launching new lives
Through Ripon education, Tom Kolpien ’01 ‘learned how to learn’ “Ripon College provided me with close student-professor relationships, which looking back, allowed me to learn how to learn. It provided a level of accountability to professors that assisted me developing critical-thinking skills, preparedness and organization. After all, there was no hiding in the back of a large lecture hall if I was not prepared for class!” Kolpien majored in history with an emphasis on historical culture and race relations in the United States. He had a minor in law and society. He received a juris doctor from Marquette University Law School and worked in private practice from 2003 to 2013. He became the assistant corporation counsel for Rock County, Wisconsin, in July 2013 and was appointed as Rock County Family Court Commissioner in August 2014. He presides over a variety of family law actions from initial divorce and post-divorce hearings, paternity actions, child support hearings, domestic abuse restraining orders and other custody/placement proceedings.
Sports brought Tom Kolpien ’01 to Ripon College, but the foundation he gained through the liberal arts impacted the rest of his life.
“(Football) Coach Ron Ernst was
He didn’t have a distinct plan for his life but wanted to play college sports. He chose Ripon because it was close to his parents’ home in Appleton, Wisconsin, and he wanted them to be able to watch him compete.
says. “The small-school atmosphere was
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instrumental in my decision by introducing me to the wonderful educational experience that Ripon College has to offer,” Kolpien instrumental in my college education. As a first-generation student, I had no real understanding of what college would entail and how the level of independent learning would impact me.
“My parents were extremely supportive of me attending college,” Kolpien says. “Neither of them attended college. My father worked tirelessly for many years as a lead mechanic for Air Wisconsin Airlines, also known as United Express, and is now retired. My mother, who passed away a couple years ago, worked various part-time jobs outside of the home when she was able, however she spent the vast majority of her work life managing a household for our family. “My parents sacrificed in immeasurable ways to allow their children to pursue their various dreams. I know they felt a sense of comfort sending their youngest to Ripon College because of the wonderful atmosphere it offered.”
