update from our alma mater: Ripon has formally launched the Forever Ripon campaign, which aims to expand access through student affordability and programs, enhance facilities, and strengthen the institution through the Ripon Fund. Remember that participating in this campaign can take so many forms – beyond monetary donations, attending alumni events, volunteering, and engaging on social media all help our college in meeting its goals.

As always, there is no update too small or too large, and I love to stay in contact with your latest happenings. If you have a fun trip planned, recently met up with some classmates, or have a Ripon memory you’d like to share, I’d love to add them to our next letter.

I am so grateful for every chance I get to catch up with you, and would love some help reaching everyone to build this class letter! If you are interested in joining the team to be a class agent, please reach out.

And with that, let’s catch up!!

CLASS NOTES/UPDATES

ALEXANDER MEHRE ’16 is still living in Maine with Jess. He is entering his senior year as a mechanical engineering student and president of the UMaine Black Bear Robotics Club. He doesn’t know where he will work in a year yet, but the Pulp and Paper industry has been very good to him.

ALYSAA NYCZ ‘16 and her fiancé recently bought a house just north of Green Bay, and they’ve been enjoying the never ending list of projects that comes with homeownership. Alyssa is still working as a pediatrician in the area. She and her fiance have gotten to enjoy some recent travel (Ireland, Banff), as well as reunions with Ripon friends!

ALYSSA KENNEDY POLK ‘16 and JORDAN POLK ‘16  recently bought a house and moved to La Valle, WI. They got a German shepherd puppy. Alyssa is working at Reedsburg Area Medical Center, and Jordan is working and coaching in the Hillsboro School District.

CHRIS WEAVER ‘16 and NIKKI GLASHEEN WEAVER ‘14 welcomed their first baby, Madelyn, into their family in May. They are still living in southern Wisconsin and loving being parents!

ELIZABETH KONIECZNY YAMAT ‘16 has had a busy and fun summer with her boys (Theo, 3 and Lincoln, 1) with many park, splash pad and zoo playdates.

EMILY WESTPHAL ‘16 and her husband recently sold their first home in Milwaukee, WI, and purchased a new home in Hartford, WI. They are excited to be moved in and are really looking forward to being closer to family and being in a smaller community. Emily continues to coach club volleyball for Midwest Penguins with BRI MILROY SIUDAK ‘15, and is really looking forward to another upcoming season that is right around the corner.

FRANK STELTER-HOGH ‘16 is welcoming a baby boy in March!

GARRISON ANDERSON ‘16 is running the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 8.

HOPE BELL ‘16 started, owns, and runs the only drag company in Daegu, South Korea.

JENNIFER KELLER ‘16 still has her red aluminum Ripon College water bottle from welcome week. Life is great, Andy and Jen get married in May and will be looking for a home or builder between now and then. She is enjoying work as Village Administrator in Jackson and thriving off the dinner table work banter with Andy, an Engineer for WisDOT. Anyone in the Milwaukee area open to catching up, let her know! Fall beer gardens abound.

JOSHUA LUNA ‘16 just got engaged!! So this next year he will be planning a wedding. Otherwise he’s been doing travel occupational therapy this last year which has been amazing. So much to see around the country.

KARI WRENN ‘16’s family of three will be a family of four in early November with the arrival of their second daughter! They may move back to Wisconsin in the spring – Colorado has been a wonderful adventure, but home awaits them!

KELLI WALSH MYERS ‘16 after working at our alma mater for nearly 5 years, has recently begun a new position working in conservation across the state of Wisconsin.

KELSEY O’SHIELDS ‘16 recently started pursuing her Master’s degree in School Counseling at WVU.

LIZZIE PETERS ‘16 is currently in Scotland trying to secure a primary school teaching position. She was approved to teach in Scotland in May, but getting a job offer has been a slow process. Thankfully, she has a couple interviews set up in the fall! Lizzie is excited to be the maid of honor for her best friend’s wedding the second week of October. Hopefully everything will fall into place after the wedding so she can fly back to Scotland and live here permanently!

MEGAN MAREMA ‘16 moved to South Florida in October 2022. She is still working as a certified prosthetist orthotist, but moved to work alongside orthopedic surgeons who specialize in limb lengthening and limb deformity correction.

NICK LUEDTKE ‘16 got married May 2022 in Iowa to Carolyn Stone. They’ve been traveling around the country running marathons and recently adopted a foxhound from a rescue in Iowa. In July 2023, Nick defended his PhD in chemistry at The University of Iowa. He was awarded an NIH fellowship to pursue postdoctoral research at UI to investigate signal transduction in bacteria.

RACHEL ROKUSEK GASSER ‘16 bought her first home in February 2022, and just welcomed her first daughter, Caroline, at the end of July!

RACHELLA LEABRIE FORTIER ‘16 just welcomed her second son, Bodhi Samuel Fortier!

RAEANN BRIXIUS ‘16 has spent most of her summer training for adventure races and has been working on training her new puppy, Arugula. She’s currently getting ready to move from DC to Arizona in October!

SARA DRIEBEL ‘16 recently started a new job as a Senior HR Generalist and celebrated her five year anniversary at her weekend job teaching at the zoo! Her favorite class is definitely penguin class, but lemur class definitely is high up there too. Besides work, Sara has been catering to her plants and pets, reading, hiking, and playing Barbie with her niece and nephew.

STEPHANIE ROSENOW PERGANDE ‘16 is expecting her first little one (baby girl) early December this year! She is still working at Oshkosh Corporation but as an associate marketing manager now. She still lives in Appleton!

ZACH BRAYER ‘16 won his grandma’s house back by beating his rival, Shooter, at the big golf tournament.

ZACH MUENCH ‘16 is currently in medical school at the University of Wisconsin and continues to work part-time as an emergency medicine PA in the Chicago area.

I hope to see you all at Alumni Weekend 2024, which will be June 20 – 23, 2024!

Sincerely,

Sara ‘16 

Submitted by: Sara Driebel