2006 – Spring ’23 Class Letter
Hello Class of 2006!
As it relates to our time at Ripon, spring always gives us a few things to remember fondly. Like the anticipation of Spring Break and Springfest. Or the sense of accomplishment associated with working our way through the half-marathon training program that was part of Joe Hatcher’s Theories of Motivation course.
You might remember that course started during our time at Ripon, and it launched the Ripon College/Ripon Community “RC-squared” half marathon, which is still running annually. It’s a nice legacy that some of our classmates took part in creating.
Speaking of Joe Hatcher, we wanted to make sure everyone was aware of the following news about some of the faculty and staff who were important to many of us during our Ripon years:
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Joe Hatcher will be retiring from the Psychology Department at the end of the current semester. He first started at Ripon in 1986.
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Evelyn M. Kain, emerita professor of art, taught at Ripon for 28 years, until 2011. Sadly, she passed away in December 2022.
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Kathy Welch served 19 years as Director of Health Services (though I think most of us just referred to her as “Nurse Kathy”) for 19 years. She moved on to a new role with SSM Hospice care in January 2023.
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Mary E. Williams-Norton was a professor and department chair in the Physics Department for 37 years before retiring in 2012. Sadly, she passed away in September 2022 at 76 years of age after battling metastatic breast cancer.
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Jeanne Williams retired from the Educational Studies Department in 2017, but will return to the College in the fall semester to teach Secondary English Teaching Methods.
- One last thing: While the College and Ripon news is fresh on your mind, now is a great time to submit updates for the next letter. Please use this Google Form: https://forms.gle/fFThutcoWRyTsr3A9.
Alumni Weekend is scheduled for June 22-25! We are not celebrating a reunion this year, but that is no reason not to participate in the scheduled events and activities. More information about the event and activities occurring during Alumni Weekend will be available at alumni,ripon.edu /alumni-weekend soon. There are room blocks at Heidel House in Green Lake (Book here) and at Cobblestone Suites in Ripon (Call 920.748.5500). There will also be rooms available on-campus starting in April.
Class News:
VICTOR MAGNUS ’06 of Wautoma, WI: “I unlaced my boots and retired from military service after 21 years in July 2021. I also formed my own business in 2021 after years of preparation. The Victor Magnus Agency provides insurance solutions throughout Wisconsin. JACKI WEISS MAGNUS ’05, works for CESA 5 in Portage as a Solutions Architect. This year we celebrated 21 years together and 17 years of marriage.”
CRYSTAL MARTINEZ ’06 of Houston, TX: “Moved to Houston, Texas from Chicago, Illinois a year ago. Currently a 12th Grade College Counselor for Kipp Houston High School. Actively trying to recruit students to attend Ripon College – No luck so far! Also, still in touch with all my Ripon College besties. Shout out to STEPHANIE CHACHARON ’06, JESSICA FORMAN-GOLDBERG ’06, and HOLLY NORDMAN MEYERS ’06. We are planning a girls’ trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming soon.”
ALI RISSE ’06 of Slinger, WI: “I started a new career journey as a Sourcing Manager for Milwaukee Tool in January of 2022. I have thoroughly enjoyed the move to a new company and my new responsibilities.”
JENNIFER BAKER SCHILLING ’06 of Pelican Lake, WI: “In the summer of 2020 I began working as the Finance Technician at the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. I also volunteer as a member of their Drone Team.”
KELLY SOLBERG WILHELME ’06 of Appleton, WI: In September of 2022 was promoted to Director of Marketing at Weidert Group, an inbound marketing agency for complex industries. “And my daughter started 4K (and I’m in denial that next year she’ll be in elementary school).”
Last, in some unfortunate van-related news:
ANDY KITSLAAR ’06 of Menona, WI: “My van got hit by a garbage truck while parked at daycare. It was a, ‘He’s gonna hit it! He’s gonna hit it! He’s gonna…he hit it,’ moment while watching with all the kids in my arms.”
Nicole ’06
Andy ’06
Ed ’06
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!