1983–Spring ’18 Class Letter
Barbara Williams Clay
Spring 2018
Hello Ripon Class of 1983!
It is time for the class agent spring letter and I hope to reconnect with you in person this summer for Alumni Weekend and our very special 35th Class Reunion. When is this “great event” you ask? Mark your calendars and make your reservations for June 21-24, 2018. Our 35th Class Reunion celebration is just around the corner.
LEXIE SHEPARD KERMANI ’83 is sending out a letter in support of our reunion that is filled with memories and it is our hope that it will inspire you to join in the fun and support Ripon’s efforts. We have secured “The Spot,” (formerly known as The Pub) for our specific class party on Saturday evening, June 23. Now if that doesn’t bring back memories… well, it is new and improved and a wonderful venue for our gathering.
I also want to make you aware of an opportunity to participate in Ripon’s first-ever Giving Day: #OneDayRally. In honor of Ripon’s founding in 1851, our #OneDayRally giving day will be held for 18 hours and 15 minutes on April 25, 2018. Anything donated that day by members of our class will be put towards our class reunion gift.
In years past, we have risen to the occasion to support Ripon both in participation and funding. I am confident that we can continue this tradition. Here are some fun facts about our last two reunions:
| 30th Reunion – 2013 | 25th Reunion – 2008 | |
| # of Reunion
Participants |
39 Classmates | 24 Classmates |
| Venue | Bovay Terrace | Rodman Center |
| Theme | The 80’s | Silver Anniversary |
| Notable Alumni Weekend Events | ● Our class co-hosted the
Friday night All Alumni Reception with the Class of ‘88 ● 35th Anniversary of Frisbee Golf ● Olympia Ogilvie Art Reception ● Alumni Lacrosse Game organized by JIM |
● Green Lake Festival of
Music Concert ● Alumni Bike Ride ● Talks on: Long Term Care Issues, and Wills and Leaving a Legacy to Ripon |
| MENDYKE ’83
● Talks on: American Foreign Policy in the Age of Obama, and Paranormal Activity on Campus |
||
| Dollars Raised | $114,117 | $43,112 |
| Class Gift Participation
Rate |
37% | 36% |
Alumni Weekend 2018 and our 35th Reunion looks to be a blast, and we hope you’ll be able to join us on campus in June. Full weekend details including schedule and registration are available online at www.ripon.edu/alumni-weekend.
Please let me know if you would like to participate in the reunion planning. If there are professors that you would like to us to invite, a memory that you would like to share, or if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact any of the following:
| Name | Phone | |
| BARB WILLIAMS CLAY ’83, Reunion
Coordinator |
[email protected] | 612-749-5010 |
| LEXIE SHEPARD KERMANI ’83 | [email protected] | 303-665-0840 |
| KEVIN DYKSTRA ’83 | [email protected] | 414- 840-4351 |
| MARK FRANZEN ’83 | [email protected]
om |
262-682-4555 |
| AMY GERRETSEN ’04, Director of Constituent
Engagement |
[email protected] | 920-748-8353 |
| Kelly Nielsen, Director of Annual Giving | [email protected] | 920-748-8852 |
News from classmates:
DAVID MATACZYNSKI CLANAUGH ’83 of Duluth, Minnesota, writes, “Working hard to revitalize the Habitat for Humanity mission in the Duluth, Minnesota-Superior, Wisconsin region as the affiliate’s executive director.”
Wishing you the best in 2018,
Barb Williams Clay Class Agent 1983