2018 Spring ’23 Class Letter
Hey Class of 2018,
We are about to hit the big five year milestone this May. Life is starting to feel less and less like transition and uncertainty as we all start to figure out our paths. Now, don’t get me wrong there is still plenty of time and space for big moves, career changes, and other life changing moments; but as we write this letter we can’t help but feel a small amount of peace. The first few years post graduation are rough. Rougher than anyone cares to tell you. Those first few years are marked by instability, uncertainty, and a whole lot of new bills to pay. As we approach our reunion year, we hope that you take this moment to pause and reflect. We’re no longer in our early 20s, and we’re no longer brand new at this whole “adulting” thing. Before we enter into whatever comes with your late 20s, it’s important to take an inventory of everything you’ve done and maybe everything you’re looking forward to doing.
Speaking of things to look forward to, we hope to see you at our 5th Reunion during Alumni Weekend (June 22-25). The weekend schedule of events is being finalized, but here are the details for the Class of 2018 specific events:
Friday, June 23
6 – 8 p.m. // Informal Class Gathering – Vines and Rushes Winery, Country Rd E, Ripon
Saturday, June 24
6 – 8 p.m. // 5th Reunion Celebration – Roadhouse Pizza, Downtown Ripon
If you’re planning on off-campus lodging, there are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/HQ83E1), and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (920-748-5500). On-campus lodging will open up in April, and will have plenty of capacity in Tri-Dorms and Bovay Hall.
Classmate Updates:
MICHAEL BAUMHARDT ’18 of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, recently finished their first full year as a clinical therapist. They also started a video game repair and resale business.
JAKE BAUS ’18 of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, continues to practice as a physical therapist in the area, as well as, staying involved with local track and field programs.
BIFF FLOODSTRAND ’18 of Appleton, Wisconsin, adopted a standard poodle named Rue. They also celebrated four years at Starbucks while balancing their full-time job as on-air talent for 101.1 WIXX in Green Bay.
MARGARET GOODWIN ’18 of Lake Stevens, Washington, recently made a big change by moving across the country from Wisconsin to Washington. She is newly engaged as of November and has also started school to become a certified court stenographer.
LAUREN HINCE ’18 of Chicago, Illinois, purchased a condo in the city this past year. She still works at Chicago Debates and spends her free time volunteering with Chicago Cleanup Club and attending weekly trivia competitions.
ELLIOT HOERDEMANN ’18 of Fayetteville, Arkansas, started a new role in February as a distributor sales executive at Molson Coors Beverage Company covering the state of Arkansas.
WILLIE PENTERMAN ’18 of Columbus, Wisconsin, completed his first marathon alongside his wife, ABBY HILKER PENTERMAN ’19. He also won re-election to the Wisconsin State Assembly for his first two-year term. He was nominated to the Wisconsin Historical Society Board of Curators in January and will be chairing the Assembly Committee on Labor and Integrated Employment this session.
TENE ROBINSON ’18 of Plainfield, Illinois, had a baby girl who just celebrated her first birthday. She is currently working in private practice at two agencies. In her spare time she works on illustrations for her first children’s book
JOSH SCHUBRING ’18 of Appleton, Wisconsin, is newly engaged to Emily Hardin. He continues to work for Ducks Unlimited, Inc managing online fundraising activities for the Midwest.
EMILY STANCZAK ’18 of Indianapolis, Indiana, is recently engaged. She is almost done with her PhD program and hopes to publish a paper soon.
HANNAH TETZLAFF ’18 of Brandon, Wisconsin, has made a career transition after two years of working for a local newspaper post-graduation. For the past three years she has been working as a home health aid. She plans to go back to school and earn a degree in the medical field.
KATELYN VAN SWOL ’18 of Racine, Wisconsin, graduated with their master’s in communication from Arizona State University in December 2022, and is working for Uline as a direct marketing coordinator on the special projects team.
CORDELL WALKER ’18 of Verona, Wisconsin, traveled to Switzerland, Italy, and France with fellow alumnus, J.J. GRINDE ’17, to hike 108 miles through the Alps last summer. He is working in Madison as an art director for Athletic Business Media Inc.
ANDI WINTERS ’18 of Fort Myers, Florida, is working as a surgical physician assistant in colorectal surgery.
ELEANORE MUELLER WOOD ’18 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, ANDREW WOOD ‘16, in early March.
See you soon!
Lauren ’18
Eleanore ’18
Holly ’18
Your 2018 Class Agents
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!