R Connections

1980

Margaret “Peggy”Gero  DaValt

608-658-3779 / [email protected]

Jeffrey C. “JC” Penney

574-247-1182 / [email protected]

Another year and another Alumni Weekend have passed.  I realize that I am a walking commercial for Alumni Weekend, so I apologize.  This year was different, it wasn’t our year, but several of us old timers travel up for various reasons, involved as a Class Agent or board member, just like the feel of campus and the nostalgia that that brings, or the most important item, the alumni lacrosse game. I enjoyed seeing lots of old friends like JIM MENDYKE ’83, JOHN MATHEWS ’89, TOBY STORZER ’82 (doesn’t he remind you of D-Day from Animal House),  BRET JAEGER ’84, TODD JAEGER ’83, TOM HARRISON ’78 and ANDY DICKSON ’79, and more my brain can’t recall. Of course, missing were several game regulars, ART PETERS ’80 and TED SCHALLER ’79, although they were missed, you soon forgot about their absences, because the, “Presence” was on the field, just  like the shark in Jaws, he subtly comes out onto the field and then, BAM, you hear PEEB! BILL SCHNESE ’79 has arrived and the energy level of old guys playing a kid’s game intensifies.  

We needed intensity, as organizer of the game, JIM MENDYKE ’83, brought his son’s U14 team to play us. We got game in hand, we thought, we had experience, moxie, and we towered over these guys!  What did they have – youth, speed, boundless energy, actual lacrosse skill! HA! I explained to the opponents, these young 13 and 14 year old boys, the extra old man rules. There was a penalty for hustle and running full speed. We could get away with any penalty, but they couldn’t. We had unlimited time outs and could call them anytime, even if we were technically not allowed to call them. Don’t question authority!  

We also had a few ringers, several of the boy’s coaches joined us, as did my son Seamus Penney (class of ’25?) and his high school teammate. Both boys are 15 and possessing the same or more attributes as the above team and they became our legs, “Hey kid, run over there and get the ground ball. Run up the field, we are too tired. Go chase that opposing player and play defense.” It was glorious and best of all, our ringers understood that it was our game, get the ball to the old guys, so they can shoot! Well it was an exciting game, the lead changing back and forth, until with time running out and the game tied, the Presence, called time out! It was do or die, he said, and he set up a sure fire scoring play. Filled with confidence and spirit, we took the field, 20 seconds left, the crowd was hushed with nervous anticipation! We set in our positions and you could feel your heartbeat, just like old time, we never lost and we are poised to be the champions again! Well, the player drove towards the goal like RUSTY RYAN’S ’80 Olds Cutlass, powered by a Rocket 350, the moment was upon us, but age happened, some of us needed inhalers at that moment, one was talking to the fans about the time a jeep drove up Sadolf hill, one was getting Metamucil from the sidelines. The youngsters converged on the ball, since we were gone and it dropped harmlessly to the ground. Kissing your sister, tie ball game! Sometimes your life plans don’t work out. However, several things were great about this game:

1. It was fun for both teams, even the refs said they want to do it again next year!
2. It is fun to compete, whether on a field, at work, or beating the pants off the family in a board game!
3. I was able to play lacrosse in my 60”s. I have played in 5 decades. I even scored, but so did the Presence and he is 61!
4. The best was able to be on the field with my son playing the game I love! Of course, he critiqued my game afterwards like I used to do after his games. It was brutal!

Thanks for indulging my boring life! Take care and don’t hate!

JEFF PENNEY

Class notes:

JOE LUKANICH ’80 is still kicking and as grumpy as ever. He hosted my son, his friend, and I for alumni Weekend at his Green Lake home. He both enthralled and frightened the boys.

RUSTY RYAN ’80 has retired from IBM and has started his own construction firm in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1982

Catherine Lothrop Hager   
925-984-6713 / [email protected]

Peter Hintz
920-229-4399 / [email protected]

Kristen Rasmussen Olson

507-279-1091 / [email protected]  

Dear Classmates from 1982,

Greetings from your class agents!

I (Peter Hintz) write this letter after attending Alumni Weekend 2018 in June. This year was our 36th reunion, so it wasn’t as big of a draw for our class as last year. However, those who attended had a great time, including KRISTEN RASMUSSEN OLSON ’82, LAUREL STEWART ’82, PETRA JONES-TRUJILLO ’82, NANCY BUCK HINTZ ’82 and me. Thanks to all of you who donated to our class gift. The college truly appreciates and is humbled by the generosity of alumni. While our class gift was little smaller this year, our 35th reunion class gift was an impressive $62,692, with 52 donors, 40% participation and over 22 Class of 1982 attendees! Our reunion attendance last year was impressive for a 35th reunion!

Just like last year, on Friday of Alumni Weekend, the Alumni Awards Dinner was held, as well as, the All-Alumni Reception, which was moved this year from Hughes House to The Spot (formerly the Pub). For those of you who have not been back in a while, the Pub has been refurbished, expanded and updated to an open student-friendly gathering place. Many people gather at the fire pit outside the Commons across from the old Memorial Gym (now a green space called “Memorial Tent Space,” during Alumni Weekend). Since the streets have been closed, this area makes for a nice large gathering space, where all classes come together, get reconnected, and share stories. I met up Friday night with JEFF PENNEY ’80, whose son was visiting for the alumni lacrosse game (held on upper Sadoff field on Saturday). He was trying to explain to his son his experience here at Ripon and the interesting sense of community we all shared through events like Springfest, all campus parties, a student-run radio station, Greek activities, and epic pranks. “Knowing everyone” is a unique experience of college days at Ripon, and attending a reunion is a fun way to celebrate that experience.

Alumni Weekend is also an opportunity to visit with your old professors. This year, I had the pleasure of seeing Norm Loomer and Paul Shoofs. Professor Schoofs told me this coming school year will be his last before he retires. Another end of an era. I will particularly miss him. I took his classes when I was there. He advised me as an economics major, and I now have the opportunity to teach economics myself at Green Lake High School in neighboring Green Lake, west of Ripon, where I live.

When you attend Alumni Weekend, you also get the chance to talk with other alumni from different years (or eras!). The “That was then…” program at the library on Saturday morning is attended informally by alumni of all ages and never disappoints. This year, we talked about “Convocation points” you could earn for attendance at cultural events in the 1960’s, and alumni gave their memories of seeing performers who came to campus, such as Duke Ellington and John Denver, for example, as well as great commencement speakers. We brainstormed but could not recall our speaker – it was too hot that afternoon! We also shared memories of Dr. Martz, who passed away recently, as well. His challenging classes were certainly thought provoking. Some of you English majors like me (my second major) appreciated how he limited you to two pages to discuss a Shakespeare play, which required disciplined succinctness. Some of you science students who took Professor Brooks were deducted a ½ point for each spelling error. Now that’s just not “write,” if you ask me.

We also shared memories of AL JARREAU ’62, who passed away last year, but came to Alumni Weekend six years ago in 2012, to celebrate his 50th reunion. You may not know that he would often give a shout out to Ripon College and any alumni attendees at his concerts. FRED HERSOM ‘82 and I attended that reunion and the two of us had a chance to talk to him for a while. Nice guy.

On Saturday afternoon, KRIS RASMUSSEN OLSON ’82, LAUREL STEWART ’82, PETRA JONES-TRUJILLO ’82, CINDY TRAYNOR ‘81 and I wandered through the campus visiting the new Wilmore Center, Demmer Hall, East and West Halls, Todd Wehr, Farr Hall, Memorial Union, Tri-Dorms and Johnson Hall. It is quite a trip down memory lane to see what’s changed and what is still the same, and to remember what classes you had and where. I recall my first class in the fall of 1978 was Introduction to psychology with Professor Young in Todd Wehr 104 (the big room) at 9:00 a.m. Kris recalled falling down the steps of Todd Wehr! Do you recall your first class at Ripon College?

Kris said that she particularly enjoyed looking through Tri Dorms and Johnson Hall and recalling move-in day. She actually got to see her old room last weekend, Evans 204, and realized that it wasn’t nearly as small as she recalled! With her youngest entering college in the fall, she has a flood of memories coming back and talked about that first exciting day sitting in Evans Hall’s lounge meeting her classmates and her advisor (Dr. Mary Williams Norton) for the first time.

After the alumni class reunions on Saturday night (do your own thing if it is not your reunion year, like we did–hard to beat a drink on the patio at The Heidel House and some great Italian food at Christianos in Green Lake!), Saturday concludes with an all-alumni party in the tent with music and dancing for all from 8 – midnight. It was fun to talk to classmates and to those from so many different classes.

Even if you do not feel particularly outgoing, you will find something you like at Alumni Weekend. There are many more activities I didn’t mention, such as the Doc Weiske ‘50 Memorial Golf Scramble, the Rally Run, the Greek socials, the Class March and lunch, campus tours, the prairie walk, wine tastings at Vines & Rushes, to name a few. Check out the College’s Facebook page for pictures!

As I mentioned in my class letter, we are welcome any news from all of you, and wish you all health and happiness. Our new big reunion is our 40th, only four years away. If any of you would like to assist in the planning or offer ideas, please let us know.

Cheers,

Your Class Agents,

PETER HINTZ ‘82

KRISTEN RASMUSSEN OLSON ’82

CATHY LOTHROP HAGER ’82

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1983

Barb Williams Clay

612-749-5010 / [email protected]

Hello Ripon Class of 1983!

Alumni Weekend was spectacular with the Class of 1983 presenting the largest giving check of  $1,232,908.86 and over the last 5 years we have contributed $2,235,700.78. What would be very meaningful is to increase our percentage of donors to exceed our 30% level and have an awesome showing of attendees for our 40th Reunion in 2023. Please think about this now to make plans to attend.

This year we had 20 attendees and we thoroughly enjoyed our time together:

DAVE STEWARD ’83, TODD JAEGER ’83, LEXIE SHEPARD KERMANI ’83, MASOUD KERMANI ’83, JOEY WATKINS ’83, JIM MENDYKE ’83, DAWN RUDNIK ’83, KATI WANEK FORSYTHE ’83, LYN ROSENBERG MCCARTHY ’83, SCOTT FLEMING ’83, BRYAN GHALIOUNGUI ’83, KEVIN DYKSTRA ’83, MARK FRANZEN ’83, JANICE HEINZ FRANZEN ’83, JOHN CLAY ’83, BARB WILLIAMS CLAY ’83, ROBERT BRANDFASS ’83, BILL JAHN ’83, ELI PETERSON GUZNICZAK ’83, MIKE GUZNICZAK ’83.

There were so many fun activities.  JIM MENDYKE ’83 planned the alumni lacrosse event for the “oldies” while bringing young athletes to participate in a competition and get a taste of Ripon College.  The Clays and Guzniczaks played in annual Doc Weiske ‘50 Memorial Golf Scramble, LEXIE SHEPARD KERMANI ’83 and KEVIN DYKSTRA ’83 continue to represent us on the Alumni Board and I will join them in the fall. MARK FRANZEN ’83 is a trustee and Janice and Mark were gracious hosts for us at their home on Green Lake during our 35th celebration, what gracious hosts and a fun time together on Green Lake.  

We reunited with professors, friends, and felt the amazing impact that we shared at Ripon. I look forward to reconnecting with you and invite you to do the same.  

Peace, love, and friendship to all. I look forward to hearing from you.

BARB WILLIAMS CLAY

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1984

Virginia Vicha Erickson

[email protected] / 847-546-2775

Happy Summer,

I hope all is well with all of you.

This letter will be light on class news due to me totally dropping the ball. Like many of you, the last six months have been hectic in the Erickson household. I’ve learned that multitasking is the root of all evil and to live with gratitude because positive energy is way more fun than negative.

We moved my 90+ year old mother to Florida from Illinois, coordinated care as my mother-in-law prepared and recovered from a successful adrenalectomy and rejoiced as our daughter graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology with her BME. Topping it off with my younger brother’s ‘mild’ heart attack in June. An angioplasty and 2 stents later he is doing well. A lesson here for all of us – triple cheeseburgers are never part of a healthy diet after 40.

We are living our 50’s with passion and grace. I see the amazing things we’re are doing through my friends on Facebook. We are active; traveling Europe, enjoying grandbabies, moving into new homes, planning weddings, and watching our kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews graduate from high school and college. Some are starting new careers or following interesting hobbies and pastimes.

Next year is a milestone reunion year. It would be great to see everyone back at Ripon in person to share stories, pictures and experiences. I challenge all of you to start planning now for a trip to Ripon, Wisconsin during June 2019.

Please mark your calendars for June 27-30, 2019 now, more details about our 35th Reunion during Alumni Weekend 2019 coming soon!

I look forward to seeing you there.

VICKI “FRITZ” VICHA ERICKSON ’84

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1985

Heather McFadden Barrie ’85

[email protected] / 262-628-1377

Greetings from the Class of 1985!!!

Welcome to Ripon College – Class of 2022!  May your freshman year be an amazing journey filled with classes that inspire you to be the best you and awesome adventures that shape your life as you continue to explore who you are and what you will become.  Remember, it’s your journey – so take advantage of everything Ripon College has to offer. Take it from us alums – the old farts who graduated 33 years ago!!!! Yes, before you were even born!!! We knew the sky was the limit back then and now… the sky’s the limit for you!

Congratulations Ripon College Class of 2018!  Welcome to the rank of Ripon College Alumni. Your last four years at Ripon College will be forever ingrained in your memories.  As you join our rank of becoming one of the many Ripon College alumni, you now have bragging rights to say you’re a Ripon College Graduate!!! Share your Ripon pride with everybody.  It will bring a smile to your face every time – guaranteed – you’ll always have a memory to share with anyone who will listen to your college adventures. Don’t forget about your alma mater. Visit often and partake in any events happening in your hometown.

For both Ripon College Freshman (Class of 2022) and recent Ripon College Graduates (Class of 2018), my fellow classmates have shared some words of wisdom, advice to live by, and secrets to success/happiness that we’ve all embraced for the past 33 years. Here’s what they have to say:

“Enjoy and cherish your college years; it may seem difficult at the time, but you’ll always remember time spent with friends and the experiences you shared.” – LISA BEHRENS KENNEDY ’85

“The life you live is the lesson you teach,” unknown – JEANNE TOMLIN LAWSON ’85

“Be happy!  Only you can make yourself happy!  Happiness breeds energy and enthusiasm which are the secrets to success. Low and behold…happiness and success go hand in hand!” – HEATHER MCFADDEN BARRIE ’85

Class Updates:

JEANNE TOMLIN LAWSON ’85 writes, “I’m a school psychologist living and working in Noblesville, Indiana.  My oldest daughter attends Bradley University in Peoria, and my youngest is starting her senior year of high school. I’m enjoying a summer break filled with paddle boarding, reading and cooking.”

Enjoy your journey!

HEATHER MCFADDEN BARRIE ’85

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1987

Dorrie Smith Scranton

860-455-6108 / [email protected]

Chris Templeton

312.402.6207 / [email protected]

Hello Classmates!   

Hope everything is wonderful in your world. We hope you are enjoying everything that summer has to offer. So much to stay up to date on what’s going with everyone – so, please keep the news, posts and photos coming!  

Class News:

RENEE PFEIFER LUCKETT ’87  was recently awarded the UW System Administration (UWSA) “Eugene Craven Award for Academic Staff”. The award is named in memory of a former UWSA Assistant Vice President in the Office of Analysis Services and Information Systems. President Robert O’Neil established a memorial fund to recognize academic staff members who best exemplify the commitment, vitality, excellence, and initiative that characterized Gene Craver’s career. The selection criteria include personal interaction, initiative, creativity, and outstanding achievement.     

CHRISTINE ELLIOTT ’87 is inspiring all of us. We learned on social media that she read a book, “You are a Badass” that inspired great things for her – new job, new condo in the city of Chicago and a new optimistic outlook on life. We’re checking it out on Amazon, right now!

MAUREEN FARRY DOLAN ’87 of St Paul, Minnesota and her husband, JAY DOLAN ’85 are Cheeseheads again! They’ve recently sold their house of 20+ years in St Paul, Minnesota (which looked an awful lot like a spruced up Bartlett Hall if you ask us) and relocated about 30 miles away in Wisconsin. We hear that Maureen’s got plans to open a vegan bakery in the fall.

BARRY GOTHARD ’87, inspired by a documentary he saw on the benefits of football players taking ballet and honing their balance and agility skills, has developed a specialized yoga and mediation program for his local Canadian youth hockey league. Though the program is relatively new, he is convinced that this more limber and focused team will lead them to victory in the coming years.

DAN ORLIKOFF ’87 recently took a canoe trip to the Boundary Waters of Minnesota with fellow Ripon alums, JIM STATON ’88, RANDY ROEPER ’88 and CHRIS CAROW ’88 – along with their sons. Sure bet, there were some good stories and laughs shared over s’mores around the campfire.

CRAIG SCHAEFER ’87 writes “ for the past 2 ½ years, I’ve been the Program Manager for the Department of Defense’s effort to modernize their electronic health record.”   Sounds like a big job with a lot of attention. Craig was recently named one of Federal Computing Weekly’s top 100 Government IT Leaders. Very impressive, Craig!

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

Class Agents:

Dorrie Smith Scranton

860-455-6108 / [email protected]

Chris Templeton

(312.402.6207/[email protected]

Spring 2018

Greetings, Class of 1987!

I hope this update finds you all doing well. We’re certainly looking forward to the spring and summer seasons after a cold, snowy winter. Here’s some news from our classmates. Please keep your news and updates coming!

Class Notes:

KIA KJENSRUD LABRACKE ’87 was featured on the cover of the American Academy of Pediatrics AAP News in recognition of the Wisconsin Chapter AAP’s strategic advocacy efforts during the health care policy debate. WIAAP orchestrated social media campaigns and “Days of Action” to mobilize physician members in contacting legislators. The chapter lobbied for funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Maternal, Infant and and Early Childhood Home Visiting program (MIECHV). In 2018, she will co-lead a quality improvement grant to improve HPV vaccination initiation rates in Wisconsin and Illinois. She joined the chapter in 2007, and was elected recently to the national AAP Executive Directors Steering Committee of Naperville, Illinois. Great Job, Kia!

MAUREEN FARRY DOLAN ’87 of St Paul, Minnesota, writes about a fantastic trip that she and her husband, JAY DOLAN ’85 took to Denmark and Sweden as the volunteer trip coordinator chaperoning 94 soccer players (including their son)!    

RICK FOSS AND MISSY LEAHY FOSS ’87 tell us that their son, Sam, is currently a sophomore at Ripon and in is currently living on 4th floor Scott in the very same room that Rick shared with KEN GRANT ’87 our freshman year. Sam has the benefit of an elevator! Must make it a whole lot easier to carry textbooks!  

CAROL RAVITZ ’87 was just named rookie of the year for Southern Arizona Caldwell Banker. Congratulations, Carol!!

DORRIE SMITH SCRANTON ’87 recently featured her watercolors and other selections of her artwork at a local gallery near her home in Woodstock, Connecticut.  

CHRIS TEMPLETON ’87, following up on a live long dream, has relocated to a small town in the mountains of Southwest Colorado and is honing her skills backcountry hiking and chopping wood and is looking forward to learning to fly fish.  

All the best,

Dorrie and Chris

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1988

David Jonas ’88

(202) 251- 9640/[email protected]

Kathy Wade ‘88

(248) 470-4336/[email protected]

Greetings classmates from David!

What a fabulous weekend!!!  Our 30th Reunion was a picture perfect time on campus. Not too hot, not to cold and lots of memories.

There was a gathering on Thursday night at the old/newly refurbished Roadhouse for all alumni.

On Friday the golf tournament, lunch and cake cutting were followed by the young alumni and Athletic Hall of Fame inductees.  The Class of 1988 hosted the Friday evening all Campus reception at the Spot (Student Union).

On Saturday, most of the classmates on campus for our reunion joined us for the all campus march and the BBQ lunch where we presented our class gift of over $13,000. This was a record year for us.  We have donated as a class over $60K over the last 5 years.

We hosted our dinner at the Spot at the Union.  Classmates that joined us for dinner included CAROL SHAY HORNUNG ’88, PHILLIP TROBAUGH ’88, JIM CONWAY ‘88, RICK BOWHOUSEN ’88, DANA  FRANCOIS SCOTT ‘88, SCOTT GUSTAFSON ‘88, JIM HART ‘88, ZEV BARNETT ‘88, JIM DONNELLY ‘88, MICHELLE EBERT WITT ‘88, JEFF EASTMAN ‘88, RUDY FRANK ‘88, and GEOFFREY SEYMOUR ‘88. This was one of our larger turn outs for a reunion year. RENEE DUESCHER KRAUSE ‘88 stopped by at reunion to join us on the march and lunch.  

I hope that we do not have to wait another five years to see everyone (2023/35 years).

As the fiscal year ended right after reunion we begin a new year and a clean slate for the alumni fund.  I would like to see if we can start increasing our class participation.

As always, Kathy and I appreciate everyone who contributed to the annual fund and attended Reunion Weekend.

Class Notes:

ZEV BARNETT ‘88 shared: “I’m working with some caregivers in town here to try to save a kid with liver cancer.”

KATHY WADE ‘88 shared: “I had a fantastic time over Alumni Weekend reconnecting with classmates and other Ripon Alumni. Being on campus is always like going home. It was so awesome to see everyone there!”

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1989

Nikki Zens Lindberg

[email protected]

Mitch Rosin

[email protected]

Dear Class of 1989 (and Riff Raff),

By the time you get this, Erik and I will have sent our first kid off to college. I know many of you have already gone through this experience, and, wow, how things have changed since our Ripon days. Her path is leading her to a big university (Michigan State), whereas both Erik and I, like you, sought something a wee bit smaller. Despite all the differences, we hope she will emerge with great friends, a love a learning, and a lifetime of memories. As a “last hurrah” we are doing a family trip to France (as you may have seen on Facebook).

As for Mitch, he continues to travel almost 100% of the time, and surprises us all with random mini Ripon reunions around the globe.

Congrats to all of you who have also experienced milestones, such as graduations, babies and grandbabies, weddings (your kids or your own) and more. I also know we all face challenges: death of friends or family, loss of a job, health concerns, etc. The support and encouragement, pride and love, that we give to each other reminds us of the importance of nurturing those friendships and connections. We are all in this together, and together we can get through anything.

Mark your calendars for our 30th (not a typo) reunion, June 27-30, 2019. We will be hitting you up for ideas and such on Facebook for what you’d like to see happen. Not on FB? Drop Mitch or I an email, text, call or even postcard. Hope to see you all in Ripon…or maybe a beach in Mexico (as Mitch is pushing hard for a “destination reunion”).

NIKKI LINDBERG & MITCH ROSIN

“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks – on your body or on your heart — are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt.” Anthony Bourdain

*****

TODD BAKER ’89 writes, “Would someone please tell Doc Emrick to stop adding an extra “a” to Vrana….”

DAVE BARZYK ’89 writes, “An open game. Anyone, anyone? Chris?”

TRICIA POTTER BAUER ’89 writes, “I still live in the heart of Amish Country, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Not much to report that’s new. Well just one thing. I shaved my head as a participant in a fundraising event for St Baldrick’s Foundation and surpassed our goal (with husband and 11-year-old son) of raising money for childhood cancer research. 

www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/975064/2018”

MICHELLE BROWN-DROESE ’89 writes, “I started teaching in the the graduate program at Simmons College School of Business.”

AMY WALDER CARRINGTON ’89 writes, “I was kind of hoping for James, William or David, but Louis works. Now I will be singing Louis Prima’s “I Wan’Na Be Like You” the rest of the morning.”

KRISTA CALHOUN CASPER ’89 writes, “Instapot friends!! Try this and let me know the results! (thewoksoflife.com/2018/06/instant-pot-soy-sauce-chicken/)”

TOBI CAWTHRA ’89 writes, “We welcomed two kitties into the house this week. In less than 24 hours, they were claiming us as their people and getting in some serious snuggling.”

SCOTT CHAMBERS ’89 writes, “I still work for the University of Connecticut with the main duty of training new Department of Social Services staff in programs and the eligibility system. I enjoy spending 2+ months getting to know the new staff. Most of my time is spent with the kids. I coach Libby’s softball team. She’s also competing in AAU Gymnastics and we are going to Tampa at end of June for Nationals! My son Wyatt recently got his black belt! Our family enjoys amusement parks and we spend as much time as possible at Six Flags New England and Lake Compounce. The only issue is that I’ve gotten older and can’t ride rides that spin but have no problem with any roller coaster. Go figure.”

ERIKA DAVISON-AVILES ’89 writes, “I was waiting for my flight home and I fly through O’Hare all the time…just noticed everyone carrying a small mint green bag with “Garrett” on the bag. I’m always in a rush when at this airport and suddenly I see practically everyone with a Garrett bag. What is so amazing about the popcorn? Well I tried my very first Garrett mix and have to say I’m in love!! Wasn’t sure what all the fuss was about but have to say that when eating the popcorn mix the ratio of one carmel to two cheese is pure HEAVEN! #popcornvirginnomore

And I’m a newlywed.”

GIGI HICKS DECKER ’89 writes, “Adventures on the way home from Colorado. This place is one of those hidden gems. And I don’t care what’s in it, I think SPAM is tasty!! #spammuseum”

PAUL DONALDSON ’89 writes, “I’m watching the view from the tractor tonight. Some moments you simply have to stop what you’re doing and take in the beauty.”

JODI GIBSON ’89 is currently the “Zoological Society President and Chief Executive Officer…The Zoological Society of Milwaukee went public Thursday with a $25 million capital campaign to fund the new Adventure Africa complex at the Milwaukee County Zoo. The campaign has raised more than $16.7 million to date toward that goal, thanks to lead gifts from the Dohmen Family Foundation, Holz Family Foundation, Ladish Family Foundation and MillerCoors during the quiet phase of the campaign”

SCOTTIE NICHOLS GIROUARD ’89  writes, “Casey graduated cum laude from Ripon College. Her aunt, SUSAN FRIKKEN ’90 says, ‘I am so proud and honored to have been there. To share my beloved alma mater and her life journey! Love you, Casey!’”

LISA STEIN GOLDMAN ’89 writes, “I chose to write nothing, because that’s what I do.”

JULIE TAYLOR GONDAR ’89 writes, “In 2017 I was a founding member and President of the Democratic Women of Kendall County. Our group was instrumental in bringing state candidates to our county to speak for the first time in decades. Kendall has long been a Republican stronghold, but our presence helped turn Kendall blue. During the March primaries Democrats outvoted Republicans for the first time ever. On April 18th I was elected Democratic County Chair in Kendall County, Illinois. It was another historic first, as this was the first time that a woman has chaired the county party. In fact, all officers elected to the county party in April were women.  #BGSD”

KRIS PEHLE GRASSE ’89 writes,”I still love teaching second graders. Both daughters are out of college and each of them is taking on the world in her own way.”

BEN GUZMAN ’89 writes, “Have I told you how much I hate spiders?”

RAMON GUZMAN ’89 writes, “I was very impressed last night that I could use ABBA’s song ‘Fernando’ in a joke and the Open Mic DJ could find it and play it by the end of my set – He’s good! @secondcityhollywood #secondcityhollywood #standupcomedy #canyouhearthedrumsfernando”

CHRIS HANNES ’89 writes, “I went on an awesome trip to see Carson Camilla Hannés and my family in Scotland. I also stopped by to see the Geddes family homesite. Overall great trip will be back for sure.”

PHILLIP HARTY ’89 writes, “Congratulations to the Texas Men’s Swimming and Diving team for your 4th consecutive win! Hook ‘em! And, Go Bruins!”

KATHY HAYEVSKY ’89 writes, “I started singing in a band, Audrey and the Cool Cats. I’m obviously not Audrey, but I AM one of the “cool” cats.”

MARC HEALY ’89 writes, “I’ve been getting solicitations for ‘Senior living’ options.”

LORI KOMETER ’89 writes, “A good friend of mine opened his own business to help people with divorce, parental alienation, and conflict. He is very talented…. Check it out! www.facebook.com/michaelallencoaching/”

DAVID LUONGO ’89 writes, “I was not aware of how amazingly screwed up the California primary process is… this makes the electoral college seem reasonable by comparison. I just watched the first episode of Killing Eve. Very interesting… hope they explain how Sandra Oh’s American accented character ended up at MI5 but overall I was impressed.”

ANNE BURCHMORE MIES ’89 writes, “I am spending time at my tiny cottage in northern Wisconsin, visiting family in Taos, and enjoying my new apartment in downtown Minneapolis. C’est la vie.”

BARB THOMPSON PAMPERIN ’89 writes, “I am taking a summer class with Brian Smith and Martyn Smith of Lawrence College on Billy Graham and the evangelical movement. Otherwise, same job, same address.”

ANDREW PETERSON  ’89 writes, “Breck and Brian found 35 sharks teeth on an island in the St. John’s River this morning.”

SONEEL RAJ ’89 writes, “To all teachers!! For everything you do everyday – thank you!”

PAT  SCHMIDT ’89 writes, “I am recently remarried. I am also sending my son off to play hockey with the Gophers, and got to spend time in Europe with my daughter. Live like Wally!”

KATHRYN SCHULTZ ’89 writes, “US News and World Report survey reported that I live in the 6th healthiest community in the nation. The city where I go to church is number 1. I’m hoping I can get some of it to rub off on me…”

TRACY UNGER ’89 writes, “Oh Chicago, how I love you. But, I’m happy to be back in Nashville after a combo fun and work trip. I got a bonus night because of thunderstorms. Really, though, Chicago sucks. Sorry Cubs fans, but you suck, too.”

GARY VANDERMOLEN JR. ’89 writes, “The more he grew, the more like a bear he looked.”

SCOTT WARMKA ’88 writes, “I’m still a little in shock. Twins Win! And no 9th inning closer drama.”

BARB WHITSTONE ’89 writes, “I have no more crutches and the ortho cleared me to ride 🙂 I won’t jump for awhile, so hopefully I can sweet talk Emma to keep working with Brix… I’m so happy to have this behind me and grateful for Emma and Sara for keeping Brix going!”

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1990

Robert E. Corkery Jr.

[email protected]

Christina L. Maggio-Kellerstrass

[email protected]

Hello Classmates!

As always, we hope this greeting finds you healthy, happy and doing well!  

2018 should mark a milestone for the class of 1990, as most of us will have turned the big 50 this year!  Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday we were playing frisbee golf, ultimate frisbee, listening to Clyde Stokes, and partaking in other “pure” activities on campus and in town that captivated us at the moment. Oh and let’s not forget going to class☺!  When we were in college 50 seemed to be old … now it seems quite young☺. We hope that you all celebrated with flare. Cheers to 50 years! Happy Birthday to all!

Just a bit of news to share from one of our classmates …LESLIE PAULSEN ’90 of Newman, Georgia, married Christopher Purvis on December 30, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.  

If you have news that you want included in the class letter, please send it our way so we can make sure it’s shared with all of you.

Enjoy the remainder of 2018!

Fondly,

BOB & CHRISTINA

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

Class Agents:
Robert E. Corkery, Jr.
[email protected]

Christina L. Maggio-Kellerstrass
[email protected]

Spring 2018

Hello Classmates!

Couldn’t let the spring go by without sending good wishes to all of you! There is not much to report from classmate news so this is just a friendly greeting from the both of us! If you would like to share news in this format, please email us and we’ll make sure it’s covered in our greeting!

Enjoy your summer!

Fondly,

Bob & Christina

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1990

Robert E. Corkery Jr.

[email protected]

Christina L. Maggio-Kellerstrass

[email protected]

Hello Classmates!

As always, we hope this greeting finds you healthy, happy and doing well!  

2018 should mark a milestone for the class of 1990, as most of us will have turned the big 50 this year!  Where did the time go? It seems like just yesterday we were playing frisbee golf, ultimate frisbee, listening to Clyde Stokes, and partaking in other “pure” activities on campus and in town that captivated us at the moment. Oh and let’s not forget going to class☺!  When we were in college 50 seemed to be old … now it seems quite young☺. We hope that you all celebrated with flare. Cheers to 50 years! Happy Birthday to all!

Just a bit of news to share from one of our classmates …LESLIE PAULSEN ’90 of Newman, Georgia, married Christopher Purvis on December 30, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.  

If you have news that you want included in the class letter, please send it our way so we can make sure it’s shared with all of you.

Enjoy the remainder of 2018!

Fondly,

BOB & CHRISTINA

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1991

Tracy Maher

401-225-9189 / [email protected]

Samantha Bailey

612-978-4124 / [email protected]

Greetings, Class of 1991!

Hope you had a great summer and are enjoying the abundance of pumpkin flavored foodstuff that seems to begin earlier each year. Don’t forget about the Annual Fund—if you get your donation out of the way now, you can ignore my exhortation in the spring letter! So many juicy updates—but if you missed getting yours in, send it right now and I’ll tuck it away for next time. Now on to the good stuff:

Class Notes:

KAREN MILEWSKI DYMOND ’91 writes, “I just completed my second year of teaching 4th grade math/science. Next year I will teach 4th and 5th grade math and science. I love what I’m doing! Teaching is an amazing and rewarding profession. My son just graduated from Christopher Newport University, and got married two weeks later. And my daughter graduated from high school.  She will be attending University of Lynchburg in the fall. Lynchburg reminds me so much of Ripon. I’m very excited for her. ABE DYMOND ’90 continues to work at the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.”

SAMANTHA BAILEY ’91 writes, “I spent the last two years building a team of 12 and redesigning a flagship software product, only to lose my job just after the product launch last fall. So that was…miserable. I got to spend lots of time volunteering at my son’s school while job hunting, but all in all I don’t have anything positive to say about unemployment. Happily, I’ve accepted a role as User Experience Director at Optum, which is part of UnitedHealth Group, and I’m delighted to be back at work.”

RACHEL FERRER ’91 writes, “I moved to Colorado last fall. I work with veterans to provide medicine.”

TIM FINNEGAN ’91 writes, “Just looking forward to Timmy’s Kindergarten graduation this week. I’m still living in Hope, Rhode Island working as a school counselor at La Salle Academy in Providence.”

KRISTEN GRAY ’91 writes, “I divide my time between San Francisco and Denver. I continue to love working in Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communication. I have a great mix of one-on-one therapy, supporting school teams, and developing materials. I’m very excited to be going on a small vacation with Ripon friends at the end of the month. Hopefully we will manage to get a picture of everyone to share in the next newsletter.”

BECKY HUSTAD ’91 and BRIAN FREY ’91 write,

“It’s been 25 years since the wedding in the woods and the reception in my dad’s hay barn. We may have unwittingly revived that whole “barn dance” theme. It was not a fancy barn, but it held the 300+ family and friends who were able to attend, and no one fell through the floor! I am grateful every day for my patient and thoughtful husband. We are so fortunate to still be on this journey together. Here is a photo from the wedding in 1993 and a few others from our marriage.”

THOMAS GREVE ’91 (freelance news writer and occasional sports producer) lives in Chicago. His oldest daughter just finished freshman year at the University of Kansas in Lawrence…his 12- year-old son is headed to junior high and already claiming that he wants to “blow through Ripon” next time he heads north. Here’s hoping.

AMY ANDERSON KESSLER ’91 writes, “I’ve joined the development staff of the Merola Opera Program in San Francisco.”

MEAGHAN MAHONY MATHEWS ’91 writes, “Our oldest is off to High School in the fall, next two will
be in junior high. JOHN MATHEWS ’89 and I still live in Riverside, just outside Chicago. We are off to Ireland this summer for vacation.”

MAURA MURPHY ’91 writes, “My oldest is heading to high school and my youngest will be a 7th grader. During the short Minnesota summer, my husband Steve and I are enjoying spending time with the kids at our new family spot on Lake Vermilion. Looking forward to catching up with dear friends at the end of June in the mountains of West Virginia, courtesy of Karen and Abe Dymond.”

HEATHER THIEME ’91 writes, “I’m looking forward to seeing my fellow Smith Hall babes in just a couple of weeks in Virginia at KAREN MILEWSKI DYMOND’S ’91 posh cabin!! I am a surgical oncologist, moved my practice to the Geisinger Cancer Center/general surgery this year and I’m the site director for the Geisinger Surgery Residency in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. My boys turn 6 and 9 this year, and my husband still has his restaurant in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.”

ELIZABETH LAKE ’91 writes, “I just finished my 1st year “back to work” after 10 years as a fulltime mom, working as a library teaching assistant at my kids’ school. I really love spending the time with the kids inspiring a love of reading. PHIL TROBAUGH ’88 and I just celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary, which is crazy because that doesn’t seem possible. Our kids are 8 and 10 and keeping us young.”

RICHARD WHIPPLE ’91 writes, “About a year and a half ago I quit my riverside community care job to become a full time stay at home dad. Nancy went back to work. I am trying to write the memoir of Alexander’s short life and being a grieving father.  If any classmate would like to help with this project, please Facebook message me.”

HEATHER KLITZKE WISEMAN ’91 writes, “My twins just graduated from high school and I look forward to visiting them at Wofford and Berry College. I decided I was not ready to be an empty nester and have two foster children, ages 5 and 6. They are making me feel old and young at the same time!”

SUE KUTSCHENREUTER YOUNGS ’91 writes, “After 20 years in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, BILL YOUNGS ’89 and I are moving down to Wisconsin. I am moving back into my childhood home in Pewaukee, so life has pretty much come full circle for me. Looking forward to this new adventure as we both settle into new jobs and a new life as homeowners! If all goes well, rescuing and fostering cats and kittens will be a part of that new adventure.”

LORI KOMETER ’91 writes, “I work as a Capital Mitigation Specialist in Phoenix. Basically, I am a biographer for individuals charged with capital murder so I can try to convince juries to spare their lives of the death penalty and give them a life sentence instead. (Because Arizona still has the death penalty even though it’s barbaric). I have twin 1st graders and an amazing co-parent who shares 1/2 custody with me, so I get to rejuvenate my patience and clean my house every-other-day. Look me up if ever in the Phoenix area. I love a dinner out with old friends!”

Don’t Forget About Our Facebook Group

If you’re on Facebook, please ask to join our Class of ’91 group for updates and Ripon news. Alternatively, send your email address to [email protected] and I can add you to the group that way.

Warmly,

SAMANTHA BAILEY, TRACY MAHER

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

Class Agents:

Samantha Bailey ’91

3415 33rd Ave So

Minneapolis, MN 55406

612.978.4124 | [email protected]

Tracy Maher ‘91

1437 Marchbanks Dr, #7

Walnut Creek, CA 94598

401-225-9189 | [email protected]

Spring 2018

Greetings, Class of 1991!

If you’re reading this and didn’t receive a plea to send in an update, it probably means that we have an incorrect email address for you on file—dozens of the existing email addresses bounce when we seek updates. If you haven’t been in touch recently, please consider sending us an email with a few words we can include in the fall letter.

Speaking of updates—some additional changes to the class letter process are in the process of being implemented:

• R Connections will become an annual fall publication, therefore there will be no spring 2018 version mailed to alumni.
• Obituaries are going back to the Ripon Magazine starting in July 2018 and no longer included in R Connections.
• A stronger Class Agent, class letter and news note presence online is being developed for release this fall.

Donations to the annual fund are welcome year-round and can be made online: https://www.ripon.edu/make-a-gift/

Obituary

LISA KAY INDERMUEHLE BOHOVSKY ’91 went to her Lord and Savior on August 27, 2017 at Kathy’s Hospice House, West Bend, WI, after a 5-yr battle with cancer.

Lisa was born September 10, 1969, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the only child of David and Marilyn Kaiser Indermuehle.  In December, 1970, the family moved back to Wisconsin to be closer to Lisa’s grandparents and extended family. They ultimately settled in Schofield, where Lisa attended the D.C. Everest schools, graduating in 1987.  During high school, she was active in concert and marching bands, varsity tennis team, and Key club. At that time she also attended the First Presbyterian Church, where she was confirmed and participated in the Senior High Youth Group, helping to prepare the Friends Thanksgiving Dinner and traveling to different locations on their mission trips.

Lisa attended Ripon College, Ripon, WI, graduating in 1991 earning a BA degree with majors in mathematics and computer science.  While at Ripon, she continued her interest in music, tennis, and Circle K club.

Lisa used her education, working in the Milwaukee area as a data analyst in the health care claim processing field.  Her last employer was Virtual Benefits Administrator in Germantown. They recently presented Lisa with an AWARD OF EXCELLENCE, which combined three attributes:  dedication to her clients, willingness to help co-workers, and her company and team spirit. This award will be presented in Lisa’s name to future employees who exhibit these same attributes.  During her period of illness, Lisa also used her education participating in the 4th Angel program as a mentor to other women with the same type of illness.

On October 2, 1999, Lisa married David B. Bohovsky, and became step-mother to Ashley and Peter.  While in Hartford, Lisa and David were members of First United Methodist Church, where Lisa was active on the Administrative Council, in Women’s circle, the handbell choir, Sunday School shepherd and the Family Promise program.  Lisa and David enjoyed many outdoor pursuits, including walking, many with their rat terrier Sassy, biking and kayaking. They also enjoyed traveling to different parts of the country.

Survivors include her husband David, step-children Ashley (Ryan) Niebuhr and Peter, her parents David and Marilyn, Aunts Jeanette Hinn and Charlene (Gary) Reitz, cousin Jeffrey (Christine) Reitz, second cousin Kim Wiegand (Rex) Lang and their children Brittny, Haley, Brady and Devin, brother-in-law Stephen (friend Kim Le) Bohovsky and her dear rat terrier Sassy.  Predeceasing Lisa were her grandparents, Erwin & Irene Kaiser and Carl and Marcella Indermuehle, step-grandmothers Ruth Jambretz Kaiser and Wanda Kibble Indermuehle, and uncle Bill Hinn, mother-in-law and step father-in-law Isabel and Robert Meridith.

Memorial Services for Lisa were held on Friday, September 1, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church (738 W. Monroe Ave. Hartford, WI 53027). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 738 Monroe St., Hartford, WI  53027, or the charity of your choice.

Class Notes:

SAMANTHA BAILEY ’91: I lost my job in November, which resulted in a surprisingly relaxing holiday season. I am looking for a User Experience leadership role in the twin cities, so if you know of companies who need help maturing their user interface design practices, please send them my way!

BECKY HUSTAD ’91 and BRIAN FREY ’91 of Madison, Wisconsin, write, “We just fledged our first-born to a liberal arts college in the Midwest. Sorry Ripon, she was really determined to be immersed in a big city and learn about transportation systems etc. She is willing to endure bagpipes for that proximity. Our son kicks off high school this fall. We are optimistic, but he is already harder to keep track of than the 18-year old that just flew the coop. Brian is still a research scientist in chemistry at UW Madison and has an occasional Ripon student visiting him and/or working with him. I am an office manager for Greenleaf Media. This part-time position gives me the flexibility to offer garden education experiences to various elementary school students on the west side of Madison throughout the spring, summer and fall. We managed a quick trip to visit my sister in L.A. last spring, but the schedules of two busy teenagers doesn’t allow for much traveling. Lots of soccer and baseball games are in our future, but we always look forward to winter – a break from sporting events and convincing our kids to play nerdy board games.”

JOSH JOSEPH ’91 of Whitefish, Montana, writes, “All is well in Whitefish, Montana. Two years ago (approximately as my memory is fading) we relocated from the beautiful but crowded beaches of San Clemente, California and moved to the Mountainside community of Whitefish. Lots of Lake time/fly-fishing in the summer and Skiing/hockey in the winter.

My wife, Stephanie, and I have two very mischievous sons. George (10) and Jackson (6).  Occasionally they miss the beach but have adapted to the Mountain lifestyle well.. then again, kids are able to adapt just about anywhere..

I am still running a Real Estate Design & Development firm call Falcon Development, Inc.  Mostly focusing on Multi-family (apartment building) construction and management. My wife is an account for a firm out of Southern California. Luckily, they let her work from home in Montana.

The last Ripon Grad I ran into was Michelle Ryan in Southern California. It was great to see her and talk story.

If you and or any other grads ever make it through Glacier National Park and or Whitefish, make sure to reach out.

AMY STAPELFELDT KRUK ‘91 writes: “All is well in Germantown, Wisconsin, several milestones to celebrate this year!  24 years of marriage to CHRIS KRUK (’92) is just around the corner. I just celebrated my 25th Work Anniversary @ Cardinal Components in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. In January, I enjoyed a girl’s weekend in Florida with some ADPi sisters celebrating “their 50th B-day’s” and I hope my friend Cinnamon Gifford Theder is feeling 100% soon so we can get together before spring!

DONNA PETERSON ’91, of Madison, Wisconsin, writes, “I live in Madison, Wisconsin. I work at Accuray as a Global Service Development Engineering Manager at Accuray, Inc.”

JULIE SCHREIBER SCHNELL ’91 of Windsor, Wisconsin, writes, “Life in the Madison area is still as exciting and nonstop as ever. The Schnell family is its 6th year of owning a small, local business just down the street from our house, Windsor Breads Bakery & Coffeehouse in (10 minutes from the east side of Madison). I’m also nearing the first anniversary of being a Retail Sales Associate at U.S. Cellular in Waunakee. My husband, Anthony, continues teaching high school science in Lodi and our boys, Marcus (15) and Peter (12) keep things lively and fun. If anyone is ever in the Madison area, give me a head’s up at (608) 713-3549 so I can pamper you with one of our bakery/coffeeshop’s outstanding beverages and made-from-scratch baked goods :)”

Don’t Forget About Our Facebook Group

If you’re on Facebook, please ask to join our Class of ’91 group for updates and Ripon news. Alternatively, send your email address to Samantha and I can add you to the group that way.

Wishing you health and good fortune in the coming months. Have a great summer—and don’t forget to send us lots of updates for the fall letter!

Samantha Bailey, Tracy Maher

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1992

JuDee Stojsavljevic Fischer

262-681-8509 / [email protected]

Bonni Dembroski Fredrick

262-796-1531 / [email protected]

Erin Marie McCormack

[email protected]

Greetings Class of 1992,

As I am writing this letter Alumni Weekend has just wrapped up at Ripon College. As I saw the posts on Facebook of all the happy alumni, as well as my own Facebook Memories popping up, I was filled with gratitude at the opportunity we are all provided every 5 years to reconnect and remember our days at Ripon College. I thank all of you for being a part of those memories and continuing to foster new ones each year. I’ll look forward to seeing everyone again at the 30th reunion, June of 2022.

With that in mind, I’m going to get right to the fun part of the letter. What the heck is going on with the Class of 1992. I wish I had a ton of information I could share with you but we haven’t heard from too many people. Please get us your updates to be included in the spring communication.

But what I do have to share is very exciting.  I invite everyone to join me in giving a huge CONGRATULATIONS to our very own BRAD ALBERTS ’92. Brad has been named president of the Dallas Stars. Brad will be overseeing all aspects of the Stars business operations going forward. As a Blackhawks fan, I wish Brad the best of luck in achieving success his new role (just not too much success).

As always there are great things happening on campus and you don’t have to wait until 2022 to come back and visit again. Be sure to read through this edition of R Connections to see all the college news. Perhaps some of you, like me, even have a prospective student visit coming up for your son or daughter as you are entering that new phase of life as a parent of a soon to be college student. I do know some of our classmates have already had their children join the Ripon family.

Which brings me to the ask: Please consider continuing to support the Ripon Legacy with a contribution to the Annual Fund. Any donation large or small helps continue to provide the opportunity for the stellar Ripon education we all benefited from and the next generation is now enjoying. And if you work for an employer who matches donations, don’t forget to submit that paperwork and double your impact in supporting Ripon’s present and future.

With fond regards,

BONNI DEMBROSKI FREDRICK ’92

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

Class Agents:

JuDee Stojsavljevic Fischer

[email protected]

Bonni Dembroski Fredrick

[email protected]

Erin McCormack

[email protected]

Spring 2018

Hello Fellow Class of 1992 members –

It’s hard to believe that it’s already heading into spring of 2018. It feels like just yesterday that we gathered on campus last summer for our big reunion! Those of you who attended the reunion may remember that the Willmore Center was in the process of being finished.

Well, it’s done, it’s open, it’s operational and it’s an amazing addition to campus. Here’s some information for you if you haven’t been on campus to see it yet.

Willmore Center is the main health and wellness facility on campus and houses the athletics and exercise science departments. Named for alumna and Honorary Life Trustee Dena G. Willmore, the center opened in August 2017 after a $22 million renovation and expansion.

Located on the corner of Union and Thorne streets, Willmore Center houses the KERMIT “DOC” WEISKE ’50 Gymnasium and the John M. Kohler Swimming Pool. The new 65,000 sq. ft. field house includes an indoor NCAA-regulation track, complete with field events and four performance courts for basketball, tennis and volleyball.

Additionally, within Willmore Center are three fitness studios, a weight room and a cardio balcony. The new field house is home to Ripon’s indoor track and field teams.

The track/cross country coach’s office is named in honor of Coach Dick Hendricks of Ripon, who was a long-time cross-country and track coach for the college. Alumni, friends and family shocked Dick in early January at a ceremony to dedicate the office. He thought he was just there to attend a track meet and an alumni event. Surprise!

I know I really enjoyed my June sneak peek and can’t wait to get back to see the Willmore Center in all its glory. It was so much fun to wander around it during reunion weekend with Coach Hendricks, while knowing that he had no idea of what we were plotting and planning for him.

As always, Ripon keeps a full schedule of engagements for students and the community. Late winter and spring events include:

• The Center for Politics and the People held a panel discussion about democracy
• Award-winning poet Maggie Smith spoke on campus
• “The 25Th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” a Tony Award-winning musical was performed by the Ripon College Department of Theatre and Department of Music
• A Candidate for Wisconsin’s 6th District Congressional seat visited campus
• Doug Feith, Director and senior fellow of the Center for National Security Strategies at the Hudson Institute, visited campus for a discourse upon national security

Events like these and others are often supported through your generous donations. Please don’t forget that when we were students at Ripon, alumni donations and endowments underwrote the cost of our undergraduate education. Pay it forward and send a donation to Ripon. And now for some class notes…

JOANNA MALENFANT FISCHER ’92 of Cambridge, Massachusetts, has joined the board of Friends of Vassal Lane Upper School, a charity organization supporting her daughter’s school.

ERIN MCCORMACK ’92 of Colorado Springs, Colorado, relocated from Raleigh, NC to Colorado Springs, CO in the fall of 2017. She is now employed with the United States Olympic Committee as the Senior Technology and Innovation Advisor for the Strategy and Business Consulting team. Go Team USA!

Since relocating to Colorado Springs, Erin has been able to visit with LORI STICH OBLUDA ’91 who, with her husband, maintains a residence in Colorado Springs. On a recent engagement with USA Boxing, one of the National Governing Bodies for sport, Erin ended up collaborating with CLAY DUTCHER ’93. Ripon connections are truly everywhere. In her free time, Erin and her boyfriend enjoy all the great active outdoor activities in CO (running at altitude is much harder than running at sea level for sure) and supporting local craft breweries and restaurants.       

All the best,

JuDee, Bonni, and Erin

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1993

Melinda Trainor Hutchinson

651-259-3459 / [email protected]

Hi All,

I hope you are all doing well. There was a small group of us on campus for our Silver Anniversary reunion this past June, but we all had a blast! The weather was beautiful, there was lots of food, plenty of activities and things to do—but also some downtime, which I really appreciated!  

Here’s the latest news from our classmates:

DEB JENSEN LAHTEINE ‘93 of Plymouth, Massachusetts, was a guest speaker at University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business. She spoke to a group of undergraduates participating in the Sears Holdings Corporation Retail Leadership Seminar. Her speech was titled, “Approaches to Finding Solutions.”

LEE ANN HUDZIAK LELLA ’93 of Wausau, Wisconsin, is the Associate Manager at RCL Benziger, a company that produces Catholic curriculum and other resources.

KYRA HYSER LONGFELLOW ’93 of Oakdale, Minnesota recently started a new position at a different company. She is now working for the Advisor Group, a privately-owned financial services firm that has a corporate office right where she lives, proving to be her best commute to work ever. Kyra’s title is User Acceptance Tester for the Advisor Portals. She performs user testing on new code, new field-facing systems, as well as doing a quality review of any new or modified written content to the Advisor Portal websites. Financial advisors rely on the Advisor Portals to be their one-stop shop in accessing key information and systems to run their independent financial practices. The position is diverse and she is enjoying new day-to-day responsibilities.

CATHERINE WILSON ’93 of Cotuit, Massachusetts, received the Community Volunteer Award for her support of several local charities. In good company, Cat will receive her award along with State Representative Randy Hunt will receive the Elected Official Award for his focus on the opioid epidemic.

And me…

MELINDA TRAINOR HUTCHINSON ’93 of Eagan, Minnesota, will be checking another item off my bucket list by going back to college part-time this fall! I’m planning to work toward a Certificate in American Sign Language.

Well, that’s all for this fall! Please keep in touch and let us know what you’re up to. Do you need to update your contact information? Contact me by Facebook (are you part of the Ripon College Class of 1993 group?) or my email address. I can also forward your contact info to the college if you’d like. Otherwise, you can contact the Office of Constituent Engagement directly with changes at [email protected] or via U.S. mail to Alumni Office, Ripon College, P.O. Box 248, Ripon, WI 54971.  

Thank you! MELINDA

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1994

Colin Dickerson

[email protected]

Kimberly Woolley

[email protected] / www.facebook.com/kimbo.woolley / www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-woolley-a903959

Please mark your calendars now for our 25th Reunion, next summer, June 27-30, 2019. More details about Alumni Weekend 2019 and our reunion celebration coming soon! If you’re interested in volunteering to help make the weekend a success, please let us know or contact the Office of Constituent Engagement, [email protected].

ERIC ATKISSON ‘94 of Alexandria, Virginia, changed jobs in August 2017, from speechwriter to communications supervisor at the Patent and Trademark Office. Eric also had another piece of fictions published last November, the latest is his ‘Crazy Snake’ series for Heroic Fantasy Quarterly. And by the time this letter comes out, he will be finished with his second year of the creative nonfiction writing program at George Mason University.

KATY HERBOLSHEIMER LINDBERG ’94 of Hastings, Minnesota, is celebrating 20 years of owning her Farmers Insurance Agency. She has been named 6 times in the top 10% in the country and 1 time in the top 3%.

SARA HOLBACH KLECKNER ’94 of Minneapolis, Minnesota, chaired the fundraising Gala for her high school’s Art Council for the last three years, increasing funds raised every year. Sara is passionate about the importance of arts education in public schools and believes kids have a better experience when the arts are part of their curriculum. Sara and her husband Jason continue to work on restoration projects around the house and they sent their eldest daughter, Madeleine, off to Cornell College last fall.”

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

Class Agent:

Kimberly Woolley

[email protected]  

www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-woolley-a903959

Spring 2018

Greetings, Class of 1994!

I hope you are all doing well. I was on campus in February and took a tour of the upper campus. The campus looked beautiful, even in the frigid temps. I also had lunch with a few of the current students and chatted with them about the college. It was lovely to get their perspective on student life at Ripon.

If you haven’t been on campus recently, I encourage you to visit during Alumni Weekend (June 21-24, 2018).  Also, please start getting ready for Alumni Weekend 2019 when the Class of 1994 will be celebrating our 25th Year Reunion. While on campus, you should carve out time to visit the new Willmore Health and Wellness Center (the former Storzer Center). Many of our classmates contributed to the fund to build the Willmore Center, which is named after one of Ripon’s very successful female alumnus and Honorary Life Trustee, DENA WILLMORE ’67.

Thank you to the classmates who reached out to me with updates.  Here are what some of our classmates are up to.

Class Notes:

ERIC ATKISSON ’94 of Alexandria, Virginia, changed jobs in August 2017 from speechwriter to communications supervisor at the Patent and Trademark Office. Eric also had another piece of fiction published last November: the latest in his “Crazy Snake” series for Heroic Fantasy Quarterly. By the time this letter comes out, he will be finished with his second year of the creative nonfiction writing program at George Mason University.

KATY HERBOLSHEIMER LINDBERG ’94 of Hastings, Minnesota, is celebrating 20 years of owning her Farmers Insurance Agency.  She has been named 6 times in the top 10% in the country and 1 time in the top 3%.

SARA HOLBACH KLECKNER ’94 of Minneapolis, Minnesota, has chaired the fundraising gala for her high school’s art council for the past three years, increasing funds raised every year. Sara is passionate about the importance of arts education in public schools and believes kids have a better experience when the arts are part of their curriculum. Sara and her husband Jason continue to work on restoration projects around the house. They sent their eldest daughter, Madeleine, off to Cornell College last fall.

JOHN FISHER ’94 of Florence, Arizona, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2017.  John married Kristi Fisher on August 3, 2002 in Enfield, Connecticut, spent his career in the Banking/Mortgage Industry and had a great passion for numbers. He loved to work on cars with his brother Doug and he enjoyed building model and radio control cars. He loved to wakeboard and bike. He was a wrestling State Champion in high school. He loved all sports, especially football, which he played in college. He loved being a Merriman at Ripon College. He loved his five children and took great joy in being a dad.

All the best,

Kimberly

Submitted by: Olivia Heck

1995

Angela Keith

(928) 380-1880 / [email protected]

Vince Padilla

[email protected]

Amy DeKeyser Padilla

[email protected]

Hello Class of ’95!

I hope you are enjoying this issue of R Connections.  I find this new format pretty awesome—now we are able to check in on the classes that surrounded us during our time at Ripon. Like me, I’m sure you all had friends in every class, and it is nice to see what they are up to.

Our letter, this time around, is going to be fairly brief. We have not received any updates from our classmates in the last few months, and all the information about the goings on at Ripon are now part of the magazine.

As usual, please consider donating to the Annual Fund to ensure Ripon can continue to be a part of the lives of our future generations. Ripon was a stepping stone for us that helped create the path we are on now.

We truly enjoy hearing updates from our classmates! If there is something new and exciting in your life—let us know via email, Facebook, or one of those information cards that Ripon sends out! It would be nice to be able to report in the next issue.

Until next time …

Regards,

ANGELA L. KEITH

AMY DEKEYSER PADILLA

VINCE PADILLA

Submitted by: Olivia Heck