R Connections

COLDWELL SIDNEY “SID” JOHNSTON III ’60 of Scottsdale, Arizona, died Nov. 8, 2014. At Ripon, he studied economics and participated in Sigma Alpha Epsilon/Delta Sigma Psi. He had a long career in banking that eventually took him and his family to Phoenix, Arizona, where he spent the majority of his life. He retired as a senior vice president at Bank of America in 1993. He loved animals and enjoyed the beach in San Diego, surf fishing, reading, tennis and watching football. Survivors include one son and one daughter.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

STANLEY E. BALL ’60 of Brighton, Michigan, died Feb. 15, 2020. At Ripon, he studied economics and was a member of Theta Chi/Alpha Omega Alpha, He received a master’s degree in finance from Indiana University Bloomington. He worked at Ford Motor Credit Co. for 31 years in the commercial paper department, retiring as assistant treasurer in 1995. He and his wife then worked in fund-raising for Send International, an international mission agency, for eight years. He served on the Cornerstone EPC missions committee for 13 years. He was an avid baseball and Green Bay Packers fan. He enjoyed working with model trains, playing golf and the beach. Survivors include his wife, JUDITH PELINO BALL ’60; and three daughters.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

VICTOR G. WOESTE ’59 of Eugene, Oregon, died March 1, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in economics and participated in WRPN radio, football, ROTC and Merriman/Phi Kappa Pi. He later became a Partner in the Legacy.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

EVERETT L. SCHWALBE JR. ’55 of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, died Feb. 19, 2020. At Ripon, he majored in economics, participated in athletics and Merriman/Phi Kappa Pi, and was commissioned through ROTC. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 until retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1978. He owned a Standard service station with his brother, Glenn, in the early 1960s; managed the Ben Franklin store in downtown Brillion for several years; sold insurance; and was a supply chain manager for Speed Queen. He was a member of Holy Family Parish and Knights of Columbus and was a Boy Scout leader and a football coach. He enjoyed camping and doing handyman work. Survivors include two sons and one daughter.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

KENNETH E. FENSKE ’53 of Waupun, Wisconsin, and formerly Germantown, Wisconsin, died Feb. 5, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in German and participated in Ver Adest, ROTC and Merriman/Phi Kappa Pi. He played football, was co-captain his senior year and was on the All-Midwest Conference first team as a defensive end. He played golf and served as Junior Class President and fraternity treasurer. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany and was a manager for the Wisconsin Telephone Company, Chicago Decal Company and 3M. For 40 years, he was an insurance consultant and received many industry honors. He was a member of Toastmasters, Kiwanis and Rotary, and enjoyed flying kites, swimming, fishing, golfing, reading, Bible studies, playing cards, photography, refinishing antique furniture and traveling. Survivors include his wife, Barbara; and two daughters.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

NANNETTE WEIMAR KEENAN ’51 of Franklin, Tennessee, died Oct. 30, 2020. After Ripon, she attended Northwestern University where she excelled in theater and landed the coveted position of assistant to the famed acting teacher Alvina Krause. She and her husband, Joseph Keenan, were active in theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, and Murfreesboro, Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee. She also taught speech and theater at Middle Tennessee State University. She was a passionate professional actress and director, an avid gardener, and volunteer of many organizations and social causes, including the Church of the Resurrection Episcopal Church in Franklin. Survivors include two sons and one daughter.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

PETER H. ORVIS ’51 of Arlington, Virginia, died Aug. 13, 2020. At Ripon, he majored in mathematics and physics and participated in Ver Adest, athletics and Phi Kappa Pi. He received a master’s degree in system management from the University of Rochester. He had a career as a surface warfare officer. His duties included working on the staffs of the Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific, and the Chief of Naval Operations. He also taught at the U.S. Naval Academy. He retired at the rank of captain in 1974. After retirement, he worked for the company Survivors include his wife, Jean; one son and two daughters.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

CARLTON “SMOKEY” BLOCHWITZ ’51 of Avon Park, Florida, died Sept. 25, 2020. At Ripon, he majored in psychology and was involved in Ver Adest, football, ROTC and Alpha Omega Alpha. He later was a member of Partners in the Legacy. He studied law at Drake University. He served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and in Korea. He enjoyed traveling in his motorhome during the summers, and tennis. Survivors include his wife, Carol; and children.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

MARY KILB MICHEL ’49 of Escanaba, Michigan, died Dec. 5, 2020. She attended Ripon College in 1946, attended Michigan State University and the University of Minnesota, and graduated from Northern Michigan University with a teaching degree in 1970. She taught at Bark River School for 32 years. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Eagles #1088, Elks Auxiliary #354 and the Highland Golf Club. She was a member of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church. In retirement, she wintered in Arizona and enjoyed painting, golfing, traveling, sewing and hosting family and friends. Survivors include four daughters.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

MINERVA L. MEYER DIEKVOSS BATT ’48 of Columbus, Wisconsin, died Sept. 6, 2020. She attended Ripon College from 1944-1945 and later graduated from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. She worked at Barlow & Seelig Mfg. Co. in Ripon and served with her minister husband, the Rev. Samuel Batt, in five parishes in northern Illinois. She retired to Columbus and tutored seventh-grade girls in math. She was active in the Columbus United Methodist Church and served as an officer in the Women’s Society of World Service in the Evangelical United Brethren Church and its successor United Methodist Women. She taught school and performed office work. Survivors include two daughters.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

FREDERICK W. ALLEN ’45 of Peoria, Illinois, died Jan. 24, 2021. At Ripon, he participated in Phi Kappa Pi. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II and was trained as a pilot. He later was a pitcher with the Papermakers of Appleton, Wisconsin, a minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. He then received a law degree from Northwestern University. He had a long career as a plaintiff’s attorney, eventually owning his own law firm. He was a member of numerous national and international professional organizations and held various leadership positions. He enjoyed golf, watching baseball, and was a member of the Elks Club for more than 70 years, the American Legion, and community groups. Survivors include two daughters.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

JANE ALLEN WATERS ’42 of Columbia, South Carolina, died Aug. 10, 2012. At Ripon, she participated in Kappa Delta/Delta Phi Sigma. Her husband served in the Army and they lived in Georgia, Virginia, Germany and Italy prior to their retirement in Columbia. Survivors include one son. Her husband, ROBERT L. WATERS SR. ’41, died in 1992.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

GARY ’72 and Jean KIRKPATRICK LEDERER ’73 and NITA JACKSON ’72 enjoyed meeting up in Healdsburg, California, for lunch and wine tasting!

Submitted by: Jean Kirkpatrick Lederer

Madison Author Launches New LGBTQ Mystery Series
Slips of Yew: A Dez Duchiene Mystery, Book 1: When a conservative politician is murdered in liberal Madison, Wisconsin, Dez Duchiene investigates and risks losing the man he loves.
Madison, Wisconsin. February 14, 2021
The Story: Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Dez Duchiene is a hospitality professional who dabbles in politics and moves to New York City where he marries architect Stevie Langford and lives happily until a detective knocks on his door, asking about the death of a prominent conservative politician.
Whitney Travers was a former boss and friend, and despite their differing political views, Dez feels compelled to figure out who killed him, despite his husband’s objections. Wisconsin is trying to pass a religious freedom bill that would curtail gay rights, and Stevie is uncomfortable every minute they stay after attending the funeral.  
Coming of age during the Act 10 protests that rocked the city in 2011, Dez feels like he’s in a familiar fight, one the liberals lost all those years ago. He walks a diplomatic line between the conservatives and liberals to collect information – but can he solve the mystery and save his marriage before it’s too late?
About the Book: Slips of Yew takes place primarily in Madison, touching on landmarks like the state Capitol, the Square, and the Vilas neighborhood. Dez recalls the Act 10 protests, including the palm tree debacle that opened so many people’s eyes to the manipulation used by certain media outlets. The first in a series, each book follows Dez and Stevie as they travel to different cities across the country – Nashville, Chicago, and even Winona, Minnesota.
Although LGBTQ characters are appearing more often in entertainment, they are still frequently relegated to sidekick status, comic relief, or tragic figures. Dez is a life-loving, energetic protagonist comfortable with who he is and who he loves. He defies stereotypes (Broadway musicals are just not his thing) and he’s a well-rounded, ordinary character who stumbles onto extraordinary situations.  
Slips of Yew: A Dez Duchiene Mystery, Book 1 can be ordered from your favorite local bookstore or through Amazon.com.
About the Author: Carol Shay Hornung (they/them) was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, claiming dual citizenship on both sides of the Cheddar Curtain. A Ripon College graduate, they hung a Pride flag on the Little White Schoolhouse (birthplace of the Republican Party) in 2015 when the Defense of Marriage Act was struck down. They are hard at work on the second Dez Duchiene novel, and past titles include Asperger Sunset and The Ghost of Heffron College, available from Amazon.com.
Author Quote: “While writing these books I discovered my own true voice – I grew up gender neutral, with attitudes and interests that aligned more masculine than feminine. Seeing the world through Dez’s eyes releases me from the constraints of gender and allows me to explore topics like equality, gender roles, and homophobia. Cognizant of misappropriation I had an old college friend act as my sensitivity reader and he seemed puzzled by the request – “just write it” was his primary advice. So. I did.”
Please consider printing a mention of Slips of Yew in an upcoming issue. The author would also be available for an interview. Thank you!
The book is available on Amazon at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Slips-Yew-Duchiene-Mystery-Book/dp/B08WJY84KX/

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

Obituary for Samuel W. Dougan ’48
Born April 16, 1923 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Son of Erwin and Nina (Andrews) Dougan. Died January 21, 2021. Samuel has been a resident of Tucson since 1956. He is predeceased by his devoted wife, Christie (Yates) and first wife Jeanne (Daisy), as well as brother, H. D. High school completed in 1940, attended Ripon College 1 year, and then enlisted in the Army. He served his entire 4 years of World War II; participating in the invasion of N. Africa (Western Task Force-1942) and Sicily-1943. Sam accumulated 7 campaign stars: Algeria-French Morocco, Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, South France, Rhineland and Central Europe, plus sharing in a unit citation. Sam returned to Ripon College, graduated in 1948 with an ROTC commission and was assigned to the 84th Airborne Infantry Reserve Division.
Sam’s family had a military heritage. His grandfather, also Samuel W. Dougan, was a wounded veteran, 5th Minnesota Infantry of the Civil War and a member of the “100 man” Company C, the reinforcements who rescued Ft. Ridgely during the Sioux Uprising. Great Uncle Charles Andrews, 29th Wisconsin Infantry died of wounds received at the Battle of Ft. Gibson, Mississippi-also Civil War. Brother H.D. did Army service in Burma. Great-great grandfather William Carskaden, 4th New York Infantry, fought during the Revolutionary War under General Mad Anthony Wayne.
Sam embarked on a teaching career earning an M.S. Degree at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1954. He enjoyed 34 years educating youth in grades 8-12, 27 years teaching at Amphitheater School District. He was recognized by the University of Arizona for leadership in their student teaching program, as well as a Cadre member of statewide instructional teachers-demonstration team. His community involvement included amateur (Corral) theatre, past president of Tucson Stamp Club, team bowling, and showing Scottish Terriers (including a Champion). A consummate philatelist, he volunteered at the Postal History Foundation, sponsored a school stamp club, exhibited at stamp shows, and authored magazine articles on Postal History. For many years Sam served on many committees and ushered at St. Philip’s in the Hills Church.
Christie and Sam enjoyed foreign travel, particularly to Europe and Canada. A physical fitness devotee he followed a regular schedule of workouts (25 years at El Conquistador CC) and daily walks with his late Scottie pal, Bailey.
Suggested contributions to Ripon College, 300 Seward St., Ripon, Wisconsin 54979-0248 or the Postal History Foundation at 920 N. 1st Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719
Wishing my former students, Colleagues and friends the very best!
Sam W. Dougan
Obituary summary featured in the Ripon Magazine:
SAMUEL W. DOUGAN ’48 of Tucson, Arizona, died Jan. 21, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in history, was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon/Delta Sigma Psi and was commissioned through ROTC. He later was a class agent and a charter member of Partners in the Legacy. He served in the Army during World War II. After earning a master’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he taught youths in grades 8-12 for 34 years. He was recognized by the University of Arizona for leadership in their student teaching program. He was involved in community theatre, the Tucson Stamp Club and related activities, team bowling, and showing Scottish terriers. He was an active member of St. Philip’s in the Hills Church and enjoyed traveling and physical fitness.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

1964 – Fall 2020 Class Letter

Pat Ostrom Kohnen ’64

925-201-7377 / [email protected]

Greetings to my ’64 Classmates,
I hope that you are doing well during this challenging time. Here at Stoneridge Creek in Pleasanton, California we are following protocols to wear masks, social distance, and wash our hands often. Our independent living population is 800 and there have been only two COVID-19 cases, and both residents have recovered. Today, our air quality is quite good, but we have been experiencing smoke from the many wildfires here in northern California. Stoneridge Creek has not been endangered by any of the fires. 
I have become a Zoom user. I host our Stoneridge Creek book club and chair the Creekview health and long-term care committee. Creekview is our living unit for assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. I also attend Zoom exercise classes, and have had Zoom cocktail hours with other residents. If you would like to have a Zoom visit send me an email and I will set up a visit.
Ripon has The Center for Politics and The People (www.ripon.edu/cpp), and I have recently participated in two of their webinars. Our classmate, JAN WREDE ’64, moderated the Racial Justice in the Courts: South and North webinar last month which addressed very current issues for us all today. The other webinar honored the 100 year anniversary of women’s suffrage, The Right to Vote: Past, Present and Future, and discussed challenges that still exist for the voting process. I hope that all of you will exercise your right to vote. You can access both of these webinars by searching for Ripon College on YouTube where other recordings of events are also posted. 
Class Note: 
JAN WREDE ’64 of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin shares, “OUTSPOKEN: The Olly Neal Story by Olly Neal as told to Jan Wrede was published June 1, 2020. It is available on Amazon. This is what has been said about the book: ‘Olly Neal’s autobiography provides a vivid and candid narrative of his lifelong commitment to the struggle for black freedom and equality. Neal’s story is not only instructive, valuable, and worthwhile in its own telling, but it is also an important addition to the far too few firsthand accounts of black lives in Arkansas. This book, like Neal, is a true state treasure.’ This book is especially timely in 2020. It is an easy read and those who are interested in diversity and racial equity might use this book to learn firsthand the struggles and successes of an inspiring, but little known black civil rights leader.” 
 
Students are on campus at Ripon and attending classes in person, but life on campus is not what we remember, especially due to COVID-19. However, the College is doing its best to ensure the health and safety of all, and you can learn more about their current precautions and campus restrictions here: www.ripon.edu/coronavirus-information. 
Ripon is still in need of our financial support. If you are financially stable, please join me in supporting Ripon. Three members of our class have contributed to the Emergency Assistance Fund this past fiscal year. Thank you!
I have enjoyed connecting with a few Ripon classmates on Facebook. I would also be pleased to hear from you via email, [email protected]. Please also consider sending me an update on how you are doing, or share news with me that can be included in our next Class Letter. 
Stay safe,
Pat

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

1976 – Fall 2020 Class Letter
Co-Class Agents:
MICHELE BARAN WITTLER ’76
[email protected]
PETER TUZ ’76
[email protected] 
Hello Classmates:
After four years without a Class Agent, MICHELE BARAN WITTLER ’76 and I (PETER TUZ ’76) decided enough was enough and stepped up to jointly do the job. JULIE CARLSON ’76’s shoes will be difficult to fill! We have a lot of catching up to do so we hope to hear from many of you often. As all of you know, 2020 is turning out to be one of the craziest years in history. We want to thank all of you who have continued to support Ripon with your time, money, and thoughts. Our class contributed $39,983 to the College’s #OneDayRally for Ripon Giving Day in May with 12 of you participating. Additionally, seven individuals from our class contributed to the Emergency Assistance Fund. The funds from #OneDayRally and the Emergency Assistance Fund were used for general budgetary purposes and to cover extraordinary expenses related to changes at Ripon due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you to all who supported, and continue to support our Alma Mater Ripon College.
As part of the federal legislation passed to support the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, many tax laws have been changed that make giving to charities, including Ripon, more advantageous in 2020 than it has been in several years. With year-end approaching, we would urge you to see if these would help you help Ripon. Also, be on the lookout for Ripon’s Day of Giving known as #OneDayRally in spring.
What is campus like this fall? Wisconsin autumn is beautiful and this fall is no different. We recall our first days on campus in 1972! What do you remember? After abruptly moving to remote instruction for the last portion of the spring semester, it was clear that our students missed being on the Ripon College campus. Many adjustments were made to create a safe campus for our students. And, they are so happy to be back! Thus far, students have completed six weeks of classes. Check out the following link for information about COVID-19 on campus: https://www.ripon.edu/coronavirus-information/.
At least as of September 30, 2020, our 45th Class Reunion is scheduled to be held in Ripon during Alumni Weekend, which will be June 24-27, 2021 in conjunction with the Class of 1975’s 45th Reunion that was not able to be celebrated in person due to COVID-19. With both of our classes celebrating milestone reunions, and with the closeness of our classes, this should surely be a reunion to look forward to. Please mark your calendars, and we hope to see many of you there. 
Please email us at [email protected] or [email protected] if you would like to help with our Class Reunion planning, the more the merrier! We are especially interested in finding individuals who could help us contact fellow classmates to encourage them to attend our Reunion and/or to contribute to our Class Gift. Perhaps you were in Greek life, athletics, or a club, and you would like to reach out to your classmates that you shared a special connection with? 
Please also email us if you have an interest in starting a Facebook group for our Class of ’76 that we could use for reunion planning purposes, as well as a way to stay connected with each other after our Reunion. 
With our 45th Class Reunion coming up this summer, we would like to rally you, our fellow classmates, to have a strong show of support for our Alma Mater this fiscal year. All contributions made to Ripon College this fiscal year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021), will go towards our 45th Class Reunion gift. Especially with the current pandemic still causing unique challenges to the residential college experience, our gifts will undoubtedly have an especially important impact.
As your new Class Agents, we look forward to hearing your latest updates and news. You can send us your news at any time. 
Class Notes:
I, PETER TUZ ’76, put my English major to good use as a newspaper reporter for a number of years, but ultimately ended up as an investment manager with Chase Investment Counsel in Charlottesville, Virginia. After three months of working from home, I am back in my office although we continue to practice social distancing in the extreme. For years, I have been a frequent traveler for both work and pleasure and perhaps the biggest COVID-related change to my life has been staying at home and not making any business trips, nor visiting daughters’ in Germany and Los Angeles.
Co-Class Agent, MICHELE BARAN WITTLER ’76, of Ripon, Wisconsin writes “I majored in mathematics and minored in biology at Ripon College; also, I obtained teacher certification at the secondary level. After three years as a high school math and biology teacher, my husband, Professor of Biology Emeritus Skip Witter, and I moved to Austin, Texas to pursue graduate school. I completed an MBA from UT-Austin. Eventually, we returned to Ripon and I am the Associate Dean of Faculty and Registrar at the College. Until relatively recently, I regularly taught in our Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.”
GEORGE ANASTOS ’76, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota writes, “I retired one year ago after varied careers in industry and ministry. I worked at the corporate headquarters of Yankee Candle Company for many years in various management positions. I also served churches in Salem and Deerfield, Massachusetts, and in Denver, Colorado. Upon my retirement, my wife of 35 years, and I moved to Minnesota to be with our daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. We love being grandparents. Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, we are caring for our grandson four days a week so his parents can work. I find it a bit amusing that when I received the email asking us to update our classmates and to include how we are coping during the pandemic, I had just come down with a few mild symptoms. I just got tested and I assume all will be well. Hello to all my classmates. I remember our years at Ripon as some of the finest in my life.”
JULIE CARLSON ’76 of Greenfield, Wisconsin writes, “I weathered the early quarantine by re-reading many of my old English major books and going for long drives with my husband because our car was safe and gas was cheap last spring. Since then, I’ve resumed my volunteer work-limiting hours and wearing a facemask, of course – with the Waukesha (Wisconsin) animal shelter and with Historic Milwaukee, Inc., guiding walking tours of downtown Milwaukee.”
RICH RUSSO ’76 of Ada, Michigan was named a member of Ripon College’s Board of Trustees. Rich previously served his Alma Mater for two terms on the Alumni Board of Directors from 2014-2019, and was elected to serve as Vice President of the Board in 2019.
ELIZABETH TOBIN BROWN ’76 of Stonington, Connecticut continues to practice psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. She tells us DAVE SCHWIER ’77 is still in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he has just recently retired from Delta. Beth also informs us that CHAMP CLARK ’76 had a play called Wild Son recently performed at the Santa Monica Playhouse in California. The play was performed online as well. The play centers on the troubled life of Marlon Brando’s son, Christian. Elizabeth is keen to connect to other Riponites, and she can be reached at [email protected].
GARY GIESEL ’76 of Lockport, Illinois writes, “Retired from Sedgwick after 43 years as a property insurance adjuster.” 
Looking forward to, hopefully, seeing you at our 45th Reunion next summer! 
Don’t forget to email us at [email protected] or [email protected] if you are able to help with our Reunion!
Peter & Michele

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

A memoriam of Barbara Kouba Hoffman ’60 submitted by her daughter, Rebecca Hoffman.
There’s another star shining bright in the night sky tonight. I’m sad to say my mom, Barbara, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 23^rd in her assisted living apartment in Vernon Hills, Illinois. She did not suffer and she passed as she lived, peacefully. Some of you knew my mom well. She was very funny, very well-read, knowledgeable about the most specific things and she lived a full and interesting life as a violist, orchestral musician, a microbiologist and ultimately as a gemstone specialist who loved working in the Fine Jewelry Department at Marshall Field’s back when the store was a shopping wonderland.
A true ensemble player, Barbara was a longtime member of the University of Chicago Orchestra and the North Shore Chamber Orchestra and other classical music groups during her life. Though classical music was a defining involvement for her, she had many other involvements and friends from all walks of life. She even ran two Chicago marathons in the 1980’s! Barbara also was devoted to many Czech-American Cultural organizations as these kept her close to her heritage.  She loved The New Yorker, The New York Times Review of Books, reading dictionaries of different languages and she was even fluent in Pig Latin which was always interesting to hear her speak it fluently with other people who could join her in those conversations.
Barbara was a wonderful mom, a doting, irreverent grandmother to our kids, a sweet mother in-law and a loyal-beyond-loyal friend to her many friends from all walks of life.
She didn’t want a funeral so we’ll skip that. And we can’t have a Shiva thanks to Covid-19. So we’ll skip that, too and let this post become a virtual Shiva. If you feel like memorializing her listen to some classical music (Mahler’s symphonies, The Moldau, Bach’s Unaccompanied Suites for Cello, The Goldberg Variations, or anything soul-stirring and good), drink a vodka and tonic as it was her favorite cocktail, eat a bowl of ice cream or watch a very funny movie as she would have liked to do.
Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to the Illinois Holocaust Museum as she always maintained that we should never forget the millions who perished in the holocaust and she was a quiet, unwavering supporter of the museum.  You can make them here:  https://18161.blackbaudhosting.com/18161/Cards–Tributes
Thanks for reading about Barbara, we lost a good woman last week.  Anyone wishing to reach Barbara’s family can email her daughter Rebecca Hoffman, [email protected]  or phone her at 312-282-4254.

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

2010 – Fall 2020 Class Letter

NICHOLAS BAKER ’10

(931) 444 4466 / [email protected]

TOMISSA PORATH FREISLEBEN ’10

(715) 853 6104 / [email protected] 

Greetings Class of 2010,

What a change we have endured in the last six months. When we last wrote our spring Class Letter we were excited to know in only a few short months we would be united on campus, enjoying a drink on the Union lawn and in many of our favorite downtown Ripon spots. Almost a month after writing it we all saw the world change drastically. For some of us we are still in the same position as before except maybe working from home or acting as a teacher to your children. Unfortunately, we know there are those who have endured hardship with job loss or even health issues related to COVID-19. What should have been an exciting summer and an even more exciting reunion was cast into doubt and eventually pushed back to next year. We were given the option to join the Class of 2011 to celebrate both of our ten-year reunions together, and we think this is a great opportunity given the closeness of our two classes when we were students. Please save-the-date to celebrate our Tenth Reunion during the upcoming Alumni Weekend from June 22-27, 2021. We are hoping to see as many of you as possible!

Even with the hardships facing all of us today we have to remember to use what we learned through our classes and activities at Ripon College to propel us forward into the future. We saw this first hand through the generous giving of the Class of 2010. As a class we raised $5,801 for the Ripon Fund with 22% participation. This was a huge improvement from our previous reunion year in 2015. 

Something that is striking is the improvement from 2015 even with everything going on in the world. We supported the Ripon Fund to help Ripon with educating the students of tomorrow and also adapt to the current environment. We are very proud of what we have accomplished and hope to continue to make improvements year after year. Without support from alumni like us Ripon could face closure like many private liberal arts colleges in the last few years. 

With the fall weather quickly approaching we only have a few more weeks to soak up the summer sun. Get outside and enjoy the time you have with friends and family before another brutal midwest winter is upon us. We hope everyone stays safe and healthy through these challenging times. Cannot wait to see you next year at the Union!

Class notes:

JEFF DAVIS ’10 and GWENDOLYN CASEY DAVIS ’12 of Stoughton, Wisconsin welcomed their daughter, Beatrice Elspeth Davis, on April 23, 2020. Everyone is doing well and both Clyde and his sister Fionnoula are excited to be a big brother and sister.

TOMISSA PORATH FREISLEBEN ’10 and DAVE FREISLEBEN ’07 of Monona, Wisconsin welcomed their son, Henry, in July 2020. Their family is excited to one day tell their son that despite being born in July, he was born on the second season-opener of the Milwaukee Bucks season.

KATHERINE HARTSTERN ’10 of Quincy, Illinois is a resident physician at Blessing Hospital.

THERESA MAE KEDINGER ’10 of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin writes, “Extended a third year with Peace Corps Costa Rica and will finish in June 2020.”

1LT BRUCE KUKOWSKI ’10 and JULIE KUKOWSKI ’08 live in Raeford, North Carolina. Bruce is currently training in the U.S. Army Special Operations Captain’s Career Course in the Civil Affairs Team Leader pipeline.

PHILIP MACK ’10 of Appleton, Wisconsin is a lecturer and PhD student at Marquette University (ABD).

JACOB MARSHALL ’10 of Ripon, Wisconsin welcomed baby Keller Marshall into the world on February 11th weighing 6lbs. 8oz. and 20-inches long. Keller joins big brother Woodson in the Marshall brood.

AXEL OWEN ’10 of Mount Laurel, New Jersey was the political director of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee from 2018 to 2019, and more recently became the organizing director in New Jersey for presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg. Axel and Amber Margentina celebrated their wedding on January 31, 2019. They have also welcomed a son, Oliver, to this world.

ANDREW PECK ’10 and JESSICA MANN PECK ’10 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin had a baby boy, Reed Xavier Peck, on December 28, 2019.

Our best regards,

Nicholas

Tomissa

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement

ERIC FELS ’19

(262) 365-9726 / [email protected]

RACHEL HAWLEY ’19

(224) 688-3049 / [email protected]

OLIVIA HECK ’19 

(262) 408-3785 / [email protected] 

TYLER STURZL ’19

(715) 889-672 / [email protected] 

Class of 2019:

Over the past few months, we have learned to cope and adjust to the “new normal” due to challenges surrounding COVID-19. I think a lot of us didn’t anticipate that the pandemic would carry into fall of 2020. Adapting to a pandemic isn’t quite the same as realizing you forgot to submit a paper while making the “Walk of Shame” back to Johnson Hall from the Quads and scrambling to finish it before your Monday 8 a.m.; however, if there’s anything we’ve learned from our peers, professors, and experiences at Ripon College, it’s that we can handle whatever life throws at us.

We will continue to face adversity head on and strive to make the most of our current situations. Heck, it seemed like it rained every Springfest of our four years at Ripon, and we still made the most of that. Whether it be completing graduate work or beginning a new job, the Class of 2019 has the tools to accommodate and excel during these challenging times. As we continue to explore industry or dive deeper into academia, we will apply what we have learned at Ripon to succeed in this next chapter of our lives.

In addition to COVID-19, we continue to live in an ever-present social justice movement. The deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Elijah McClain, and countless more have reminded us that the fight for equality and equity among people of color continues to be an uphill battle. As founding father Benjamin Franklin stated, “Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.” 

Climate change continues to rapidly lead our planet to a point of no return, and disproportionately affects minorities far more than other groups. As young leaders, we have the power and the responsibility to shape the world into a more equitable and stable place for current and future generations. Contact your elected officials, join a movement group or protest, and most importantly, vote. 

The College came out with Reunite Ripon: Our Plan To Return To In-Person Learning late summer. Classes begin for students on August 17th and will end on November 24th. A thorough description of Ripon’s plan for a safe return to campus can be found at ripon.edu/news. Additionally, the Midwest Conference made the upsetting, but smart decision to suspend athletic competition for the rest of 2020. As many of us were student-athletes and super-fans, it is difficult to picture a fall semester at Ripon without football games at Ingalls Field, soccer games at Prairie Field, basketball and volleyball games at the Willmore Center, and so much more. 

We are wishing you all well and hope you are engaging in some form of self-care! Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and socially is critical to your overall well-being. We want to see you all at Alumni Weekend on June 24-27, 2021. In order to make that happen, keep wearing your masks, social distancing, and refraining from the Tall Paul’s of your town. Listen to the doctors and the scientists. Remember, Red Hawks fly together. We will grow from these trying times and come out stronger and more united than ever before.

FALL 2020 CLASS UPDATES:

BECKY BAJT ’19 writes, “just got engaged to my adventure buddy, Drew! Frannie Cat, Drew, future Kitty, and I have also found a house together and will be moving in soon! Frannie misses the dorm life, especially when she could spy on people walking below her window!”

JAMES BALISTRERI ’19 writes, “There have been a lot of ups and downs since COVID-19 escalated. I was working as a stage manager in Door County, WI and had our show cancelled in the middle of our rehearsal process. After I prepped the show to be restaged, whenever it’s safe to gather again, I was laid off from the company. I took this opportunity to move out to Minneapolis and move in with my wonderful fiancé, SOPHIE WIDMAN ’18. While we, unfortunately, had to cancel a trip to see our wedding venue and see Sophie’s family in California, we’ve really loved getting to spend time together and make the best of the situation Since I’ve moved to Minneapolis I’ve been delivering groceries to those in need, planning our wedding, and waiting for the theatre industry to start making its way back. Here’s hoping things turn around soon!”

CARLY WESNER BOWMAN ’19 – “Just got married back in June! I started a new job as a website editor for a little shop up here in Fish Creek, WI!”

JACK CLOUGH ’19 is helping out with COVID-19 testing through the National Guard.

HAYLEE CONRADT ’19 will be a 5th grade teacher in the Kimberly Area School District.

CORAL EAKINS ’19 of Margate, Florida is a Flight Attendant for a major U.S. airline.

ERIC FELS ’19 of Reedsburg, Wisconsin is the Director of Operations at JustAGame Fieldhouse.

JUSTIN FILTER ’19 writes, “I moved to Lacey, WA in April 2020 where I am a platoon leader in the Army. My fiancé, SHELBI BUETTNER ’19, and I moved here with our dog and shortly after got another puppy! We are loving the state of Washington and all the scenery of the Pacific Northwest. My favorite part is seeing Mount Rainier every day on my way to work!”

LAUREN GOOD ’19 writes, “I have been working in the family roofing business and property management along with creating my own piano company called Everlasting Melodies.”

MELISSA MICALE HACKBARTH ’19 writes, “I got married to the love of my life on June 26th, 2020! We had to change our original big wedding plans due to COVID-19, but we were still able to have a magical, small ceremony with our family and bridal party!”

OLIVIA HECK ’19 writes, “I am headed into my second year of graduate school at Indiana University, pursuing my PhD in school psychology. COVID-19 has thrown a small wrench in my graduate experience, but I am constantly learning how to adapt and do the best I can despite the circumstances!” 

RACHEL HAWLEY ’19 writes, “I spent my summer working as an inpatient pharmacy technician at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI after my summer camp job was cancelled due to the pandemic. It ended up working out well because I was able to settle into my new condo and adopt a kitten, Pippa! I start my second year of pharmacy school this fall, which will be almost entirely online. Coming from someone who works and is pursuing her doctorate in healthcare, this virus is not going away anytime soon, even if a vaccine comes out by the end of the year. Please continue to wear a mask, we know it works to slow the spread. I hope you are all doing well. If you find yourself in Madison, I would love to do a socially-distanced meetup! Stay healthy!”

ELLEN HUGHES ’19 writes, “I worked an eight-month stint as an HR coordinator in Madison at InterVarsity. When that came to an end I made the decision that I would go back to school to pursue the licensure to become a high school social studies teacher. I’m currently planning a move to Oshkosh and will begin classes in the fall at UW Oshkosh!”

KATIE KING ’19 will be attending the University of Arizona to start pursuing her PhD in Biological Anthropology in the fall.

EMMA LEMKE ’19 is finishing up a Master’s degree in Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies.

ROBERT ROSNER ’19 writes, “My first year in the UW-Madison Water Resources Management Master’s program went well and I really enjoyed all my classes and experiences. I also continued to work at the USGS Water Science Center in Middleton, WI during the school year and over the summer as a student hydrology intern. I continue to get great hydrology fieldwork that helps connect to my coursework and prepare me for a career in hydrology. This summer my graduate school cohort is working on our program’s practicum working on promoting flood resilience in the Coon Creek Watershed in southwestern Wisconsin. While some of the fieldwork had been limited by COVID-19, we were able to begin some fieldwork in the watershed in recent weeks and have been conducting interviews virtually. This fall we will detail our work in an interdisciplinary report and provide recommendations to better prevent and respond to flooding in the watershed. In my free time, I have enjoyed visiting my family in northern Wisconsin and spending time fishing with them.”

Our best to you,

Your Class of 2019 Class Agents,

Rachel

Olivia

Tyler

Eric

Submitted by: Associate Director of Engagement