1971 – Spring ’23 Class Letter

Greetings, Class of 1971,

It is hard to believe another school year has about passed by. One has to wonder where the time has gone. One thing I do know is Ripon is still providing the same quality education we experienced so many years ago. Our continued financial support of this vital mission will ensure incoming classes will experience the best quality education possible.  Also consider making plans to attend Alumni Weekend June 22-25, 2023.

The College is three hours north of Chicago, and served by airports in Milwaukee (a two-hour drive from Ripon), Madison (a 1.5 hour drive), and Appleton (a 45 minute drive). Milwaukee offers the most frequent service. From the Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago and Appleton airports guests may choose to rent a car. Ripon is served by taxi to and from the Appleton airport.

Room Blocks:
Heidel House (Green Lake) – Book online here
Cobblestone Suites (Ripon) – Book by calling 920.748.5500

COLLEGE NEWS

JoAnn Wickstrom of Newton, Kansas, died on November 17, 2022 at age 89. After earning her BA in English, she received a Masters in Communications from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. She taught speech both at Wichita State University and in high schools before having children.  Jo married Ralph Wickstrom in 1957. They moved to Ripon in 1961 when Ralph accepted a position as a full professor at Ripon College. Several years later she began using her extensive skills to edit his books. Jo had a passion for teaching and art which led her to create the “Art Presenter Program” for children in 1st through 5th grade. She raised funds for framed replicas of famous paintings and found willing volunteers to present a new piece to each class every month. The program introduced art to many students who would not otherwise have been exposed to the masters.

THOMAS BACHHUBER ‘71 met up with GEORGE CLAM ‘71 (left), and JACK BENNETT ‘71 (right) and got lunch at Harry Cary’s in Rosemont, Illinois mid-February. 

As we look back at our experiences at Ripon, we can all see the benefits we derived from that special time. In some way, the Ripon Fund assisted all of us. It underwrites all aspects of yearly operations, including but not limited to laboratory supplies, technological innovations, library resources, faculty support, financial aid and scholarships, athletics, opportunities to study abroad, the arts and facilities. I urge your consideration to increase this year’s gift in recognition of all we have accomplished because of Ripon College.

Always for Ripon,


Jim ’71

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!