Founders’ Day

Ripon College was officially founded on January 29, 1851. Each year, during this time the College celebrates its birthday by honoring a community partner with The Founders’ Day Award, presented to an individual or an organization in the Ripon community who exemplifies the ideals of the founders of Ripon College.

Past Recipients

2024 The Boys & Girls Club of the Tri-County Area
2023 Peter E. Stone, chairman of the board of National Exchange Bank and Trust (NEBAT) and the private Stone Family Foundation
2022 Jeanne Lyke, pediatrician and medical advisor for the Ripon Area School District
2021 The Fond du Lac County Health Department
2020 Maria Dietrich, interim executive and artistic director of the Green Lake Festival of Music and retired adjunct instructor of piano
2019 Green Lake Association, Green Lake Conservancy and Green Lake Sanitary District
2018 State Representative Joan Ballweg, R-41
2017 Thomas E. Caestecker, Honorary Life Trustee
2016 Robert G. and Joan B. Murray
2015 Dave Duehring and Karen Stoddard Duehring ’72
2014 The Boldt Company
2013 The Marcus Corporation
2012 Agnesian Health Care – Ripon Medical Center
2011 Douglas A. & Lynn Post Northrop, active members of campus and community
2010 Todd & Betty Berens, community members and philanthropists
2009 Samuel Holmes ’57, posthumously, insurance agent and entrepreneur
2008 Laurie & Peter Kasuboski, owners of Ripon Area Builders
2007 Joan Karsten, president, Ripon Medical Center board/past president, Ripon Chamber of Commerce
2006 Rob Webster ’73, Webster United Food Services
2004 Ingalls Field Volunteers
2002 The Ripon Volunteer Fire Department
2001 The First Congregational Church of Ripon
2000 Mary Brandt, president of the Ripon Historical Society
1999 The City of Ripon Police Department
1998 John Roesch, longtime supporter of Ripon College arts and music
1997 Nancy Livingston, founder of the Ripon College Advance College Experience (ACE) and program director from 1985-95
1996 George H. Miller, professor of history emeritus
1995 The Teachers & Administrators of the School District of Ripon
1994 Douglas & Audrey Lyke, owners of Ripon Community Printers
1993 John M. Haupt, mayor of the city of Ripon