Congratulations year of 2025!

Discovery Has No Limits

Celebrating Women in STEM

At Ripon College, our dedication to a liberal arts and sciences education, paired with our vibrant living and learning community, sparks endless possibilities for our students.

Educated through academic rigor and encouraged by intellectual curiosity, Ripon College sets students on a path forward to create their own distinct educational experiences, unlocking their endless potential. Here, our students experience “Discovery Has No Limits” whether through self-reflection, collaborative research, or innovative problem-solving.

This year, as we celebrate our 158th Commencement, we honor the spirit of unrestricted exploration by highlighting the remarkable achievements of women in STEM. Building on last year’s theme “Breaking Barriers: Creating a Legacy,” these trailblazers serve as role models, inspiring colleagues, students, and the next generation of leaders to embrace challenges, shatter barriers, and redefine what is possible.

Together, we celebrate a future where discovery truly has no limits—uplifting diverse voices and shaping a world of endless possibilities.

Red Divider Line

Thursday May 15 –
Sunday May 18

Red Divider Line

Registration Options for Parents and Families Attending Commencement Weekend. See schedule below.

Full Weekend Experience – Includes all events, plus the celebratory brunch on Sunday, May 18 ($15 per person).

Complimentary Events Only – Enjoy select events at no cost.
Graduates can attend all Commencement Weekend events, including brunch, at no cost and should not be included in your ticket quantity during online registration.

Your time celebrating Commencement Weekend with your graduate should be as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. If any questions arise, please feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or by phone at 920-748-8126.

Fresh flowers to celebrate your graduate!

$25 presale

Pre-purchase fresh locally grown flowers to give to your graduate on graduation day.

Preorders available until Wednesday, May 14th

Flowers will be ready for pickup between noon-3pm on Sunday, May 18th.

Commencement Weekend Schedule

Thursday, May 15:

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m..Senior Gala
Great Hall, Harwood Memorial Union

Friday, May 16:

1:00 p.m.Senior Class Photo
Harwood Memorial Union Steps (Rain site: Bear Auditorium)
1:15 p.m.Graduate Class Photo
Harwood Memorial Union Steps (Rain site: Bear Auditorium)
1:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.Senior Commencement Rehearsal
Bear Auditorium, Franzen Science Center
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.Graduate Commencement Rehearsal
Bear Auditorium, Franzen Science Center
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.Graduate Student Dinner Celebration
President’s House, 1 Merriman Lane

Saturday, May 17:

7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.Commons Grounds: “We Proudly Brew Starbucks” Coffee Shop
Lower Level, Pickard Commons
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m..Ripon College Senior Art Exhibit
Caestecker Gallery, C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.Intercultural Convocation
A celebration of heritage, featuring Class of 2025 graduates. All graduates are welcome.
Demmer Recital Hall, C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts
10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.Refreshments
Foyer Gallery, C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.mBaccalaureate Service
An interfaith service featuring Class of 2025 speakers, performers, and artists.
First Congregational Church, 220 Ransom Street
12:00 p.m - 3:00 p.m.Campus Merch Store Open
The following department receptions on Saturday are open to all graduates, families, faculty, staff, and special guests:
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Departmental Receptions

Economics and Business Management/Finance
Educational Studies
Mathematics and Computer Science
Psychology/Psychobiology/Neuroscience

Todd Wehr - 1st floor Lobby
Biochemistry/Biomedical Sciences/Physical Sciences
Biology
Chemistry
Physics/Engineering
Psychobiology/Neuroscience

Franzen Science Center, Lobby
American Studies/ARMS
Communication
English
Foreign Languages/Linguistics
History
Philosophy
Political Science/Criminal Justice/Law & Society
Sociology/Anthropology
Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies

North Reading Room, Lane Library
Art/Art History
Museum Studies
Music
Theatre

Rodman Lobby, Demmer Hall
Exercise Science
Willmore Center, Athletic Suite
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.President’s Reception with Complimentary Champagne Toast
For all graduates and their families, faculty and staff, trustees, and special guests Willmore Center, Messitte Atrium

Sunday, May 18:

7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.Commons Grounds: “We Proudly Brew Starbucks” Coffee Shop
Lower Level, Pickard Commons
9:15 a.m.Phi Beta Kappa Induction
North Reading Room, Lane Library
10:00 a.m.Commencement Brunch and Forum
A discussion featuring the honorary degree recipients and other special guests, moderated by President Folse
Brunch is served until 10:30 a.m. for graduates, families, friends, trustees, faculty, staff & special guests.
S.N. Pickard Commons
Forum from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
12:15 p.m.Commencement Procession Assembly
Students will assemble near Todd Wehr Hall; Faculty near Lane Library; and Trustees, Senior Administrators & Platform party in front of Smith Hall.

In case of inclement weather, the assembly will be held in Keipe Gymnasium, Willmore Center
1:00 p.m.Commencement Ceremony
Harwood Memorial Union Lawn
(In case of inclement weather, to be held in the Field House, Willmore Center)
Following CeremonyReception
Smith Hall Lawn (In case of inclement weather, to be held in the Messitte Atrium, Willmore Center)

Register For Commencement

Registration Options for Parents and Families Attending Commencement Weekend. Register for commencement today:

Full Weekend Experience – ($15 per person)
Complimentary Events Only – Enjoy select events at no cost.

frequently asked questions

Please read through the FAQs before contacting the College, as they will provide a more timely/immediate answer. You can start by choosing a question from one of the sections below

What if I cannot attend?

We’ll miss you! Graduates who cannot attend will be listed in absentia in the program, and their diplomas will be mailed to the address on file.

Can I return my cap and gown?

Caps and gown are provided by the College to graduates free of charge, so there is no need to return your cap and gown following the ceremony.

When will we receive official invitations and be able to register for Commencement events?

As details are finalized, updates will be posted to ripon.edu/commencement. By early April, the Office of Constituent Engagement will send invitations and begin accepting online registrations.

I need an official transcript for my job/graduate school, how do I get one?

The Office of the Registrar will send a complimentary official transcript, with the degree posted, to all graduates, most likely in the first part of June. After that, additional transcripts are available by request from the Office of the Registrar. More information is available on the transcripts page.

Where can I stay and eat in the Ripon area?

Click here for a list of lodging and dining options in the area.

Do I need a ticket to attend the Commencement ceremony?

There are no tickets for the Commencement ceremony. Seating is first-come, first-served. While seating will be available outdoors, there are also plenty of grassy areas, and guests are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs. If the ceremony is moved indoors, seating will be more limited; so guests should plan to arrive early.

Where is the Commencement rain location?

Commencement will be held on Sunday whether it rains, sleets or snows. Sunday’s 1 p.m. ceremony is traditionally on the lawn of Harwood Memorial Union, but should there be inclement weather, the ceremony then will be moved inside the field house in Willmore Center, located at 400 Union Street. Further updates on the day will be found on our Facebook page.

Where can I park?

Free parking is available on the streets surrounding the Union; however, spots will fill fast and early. Click to view our Campus Map. Off-street parking, denoted on the map by a P, is available in lots behind Smith Hall, on Thorne Street, at the corner of Seward Street and Woodside Avenue and off Ransom Street across from East Hall. Accessible parking, denoted on the map with an H, is available near the Union, outside Pickard Commons and at Evans Admission Center. Accessible parking also will be marked on Seward Street. If the ceremony is held inside Willmore Center, free parking is available in the lot and adjacent streets.

Is accessible seating and parking available?

Accessible seating and parking is available for the Commencement ceremony. Please ask an usher if you need special assistance. Individuals requiring special assistance should call the Office of Constituent Engagement at 920-748-8126 to ensure appropriate accommodations.

What’s the policy on honor cords?

The College provides College honor cords (summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude) and Phi Beta Kappa stoles. All departmental honor cords, Greek stoles and other accouterments (within reason) are allowed during the ceremony. Those items, however, will not be provided by the College or listed in the program.

Looking to stay for the weekend?

Ripon and the surrounding area make for a picturesque weekend getaway. Find lodging and places to eat around town and make your stay as comfortable as possible.

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