Moving forward with a shared vision

As this letter and magazine reach you, I have been part of the Ripon College campus community for more than six months. Dick and I have immersed ourselves in both campus and community activities. We have enjoyed cheering on the Red Hawks at multiple sporting contests and supporting our students at fine art events — with stops at Knuth Brewing Company and Fox and Crow Bistro in downtown Ripon along the way. We welcome you to join us! Dick and I have fallen in love with living on the prairie and enjoy hosting College gatherings at the President’s House.

Since my appointment, the College has begun plotting a course for our future. In collaboration with faculty, staff, students and other key College stakeholders, we have begun developing a comprehensive strategic plan which will touch on all faucets of the College. As part of our continued growth plan, we are continuing the work of my predecessors with the help of committed friends and alumni like you. The College has announced a $35 million infrastructure plan which includes:

• Renovation and expansion of the Ripon College Science Center

• A new on-campus stadium

• Residence hall upgrades

We plan to break ground on the science center and stadium during Inauguration Week April 18-22. Celebrating the theme of “Forever Ripon,” I will communicate our shared vision for Ripon College throughout the week, concluding with the Inauguration Ceremony on April 22. All are welcome to attend.

The last six months also have been filled with travel as I have embarked on the “Presidential Welcome” tour with stops across the country. I enjoy meeting so many College friends and alumni. Your enthusiasm and passion for this institution is palpable and energizing. These fun events also provide me with a unique opportunity to discuss upcoming projects to solicit feedback, input and generate excitement. If you haven’t attended one yet, I encourage you to join us.

In the following months, I will continue to share key messages and next steps as we position Ripon as a premier liberal arts institution.

VICTORIA N. FOLSE PRESIDENT

Kassidy Walters ’23 honored with national servant leadership award

People who support others have influenced Kassidy Walters ’23 of Greenfield, Illinois, since an early age. “I had a great mentor, which was my great-grandmother, who taught me how to serve within my community by delivering meals to the elderly,” she says.

“In 2018, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. My hometown community and my college community were the biggest supporters I could have asked for and really showed me how to serve and be loving to a person in need.”

Her active leadership and mentoring on the Ripon College campus led to her receiving the inaugural Servant-Leader Youth Exemplar Award in the Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership’s Hall of Fame selections.

The event recognized individuals and organizations who demonstrate exemplary servant leadership, a form of leadership that emphasizes leading through good character, focusing on the well-being and advancement of others and of the communities to which they belong. Walters was the only student recipient.

President Victoria N. Folse and Vice President and Dean of Faculty John Sisko accompanied Walters to the awards ceremony at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. “The mission of Ripon College is servant leadership-driven,” Sisko says. “One of our guiding goals is to help students and the members of our larger community establish positive trajectories for personal and professional growth and success.”

In his letter of recommendation for Walters to receive the award, Sisko says Walters is a “natural leader” and “truly exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader for the good of the Ripon College campus community.”

Walters is a double major in exercise science-human performance and psychology and plans to study sports psychology in graduate school. At Ripon, she competes with distinction on the women’s basketball team, serves as president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and participates on the Diversity Coalition Committee and Campus Christian Fellowship.

“Whether it’s planning events for student-athletes or helping support other groups on campus, I want to make an impact in someone’s life,” Walters says. “I’ve been able to help lead groups on campus to listen to one another, include others, volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, volunteer at our local elementary schools to read to kids and give back to our food pantry here in town.”

Walters became particularly focused on giving back after the help she received during her health treatments. “From my coaches, professors, administrators, I’ve had great mentors in my life. I made a promise to myself to do my best to serve and give back to my community just like they did for me in a time of need,” she says.

“Student leadership means being able to lead others through example and through my actions. Being able to serve has made a big impact on my life and others. This award has helped open my eyes in understanding that my everyday actions really do add up.”