GRATITUDE College Thanks Donors of ‘The Campaign for Ripon College 1999-2004’

from Ripon Magazine Summer 2004

From the President

FFourteen Ripon College alumni and friends have been named as new institutional Benefactors, the college’s highest donor recognition level.

The 14, including eight who gained the level through estate gifts, were recognized at an upbeat celebration in early February which concluded “The Campaign for Ripon College 1999-2004.” Without formally announcing the objectives of the campaign publicly, the campaign raised $37.3 million from more than 6,900 alumni, friends, corporations and foundations.

The College paid special tribute to the members of the Board of Trustees, 100 percent of whom supported the campaign with financial gifts.

During the program, Owen Gleason ’73, trustee and chair of the campaign, formally recognized the Trustees for their dedication and leadership “during these challenging times. Your contributions cannot be overstated,” he said.

Ripon President David C. Joyce noted to the trustees and donors on hand, “It is my privilege to thank you for your wisdom and your generosity You have made a significant difference in the lives of our future leadership. You have demonstrated your loyalty and confidence in Ripon College. No words can aptly express our appreciation to you. Tonight we will make a humble effort to offer our most sincere appreciation and celebrate the success of a very ambitious effort.”

In addition to the trustees, other leadership gift donors recognized that evening were Mr. and Mrs. Oscar C. Boldt representing the Boldt Co. of Appleton; Blanche Bartizal Babcock ’53 and her late husband, Tom ’51, from Three Lakes, Wis.;

Forty-four estates were settled, equaling $10.3 million of the campaign total.

“During the campaign, we saw the endowment grow by $9.8 million, more than half of it earmarked for scholarships,” according to Bill Neill ’67, special assistant to the president and former interim vice president for development. The totals also include $4.4 million for the renovation of student residence halls and $19.2 million for annual operational expenses.