R Connections

Add My Story
  • Hidden
  • Please enter a number from 1940 to 2050.
  • Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif.

Welcome to R Connections! This is your go-to place for information about your graduating class and to explore alumni news and sightings.

Tips for Exploring R Connections

  • Select your class year from the dropdown below and click “Search” to see your class information, class agents, recent news and more!
  • Use additional filters or enter a classmate’s name if you’re looking for something specific

Share Your Story

We’re always looking for alumni news and sightings! If you have exciting news to share or have recently gathered with Ripon College friends, let us know through the “Add My Story” button at the top. Be sure to include a photo when possible. We look forward to seeing what you’ve been up to!

News Update from Dawn Stollfus Hart ’97
Submitted by: Yvonne Nicklaus
1997
Dalton, WI
News

News Update from Dawn Stollfus Hart ’97

Dawn Hart
Class of 1997
Dalton, WI
News

DAWN STOLLFUS HART ’97 and her husband, Isaac, have opened Hart Mercantile in downtown Ripon. The store featured handcrafted decor and functional pieces for the home. She is pictured with her son Liam, 10, daughter Ella, 13 and husband Issac.

Submitted by: Yvonne Nicklaus

Spotted: Dave Jung and Gregg Petersen
Submitted by: Gregg Petersen
1978
Purcellville, VA
Sightings

Spotted: Dave Jung and Gregg Petersen

Dave Jung
Class of 1978
Purcellville, VA
Sightings

Class Agent Gregg Petersen ’78 visits with Dave Jung ’78 (left) in Dave’s hometown of Purcellville, Virginia.  Dave is currently employed as Head of Government and Corporate Relations at German telecommunications firm Rohde and Schwarz.

Submitted by: Gregg Petersen

Spotted: Ripon College alumni at the Nationals vs. Cubs game
Submitted by: Gregg Petersen
1978
Washington, DC
Sightings

Spotted: Ripon College alumni at the Nationals vs. Cubs game

Gregg Petersen
Class of 1978
Washington, DC
Sightings

Left to right: Benjamin Kweskin (Garrison’s friend), Garrison Anderson ’16, Ben Valdez-Hempel ’17, Scott Gustafson ’88 and Mike Lamm ’05 at the Nationals vs. Cubs game on August 18 in Washington, D.C.

Submitted by: Gregg Petersen

Two Doctors Both Ripon Alum Cross Paths
Submitted by: Jason Winkelmann
2015
Lake Zurich, IL
Sightings

Two Doctors Both Ripon Alum Cross Paths

Jason Winkelmann
Class of 2015
Lake Zurich, IL
Sightings

Dr. Jennifer Haywood Sabath DO ’92 sutured up Dr. Jason Winkelmann ND ’15 on 8.22.19 in Lake Zurich, Illinois. We have never met and only learned about both attending Ripon through conversation during the procedure. And although at different times, we also learned that we attended medical school one town away from each other.

Submitted by: Jason Winkelmann

News Update from Patrick Yarbrough ’83
Submitted by: DevStudent
1983
Rockford, IL
News

News Update from Patrick Yarbrough ’83

Partick Yarbrough
Class of 1983
Rockford, IL
News

WINNEBAGO COUNTY (WREX) — Associate Circuit Judge K. Patrick Yarbrough will retire from his position on Aug. 31, 2019.

Judge Yarbrough was appointed as an associate judge on Jan. 26, 2007. He was Winnebago County’s first African American judge. During his time on the bench, he presided over criminal, juvenile and mental health cases in Winnebago County. Since 2009, he has been assigned to hear juvenile delinquency cases. And since 2014, he has served as the supervising judge of the Winnebago County Juvenile Courts Division.

Judge Yarbrough is a Rockford native who graduated from Guilford High School in 1979. He received his bachelor’s from Ripon College and his juris doctor from Northern Illinois University College of Law.

Among his decades of service, Judge Yarbrough served as a member and past president of the Rock Valley Area Big Brothers Big Sisteres Board of Directors; a judicial liaison to the Children and Our Courts Board of Directors; member of the board of directors for the Blackhawk Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He is a member and sponsor of the Veterans Memorial Hall Black History Month committee’s Tuskegee Airmen and Montford Point Marines programs. Judge Yarbrough is a member of the I Bike Rockford Bicycle advocacy organization and a board member of 17th Circuit Therapy Dog Volunteers, Inc.

“Judge Yarbrough has contributed so much to the youth of our community from his current position. He has always had their welfare, and the long term betterment of our community as his guiding purpose,” said Chief Judge Eugene Doherty. “He impacted many, and he will be missed by many.”

Submitted by: DevStudent

In Memory of Mary Beaumont
Submitted by: DevStudent
Kansasville, WI
Obituary

In Memory of Mary Beaumont

Mary Beaumont
Class of 0
Kansasville, WI
Obituary

Mary Beaumont, 86, of Kansasville, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 11, 2019.

Mary was born Sept. 2, 1932 to Floyd and Evelyn Beaumont. She was the oldest of three daughters. She was raised on the Beaumont Farm and was known to be quite a mischievous child. Mary was valedictorian of the 1950 graduating class of Waterford High. She went on to study mathematics at Beloit College, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1954. She then completed her Masters and post-graduate work at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Mary was a math teacher. She taught at Ripon College, Carroll College, and Port Huron High School in Michigan. She later taught at Burlington High School from 1977 until her retirement in 1992. She loved helping young people learn. After retirement, she happily continued on for the next 21 years as a volunteer math and science tutor for Waterford High School.

Mary was a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church of Rochester. This tight-knit community meant a great deal to her. She was devoted to various church activities, many of which included counting the money at gatherings and events. Mary enjoyed having many travel adventures, as a tourist, a missionary, and as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. She remained active with Beloit College over the years and volunteered on their Alumni Board, Reunion Committee, and at many student career fairs.

Mary had a steel-trap memory and a special passion for genealogy. She would always tell you who was related to whom, along with little anecdotes about their lives, not in a gossipy way, but rather in the spirit of an historical record-keeper. This talent extended beyond her own family, encompassing her little corner of the world. An avid reader with a wide range of interests, her loved ones estimate that Mary read five or six books per week throughout her life, in addition to the daily newspaper and scores of magazines. She was a generous and caring person who could not be bested in a game of trivia. Mary loved gardening, crossword puzzles, her cats, and cross-stitch. She did not like doing the dishes, talking on the phone, or being told what to do. She will be missed.

Mary is survived by her sisters Jane Haglund and Flora Roy; nephew Eric (Cathy) Haglund; nieces Elke (Tim) Hucek, Jennifer Roy, and Juliette (Jeff) Roy; great-nephews and nieces, Brendan (Kacie), Erica, and Alyssa Haglund and Liam and Devon Hucek; and a great many cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents and stepfather, Arthur Ruggles.

Mary was able to live out her days in the farmhouse she loved. A special thank you to Don Bonner and Gigi VanAcker, Connie and Andy Rusk, and Chuck and Peggy Ostrander for helping her to achieve this goal. Mary spent most of her life at her home on the Beaumont Farm and per her request her ashes will be buried under an old oak tree on the farmland.

A Memorial Gathering will take place on Saturday, June 29, 2019, from 1 to 3 p.m., with services starting at 3:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Rochester, 103 S. State Street, Rochester.

In lieu of floral expressions of sympathy, please consider a donation to the First Congregational Church of Rochester.

Mealy Funeral Home is serving the family. Well-wishers may visit www.mealyfuneralhome.com.

Submitted by: DevStudent

News Update from Jeffrey Dodson ’06
Submitted by: DevStudent
2006
Ripon, WI
News

News Update from Jeffrey Dodson ’06

Jeffrey Dodson
Class of 2006
Ripon, WI
News

News update from the First Congregational Church in Ripon, WI –

On Sunday, July 21st, we will welcome Reverend Jeffrey Dodson, his wife Ashley, and their three daughters: Ainslie who is almost 4 years old, and 17-month-old twins Eleanor (Ellie) and Frances (Frankie) into our congregation. 

For Jeffrey and Ashley, their lives together began as camp counselors at Pilgrim Center in the summer of 2009. A native of the Colorado Springs area, Jeffrey spent two years at Colorado State University before transferring to Ripon College in August 2003. As some of you may remember, he was the Christian Education Coordinator in this church for two years. He graduated from Ripon in 2006 with a Theater major and Religious Studies minor. 

Jeffrey’s family has many ties to the UCC church. His twin brother Jonathan is a UCC-ordained minister who is currently a Chaplain in Hudson, Ohio, while Jeffrey’s sister-in-law is also an ordained UCC pastor and is the Associate Minister at First Congregational in Hudson. Jeffrey’s mother is currently moderator of her church in Hawaii. Jeffrey has two more brothers and his father liv- ing in southern California. 

Ashley is from Monticello, Wisconsin, where her immediate family still lives. In addition, she has a number of extended family members in and around Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. She is a 2009 graduate of Viterbo University with a BA in Religious Studies and minors in Psychology and Servant Leadership. 

After their summer at Pilgrim Center, Jeffrey and Ashley headed off for their first year at seminary, Jeffrey to Chicago Theological Seminary and Ashley to Eden Seminary in St. Louis. After a year, Ashley transferred to Chicago Theological Seminary where they graduated with their Master of Divinity degrees in May 2014. While still in seminary, Ashley and Jeffrey returned to 

Pilgrim Center for a second time and were married in Ley Chapel on October 6, 2012. 

Between 2014 and their 2016 move to Grand Junction, Colorado, they were co-Executive Directors at a UCC camp in Vermont. Following that, Jeffrey was a hospital Chaplain in Littleton, Colorado. They went to another UCC camp in Iowa where Ashley served as the Program and Facilities Manager before moving to Grand Junction where Jeffrey served as a short-term Pulpit Supply Minister. When the Senior Minister position opened up permanently in Grand Junction, the Search Committee gave him the opportunity to apply for the job and he was installed. Earlier in that year he was ordained through the Southwest Association of the Rocky Mountain Conference in Colorado. 

Jeffrey’s hobbies include theater, hiking, the outdoors, sports, micro brews, science, being a dad, Star Trek and reading science fiction and historical biographies. Ash- ley loves photography, hiking, kayaking, chasing after the girls and cooking.

Submitted by: DevStudent

Retirement and Travel Update from Melanie Civin Kenion
Submitted by: Gregg Petersen
1978
Brighton, MA
News

Retirement and Travel Update from Melanie Civin Kenion

Melanie Kenion
Class of 1978
Brighton, MA
News

It’s official. As of August 10, 2019 I’ve retired from the Medford Public Schools and will be starting at The Rashi School: A private Jewish day school.  I look forward to third graders, a safe environment, and new challenges.
Shown in the picture: Recently classmate Erika Doss ’78 and I did a 9 day women’s hike in Slovenia. We hiked in the Julian Alps, Velika Planina (alpine highlands), Lake Bled and Lake Boninj.  We hiked between 8-10 miles a day with a group of 12 women with a tour company called Adventures in Good Company. It was challenging and great to push ourselves out of our comfort zones. This was our third trip together….we  previously hiked the Inka Trail and traveled in Cambodia and Thailand. We’re  tossing around ideas for two years from now.

Submitted by: Gregg Petersen

News Update from Drew Peterson ’94
Submitted by: DevStudent
1994
Middleton, WI
News

News Update from Drew Peterson ’94

Drew Petersen
Class of 1994
Middleton, WI
News

The University of Wisconsin System’s governing board unanimously elected a new president and vice president Friday.

The UW System Board of Regents elected Drew Petersen to be its next president, a position that means he will determine committee memberships, sign contracts and represent the Regents in front of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and the state Legislature during his one-year term.

Petersen, 47, of Middleton, was appointed to the board by former Republican Gov. Scott Walker in 2015 and has served as the board’s vice president since 2017.

He is senior vice president of corporate affairs for TDS Telecom, a telecommunications company headquartered in Madison. He received a bachelor’s degree from Ripon College and a master of business administration degree from UW-Madison. The Regents also elected Michael Grebe to serve as the board’s vice president. The 18-member board elected the officers at a meeting Friday on UW-Milwaukee’s campus.

Outgoing president John Robert Behling’s term ended May 1.

Submitted by: DevStudent

Spotted: Dan Hanus ’78
Submitted by: Yvonne Nicklaus
1978
Salem, OR
Sightings

Spotted: Dan Hanus ’78

Dan Hanus
Class of 1978
Salem, OR
Sightings

Submitted by: Yvonne Nicklaus

In Memory of Graham Foster ’54
Submitted by: DevStudent
1954
Tomahawk, WI
Obituary

In Memory of Graham Foster ’54

Graham Foster
Class of 1954
Tomahawk, WI
Obituary

Graham Foster, Jr.,  89, of N11445 County Road A, Tomahawk, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2019 surrounded by his family at Riverview Health Services in Tomahawk.

Graham was born May 22, 1930 in Arizona to Graham and Ruth Foster, Sr.  He graduated from Ripon College with a BS in English. He was married to Joanne Osero on August 13, 1960. She passed away in 2007. Graham started work at the Tomahawk Leader in 1954 as an editor and stayed there until his retirement 38 years later.  He was a former County Board member, served on the Library Board, and in 1960 he was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. He was an award winner with the Wisconsin Newspaper Association as an editor, a reporter, and a columnist.  Graham was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the US Army.  He enjoyed golfing, camping, reading, Friday fish fry, and the Tomahawk Family Restaurant. He especially enjoyed his family and following them in all of their achievements. He was a proud member of the Newwood Club hunting shack.

Surviving Graham are his 2 children, Curt (Chris) Foster and Carey (Steve) Heikkinen, all of Tomahawk. 7 grandchildren, Jessica (Danny) Shore, Devin Foster, Destiny, Daniel, Serena Jo Hanke, Derek (April Geire) Heikkinen and Haley (Marcus) Steigerwaldt and 7 great grandchildren, Braylee, Danaca,Dacoda,Deekin, Scarlett, Myles, and Amelia. Graham is further survived by his dear friend, Dawn LaFevre.

A Memorial Service with Military rites for Graham Foster will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. from Grace Lutheran Church. Rev. Mark Ziemer will officiate. The Foster family will receive friends at Grace Lutheran Church Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m.

Memorials made in Graham’s name are appreciated to Ties That Bind Us or Grace Lutheran Church Youth.

Krueger Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family. You may view the obituary and share memories and condolences at kruegerfamilyfuneral.com.

Submitted by: DevStudent

In Memory of John Fawcett ’59
Submitted by: DevStudent
1959
Duluth, MN
Obituary

In Memory of John Fawcett ’59

John Fawcett
Class of 1959
Duluth, MN
Obituary

John B. Fawcett, 82, of Duluth, died Thursday, May 23, 2019 at Essentia St. Mary’s, with his family by his side. John was born February 17, 1937 in Duluth to Keith and Helen Fawcett.  He graduated from East High School and went on to receive a degree from Ripon College. John went into the insurance business and eventually had his own agency. He married Judy Ingersoll on May 29, 1997. He was a member of Waters of Life Lutheran Church and an active member of the Vermilion Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Helen; siblings, Carolyn May Lee, Barbara Jane Maculay Forrest and Keith Peers Fawcett. John is survived by his wife, Judy; children, Alicia (JuanCarlos) Fernandez, Napa, CA; Jason (Daniela) Fawcett, Anchorage, Alaska; Krista (Max) Mosser-Bakken, Chisago City, MN; stepdaughters, Julie (Pete) Buol, Stacy, MN; Jennifer (Randy) Luraas of Chippewa Falls, WI and Jill (Dick) Kelly of Litchfield, MN; 17 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Visitation will be Monday June 10, 2019 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth. Memorial service will be held Tuesday June 11, 2019, 2:00 PM at Waters of Life Lutheran Church, 6221 Rice Lake Rd. Duluth. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St. Duluth, MN, (218) 727-3555.

Submitted by: DevStudent

In Memory of Russel Ackley ’62
Submitted by: DevStudent
1962
Pewaukee, WI
Obituary

In Memory of Russel Ackley ’62

Russell Ackley
Class of 1962
Pewaukee, WI
Obituary

On Thursday, May 23rd, 2019, Russell Clayton Ackley, loving husband and father of three sons, found peace at the age of 78.

Russell was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 4, 1941 to father Dr. H.M. Ackley and mother Marie (Krieger) Ackley . He graduated from St. John’s Military Academy in 1958 and later from Ripon College in 1962. Russ served in the Army as a Ranger in the 82nd Airborne Division during the Vietnam War and retired as a Captain in 1967. After his military service, he returned to Pewaukee where he served on the Pewaukee Village Board of Trustees and later as a Town of Delafield Supervisor.

Russ had many passions that he carried throughout his life. He loved to cook Chinese food of all types, either for his family or for large gatherings of friends. In the warmer months Russ spent many hours designing, rearranging and maintaining his many gardens with a particular affinity for hostas. He also had a great love of art. He particularly loved to paint, however, he enjoyed other mediums as well. When illness took the use of his right hand he taught himself to paint with his left. The one passion that never waned throughout his life and which he passed to his children was his love of the sport of sailing and for the Pewaukee Yacht Club. Russ started sailing at the age of eight and sailed in various fleets until his sixties and then became deeply involved in race management.

Russ is remembered by the following family members:
Loving and devoted wife of 56 years Nancy
Sons: Geoffrey Ackley, Glen (Naomi) Ackley, David (Liesl) Ackley
Granddaughters: Jordan, Suzanne, Lyndsi, Macayli
Grandson: Henry
Stepsisters: Yvonne (John) Miller, Kathleen (James) Rapinski, Carol (Peter) Strobel
Brother in Law: Walter (Sue) Hutt, niece Laura (Rob) Eschbach, and nephew Steven (Karen) Hutt

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 5, 2019 from 1:30 – 3:00 pm, with Mass to follow from 3:00 to 4:00 pm at The Noble Victory Memorial Chapel at St. John’s Military Academy located at 409 St. John’s Road, Delafield, WI 53018. A memorial service with Military Honors will be held immediately following. A Celebration of Russell’s Life will start at 4:30 pm at the Pewaukee Yacht Club N22 W28204 Edgewater Dr. Pewaukee, WI 53072.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Pewaukee Lake Sailing School located at N22 W28204 Edgewater Drive, Pewaukee, WI 53072 or online at https://www.plss.org.

Special thanks to the members of the Town of Delafield Fire Department for their service.

Submitted by: DevStudent

In Memory of Dwight Cutler Harris ’54
Submitted by: DevStudent
1954
Henderson, NV
Obituary

In Memory of Dwight Cutler Harris ’54

Dwight Harris
Class of 1954
Henderson, NV
Obituary

Henderson, NV – Dwight Currier Harris, 87, died Thursday, July 11, 2019, under hospice care at 2012 Colvin Run Drive, Henderson, NV. Dwight was the loving husband of Marlys E. (Trimpey) Harris, with whom he shared 36 years of marriage.

Born September 4, 1931, in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late Elizabeth Zoe Currier Harris and Burtt Harris. Dwight attended Wayland Academy, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin; Princeton University; Dickinson College; graduated from Ripon University with the dual major of Finance and French; and earned an MBA at the University of Indiana and University of Pittsburgh.

Dwight’s career in banking spanned nearly 40 years, including Mellon Bank, Pittsburgh, PA, where he began investment research and analysis; Farmers Bank and Trust Company, Hanover, PA, as President and COO; and Peoples National Bank, Lebanon, PA, as President and CEO. In 1993, he joined the PA State Treasury as an investment officer and account manager until retirement in 2008. During his career, he served on various boards and community associations and was an avid fan of tennis, jazz, playing bridge, and gourmet food.

In addition to his wife, Dwight is survived by six children: Victoria Sands and husband Jeffrey of Burke, VA; Sandra and spouse Dianne Wainwright of Pittsburgh, PA; Judith Zang of Alexandria, VA; David and wife Katarina of Pittsburgh, PA; Ronald Davis and wife Ashley of Vancouver, WA; Jeffrey Davis and wife Connie of Apex, NC; brother Burtt and wife Carole; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandson; and was preceded in death by son Daniel Currier Harris.

Dwight never met a stranger and will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.

Private services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

Wayland Academy, 101 N. University Avenue, Beaver Dam, WI 53916 (Class of 1950)

Ripon College, P.O. Box 248, Ripon, WI 54971 (Class of 1954)

Nathan Adelson Hospice, 4141 Swensen Street, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Submitted by: DevStudent

In Memory of Jeffrey Martin ’74
Submitted by: DevStudent
1974
Delafield, WI
Obituary

In Memory of Jeffrey Martin ’74

Jeffrey Martin
Class of 1974
Delafield, WI
Obituary

Jeffrey Robert Martin passed away at his home on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at the age of 66, after a defiant and courageous, years-long battle with cancer. Jeff was born on January 27, 1953 in Racine, Wisconsin, where he enjoyed an idyllic, baby boom-era upbringing, spending the days of his youth playing street frisbee with his buddies and brother Jim in front of the family home on Thor Avenue and flaunting his mad academic skills at Park High School. Much to Jeff’s chagrin, he did spend one unfortunate year attempting to master the accordion his parents purchased from a door-to-door salesman, which became the stuff of family lore and fodder for many jokes in the years to come. After high school, Jeff followed in the footsteps of his parents, Peg and Bob, attending and graduating from Ripon College, where he met his future wife, partied with the Merriman House Fraternity and focused his studies on history and political science, ultimately graduating at the top of his class. Jeff married the love of his life, Mary, on a balmy August day in 1975, and they spent the next 44 years making a home in Delafield, Wisconsin. Jeff enjoyed a long career in sales, and when his three children were young, Jeff spent his time coaching youth soccer and basketball teams and timing at high school track meets. In his free time, Jeff enjoyed cultivating a beautiful rose garden at his home, filling the bellies of his family and friends with his home-cooked meals and treating his neighbors to his annual Fourth of July fireworks show. In his later years, Jeff’s greatest and most-treasured role undoubtedly was that of “Poppie” to his three grandchildren, who were a constant source of joy and pride. Jeff will be remembered for his calm demeanor, cherubic smile and trademark red hair.

Jeff is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, his children, Erin (Andy) Warmus, Andrew (Jenny Najduch) and Bryce (Fiance Liz chollet), his grandchildren, Kenzie, Callan and Anzolette, and his cherished sister, Jane. Jeff is further survived by his sister-in-law Kathie and nephews Matthew and Patrick along with other relatives and friends.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Peg Martin, his brother Jim, and his brother-in-law Gary.

Services will be held at Zion Episcopal Church on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 11:00 AM with a visitation for family and friends starting at 10:00 AM

Memorials are suggested in Jeff’s honor to Zion Episcopal Church or to Delafield Arts Foundation (In care of Town Bank 400 Genesee St. Delafield, WI 53018)

To send flowers to the family of Jeffrey R. Martin, please visit Tribute Store.

Submitted by: DevStudent

In Memory of Henry Dingemans ’71
Submitted by: DevStudent
1971
Cottonwood, AZ
Obituary

In Memory of Henry Dingemans ’71

Henry Dingemans
Class of 1971
Cottonwood, AZ
Obituary

It is with great sadness that the family of Henry “Hank” Dingemans announce his passing. He was surrounded by many loved ones when he lost a tough battle with cancer on March 21, 2019 at the age of 69. Hank will be dearly missed by his daughters, Cassie and Jamie, as well as his granddaughters, Lauren and Chloe. He is survived by his siblings, Lola, Dennis, Karen, Carroll, and Anita, who will always hold his memory in their hearts. Hank also leaves behind his best friend, Eileen and her son Aaron.

Hank’s story is an adventurous one. It began in a small town in Minnesota, and led him to Ripon, Wisconsin; Flagstaff, AZ and eventually Cottonwood, AZ. He accomplished many great things in his life. He graduated from Ripon College in Wisconsin with a degree in Biology, attended graduate school at Northern Arizona University and returned to school again to earn his teaching credentials. He tried his hand in many lines of work: as a farm hand, grocer, bar-tender, convenience store manager, real estate advertiser, and teacher. Hank had marriages with two wonderful women, Shelby and Kelley, and went on to be the most fun Dad and coolest Grandpa that anyone could ask for.

But anyone who knew Hank knows that the places he lived and achievements he accomplished weren’t all that made him the remarkable person that we sorely miss. We miss that same haircut he had his entire adult life, his Hawaiian shirts and yellow polos, his strong arms and cowboy boots. We miss the way he could make conversation with absolutely anyone – he never knew a stranger. We miss his smile and crystal blue eyes; the way he would greet you, saying “It’s so good to see you!”, and always meant it.

Hank lived life with zeal, striving to “have more fun” and advising others to do the same. He loved road-tripping, traveling, sports, and card games. Hank was a hiker, camper, bicyclist, rock-hound, birder, bug-expert, and gardener. He was also a scientist, a collector, and a conservationist. He loved to read Arizona Highways magazine, listen to NPR, and watch PBS and Seinfeld.

Hank had so many passions and hobbies and constantly sought to know more, do more and see more. He was a thoughtful optimist with a huge heart, a true friend, and real jokester. He was one of the most well-rounded human beings we will ever know.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday June 15th at 9:30 AM at Dead Horse State Park in Cottonwood. Guests are invited to wear yellow or a Hawaiian shirt in the spirit of Hank.

If you’d like to remember Hank, we ask that memorial contributions be made in Hank’s name to Friends of the Verde River, Lowell Observatory, NPR, PBS or the McDonald Observatory at the University of Texas.

Submitted by: DevStudent

News Update from Bill Jordan ’69
Submitted by: DevStudent
1969
Princeton, NJ
News

News Update from Bill Jordan ’69

William Jordan
Class of 1969
Princeton, NJ
News

William C. Jordan ’69, the Dayton-Stockton Professor of History at Princeton University, received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Harvard University. Jordan is a medieval historian. At Princeton, he also has been director of the Program in Medieval Studies, director of the Shelby Cullom Davis Center for Historical Studies and chair of the history department from 2008–2017. He is a prolific author and editor, a fellow of the Medieval Academy of America, the American Philosophical Society and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a member of several other historical associations. His current research focuses on French-English relations in the 13th and early 14th century. Also among the nine honorary degree recipients was Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, who was the principal Commencement speaker.

More information can be read here.

https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2019/05/harvard-awards-nine-honorary-degrees-at-368th-commencement/

Submitted by: DevStudent

Zachary Morris ’02 Receives Shaw Scientist Award
Submitted by: DevStudent
2002
Madison, WI
News

Zachary Morris ’02 Receives Shaw Scientist Award

Zachary Morris
Class of 2002
Madison, WI
News

Milwaukee, Wis., June 3, 2019 – With a $600,000 investment, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is supporting the next generation of scientific leaders through its competitive and longstanding Shaw Scientist Program. Three early career faculty representing University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and University of Wisconsin-Madison are each receiving $200,000 grants to advance highly innovative research projects with implications for human health.

“Wisconsin is brimming with talent, and by rewarding innovation, philanthropy can provide incentive for talented people to stay here, or relocate here, and contribute to bettering the health of others,” said Ellen Gilligan, president and CEO of the Foundation. “Congratulations to this year’s Shaw Scientists, whose promising research honors the goals of our visionary donor, Dorothy Shaw.”

Zachary S. Morris ’02 is assistant professor of radiation oncology and vice-chair of human oncology at UW School of Medicine and Public Health. He aims to study how different doses of radiation therapy may impact the ability of a patient’s immune system to recognize their cancer and how radiation dose may affect the susceptibility of cancer cells to that immune response.

Building from that understanding, Dr. Morris plans to test whether brachytherapy – a particular type of radiation therapy that involves implanting a radioactive “seed” in a patient’s tumor – improves the tumor’s response to certain immunotherapies. Melanoma will be the first cancer tested, with the expectation of expanding this research to a wide variety of tumor types.

“In today’s research funding climate, philanthropic support plays a critical role in the development of new concepts, enabling researchers to take new ideas and advance these to more substantiated concepts with preliminary data to support their feasibility,” he said. “Without such support, it is very difficult to pursue the research needed to move new ideas into viable concepts for grants. Yet, those new ideas are the critical engine for innovation in science and medicine.”

About the Shaw Scientist Award

The Foundation’s annual Shaw Scientist Program supports early career investigators seeking promising solutions in biochemistry, biological sciences and cancer research. The awards began in 1982 thanks to a $4.3 million bequest from Dorothy Shaw, widow of James Shaw, a prominent Milwaukee attorney. In addition to $2 million in special grants, the Shaws’ fund has awarded nearly $15 million in grants to 78 scientists from UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee since its creation. An advisory panel with scientists representing major U.S. research institutions recommends the winners.

About the Greater Milwaukee Foundation
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is Wisconsin’s largest community foundation and was among the first established in the world. For more than a century, the Foundation has inspired philanthropy by connecting generous people to community needs that align with their interests. The Foundation was founded on the premise that generosity can unlock an individual’s potential and strengthen the community as a whole for everyone who lives here. We work in partnership with those who are committed to ensuring greater Milwaukee is a vibrant, economically thriving region that comprises welcoming and inclusive communities providing opportunity, prosperity and a high quality of life for all.

Submitted by: DevStudent

In Memory of James Beatty
Submitted by: Zach Messitte
Sierra Visa, AZ
Obituary

In Memory of James Beatty

James Beatty
Class of 0
Sierra Visa, AZ
Obituary

It is with sadness that I report the passing of Professor of Chemistry Emeritus, James W. Beatty.  Professor Beatty came to Ripon College in 1963 and retired from the College in 2002.  Dr. Beatty passed away on December 15, 2018.

A service and inurnment will be held in Ripon on June 8.  Details will be made available as the time nears.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Dr. Beatty’s wife, Cathy Beatty, at 4408 Desert Springs Trail, Sierra Visa, AZ  85635 or [email protected]..

Submitted by: Zach Messitte

In Memory of Thomas Poullette ’54
Submitted by: DevStudent
1954
Naples, FL
Class Letter

In Memory of Thomas Poullette ’54

Thomas Poullette
Class of 1954
Naples, FL
Class Letter

Naples, FL, Waupaca, Wautoma – Thomas William Poullette, age 86 of Naples, FL, formerly of Waupaca, and Wautoma, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 in Kenosha. He was born on August 3, 1932 in Wautoma to Morgan and Alice (Lindquist) Poullette, and was raised by his grandparents, Thomas and Emma Poullette. Thomas graduated from Wautoma High School with the Class of 1950 where he was active in football, basketball and baseball. He then attended Ripon College and graduated in 1954. Thomas then joined the U.S. Army Infantry and served in Germany from 1954 to 1956. He then returned to Wisconsin and taught Biology at Elkhorn High School and coached basketball. In 1957 he married Sylvia Dopp. In 1958 he entered Marquette Dental School and graduated in 1962, then returned to Wautoma where he started his dental practice, and worked until retiring in the late 90’s. In 1982, Thomas married Jo Ann Sweney Howard and the couple resided in Waupaca and Naples, FL.

Thomas was an active member of Trout Unlimited, founding member of Wautoma Rotary Club, Ducks Unlimited and American Legion. He was an avid fisherman who loved to teach others about his sport and worked diligently to protect the resources he loved. Thomas especially loved spending time with his family and friends in Wisconsin and Florida. He was a generous, kind and humorous friend to many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Thomas is survived by his two sons: George (Sara) Poullette, Charles (Susan) Poullette; four step children: Mark (Tanya) Howard, Thad (Diana) Howard, Jay (Nicki) Howard, Anne (Cody) McInnis; eight grandchildren: Sam (Mara) Poullette, Madeline Poullette, Thomas Poullette, Alec Poullette, Dana Howard, Will Howard, Tess Howard, Millie McInnis; two sisters: Patty Mancouso, Kathy (George) Roerhig; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Morgan and Marge Poullette; wife: Jo Ann Poullette on February 26, 2019, and his grandparents: Thomas and Emma Poullette.

Funeral services will be held at 12PM (NOON) on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at Hope Lutheran Church, Wautoma with Military Honors to follow. The family will greet relatives and friends at church on Wednesday from 10AM until the time of services at 12PM with luncheon to follow. Leikness Funeral Home, Wautoma is assisting the family with arrangements.

Submitted by: DevStudent