1974 – Spring ’22 Class Letter
Hello, classmates! “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?”
I am really getting restless to be outdoors – to take longer walks and to play in the garden. I am not much of a tv-watcher, aside from some PBS shows and Sunday football. I do read an awful lot, bird-watch and hike locally, as well as volunteer at my library. We haven’t done any traveling in a very long time, and we are looking forward to taking some trips as soon as we can. But one thing COVID-19 has done for us is show us all the interesting things there are to do in our own backyard, so to speak – the museums, art galleries, and exhibits going on close by, and we’ve tried to experience as many as possible. Are you doing this, too? If so, I hope you will share your experiences with me so I can add them to future Class Letters.
I know the folks at the College are working hard as they always do on preparing for Alumni Weekend, and they are hoping we all plan to be on campus June 23-26. It’s not too early to make hotel reservations, and be watching for news of online registration later this spring. A list of area hotels is available at www.ripon.edu/lodging/.
How exciting it will be to get back to our traditional celebration!
You may also be excited to see all the changes taking place in downtown Ripon. Apparently, Ripon has received a lot of attention and recognition for upgrades to the downtown area, taking advantage of the lovely architecture of so many remaining buildings, and has become quite a popular destination for shopping and dining. It was recently named one of the “Coolest Small Towns in America!” And, if you check out Ripon’s Main Street Facebook page, you’ll see they have events planned for the rest of 2022, with something for everyone. I look forward to strolling down Watson Street and experiencing its charm once again.
There aren’t a lot of Class Notes this time, but I must say it was wonderful to hear from some folks we haven’t heard from in awhile. I guess the pandemic has kept most of us close to home, but even if you aren’t traveling, it’s great to hear what’s on your mind. Keep me in the loop!
KATHY WILLIAMS HOFFER ’74 and TERRY HOFFER III ’74 of Danville, Vermont, write: “We remember being puzzled when in 1992 Ripon decided to retire the Redman mascot. There was an emerging controversy about the disrespect such a mascot name extended to Native Americans, and ultimately the College became formally known as the Red Hawks. We are no longer puzzled, and in retrospect, we appreciate Ripon doing the right thing. We live in Danville, a small town in northern Vermont, with a high school that has represented itself as the Indians. The mascot controversy simmered until last fall when the pendulum swung to a point of agreement for change. Now we are the Danville Bears. GO BEARS!”
KIM KOBRIGER ’74 of Henderson, Nevada, sent the following news: “Teri and I have sold our house in Nine Mile Falls, Washington, and our new permanent address is in Sun City McDonald Ranch, in Henderson, Nevada. Teri is redoing the interior of the house – she is painting and doing new baseboards and door casings – she likes doing it herself!!
“I am hoping to make it back to Ripon this summer and MARK WRIGHT ’75 and I along with BILL BRUCATO ’73 are planning a 50-year swimming reunion for all swimmers for October to celebrate the 1970-71 and 1971-72 Swimming Conference Championships. I am trying to get back in shape by walking and golfing.
“We are guardians of Teri’s daughter’s oldest who is a senior at Coronado High School. I am an active member of Rotary and I volunteer with the Knights of Columbus to serve food at the Senior Center and at the Catholic Charities Food Pantry.
“All is going well and I wish you and your family a blessed and peaceful New Year ahead. I hope all this craziness settles out and people can get back to normal lives.”
Class notes
DEBORAH EVANS CLEM ’74 of Boulder, Colorado, writes, “We are long retired but my husband Steven is a faithful Habitat volunteer and I continue to write; participate in music in a variety of ways, especially in the World Wide Dalcroze Music Education Community. Mostly we enjoy our family from age 97 to ages 2-1 with (seven) grandchildren and another on the way.”
LINDA LANDIN KAROW ’74 of Silver Spring, Maryland, says: “Just got back from the Atlanta area, where we visited our first grandchild, Kennedy Faye. She was born on November 1st. Life in Maryland has been an adventure. My daughter is getting married in downtown D.C. in July. I am looking forward to that.”
Good to hear from you all, and I know all your Ripon friends will be as well. Please keep sending your news and views; I will hang on to them until I write our next Class Letter. Meanwhile, stay healthy and happy, and make plans to be on campus for Alumni Weekend! Happy Spring!
All the best –
JAN PETROVSKI MACLEOD ’74
(630) 460-0320
Your 1974 Class Agent
