1993 Fall ’23 Class Letter
Hi All,
My thanks to the fab group that turned out for our 30th Class Reunion this past June. I think this was the biggest turnout yet—even some first-timers who hadn’t seen the campus since 1993. There have been major changes, but in many (good) ways it’s still the Ripon College we know and love. JIM REUTER ’93 and I are honing our comedy routines for the 35th Reunion—June 2028, save the date! In the meantime, the next Alumni Weekend is June 20-23, 2024, for anyone who is interested in attending.
Well, those of you who caught my plea for class news on our Facebook page did not disappoint (or you really, really did not want another Class Letter full of stories about me and my kids). Whatever the reason, we have news about alumni around the country doing great things:
JULIE TILLEMA HERNANDEZ ’93 completed her 22nd year as a professor of psychology at Rock Valley College. She serves on the college’s academic council, institutional review board, and DEI committee. She enjoys spending time with her husband, George, son (20), daughter (17), two dogs, two cats, and two chinchillas.
DEB JENSEN LAHTEINE ’93 also reported that she met up with KRIS DIEMER HAWLEY ’88, and her daughter, RACHEL HAWLEY ’19, at Plymouth Long Beach after connecting with Kris at the Inauguration and Reunion this year.
STEFF HOON FERRARA ’93 got married in August—congrats and best wishes, Steff!
And just a tiny update from me, MELINDA TRAINOR HUTCHINSON ’93—I vacationed in northern England and Wales this summer with my husband, son (16), and daughter (13). We made a quick stop to see the Ripon Cathedral one afternoon, and I even wore one of my Ripon College t-shirts, but the locals were nonplussed. Ah well.
With the happy news we unfortunately have some sad:
JENNIFER JOHNSON WILD ’93 of White Lake, WI, died June 24, 2023. At Ripon, she participated in volleyball and basketball. She earned a degree in accounting from St. Norbert College and received her CPA designation. She was the business administrator for the White Lake School District for many years and also worked for a local accounting firm and her own business in White Lake preparing taxes. Her faith was important to her. She was an avid Packers fan and skilled paddler, enjoyed traveling and learning to ski in Utah, and loved being on the Wolf River. Survivors include one son and one daughter.
Thanks to all of you who supported Ripon this past fiscal year, especially those who donated to the Ripon Fund and specifically for our Reunion year. Ripon College has launched a new campaign, Forever Ripon. It’s a $75 million effort to update and improve the campus, programs, student affordability, and more, in preparation for the celebration of the College’s 175th anniversary in 2026. Consider making a donation to support (or continue supporting) your alma mater.
Make sure you keep your contact information updated so you don’t miss any Ripon news. Contact the Alumni Office directly with changes at [email protected] or via U.S. mail to Alumni Office, Ripon College, P.O. Box 248, Ripon, WI 54971.
Check in on ripon.edu and/or social media for the latest College updates. If you’re not part of the Ripon College Class of 1993 Facebook page, please join! Does anyone have an interest in starting an Instagram account for our class? Let me know!
Until next time—
