Commencement 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.
Thursday May 15 –
Sunday May 18
Commencement Weekend Schedule
| THURSDAY, MAY 15: | |
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| 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Senior Gala Great Hall, Harwood Memorial Union |
| FRIDAY, MAY 16: | |
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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: | |
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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.m | Baccalaureate Service An interfaith service featuring Class of 2025 speakers, performers, and artists. First Congregational Church, 220 Ransom Street |
| 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 |
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| Biochemistry/Biomedical Sciences/Physical Sciences Biology Chemistry Physics/Engineering Psychobiology/Neuroscience Franzen Science Center, Lobby |
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| 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 |
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| Art/Art History Museum Studies Music Theatre Rodman Lobby, Demmer Hall |
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| Exercise Science Willmore Center, Athletic Suite |
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| 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 (In case of inclement weather, to be held in the Field House, Willmore Center)Harwood Memorial Union Lawn |
Following Ceremony |
Reception Smith Hall Lawn (In case of inclement weather, to be held in the Messitte Atrium, Willmore Center) |
