1985 – Spring ’23 Class Letter
Think Spring! And Be Inspired!
What keeps us moving forward? | What pushes us to succeed? | What motivates us daily
Inspiration
Webster defines inspiration: “the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something.”
You might ask – to do or feel what?
Well, as we emerge from the winter doldrums, shake off the cold/limited daylight/sunshine, and begin our spring journey, refreshed and ready to get outside – college spring break, golfing, planting gardens, etc., we become inspired.
This energy is contagious. You inspire others with the same energy and voila you notice everyone’s demeanor has changed from gloom and doom to happiness, cheerfulness and all this tumultuous energy is felt everywhere.
So fellow alums and current Ripon students, now that spring has sprung, may you be inspired to inspire others, and may it be the one thing that’s contagious!
Main Message
No doubt many of you have endured a long and cold winter. Spring can’t come fast enough! Here’s a thought…instead of letting the winter cold drive us insane – let’s refocus! Even if you’re enjoying warmer weather – let’s refocus our mindset for 2023.
This spring’s message focuses on “Mastering the Art of Giving”. I’m calling on all of my fellow classmates to “give” to Ripon College this year. There are as many reasons to give as there are ways to give. Below are a few examples.
Give advice and encouragement. Visit your local high school and talk with students about college. Offer any advice the students seek. Share your Ripon College experience.
Give money. Set aside some extra $$ for the Ripon College Fund Raisers.
Give of your talents – Volunteer at your local high school and present during the school’s Focus on Career Days – share stories about your Ripon College journey and how your education led you to where you are today.
Give a recommendation/help with applications. Serve as a reference for high school students seeking letters of recommendation for their college applications, scholarships, etc. Assist high school students in completing the necessary paperwork to apply to a college or to apply for a scholarship. We’ve all been there! Connect with your local Ripon College recruiter. Meet with students who show an interest in Ripon College and share your experience as a Ripon graduate.
“Give others all that is alive in us—our interest, understanding, our knowledge, our humor, everything in us that’s good. In doing so, we enhance the sense of aliveness in others while enhancing our own. When we give, we get a “heightened vitality” of what it means to be human.” – Erich Fromm, The Art of Loving
Let’s Master of the Art of Giving Class of ’85! Share your “Ripon Giving” stories and let’s start a ripple effect. I look forward to hearing from all of you!
Alumni Weekend is scheduled for June 22-25! More information about the event and activities occurring during Alumni Weekend will be available at alumni.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend soon. There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500). There will also be rooms available on campus starting in April.
Heather ’85
P.S. There will be a special giving event in conjunction with inauguration weekend, April 20-23, to celebrate Ripon’s 14th President, Victoria N. Folse, and the exciting momentum happening within our campus community. This event will be an extension of the #OneDayRally brand and experience. Stay tuned for more information. We look forward to your participation!