Ripon College Summer 2021

6 RARE BEE FINDS A HOME ON THE PRAIRIE

Assistant Professor of Biology Ben Grady is an advocate for rare species With an aim at protection, he is gathering data on an endangered bee species in the Ceresco Prairie Conservancy and he is helping examine damage to a rare wildflower in Nevada.

9 KEEPING THE ENVIRONMENT GREEN

Despite some setbacks caused by the pandemic, Ripon College is maintaining sustainability and conservation as a priority

18

CERESCO PRAIRIE CONSERVANCY TURNS 25!

Alumni share some of their special memories of this large, outdoor classroom.

24 CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2021

Commencement was held in person again, with a limited, socially distanced ceremony on campus The time-honored pride, emotions and joyous spirit of every Commencement held forth.

DEPARTMENTS:

22 Sports

30 Around the Clocktower

32 In Memoriam

36 Remarkable Ripon

ON THE COVER: A rare rusty patched bumblebee (Bombus affinis) was discovered last fall in Ripon College's Ceresco Prairie Conservancy. The discovery effort was carried out by Assistant Professor of Biology Ben Grady and Christina Seese '23.

LEFT: Spring Wonder cherry trees were in full bloom in April outside Harwood Memorial Union's The Spot. The goal of Physical Plant is to plant more trees than are removed and since 2007, 132 trees have been planted on campus. Ripon College was named a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in June 2020. This honor is bestowed on colleges and universities that promote healthy trees and involve students and staff in conservation.

'Sky's All the Surprise'

One of the best perks of being the president of Ripon College is that my family and l live at 1 Merriman Lane where the Ceresco Prairie meets campus. l often wake up at daybreak, especially during the early sunrises of the late spring, to let our dogsElena and Bruno - out for a run. I'll have a cup of coffee while I listen to the rustling of the leaves on the spectacular giant oaks in the front yard and then watch the orioles swoop in for a taste of the grape jelly we have left out for them

Ripons prairie is beautifol in every season, and I try to walk the trails, including South Woods, a couple of times each week, sun or snow

Thanks to Professor Emeritus of Biology Skip Willier and our physical plam slaff, fallen

trees are cleared and lhere's a new environmentally friendly walkway over the marsh where the blackbirds trill. I like to stop at the bluff where Professor Emeritus of English David Graham has a poem installation, "Skys All the Surprise " David and I put a bench next to his poem where you can stopand rest. \Ille dedicated the bench to all the animals of the prairie

In my nine years at Ripon, Ive seen giant turtles emerge from Silver Creek, ring-necked pheasants in the backyard and deer that eat placidly from our bird feeders along with foxes, snakes, river otters and sandhill cranes On the patio, I enjoy Elena and Brunos constant geostrategic and tactical battles with the squirrels and chipmunks.

At the beginning of June, out for an afternoon walk, l bumped into Assistant Professor of Biology Ben Grady and a Ripon student doing summer research on the prairie. They excitedly told me about their discovery of a rare bumblebee and that they were out taking photographs Ben's news felt extra-special and reminded me (again) that most of our students are away from campus during Wisconsin's spectacular - June, July and August - months, something perhaps tbat we can start to change in the years ahead

lt is summertime again and it has been an evemful year as you'll read in the pages ahead. This year's Commencement felt less like the encl of something and more like a beginning of a new chapler, post-pandemic. Ripon College is humming along Our endowmem surpassed $100 million in March, new scholarships were created and 250+ new students will matriculate in lhe fall in the Class of 2025 All of the sudden, the normal feels special. Or, as David Graham wrote in his poem about the prairie, "No surprises, but skys all the surprise I ne d "

ZACH MESSITTE PRESIDENT

Zach Messitte and Bruno ready for a walk on Ceresco Prairie.

HEART FAILURE CAUSES DEATH OF RIPON STUDENT WHILE BATHING IN LAKE

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Updates to the historical Black student story

New infom1ation has been found for the archive story in the Winter 2021 issue of Ripon Magazine: "Robert Page Sims Jr. the first Black student at Ripon College "

lnfonuation the College had at that time gave no resolution as to what happened to Sims after his first year at Ripon. Jane Burge Terry '69 found the tragic ending to the sto1y in an article published June 23, 1925, in the Oshkosh Northwestern newspaper.

Sims died of heart failure while swimn1ing in Big Green Lake the summer after his freshman year.

An earlier Black student

It also has been discovered that there was at least one earlier Black student at Ripon. George R. Young was a 1911 graduate of Jacksonville (lllinois) High School. He was shown in the 1913 Crimson in the freshman class photo and the cross country team photo; and the 1914 Crimson as a member of the track team

In this photo from the 1914 Crimson, George R. Young is shown seated, second from left, as a member of the track team.

Mascoutin Village was a little town on the prairie long before Ripon Coll ge, city of Ripon

A 1906 map of the Upper and Lower Fox River watershed area around Berlin, Wisconsin, about 10 miles from the Ripon College campus Ripon is southeast of Berlin, roughly between Rush Lake and Green Lake on the map (Mop courtesy of the Wisconsin Historical Society).

inset The Ripon College campus in the 19th century.

he snowstorm The prairie. The determined men The mythology surrounding the founding of Ripon College in 1851 overlooks the fact that in the middle of the 17th cenLur)1 the Mascoutin people had built a village of 3,000 inhabitants less than a dozen miles from the current campus Ripon College was not built on an empty prairie

"During a gentle snowstorm in the early spring of 1851, 'two grim, determined men' climbed the hill overlooking the village of Ripon Imo the possibly still half-frozen ground, they pounded some stakes outlining the first building of what was eventually co become Ripon College."

While George Miller and Robert Ashley's Ripon College: A History begins with this genesis scene, we know nearly all histories begin in medias res, the so-called middle of the sto1y. The story of this prairie hill could have begun with the founding of the village of Ripon by David Mapes and John Scott Hon1er. Or it could have begun on the other side of the hill with the founding of the mopian society Ceresco led by Warren Chase in 1844. Or it could have begun 200 years earlier in 17th century Paris - on the heads of fashionable gentlemen Indeed, the piece of prairie adjacent to the upper Fox River on which Ripon College sits has had a significant impact on global fashion as well as having been an axis point for the domination of North America

ALLhe beginning of the 17th century - before the Pilgrims had landed al Plymomh - Samuel de Champlain was busy exploring the Great Lakes to establish trading relationships v.>ith the area's American Indians. Europeans had developed an affinity for North American beaver pelts, which were used in creating hats fashionable to the era's Parisians Champlain, along with many other traders, was busy exchanging goods for these furs in an attempt to make

their fortunes Champlain and other traders operated in what is now Quebec and southward toward New York. The demand for beaver pelts quickly outpaced the beaver population. Soon, powerful tribes like those of the Iroquois confederacy pushed farther west in search of more beavers to trap The Iroquois moved through the Great Lakes Lo the area just west of lake Hui;on, where a smaller tribe called the Mascoutin had been living. Being no match for the powerful Iroquois, the Mascoutin moved west of Lake Michigan to the banks of the Fox River.

By 1620, Champlain was no longer exploring the expanse of North America himself but remained at the trading post at present day Quebec as its chief administrator. Explorations were now undertaken by younger men like Jean Nicolet. In 1634, Champlain convinced Nicolet to explore the region beyond lake Huron and into lake Michigan After passing through the straits of Mackinac, he continued along the northern shores of the lake and eventually made landfall.

Popular legend purports that Nicolet wore a silk robe and fired his guns in the air upon meeting the Puans (the ancestors of the Ho Chunk) people near Green Bay. While both the legend and the location of this landfall is currently under debate by scholars, Nicolet had a friendly encounter Mth the Puans which included several banquets as well as a gift to him of more than 120 beaver pelts. After this encounter, he traveled up the Fox River through Lake of the Puants (Lake Winnebago) and co the point of the river where Berlin is currently located.

Here on the plateau above the river, about four kilometers away, was the village of the Mascoutin people While at the village he heard about other great rivers - the Wisconsin and the Mississippi to the westbut rat.her than traveling farther up the Fox to reach them, Nicolet instead decided to turn south to meet the lllinois people.

The unexplored rivers, opportunities for trading and mission work brought other European explorers in following years. Fathers Jean Claude Allouez and Jacques

Marquette, both Jesuit missionaries, followed Nicolets path up the Fox River to the Mascoutin John Brown Among the Quakers: And Other Sketches, by Irving Berdine Richman, records these accounts:

Allouez remarks, "These people are settled in a very attractive place, where beautiful plains and fields meet the eye as far as one can see These poor mountaineers are kind beyond the power of belief."

lvlarquette reports, "I took pleasure in observing the situation of this , llage It is beautiful and very pleasing For, from the eminence upon which it is placed, one beholds on every side prairies extendjng • farther than the eye can see, interspersed with groves, or ,vith lofty trees. The soil is very fertile, and yields mucl1 Indian corn. The savages gather quantities of plums and grapes, wherev.,ith much ,vine could be made if desired."

Another missionary, Father Doblon, visited in 1670 and reported a population of 3,000 people "with at least 800 men for defense against the Iroquois" (Richman).

While the colonialist mindset is evident in these descriptions, Marquette, Allouez and Doblon recognized the advantages the Mascomins had created for themselves in the location of their city by the Fox River. European-Americans would not have a city of this size in the immediate area for almost two centuries. Both Berlin and Ripon would not surpass 3,000 residents until the 1880 census. Berlin would not reach 4,000 residents until 1890 and Ripon not until 1940.

The Mascoulin village, however, did not last long into the 18th century. The social upheaval unleashed by white settlers moving westward from Lhe Brilish colonies on the Atlantic coast set off a chain of reactions of different tribes moving lo new lands Many of the Mascoutin moved om of Lhe area in 1710 along with the Kickapoo, Miami and Fox.

ANDREW PRELLWITZ ASSOCIATE LIBRARIAN-USER SERVICES COLLEGE ARCHIVIST

henAssistant Professor of Biology Ben Grady wasconsidering coming to teach al Ripon College, Lhe presence of the Ceresco

and see if they can find the rusty patched bumblebee in other places "Part of the challenge is Lo figure out how much Prailie Conservancy held great appeal. believed they had correctly identified the bee trouble they're in," Grady says "The bee is 'T

Last fall on the prairie, Grady and Christina Seese '23 of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, discovered a rare bee, the rusty patched bumblebee (Bombus affinis) "I knew of the bee because it was listed on the federal endangered species list a couple of years ago," Grady says "It used to be much more common around the upper Midwest. There was a potential for it to be around here because this hits its histaric range and it likes prairies I wasn't at all sure, but l was really hoping we would find it."

And find it they did. While completing a

preliminary survey of pollinatars in the Ceresco Prairie, they took as many photos as they could and came across the bee. They

with the help of online guides and images They sent the images for verification to the Wisconsin Bumble Bee Brigade, a citizen science group dedicated to raising awareness and collecting data on bumblebees The confirn1ation was particularly exciting because the bee has never been recorded in Fond du Lac Coumy.

Grady plans to continue investigative work this summer with Gemma Krause '22 of Ripon, Wisconsin, and Frederick Mannelli '22 of Williams Bay, Wisconsin.

They plan to document other pollinators

associated with tall grass prairies, and most of those are gone now. My goal this summer is to get a better sense of how many there are here, what types of plants they're using, when they're active, etc. This is baseline information Any of that is helpful in preserving the species."

He adds, "l don't think we would have found the bee if it hadn't been for the restoration efforts of Dr. George "Skip" Wittler (professor emeritus of biology and direcLOr of the Ceresco Prairie Conservancy) and other folks."

Grady also is an expert on wild buckwheat, an interest he has held since he was a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison This group of plants has limited distribution and gro,vs mostly across the western U.S deserts, 1:nountains and areas in between.

La st year, Grady was an important voice in discussions surrounding Tiehm's buckwheat, a wildflower known to grow only in a small, 10-acre patch of the Silver Peak Range in Nevada. "It's extremely limited in distribution, and it's always been rare since we've known about it," he says.

"It is growing on a really strange soil, with high levels of lithium and boron, which is toxic to other plants," he says. "l find plant

species that are restricted to unusual habitats to be quite interesting, and 1 study how these types of patterns have evolved in plants "

Tiehm's buckwheat also is interesting to Grady because it is a critical part of the ecosystem The local pollinators depend on it for food during May and June since the habitat is otherwise pretty desolate because of the soil. "This plant could help us to understand how plants can grow on toxic soils," he says

Tiehm's buckwheat has had national attention over the past year because a mining corporation plans to construct an open-pit lithium mine right under where the plant is growing. This would put about 2/3 of the entire known world population

of Tiehm's buckwheat at risk.

In September 2020, a large portion of the existing population was found with severe damage, and it was unclear whether the damage was from anh:nal predation or from human vandals There have been multiple lawsuits and investigations as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tries to determine whether to offer protection to the species.

Grady was called in to offer expert advice. "Whatever happened destroyed a lot of plants," he says "From my perspective, it just matters that we lost a significant portion of the species that is under even more threat now."

Human destruction has been ruled out. While that is a good thing, the indication now is Lhat this was done by rodents. "Now we have this new problem," Grady says. "I've never seen that type of damage before "

Theories include that extreme drought has pushed animals to search for new water and food sources. With the threats of climate change and a drastically warming climate, 'This type of disturbance could be more common in the future," Grady say .

Work is underway to earn federal protection status for Thiem's buckwheat, which potentially could halt the proposed mine project.

"The main importance is that this is a species that has been in this spot for thousands of years," Grady says. "If humans are leading to its extinction, that is a real problem. Human actions are leading to lots of extinctions right now. If we have the power to prevem this from going extinct, we should do that.

"Ecologically, it provides a pollen source for insects in that area Lhat rely on it. It grows in unusual places. There are things we could le_arn from this plant with potential for getting other plants to grow in unusual soil."

JAYE ALDERSON RIPON COLLEGE EDITOR

JILLIAN HEIDENREICH '21 MONROE, WISCONSIN

Despite pandemic-related setbacks, College moves ahead with sustainability

Since its founding, Ripon College has been on a mission to conserve, to assure suslainability of its practices and to make its carbon footprint as small as possible The College may not have purposely staled its intentions in its early years, but small budgets and, at times, cl1allenges to its livelihood demanded that it pay attention to conservation and sustainability.

Today, Ripon College has files full of efforts to save energy, lower waste, recycle as much as possible and to help its students understand the need for sustainability and conservation on a global scale.

COVID-19, however, not only put a damper on conservation and sustainability, it temporarily halted the practical

application of some of those concepts. Still, the commitment to conservation and sustainability continues and will resume full tilt after pandemic restrictions are lifted

Mark Kainz, associate clean for the Catalyst curriculum and assessment coordinator, says 100 percent of Ripon students are exposed to sustainability concepts consistently through the required Catalyst 300 Applied Innovations Seminar. Student collaboration groups consider five challenges based on U.N. Sustainability Goals, pick one of the challenges and then formulate a specific problem to address.

Among the challenges students undertook this spring were food insecurity in Wisconsin; reuses for abandoned shopping

malls; how excess food from restaurants and catering services might be used by food pantries; and "food deserts" in Chicago, areas which have no grocery stores.

Kainz, the Patricia and Philip McCullough Class of 1969 Professor of Biology, says students also get a taste of sustainability in Catalyst 100 and Catalyst 220 courses Ripon also offers a major in environmental scudies and a minor in environmental biology

The curricular emphasis on sustainability, Kainz says, "has now become normal. It's not viewed as exotic or beyond anyone's ability to understand or incorporate" into one's thinking or classes

27, 2021, along the sidewalk connecting S.N. Pickard Commons and the lawn area in front of Harwood Memorial Union. Shown are John Tobin, grounds manager, left,andJosh Byrum, maintenance worker. The tree was donated by members of the Cincinnati Alumni Group in memory of David Lives '62, who died Jan. 23, 2021. The alumni group includes Julie Scharon Chovan '78 and Joe Chovan; Larry Hollmaier 75 and Lori Hollmaier; Debbie Foster Lin 75 and Peter Lin; DanNewyear '79; Ruth Kortemeier Roeber '49; Mary Sweeney '78; and Jenny

"It's good to see the students' enthusiasm and exciLement," says Sarah FrohardL Lane, director of the environmental studies program and associate professor of history "Many Ripon students are eager Lo learn more about, and contribute to addressing, some of today's and tomorrow's most pressing problems. l think they have gravitated to courses in sustainability and in environmental studies LO approach these issues rrom interdisciplinary perspectives "

Because of pandemic challenges, the "real life" implementation of sustainable practices in Ripons plam department and food service have been limited John Tobin, supervisor of housekeeping and grounds, adds, "Shutting down (the campus) for COYID-19 helped us think outside the box and to try things that hadn't been tried before "

In some cases, COVID-19 "reversed efforts to be sustainable," according to Keith Lauth, new director of the Ripon College Physical Plant. Sustainability "is the first consideraLion when an idea is brought forward."

As a result of COVlD-19, energy needs increased in places where energy previously had been minimal. "We added more air changers to maximize air ilow," Lauth says, adding that Center for Disease Control

(CDC) guidelines were specific about cleaning and maintenance.

Cleaning efforts were impacted as spaces were added to accommodate in-person classes where students could be spaced out to meet distancing requirements. Lounges, a dance studio, The Terrace gathering spot and other spaces were converted into classrooms; ionization systems LO filter out negative air were added; and S.N Pickard Commons got new heating and cooling systems.

Among the sustainability challenges during COVlD-19 was a dramatic increase in trash in the residence halls, a resulLof all food being offered as carry-out (ToGo) and many students eating in their residence hall rooms.

"Pre-pandemic, we were moving in a positive manner" ,vith sustainability, Lauch says. For two years, the College had a sustainability director who "was ramping up efforts and bringing additional auention LO it."

Funded by a grant from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, significant successes were realized, nm the least of which were general awareness and student and faculty interest. In addition, a retreat on sustainability in 2019 drew 16 faculty members; and students conducted susLainability research which was presented at national conferences and has been published in journals. Other

programming also brought attention to aspects of sustainability and financial assistance to support teaching and initiatives.

The College saved energy when it was almost entirely shut down rrom March to August 2020 and then again between Thanksgiving 2020 and the end of January 2021. Almost all students were off campus, and most staff worked remotely.

Despite the pandemic challenges, sustainability efforts continue:

• All lights are switched to energysaving LED whenever possible.

• Less lawn is mowed around the athletic fields and president\; home, returning those areas to prairie.

• Students remaining on campus during breaks are congregated into fewer buildings, allowing total shutdowns of some buildings.

• A "mulch-in-place" system is practiced with no leaf collection each fall.

Through the class ENV 210 Sustainability Lab and SustainabilityFellowships, students helped create a pollinator path. Ecologically friendly flowering plantsattract beesand butterflies and promote the natural ecosystem around campus

Jaylend Brown '24 of Madison, w,scons takes advantage of a ToGo meal,offered meet CDC guidelines during the pandem1

food stations to employee-served stations during the pandemic

• Ripon plants at least as many trees as it removes in a year.

• Snow removal has been altered and drop-spreaders are used for sidewalk salt dimibmion

• Additional water stations for refilling bottles are being added

• Because of budget restrictions, there are fewer staff and an administrative position was eliminated in a transition to a College-operated plant department

• Beuer pricing on some products has allowed the College to buy more locally.

• A Focus on Energy assessment has identified places on campus where efficiencies can be gained.

On the food service side of sustainability, during the hean of the pandemic in 2020, Ripon hired a new provider in SAGE Dining Services. SAGE, as a corporaLion, nmes Lhat "every aspect of our organization renects our commitment to the environment."

Trying to implement company-wide sustainability practices during a pandemic has been challenging but not impossible, according to JD Gildemeister, general manager at Ripon "COVID-19 has had us rethink how we do things," he says. Food service has used ToGo options at all retail outlets on campus, including Pickard Commons, to meet CDC guidelines. All serf-serve food stations have been changed to employee-served stations.

Traditionally, Gildemeister says, "SAGE partners with local suppliers to increase the use of fresh, seasonal products, support local farming initiates and reduce fossil fuel emissions."

Among the projects specific to Ripon are conversations about using campus gardens as a source of herbs, vegetables and fruits. The firm also encourages trayless dining and recycling and is imerested in re-starting composting at Ripon. It also uses reusable or biodegradable cutlery and service ware whenever possible

SAGE has educational programs and seeks student input via a sustainability board Their Meet the Farmers program brougl11an apple orchard producer to campus last fall

SAGE also works with its staff \vith internal educational programs "to ensure they know how to reduce waste, recycle where we can and cut back on ToGo supplies whenever we can" while following COVlD-19 guidelines, he says.

Gildemeister sees SAGE working as a partner with Ripon, which he says "is ve1y interested in maintaining and increasing its sustainability program."

Fellowship boosts student experience

Shreeya Gautam '21 of Kathmandu, Nepal, and Valerie Doornbos '21 of Allendale, Michigan, took pan in fellowships with the Summer Institute on Sustainability and Energy in 2020.

Gautam graduated with a degree in environmental studies and a minor in computer science She took part in discussions related to sustainabilityand energy in a virtual conference with energy leaders like Steven Chu, fonner energy secretary. and Dr. Michael K. Dorsey, who helped give rise to the Sunrise Movement. She collaborated with the Ame1ican Energy Society to collect data to build energy ecosystems based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

"This opportunity provided me a great insight on the future of renewable energy as well as my own possible career interest in the energy sector," Gautam says. "Right after this fellowship, I got interested in energy policies and volunteered as a researcher writing memos for the Wisconsin Climate Task Force committee, specifically under the Energy, Housing and Infrastructure subcommittee "

Doornbos graduated with degrees in environmental studies and history with a minor in Spanish. "I collaborated with other fellows to investigate various energy sectors within the Des Moines, Iowa, ecosystem," she says. "I focused on discussing and developing a variety of solutions for pressing energy and environmental topics, including the COVlD-19 pandemic, energy policy, social justice, the new energy economy and decarbonization "

She will attend graduate school in geography and environmental sustainability at the University of Oklahoma-Korman.

Both students were selected to co-write articles for 1he American Energy Societys official e-magazine, Energy Today. They also helped write review articles about different presentations during their conference, plus Doornbos is co writing an article about various energy ecosystems investigated by the fellows.

ZOE HAZEL '22 FRIENDSHIP, WISCONSIN

Joe Fontaine '06 helps energy industry help the environment

"The energy industry has a significant impact on our environment as well as so many other aspects of life and work," says Joe Fontaine '06 of Monona, Wisconsin. "That gives those of us in the industry great responsibility for that stewardship, and l'm grateful for the opportunity to take on that responsibility and work with others to make a better world."

Fontaine is an energy policy advisor at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, the state agency responsible for regulating

electric, gas, and water utilities

"l was a politics and government major at Ripon. I knew that I wanted a career that would fit with those imerests and provide opportunities to make a real impact on the world," he says. "I thought public policy was a good fit, a way to engage directly with government decisions and apply a range of practical skills."

He earned a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Wisconsin-

Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs and has since worked in Wisconsin state government. He was a program evaluator for the \,Visconsin Legislative Audit Bureau and evaluation manager for Focus on Energy, the state's energy efficiency and renewable energy program

The move to his current position in June 2019 "was a natural transition," he says. "My policy advisor role involves the same sons of analysis, oversight and collaboration I was doing for Focus on Energy, across a wider range of issues."

'The transition toward renewable energy is the biggest change to the energy industry in decades, which means it's a great chance to make an impact and an important time to do our work well," he says. "The transition provides big opportunities to save money and help the environment, and we want to find ways to capture those opportunities. But it's also important to manage these big changes in a way tbat works for everyone, that keeps costs as low as possible for customers, and makes sure that utilities can still manage their system in a way that keeps the lights on."

He says his Ripon education was great preparation for his work in public policy ''A liberal arts education helps you learn how to understand different perspectives, talk to different people, and use a number of different tools to analyze and understand the world," he says, "and all of those skills are essential to the work I'm doing every day."

Kaitlyn Welzen '15 promotes sustainability in her 'corner of the world'

"One part of my job is managing all of the zoo's sustainability efforts,'' she says. 'The other major component is overseeing our commissary department, which is responsible for preparing the animal diets I also lead our 'Green Team."'

enough to get that opportunity at Woodland Park Zoo," she says.

Kaitlyn Welzen '15 of Kenmore, Washington, never intended to work in a zoo, but her love of the environment and sustainability led

her there. She is now che sustainability and purchasing manager ac Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington.

After majoring in environmental studies at Ripon, she pursued a masters degree in sustainable management from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh At the same time, she began working at Woodland Park Zoo as the recycling and compost coordinator.

"I completed my degree in May 2020 with the goal of becoming the sustainability director for an organization In November, I was lucky

"I want to have a positive impact on my small corner of the world and empower others to do the same. I want to make my workplace as 'green' as possible. I also want Lo be able to share those sustainability success stories and inspire people to take their own 'green' actions.

"There are so many reasons to want to protect the environment, but l think it all comes back to nature being valuable but fragile Human action is what destroys nature and it's our responsibility to be active stewards of the planet."

Sarah Brewster Reilly '05 feels a relationship with nature

native seed collecting for long-term storage and environmental education.

"I have most enjoyed working in the forest learning and copecting data about plants," she says. "I like learning about the interconnectedness of the many parts of an ecosystem and how the health of the system is dependent on the balance of intricate details."

Sarah Brewster Reilly '05 of Three Lakes, Wisconsin, focuses her career on environmental stewardship. "With modern human infrastructure, it is easy to become separated from nature, when in fact we are as much a part of the natural balance as any other living or nonliving entity," she says.

Her educational and work positions include research, forest silvicultural management, invasive species control,

In June, she started as a field technician for the National Science Foundation's National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) NEON is the largest ecological observatory network in the country and collects data from aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems at 20 clifferem locations across North America She will work at a field site near Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin

"My work with NEON will allow me to work with plants growing in their natural habitats," she says "By making all data

collected freely available to researchers and students, it will save them the tirne and expense of doing their own field observations and therefore promote a more collaborative scientific community "

At Ripon, Reilly majored in environmental studies with an environmental biology minor. "l hope that by working for the NEON program, I will be taking part in research being clone by the greater scientific community that can be applied to large scale ecological problems, such as climate change, that are vital to the future health of the earth," she says

"We can't throw away the earth and get a new one when we have used it all up She is our one and only, and we can't leave the repairs to a future generation that may know and understand even less about her than we do now."

SUMMER 2027 I 13

Paul Meuer '13 reduces development's impact on environment

"The health of our local communities is inherently linked to the health of the natural environment," says Paul Meuer '13 of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. "To ensure the sustainability of these environments, I think critically about my daily actions and what larger systemic issues I may be reinforcing."

Meuer is a senior environmental scientist working in the water and environment sector for WSP, a leading international

engineering and consulting firm. "l am responsible for advancing our wetland and ecological consulting services throughout the Mid,vest region." These include wetland delineations, permitting, wetland mitigation banking and design, ecological resroration, threatened and endangered species surveys, contaminated land remediation, and other services, he says "I also operate on an emergency response group that is responsible for responding lO and remediating environmental disasters."

Numerous people and experiences throughout his life have provided him with opportunities to pursue a career in environmental sciences, Meuer says. At Ripon, he majored in environmental studies with a minor in communication "Significant influences during my time at Ripon College came from Dr. (George) 'Skip' Wittler and Dr Bob Wallace (both

professors emeritus of biology), whose menrorship, guidance and enthusiasm for teaching were instrumental in supporting my current success l also want tO give a shoutout to Mark DeDina '07, who provided me with my first real professional opportunity in the environmental consulting field."

He hopes that his work will have an impact "For every project that I am involved with, I ask myself: 'How can I reduce or eliminate impacts to the environment?• How can I improve current conditions of areas that may be impacted?,"' Meuer says. "Development isn't inherently bad, but poor planning, bad design and improper execution can make it so If I can leave an area in better condition than I found it, I consider that an accomplishment."

Danielle Streber Varnell '93 helps with advancement of new energy sources

Her practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, and project development in the energy sector, with a focus on renewable energy and innovative clean technologies. "It is clear that we are in the midst of an energy transition, away from traditional fossil fuels and roward cleaner and more efficient power sources," Varnell says. "It's exciting to be on the forefront of these trends as technological advances and corporate stewardship focused on ESG (environmental, social and governance) issues transform our energy mix."

She says much of her career success is related tO her strong analytical and writing skills which were honed at Ripon College, where she maJored in English and

Spanish. ''For someone who loves to read and write, and reread and rewrite, being a transactional lawyer is a great fit," she says.

She received a Juris Doctor from the University of 'vVisconsin-Madison.

"It is critical to grid reliability that we have a mix of power sources," she says "Fortunately, technology is rapidly advancing so there are continually new sources of innovative clean power as, for example, corporations and utilities develop and build offshore wind plants and U.S. energy policy focuses on advancing and investing in carbon capture, utilization and storage technology."

Danielle Streber Varnell '93 of Davidsonville, Maryland, is a renewable energy lawyer and a partner in the Washingron, D.C., office of Bracewell LLP, an energy-focused global law firm based in Houston, Texas.

Pooja Chawda '06 works toward 'environmental justice' through global interconnectedness

Growing up in east Africa and India and spending several years in Europe and Norch America, Pooja Chawda '06 was always dravm by the interconnectedness of people, things and experiences. Early in her life, she realized that this systemic interdependence is an important lens through which the world should be viewed.

After majoring in communication and German at Ripon College, she earned a master's degree in peace and conflict resolution in Austria and a master'.s in sustainability management at Columbia University. In between her master's degrees, she spent almost 10 years working in global offices and the United Nations headquarters in New York to advance sustainable

development in sub-Saharan Africa.

She transitioned to a new career focus because of her "belief in helping disadvantaged communities in Africa LO obtain basic sustenance and a means lO live a dignified life," she says "I worked with war-torn communities to support sustainable development by helping former warring parties to become law-abiding citizens, and to move the needle on the justice aspect.

"Environmental justice became a central piece to me," Chawda says. "I realized that even in my home state of New York, there are several disadvantaged communities that are bearing the brunt of climate

justice I started to connect the dots, that we collectively as a society have not done enough to ensure that disadvantaged communities are facing what they are today, that we have not been as thoughtful aboUL the greenhouse gases we emit, and not as courageous as we should have been in investing in innovation needed for cleaner air quality for all."

Chawda now is a project manager at the New York State Energy Research and Developmem Authority. She conducts analyses of regulatory landscapes to support development of policies and strategies mandated by New York State's Climate Law and Community Protection Act.

The act is a commitment to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040, 85% reduction in greenhouse gases, and carbon neutrality across all sectors of the economy by 2050. It sets forth groundbreaking targets to decarbonize the state's electricity and, eventually, the entire energy system.

"What drew me to this law is not just the speed and scale on the emissions side, bUL also the ambition on environmental justice and climate justice," Chawda says "I see my role as driving on-the-ground engagement for emerging efficiency, electrification and value of carbon policies."

She says her work helps ensure that low and moderate-income disadvantaged communities in New York have access to clean and affordable energy "This job allows me to be a steward of the environment and sustainability," Chawda says "We cannot just be 'neutral' here We have to work toward environmental justice and we have to go that extra mile to ensure equity in the communities we inhabit."

Sarah Lehmann '92 preserves water resources for the future

Serendipity and a solid grounding in Lhe liberal arts have led Sarah Lehmann '92 to a career protecting the nation's waterways.

Lehmann works for the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D C., and is team leader for the National Aquatic Resource Surveys, designed to assess the condition of our nation's lakes, rivers and strellms, coastal waters and wetlands. She helps refine and implement work at more than 1,000 sites each summer, contributes to data analysis and supports water quality management decisions.

At Ripon, she majored in politics and government as well as German, "learning not only about these fields, but providing me with a solid foundation that supported me in ta)<ing on a role Lhat might not, at first glance, seem to be a perfect fit," she says. "These skills included writing, critical thinking, the ability to organize and manage my time, and, most importantly, confidence in my ability to learn "

She earned a master's degree in political science from American University in Washington, D.C. A class on International

Environmental Agreements sparked an interest in working in the environmental field. She was hired by the EPA in the water monitoring program. "I didn't know it then, bm EPAs Office of Research and Development had been conducting work to apply the approaches behind statistical surveys, such as those used in social science research and medical studies, to the field ofenvironmental monitoring. Given my background in political science and using statistical surveys in my course work, I had just jumped into something thiclt would become a major component of my career."

She says it is important for the public to have information about water quality issues and progress; and that policy makers have data they can use to identify and tackle widespread environmental issues. She also says it's essential that scientists and other experts have long-term datasets they can use as they research approaches for protecting and restoring water resources; and that students, researchers and the public be inspired to investigate environmental questions from climate change to environmental Justice, and from restoring water quality to protecting our remaining high-quality resources.

"For me, environmental stewardship is important because our natural resources are the source of our health and wellbeing," Lehmann says. "My grandfather always taught us to leave places we went as clean (or cleaner) than we found themand I firmly believe in the ethic of passing on to the next generation an environment that is better than the way we received it."

Sarah Anderson '10: Protecting nature for the future of our planet

"The combination of loving nature, interdisciplinary thinking and learning how to use policy to solve real-world problems" led to a job as an ecologist for Sarah Anderson '10 of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

She works in the Forest Management, Range Management, and Vegetation Ecology area in the U.S. Forest Service's Washington, D C., office. Her staff area is part of the National Forest System, the branch of the Forest Service responsible for

managing public lands under the agency's jurisdiction, including all 154 of the National Forests and Grasslands

She provides ecological knowledge and expertise, contributes to management guidelines and answers questions from people in the field, agency leadership, partner organizations and Congress. She says her focus is on two major projects: the Terrestrial Condition Assessment which helps assess the health of ecosystems; and

the National Reforestation Program, which addresses a backlog of areas in need of reforestation and to leverage Forest Service lands to mitigate climate change.

"Growing up in the north woods of Wisconsin, I have always been a naturalist at heart," Anderson says. "We lived along the Apple River surrounded by water and trees The love of nature led me to major in biology at Ripon and continue my studies by earning my Ph D. in ecology at ' Washington State University."

She received Ripon College's Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 2020.

She says she wants her work "to make the planet a safer, healthier place for all of us from fellow people to birds to the springtails in the soil. There is a lot to conserve and preserve, and I want my work to contribute to that for the future.

"Life has been on this planet for billions of years We are inheriting a rich tapestry of diversity and beauty that support life-giving processes So far, we have clone a good job at impairing the very functions (filtering water, purifying air, producing oxygen) that sustain our existence Individually, life is precarious and precious. Collectively, life endures and will continue on this planet long after we are gone If we desire to continue to be part of this incredible chance of fate then we need to recognize the incredible cosmic gift of our existence and subsequently have our actions reflect that acknowledgment."

Celebrating

the Ceresco Prairie Conservancy

Ripon College's largest outdoor classroom turns 25 this year!

The 130-acre Ceresco Prairie Conservancy west of Willmore Center was established in 1996, a partnership with the Department of Natural Resources as part of its Glacial Habitat Restoration Program.

The aim is to restore this tract of land to the native prairie, oak savannah and wetlands habitat that once covered a large portion of Fond du Lac County.

It has served students in Ripon's botany, ecology and animal biology courses, and those doing research projects on plants and animals. There also have been projects involving English, art, theatre and economics students Each year, hundreds of passionate students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends assist in maintaining the prairie, battling invasive species and enjoying the serenity and beauty of the conservancy.

Here, Ripon College alumni share some of their special memories.

George "Skip•Wittler, professor emeritu of biology, is director of the Ceresco Pra Conservancy He will lead his popular w on the prairie during Alumni Weekend 2

One of my fondest memories of the Ceresco Prairie is from the first winter l spent at Ripon College. Ha\ ng grown up in Virginia, I was used to very mild winters and was so excited to experience more snow \N'hen the first big snowstorm arrived, several friends and I trudged down to the prairie, throwing occasional snowballs along the way. I vividly remember walking through prairie as the snow beat gently dov.'11 and vacillating between feelings of peaceful serenity and giddy, childlike joyfulness The stillness and beauty of the prairie blanketed in a layer of white was enchanting.

During my four years at Ripon, I spent many hours running, biking, walking and anending classes in the prairie, and got Lo witness how the prairie changes from season to season. I came Lo appreciate the majesty of each season and loved tching the

My Ceresco Prairie memory is pretty simple I attended Ripon from 2000 to 2004. The prairie was my place co go to recharge. As soon as I stepped across the little wooden bridge at the entrance and into the tall prairie grasses, l could feel my body relax and release. l'd ofren slowly wander around on the trail and liscen to the birds, insects and other wildlife. Sometimes l'd jog or run through the trails, but mostly l just enjoyed leisurely walking through the space This was long before the practice of mindfulness was trendy, but as l look back now, the prairie was a space where I could be present with myself nonjudgmentally - the very essence of mindfulness

Rachel Schmidt Pufall '04 Ashland. Wisconsin

I used to go sit at the top of the overlook, where no one could see me and read or just think. It was a favorite place to go for a walk or just sit and look om ac the campus

20 I RIPON College

Rachel Thompson Casey '99 Lake Crystal, Minnesota

l was a student in the early '80s and lived in Bovay Hall. We always had great views of the sunset.

Senior year, Lany Huebner '83 and I went to the Rev. Jerry Thompson's sunrise Easter service on a cold, cloudy morning

Afterwards, Larry and I decided Lo take my car to the top of the prairie to watch the sun come up over the community. A beautiful morning of life eternal.

Years later, l became involved as a parent volunteer and the Alumni Board of Directors Before the pandemic, I would run the prairie on chose evenings when I came to Ripon in June. So beautiful! I came face-to-face with baby bunnies and walked up to deer on the path

My favorite place to view the campus

Kevin Dykstra '83 Glendale, Wisconsin

My senior year, my roommate, Emma, and I went to the prairie at midnight so we can watch the Milky Way get

Going into Ceresco Prairie in the pouring rain to collect data for class Everyone was soaking wet, including Professor (Ben) Grady, but it was a lot of fun and one of my favorite memories.

I greatly enjoyed the Ceresco Prairte Conservancy - both as a place to walk and as a place to learn The courses that I took with Dr. (George "Skip") Wittler that involved the Ceresco Prairie developed my love of prairie, which continues to this clay. I received my Ph.D in prairie plant ecology (the degrees were sustainable agriculture and ecology and evolutionary biology - but my focus was on using prairie brighter and brighter!

Rebecca Bajt '19

My husband, Nick Vraney '03, proposed to me in the Ceresco Prairie It was such a significam pan of our Ripon College daily life. We used tO walk and bike in the prairie all the time Since we met at Ripon, he figured no better place to propose than where it all first started. Almost 16 years into marriage and we love to come back to Ripon College, usually for our boys' youth basketball tournaments, and we still walk in the prairie for old time's sake Such a fun memory for us!

Michelle Tobin Vraney '04 Sherwood, Wisconsin

Ashley Shudy '21 Waukesha, Wisconsin

plants for bioenergy), and I cominue to do research on prairie. Outside of work, I also enjoy working wi.th prairies At a previous Coal City, Illinois

I think my favorite memories of being on the prairie are just late-night walks with friends, and I did get a huge kick out of Dr. Bob and Dr. Wittler's expertise during ecology and botany labs spent on the prairie. lt was always so cool to learn the names of everything (common names and scientific names - skunk cabbage is a very memorable common name but a less memorable scientific one!) we saw with Dr Wittler, or to hear about how different species interacted wi.th each other in the prairie or North Woods ecosystems with Dr Bob.

l did have the honor of managing two bee colonies on the prairie

Elizabeth M. Walsh '14 Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada

house, I did a prairie restoration on my property. I also continue LO serve prairie organizations - I am the president of Spirit Mound Trust, which is a restored prairie site, and I am on the board of direct0rs of EcoSun Prairie Farms

The combination of Dr. Wittler's deep love for prairie and the community-based learning that we were able to do at the Ceresco Prairie (e.g , harvesting seed which I think was given away to others who were establishing prairie) and at other locations (e.g., we helped to plan a prairie restoration at one of the philosophy professor's houses, we did the seeding on another prairie restoration project) has been extremely infiuential on my life

Meghann Morrissey Jarchow '03 Vermillion, South Dakota

All photos by George "Skip" Wittler

For senior baseball player Brice Swick '20, thepath to graduation has been a long and winding road. Recruited as a highly touted pitching prospect, Swick had led the Kimberly (Wisconsin) High School team Lo back-to-back state tournament appearances Hoping to have that same success at the college level, Swick had to prove himself all over again as a freshman.

"One of the main things !\re learned being a part of Ripon'.sbaseball program is that hard work and dedication are the only way to get where I want to go," Swick said "I spent all my time prior to my freshman season in the gym trying to improve my game I ended up winning a spot in the pitching rotation which I carried into my sophomore year."

With his pitching career trending upward, near tragedy struck on Dec. 2, 2017. Swick was an infantryman in the Wisconsin National Guard. He had fallen violently ill and had no sleep the night before a drill in Waupun, but without a doctor's note he had to attend.

After a full day, an exhausted Swick started the 25-minute trek back to Ripon Having been awake for 36 hours straight, he fell asleep and his car drifted across the centerline and hit another car head-on

"I don't remember anything that happened from that moment until two days later," Swick said. "They had to use the Jaws of Life to get me out of the car and a Flight for Life helicopter to bring me to the hospital"

He suffered a fractured humerus, broken elbow, torn triceps tendon, torn PCL, spleen laceration and a concussion After live days in the hospital and just four months until the start of his junior season, Swick used the same regimen he had as a freshmanhard work and·dedication - to set a goal of returning to the field by opening day.

"That accident was the lowest moment in my life as I didn't know if I'd ever play baseball again, which felt like my identity was being stripped from me," Swick says '1/\fter two months of recovery and physical therapy, 1 found my way back to the mound and was starting our first game of the 2018 season on our spring trip to Florida."

After pitching just six innings on that trip, Swick had another setback. He needed more surgery for his torn triceps tendon, "which hit me hard," Swick says 't\fter another year of physical therapy, I was back throwing and competing prior to the 2019 season "

That season, Swick had a year for the ages, going 7-2 with 73 strikeouts and jusL 16 walks in 73 innings of work, while recording an earned run average of 1.84, the second-lowest in Lhe Midwest Conference His performance helped the Red Hawks advance to the MWC Championship game, while Swick earned All-Region and All-Conference accolades

"2019 was the highlight of my college career," Swick said "Nol only was it the best season I have ever pitched in my life, but our team was really good and I had some great teammates who were all very competitive."

That MWC Tournament would be the last time Swick and his teammates would play a game for 664 clays The next season was cancelled because of COVID-19

't\nother low point for me was when we found out our season was cancelled just hours before we were about to leave for our spring trip in Florida," Swick says

"l thought my college career was over at that point, but I was presented an opportunity to come back to Ripon this spring through Ripon's Plus Semester Program," he says "l saw that as a chance to get my prerequisites for graduate school and an opportunity to play one more season."

The one constant that helped him get through his trials and tribulations was that the baseball program and Departmem of Athletics always had his back. "I didn't anticipaLe my accident, the injuries or a global pandemic, but Ripon's baseball program has helped me become the person l am today," he says 'TH forever be thankful for the lessons I learned about hard work, dedication and sacrifice Without Ripon baseball, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to set an example for my peers. This program means the world to me for truspng me, giving me an opportunity, and for all they have clone for me. I'm forever grateful that l decided to make Ripon my home away from home "

MIKE WESTEMEIER DIRECTOR OF ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

MEN'S AND WOMEN'S SWIMMING: National Scholar

All-America Team honors with cumulative GPA of 3 0 or higher

MEN'S TENNIS Defeated St. Norbert and Cornell for the first time in 14 years Christian Millan '23 of Ripon, \lvisconsin, was named to the Wisconsin Mens Soccer All-State Second Team and named Wisconsin Mens Soccers Sportsperson of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches Association.

WOMEN'S SOCCER Camrie Schmitz '21 of Kiel, Wisconsin, finished her career with 31 goals, seventh in program history, despite playing just 40 career games Goalkeeper Stefani Zeiger '21 of Mundelein, lllinois, finished her career with 222 saves, sixth in program histo1y

BASEBALL Nick Tenny '22 of Gilbens, Illinois, gave Ripon a 10-9 win over conference-leading Beloirt ith awalk-off single in the bottom of the , ninth tocomplete a comeback against the Buccaneers. Nick Terrell '22 of Peoria, lllinois, hit three home runs at St. Norbert, tied for second in program history for a single game.

SOFTBALL Victoria Duran '23 of Albuquerque, New Mexico, recorded five RBI against conference-leading Lake Forest, a tie forsecond in program history for a single game

FOOTBALL Quarterback Cormac Madigan '22 of Rosendale, VJisconsin, tied a school record for most completions in a single game, completing 31 passes at Concordia-Wisconsin.

MEN'S BASKETBALL Jack Brady '22 of Brookfield, Wisconsin, made seven 3-pointers in a winat Lake Forest, tied for sixth in program history for a single game

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL ln just her second season, Alison Leslie '23 of Clayton, Wisconsin, moved into 10th in school history for career 3-pointers

MEN'SAND WOMEN'S TRACK AND FIELD Jackie Zeman '21 of Ripon, Wisconsin, broke indoor and outdoor school records in pole vault, clearing over 11 feet twice

At the Midwest Conference North Division Championships:

• 34 All-Conference honors and nine event champions

• Both teams finished second

• Callista DeCramer '21 of Princeton, Wisconsin, was top female point scorer, including wins in the 4x400 Relay and 400m hurdles

• Payton Rahn '22 of Omro, Wisconsin, is Ripon Colleges 14th recipient of MWC's Elite 20 Award

• Dameco Walker '23 of Brown Deer, Wisconsin, MVIC North Men's Ourstanding Track Athlete of the Meet; and Josh Pillath '24 of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, MWC North Newcomer of the Year Both tied as top individual point scorers.

WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY Named to National All-Academic Team with cumulative grade-point average of 3.1 or higher

President Zach Messitte addresses the graduates

Masked and safely distanced spectators follow the ceremony

"I Raise My Glass to You "

Danielle Vollendorf, left. and Kim Mueller, representing the Fond du Lac County Health Department, and Maria Dietrich are introduced before accepting their respective Founders' Day Awards.

Guy Runals Henshaw '68 and Susan Siegel Henshaw '68 of Danville, California, received the College's Medal of Merit.

After a year of uncertainty, a cancelled 2020 Commencement ceremony and many adaptations to campus life, the Ripon College Class of 2021 came together Sunday, May 16, with joy, spirit and pride to celebrate at a modified but in-person Commencement ceremony.

The theme was "Wisconsin Music: Riffs from the Heartland," honoring the significant musical heritage of the state. A full video of the Commencement ceremony can be viewed at ripon edu/ Commencement.

Honorees included:

• John Harmon of Winneconne, Wisconsin, a widely acclaimed composer, jazz pianist and music educator, who received an honorary degree

• Maria Dietrich of Ripon, Wisconsin, a longtime community arts administrator and a retired adjunct instructor of piano at Ripon College, who received the 2020 Founders' Day Award The 2021 award

recognized regional partner the Fond du Lac County Health Department.

• Sandra Polcyn of Ripon, Wisconsin, who received the Distinguished Educator Award Sbe is the band director at Ripon High School and an adjunct instructor of music at Ripon College.

• Longtime supporters Guy Runals Henshaw '68 and Susan Siegel Henshaw '68 of Danville, California, accepting virtually, who received the College's lvledal of Merit.

During his address, Harmon said, "It's an overwhelming honor, but the real stars of this show are sitting right over here," indicating the graduates "You guys are the ones, especially under the circumstances (under ,vhich) you had to operate.''

He reflected on his years as a composer and musician and shared words of wisdom he has followed: "If you love what you're doing, there is nothing that inhibits you," he said And a friend once told him, when things are daunting and progress seems

slow, "Never look at how much is left to do," Harmon said "Only look at what you're doing and 'do it good "'

Student class speakers were Dakota Marlega of 'Naupaca, Wisconsin, and Noah Fish of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

President Zach Messitte told the graduates that with the passage of time, we may not remember so much tbe difficulties ofa year in pandemic, but "more about the success you achieved in the classroom, relationships you've built with professors and staff, friendships, successes You have grown and benefited from working with us, but each of us are better because of each of you."

He concluded, "Today we celebrate your past and your future. It is importam as the years pass for you to remember Ripon College It's said that to make people happy is one of the greatest things you can ever do. There is much to be happy about today. We won't forget you. Don't forget Ripon."

Where are they heading?

Here is a sampling of plans for some of our recent graduates

BENJAMIN GEORGIA

of Green Bay, Wisconsin, majored in chemistry-biology. He will pursue a master's of science in nursing at DePaul University in Chicago

HANNAH KRUEGER of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, majored in history as well as politics and government, with minors in national security studies, Spanish, law and society, and American studies. She will attend the University of Miami's School of Law

MARIA REBER of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, majored in music with a minor in theatre. She will take a gap year then pursue a master's degree in music therapy at Augsburg University.

NHI LE

of Glendale, Wisconsin, majored in communication as well as politics and government. She will pursue a master's degree in communication from the University of Nevada-Reno.

TORI BRAUN

of Juneau, Wisconsin, majored in mathematics with a minor in educational studies She will pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

KAITLIN HUTCHINSON

of Sturtevant, Wisconsin, majored in chemistry-biology. She will attend pharmacy school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

JULIAGOEKS

of Lake Forest, Illinois, majored in chemistry and physics with a minor in mathematics She will pursue a doctorate in materials science and engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

ALIENA WALLS

of Madison, Wisconsin, majored in English with a minor in communication. She will pursue a master of fine arts in writing through an online program with Lindenwood University.

SHANNON SORBO of Nekoosa, Wisconsin, majored in sports management with minors in business management and coaching She will pursue a master's degree in sports management at Florida State University, while also being a graduate assistant for the men's basketball team

AVA CONRAD of Waukesha, Wisconsin, majored in elementary education with a minor in psychology She will pursue an education specialist degree in school psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

LUKE DRETSKE

of Berlin, Wisconsin, majored in finance as well as politics and government, with a minor in law and society He is a legislative assistant for the Wisconsin State Assembly.

MADELINE KUHL of Whitewater, Wisconsin, majored in finance and minored in economics. She will be a search associate at e serv Technical Solutions

ALEXIS RIGGS of Ripon, Wisconsin, majored in anthropology with a minor in sociology She will study clinical rehabilitation counseling at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

BRITTNY BROWN

,of Independence, Wisconsin, majored in psychology with a minor in business management. She is working for Ascension Mercy Medical Center in Oshkosh

KAYLEY GRABOWSKI of Plainfield, Illinois, triple majored in mathematics, economics and business management. She will pursue a Ph.D in economics at the University of Illinois at Chicago

MEGAN DILLE of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, majored in educational studies and psychology

She will teach in the Fond du Lac School District.

MADI SON KING of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, double majored in mathematics and economics She will be an associate implementation analyst with OpenGov

CONNOR KUHN of Hilbert, Wisconsin, majored in mathematics with a minor in educational studies. He will complete his student teaching experience and then become a high school math teacher in northeast Wisconsin

CALLYSTA HANSEN of Franksville, Wisconsin, majored in biology with a minor in criminal justice. She will be a pathology research assistant at Covance in Madison, Wisconsin.

Ripon College's endowment surpasses $100 million, better securing our future

In March, Ripon College's endowment crossed above the $100 million mark for the first time. This milestone indicates Ripon's financial foundation and the commitment of its alumni and friends to its future.Just over a decade ago, the endowment was only $35 million.

The College has emphasized building the endowment over the decades to keep Ripon affordable to the best and brightest students, regardless of their financial situation One hundred percent of Ripon College students receive some form of financial assistance. The Class of 2024

has 23% diversity, and 45% are first-generati n students.

"Colleges traditionally draw their revenues from three principal sources: tuition, annual gifts and interest from the endowment," says President Zach Messitce. "The larger the endowment, the less we have to rely on students' tuition dollars. Over the decades, alumni and friends have been incredibly generous, believing in our mission They have donated their time, treasure and talent to make sure our future wi.ll continue to be bright"

#ONEDAYRALLY

The worldwide Ripon College community came together again for the #OneDayRally giving day April 28 to support the Ripon Fund, Red Hawks Club in athletics and Friends of the Ans

The event raised $1,694,548 from 2,087 donors, up 72 donors from the 2020 #OneDayRally. Donors included 217 Game Changers who helped inspire participation and new gifts through unique challenges.

The Class of 1978 led all classes with the highest number of donors at 80

The Class of 1967 led with the highest collective donation amount of $505,551.

Support for the Red Hawks Club and Friends of the Ans, which is included in Lhe overall amount raised, included $47,351 from 228 donors to the Reel Hawks Club; and $27,075 from 164 donors to the Friends of the Arts

SCHOLARSHIPS

During the spring semester, major funding sources were established to help bring a more diverse population to Ripon:

• The Richard V and Frances S. Dietrich Tmst Scholarship and Richard V and Frances S. Dietrich Faculty Development Fund, with a combined value of more than $2 million, focus on firstgeneration students with financial need, and creating opponunities for faculty They were established in the name of the parents of Professor Emeritus of Music Kurt Dietrich and his siblings.

• The Conforti and Chemerow Scholarship will benefit graduates of Tremper High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin, who display financial need and improve Ripon's racial and ethnic diversity. lt was established by Doreen Conforti Chemerow '73 and her husband, David I. Chemerow, both graduates of the high school.

• The Franzen/Cristo Rey Endowed Scholarship will benefit graduates of Cristo Rey Jesuit, a high school in Milwaukee The focus is firsL-generation students lL was established by Mark Franzen '83 and Janice Heinz Franzen '83.

Kate Maynard '23 of Roscoe, Illinois, left, and Hannah Brockman '24 of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, celebrate#OneDayRally.

Richard V. and Frances S. Dietrich

David I. Chemerow and Doreen Conforti Chemerow '73

Janice Heinz Franzen '83 and Mark Franzen '83

j_ AROUND THE CLOCKTOWER e

1. New micro grants support diversity and inclusion

The Office of the Presidem launched a new annual gram initiative Awards of up to $2,000 suppon projectsdesigned to enhance thequalityoflife at RiponCollege withan emphasis on diversity and inclusion.

The first awarded projects included a 'Bringing Drag to Campus"event by theQueerStraghtAlliance;a MenofColor Initiative: and a project toassist international smdents upon theiranival to Ripon College.

A mural celebrating the message of diversity was painted on campus Painting II students of Professor of Art Rafael Francisco Salas submitted proposals for the design, which then were sent todiversity groups on campus for feedback. The winning design is by Bailey Zanck '22 of New Berlin. Wisconsin

It features the words Diverse Not Different enhanced with traditional ethnic textile patterns from a variety ofcultures The mural was painted on thesouth exterior ofJohnson Hall.

(Bailey Za11cl1'22 /,e/ps paint the mural sl,e designed.)

2. Faculty members honored for 2020-21academic year

Four faculty memberswerehonoredforthe 2020-21 academic year at the spring awards ceremony

Faculty/SiaffMentorAward: Associate Professor ofEnglish Megan Gannon

James UnderkoflerAward for F.xcellencein Undergraduate Teaching: Professor of Art Rafael Francisco Salas.

MayBumby Severy 1908 Award: Assistant Professor of Educational Studies Nicholas Eastman

Senior Class Award: Professor of Communication Steven Martin

3. Lamont Colucci book explores international relations in Bible

The l11te111mio11al Relationsof the Bible,a new book byProfessor of Politics and Government Lamont Colucci, explores the world, politics and people of the Old and New Testaments

Itsdescriptionstates:''International relations is an increasingly important topic for the average American. It determines job prospects, economic growth and decline, war, peace and whether or not a foreign entity uses a weapon of mass desLntction.''

4. Ripon, Marian University exploring possible partnership

Ripon College and Marian University in Fond du Lac have created a joint working group to examine the possibility of a more collaborative arrangement. Administrators, faculty, staff, trustees and students from both institutions, with the suppon of consultants from the Registry Advisory Services, explored potential benefitsofestablishing a closer partnership aroundadministrative,academic and co-curricular activities. The joint working group presented their findings to the boards of trustees at both institutions, and funher summer exploration is ongoing

"We're two different schools with two distinct histoties and cultures, but we're not looking tomerge- rather, fmdsome ways to cooperate," said Zach Messitte, president of Ripon College. "Weeachcaredeeply forour students, and weeach want to provide them with a comprehensive and quality education that is affordable and enriching I'm hopeful that we will find areas where, by working together, we might be able to enhance our respective instimtions."

four-year NSF research grant

Robert L Wallace, professor emeritus of biologyand the former Patricia and Philip McCullough 1969 Professor m Biology, has received a four-year research grant from the NationalScience Foundation ofmore than SJ00,000tostudy aspects of the ecology and evolution of rotifers.

This research is acollaborative effort with colleagues from ,he University of Massachusetts Lowell and the University of Texas El Paso Those institutions have received theirown suppon for the project. The research will focus on the life cycles and reproduction processes of phylum Rotifera, typicallycalled rotifers.

6. Henrik Schatzinger now a U.S. citizen

Associate Professor of Politics and Government Henrik Schatzinger becamea U.S.citizen in March.Aprof11e abcut his 20-year journey to American citizenship ran March 10 in the RiponCommonwealth Press The profile can be read at ripon.edu/citizenship.

He joined the Ripon College faculty in 2009 and alsoserves as co-director of Ripon Colleges Center for Politics and the People Schatzinger now has U.S., German and Finnish citizenships, but he says he's"all about America right now."

Schatzinger also was cited in an article in March published in the Belgian newspaper La Lib, Because of his book Game Changers, written v,.rith Professor of Communication Steve Martin, Schatzinger was asked tocomment on former President Trump's possible plans for spending the millions in dollars he has raised after the 2020election

Megan Gannon Rafael F,anclsco Salas

Nicholas Eastman

Steven Martin

5. Robert L. Wallace receives

One year after playing his final game in a Ripon College uniform, Trent Jones'20 wasdraf1.ed in thesecond round (39th overall) by the Tampa Bay Titans of The Basketball League (TBL).

The TBL consists o[ 35 teams, and each team drafted two players. Aftera two-wee,kraining camp, theregular season of 34 games began in April.Jones hassince been traded to the Shreveport Mavericks, where as o[April 23 he wasaveraging 15 poi111s, two rebounds, and two assists per game, while shooting 50 percent (7-14) from 3-point range

Jones was a business management major from Dodgeville, Wisconsin He finished his Ripon career with 1,293 career points, 12th in program history and tied for ninth in career sieals (110).

8.

Micaela Rivera '21 of River Falls, Wisconsin, i,she third aurhorongroundb1eakingresearch published inthe ptestigious journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B in March. The findingsgained nationalattention in outletsincludingNational Public Radio.The Atlantic,Science Daily,Smiiliso11ian Magazine and Llve Science.

Cognitive behavior in cuttlefish was researched at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts Rivera helpedtrnin cun.lefish for the experiment and collected data

She majored in psychobiology at Riponand hopes to pursue a Ph.D., most likely inanimal behavior.

9. Ripon alumni contribute to success of online play

A Zoom production of Margaret Cavendish's comedy "The Sociable Companions," directed by Associate Professor of English Ann Pleiss Morris, was presented in March by Sweet Tea Shakespeare of Fayet1.eville, North Carolina.It can be viewed at ripon edu/tea

Participating Ripon alumni included: Jessie Lillis '13 of Staunton, Virginia; Charlotte Lee Wahle '13 of Marshall, Minnesota;Amanda Finn Haggerty'14ofChicago, Illinois; Brennan Kane '17 of Anoka, Minnesota; Allison Rose Macknick '17 of Chicago, Illinois; Sophie Widman '18 of Minneapolis,Minnesota; JimmyBallesteri '19of Plymouth, Wisconsin; Sam Ginkel '19 of Mequon, Wisconsin; Bailey Jerrick '20 ofStoughton, v,,rISConsin; Ryan Krogsgaard '20 of Lewisville, Texas; DeShawn Thomas '20 ofMilwaukee, WISConsin; and Ben Morris of Oshkosh, V,'isconsin.

Philly D Slim, provided music. He is the son of Director Emeritus of Theatre Bob Amsden and Professor Emerita of Education JeanneWilliams.

Dan Miles '14 of Milwaukee, v,,rtSconsin, was the host.

10. Team co-led by Zachary Morris '02 earns $12.5 million research grant

Zachary Morris '02 of Madison, \Nisconsin, vice chair in the Department of Human Oncology at the University of Wisconsin Schoolof Medicine and Public Health,co-leads a team of researchers whohaveearned a five-year, $12.5 million National Institutes of Health Research Program (POl) Grant, plus $2 million in ins1itutional matching funds

The funding is supportingthe study of the combined use of irnmunotherapy and targeted radionuclide therapy to tre.1t metastatic cancer.

ll Megan Gannon has poems published in journals

Megan Gannon,associate professor of English, has a poem, "Dispatch from the Ho1el Pool." published in the fall/winter 2020 issueof Atlanta Review Shehastwo poetns in theWinter 2021 issue of Willow Springs: "Dispatch from Simultaneous Swim Lessons" and"Dispatch Four DaysAfterthe Funeral."

12. Emma Bronson '17accepted intoglobal leadership program

Emma Bronson '17 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is le.1ming about international affairs with like-minded individuals from around the country. She was accepted imo the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Next Generation Program after being nominated byPresident Zach Messitte. It is being held virtually.

"I haveaIwayshad a servam heart and beendrawntosomething bigger than myself," Bronson says. The program focuses on bipanisanism and teaching the next generaLion about diplomacy, advocacy and international relations

13. Bren Davis '22 honored in short story contest

Bren Davis '22 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, won honorable mention in the 2021 ACM Nick Adams Shott Story ConLCSt, opentostudentsatAssociated Collegesof the Midwestschools Davis is majoring in English.

\Vinning and honorable mention storieswere named by final judge Sandra Cisneros, an award-winning novelist of The House 011 MangoSti,et.

7. Trent Jones '20 selected in second round ofTBL draft

Micaela Rivera '21 third author on widely shared paper

In memoriam

JANE ALLEN WATERS'42 ofColumbia, Soutl1Carolina,died Aug.10, 2012.At Ripon,sheparticipated in Kappa Delta/Delta Phi Sigma. Her husband served in theAnnyand they livedin Georgia,\ Tirginia,Gennany and Italypriorto their retirement in Columbia. Survivors includeone son Her husband, ROBERT

L. WATERS SR. '41, died in 1992

FREDERICK w. ALLEN '45 of Peoria, 11\inois, died Jan. 24, 2021 AtRipon, he panicipated in Phi Kappa Pi J-Jeenlisted in the U.S ArmyAirForceduring \.Vo d 'v½.r IIand wastrained as a pilot. Helaterwasa pitchernoth ti1ePapermakersofAppleton, Wisconsin, a minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians He ti1en receh'<'d a law degree from Nonhwestcm Universit}' Hehad a longcareer asa p11intiff's attorney,eventually owning his own law firm, He was a member of numerous national and international professional organizations and held v.arious leadership positionsHeenjoyed golf,watching baseball,and was a memberofti1e ElksClub for morethan70 years, ti1eAmerican Legionandcommunitygroups Srnvivorsinclude t,vodaughters

ANNETTE SOLWAY DHEIN '46 of the town of Sevastopol, \ r,sconsin, died March IO, 2021. At Ripon, she majored in biology and participated in Alpha Chi Omega/Alpha Gamma Theta She taught English and biology in Edgar, Wisconsin, before her marriage, then lived inWest Bend whereshe was a • substitute teacher and was active in Immanuel United Church ofChrist andvarious communityorganizations. She later li,'<'d in Sturgeon Bayand wasa member of I-lope United Church of Christ,PEOandthe DoorCounty HistoticalSociety.Sheenjojed knitting and cross stitch, playing bridge, reciting poems and telling stones Survivors include one son and two daughters. Her husband, WILLARD DHEIN '49, died in 2017.

MARY JANE"JANIE" KRAUS WEEKS '46 of DeKalb, Illinois, died Nov 7, 2010 At Ripon, she majored in psychology and English and paiticipated in the College Days newspaper and Alpha Phi/Kappa Sigma Chi She taught in Aurora East School District l 31 for more than 4-0 years and received numerous recognitions forexcellence in teaching.She lived in CapeCoral, F\otida, from1984 to 2005,and "'"'alifelong memberofOur bdy of Good Cotmcil Church in Aurora, Illinois Survivors include fourdaughters

SAMUEL W. DOUGAN '48 of Tucson, Arizona, died Jan 21, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in history,wasa member ofSign1a Alpha Epsilon/Delta Sigma Psi and wasconnnissioned tl1rough ROTC. He later ,vas a class agent and a cha1ter member of Panners in the Legacy. Heserved in the Army dwing World War II. After earning a masters degree in education from the University of \\ r,sconsin-Madison, he taught grades 8-12 for 34 years He was recognized by the Utli\'<'rsity of Arizona for leadersllip intheirstudent-teaching program I-ic wasinvolved in community theatre, the Tucson Stamp Club and related activilies,team bowling, andsho'wing Scottish terriers. He was anactive memberofSt. Philips in thel lillsChurchand enjoyed travelingand physical fitness.

FRANCES H HOCKENHULL RALFF '49 ofGlenwoodSprings, Colorado,died May 11, 2021. At Ripon,she majoredin biology and panicipated in Alpha Xi Delta/Kappa Theta She earned a degree in medical technology in Madison She worked as a medical teclulician in Madison before becominga bookkeeper for her husband, Rudys, realestate business Shewas acti\'<' in her United Metl1odistChurch andworked asa churchsenetary untilshe retired at the age of 85. She

enjoyed reading, sewing, needlework,attendingchurch, bakingandcalligraphy.Sumvo,s include twochildren

CHARLOTTE KRAUSSCHARNO'49 of\knice,Florida,died May II, 2020 At Ripon,she 111ajored in Englishand participated in VerAdestand Alpha Phi/KappaSigmaOii She taughtandsel\'<'d asprincipalat numerous Catholicschools Sheespeciallyenjoyed teaching the foutthgradeb'<'I.She retired to Venice, Florida, fromSt.Louisin 1994and ,vasactive in numerouscommunity committees Survivors include one:son and two daughters Her husband, RICHARD L.SCHARNO '49, died in 2018

CARLTON "SMOKEY" BLOCHWITZ '51 ofAvonPark,Florida, died Sept. 25, 2020 At Ripon, he majored in psj,<:hology and "'"'involvedin VerAdest, football,ROTCand ThetaCIti/Alpha Omega Alpha. Helaterwasa member of Pam1ers intl1eLegacy Hestudied lawat Drake Utliversity.Heserved in theU.S Anny and U.S Marine Corps during World War II and in Korea. He enjoyed traveling in his motorhome during thesummers, and tennis Sumvors include his wife, Carol; and children

PETER H. ORVIS '51 ofArlington,Virginia,diedAug.13, 2020. At Ripon,he majoredin m.1thematicsand physicsand participated in VerAdest,athleticsand Phi Kappa Pi/lvlerriman. Hereceh'<'d a master'sdegn,,, in system management from ti1e University of Rochester He hada cateer asasurfacewarfare officer Hisduties included working on thestaffs of the Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific, and the Cluef of Naval Operations. Healso taught at the U.S. Naval Academ)< Heretired at the rank ofcaptain in L974.Alter retirement, he worked for thecompany Sumvors include his wife.Jean; one sonand two daughters.

NANNETTEWEIMARKEENAN '51 ofFranklin,Tennessee,died Oct.30,2020. AfterRipon,sheanended Northwestern University whereshe excelled in theater and landed the coveted position ofassistant to ti1e famed acting teacherAlvina Krause She and her husband.Joseph Keenan, v,ere active h1tl1eaue in Atbnta, Georgia.andMurfreesboro, Franklin and Nashville,Tennessee She also taught speech and theater at Middle Tennessee State University Shewasa passionate professional actressand director, anavid gardener.and volunteer ofmany o,wnizationsand social causes, including the Church of rhe Resurrection Episcopal Church in Franklin.Sunovorsincludetv,o sonsandonedaughter

G.WILLIAM "BILL"CHAPMAN'52 ofOconomowoc, \Nisoonsin, died May 19, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in economics, participated in athletics and PhiDeltaTheta/Alpha PhiOmega, and was commissioned through ROTC. He received his law degree from the University of WisconsinMadison. He setved t\vo years as an officer in the Korean War. He was passionate about municipal law, represenled numerouscommunities and was instrumental in the 1988 creation of the Lake Country Municipal Coun, the first such joint court in Wisconsin He alsodedicated yearsofservice totheWaukesha CountySheriff!;

CivilSetvice Commission He wasthelongtime treasurerof the local YMCAand was keyin the building ofa new YMCA. He was recognized asOconomowoc!; Citizen of tl1e Yearin 2000. Survivors include two sons

BLANCHE BARTIZAL BABCOCK '53 ofl1u-eeLakes,Wtsc0nsin, died May 21. 202 L. At Ripon,she majo1,:d in philoscphy and ps)'chologyand participated inVerAdestand Alpha Chi Omega/ AlphaGammaTheta Shewasa longtime benefaaorandsupporter of various Ripon College initiatives, was instrumental in I.he Babcock Family Endm,'<'d Schobrship and received ti1e Medal of Melit in 2006. She received a masters degree in education

from the National School of Education and worked formany years asan elementary school teacher in Rondout, lllinois She wasactive in hercommunities bot.h in Illinois and \ VLSCOnsin. Survivorsincludeoneson andtwodaughlf'.rs,indudingTlMOTHY BABCOCK '82 and KATHERINE BABCOCK '80;adaughter in-law,SARA OBERHAUSER BABCOCK '83;andagrandson, PETER BABCOCK '09 Her husband, THOMAS BABCOCK '51, died in 2002.

KENNETHE.FENSKE'53 ofWaupun,\Nisoonsln,andfonnerly Germantown, Wisconsin, died Feb. 5, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in German and paiticipated in Ver Adest, ROTC and Phi Kappa Pi/Merriman Pi. He played football,wasCO-Olptalll hissenior yearand wason theAIIMidwes,Conferencefirstteam as a defensive end He pla)'<'d golf and served as junior class president andfratenlity treasurer.Heservedinthe U.S.Annyin Gennan)'and wasa manager fortheWisconsinTelephoneCo , Chicago Decal Co and 3M. For 40 years, he wasan insurance consultant and received m,1nyindustryhonors.He wasamember of Toastmasters, Ki\vanis and Rotary,and enjoyed flyingkites. swimming,fishing,golfing, reading,

Biblestudies,pla)OUgcard.s, photography,tdinishingantiquefurnitureand tra,eling,Survimis include his \\Ofe,Barbara:and twodaughters.

EVERETT L. SCHWALBE JR. '55 ofFond du lac,Wisconsin, died Feb 19, 2020. At Ripon, he majored in economics, patticipated inathletics and Phi Kappa Pi/Merriman, and was commissioned through ROTC. Hesen'<'dintheU.S Anny from l 951 until retiring asa lieutenant colonel in 1978 He owned a Standard SCl"\ice station with his brother, Glenn,in theearly I960s; managed thellenFranklinStore indownto,,11Brillionfor several years;sold insurance; and wasa supplychain manager for Speed Queen. He wasa member of Holy r-amil)'Parish and KtlightsofColun1busand wasa BoyScom leaderand a football coach Heenjo)'<'dcampinganddoing handyman,.,,,rkSu.rvi\'tlrs include twosons and one daughter

RAY G. BESING '57 of San Antonio, Texas, died April 16, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in philosophy and was involved in athletics,Ciirnson, choirand Sigma Chi/OmegaSigmaChi, and hesen'<'d as president of theStudent Bodyand chatnnan of the Student Court He later was a trustee of the Alumni Board ofDirectorsanda

Panner in the Legacy He receivedthe DistinguishedAlwnniAwa.rd in 2012. Hestudied international lawat Georgeto\\11Universityin V,¾tshington,D.C,andSouthern Methodist University in Dallas,Texas. He practiced lawfor 40 years. He then taught a 111aSters courseat the Faculty of bws, Uni,-ersityCollege London. Heretired toSanta Fe,_NewMexico. l-leenj0yoo travelling,opera,d\arity,'KlrkandtheDallasCowboys. Sumvors include four sons

JAMES B. LANDWEHR '56 ofGlendale,WtSConsin,dted May8, 2021.Al Ripon, he majored in English and participated instudent government Hestayedactiveinse,'<'ral ways,includingserving on cL"tSSreunion conmlitteesandasClassAgent.Heser,m inthe CoastGuard and pallicularl)'enjoyed beingstationedinAlaska. Heworked for GMsACSpark Plug forthe space program and FimWtSCOnsin National Bank (nowUSBank).He wasinvol\'cd in his chi\drens sportS, coached boys' and girls' softball, and was a sv.om official for the swim dubs and high school swim teams After, tiling, hevolumeered ""thti1eW1SConsin Manne HistolicalSociety,researchingand \ ecmringontheHistoryof the Great bkes.Survivorsinclude his wife,CAROLYN CALLAHAN LANDWEHR '55; twosonsand !'NO daughters.

32 j RIPON College

NANCY E. CONNER '58 of Carlsbad, California, fmmerly a longtime residentofOceanside,California,died Matro3, 2021.At Ripon,she majoredin psychologyandparticipated inAlphaChi Omega/Alpha Grumria Theta.Shereceived a degreein psychology from Nonhwestem University in Evanston, Illinois She worked asa senior aide10 the head of Lhe AnlnstilUte of Chicago, then with CharlesF Murphy, head ofa leading Chicagoarchitecmral finn In 1975, she relocated to Oceanside.just nonh of San Diegu She worked with the president andCEO of Ecke Ranch in Encinitas,oneof tl1e largest poinsettia producers worldv,ide. Shefinished her career wim tl1e NorthCounty Transit District. She enjoyed genealogy and travelling 10 learn abou1 her Irish and Fi.:nch heritage.

VICTOR G. WOESTE '59 of Eugene, Oregon, died March I, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in economics and pan.icipa1ed in WRPN radio, football, ROTC and Phi Kappa Pi/Meniman. He la1er became a Partner in tl1e legaC)<

STANLEY E. BALL '60 of Brighton, Michigan, died Feb. 15, 2020. At Ripon, he slUdied economics and was a member of Theta Chi/Alpha Omega Alpha, He received a mas1ersdegree in finance: from Indiana University Bloomington.. He worked at Fmd Motor Credit Cu for31 yearsin me commercial paper depam11ent, retiring as assistant treasurer in 1995. He and his wife tl1en worked in fundraising for Send International, a mission agency, foreight years Heserved on 1he Cornerstone EPC missions commiuee for 13 years He wasan avid baseball and Green Ba)' Packers fan. He enjoyed workingwith model trains, playing golf and the beach. Survivo15 include his,vife, JUDITHPELINOBALL '60; andthreedaughters.

COLDWELLSIDNEY"SID"JOHNSTON111'60 ofScottsdale, Arizona, died Nov. 8, 2014. At Ripon, he studied economics and panicipated in Sigma Alpha Epsilorv'Delta Sigma Psi He hada longcareer in banking mat eventually took him and his family to Phoenix, Arizona, where hespent the majority of his life. He retiredas a senior vice president ar Bank of America in 1993. He loved animals and enjoyed Lhe beach in San Diego, surf fishing, reading, tennis and watching football. Sunavors include oneson andone daughter

GEORGENE KLANER KOBLENZ '60 of Chicago, Illinois, died Dec. 5, 2020 At Ripon she smdied biology and was a member of Alpha Xi Deltall<appa Theta.Shelater wasa chaner memberof Pam1ersin 1he legacy She hadworked asa funeral director for more tl1an 60 years and was a lon1,'l.ime employee of Household Finance Corp

DANIEL L. BENKA '61 of Prince George, Virginia, died Jan. 26, 2021. AtRipon, he majored in economics and participated infootball and Phi Kappa Pi/Merriman Me wascommissioned through ROTC and received the ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate recognition. Heserved in d,eU.S.Anny from 1961 to 1987, including toursinViemarn, tl1ree yearsin Franceandtwo yearsin Soutl1Korea He retiredasa lieutenant colonelin 1978. VJhileserving,he received hismaslers degr""ineconomics from the Flmida Institute of Technology. He then worked with the Depanmenl ofDefenseand Dominion Energy. He wasa member of several community groups andserved numerous highlevel poslS with tl1eJaycees Survivors include his wife, Elizabem; oneson and onedaughter; and a brother,JOHN BENKA '60.

WILLIAM w. SOUTHERN '61 oflivo Rivers, Wisconsin, died June 12, 2020 AtRipon, he majored in psychology, panicipa1ed inathleticsandPhi Kappa

Pi/tvlenirnan,andwascommissioned

through ROTC. Heserved in theAnnyandcompleted a mas1ds degreeinpsychologyfromMichiganStareUniversity Hee1 oyed walking hisdog, taking uips wi1h his \\afe,and attending local basketbaUgames, tennisma1ehes,trackand crosscounuy meelS, andschoolevents. Survivors include hisv.ri.fe, Marie twosons and one daughter

KENNETH P. DUNLAVY SR. '62 of Buffalo Grove, ltiinois, diedApril9, 2021.AtRipon,he studied physicaleducation and participated in athletics, ROTCand Phi Kappa Pifraternity He was named to the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002 He received a masters degree from the College ofNotre Dame Heserved in the Uni1ed Slates Marine Corps for 29 years, as a figh1er pilot during the Vietnam Warand tl1ena helicopter pilot,retitingasa colonel Hewasa pilotforAmericanAirlinesfor 28 years, retiring as a Boeing 777 cap1ain. Heei oyedstorytellingand coaching his sons in football. SUl'\ SVOrs include his wile, STEPHANIE ROWLAND DUNLAVY '65; 1hree sons and IWO daughters: and nieces and nephews, including APRIL DUNLAVY '03, KIRBIANNE DUNLAVY'14 and JOHN DUNLAVY'07.

DAVIDJ. GROTHE '62 of Ha}'\V-Jrd, Wisconsin, diedJan 26, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in hisrory, participated in Sigma Alpha Epsilon/Della Sigma Psiandwascommissioned through ROTC. He joined tl1e Anny as a second lieurenant, where he received parau ooper training He l1ad a varied career, working as a frycook,chef, purchasing agent fora hotel, ta,xconsultant, bookkeeper, and manager ofa flight kitchen foran airline. I-le enjoyed boatingand,v-asa co-ownerand vicepresidentofMarina Del Sol He lived in numerous places, including Wisconsin Rapids, Fort Benning, Georgia, Las Vegas, Hilo, Hawaii,and Corpus O1risti, Texas

DAVID R LIVES '62 ofl'airfidd, Ohio, died Jan 23, 2021. At Ripon,hesn1clied politicsandg°'"mme.nt andwascmm1iissionecl d1rough ROTC. Hesetved in the U.S.Anny. He wasa material manager at several hospi1als until retiring in 2008 He was a longtime resident of Fores1Park where he was on various boardsandcommittees, including serving oncitycouncil from 2001 to 2007 and 20 l l to 2015 Survivors include one son and twodaugh1ers

JACK L. FLAKER '63 of Rothschild, Wisconsin, diedApril 28, 202 l. At Ripon, he majored in physicaleducation, participated in foo1ball and Phi Delta Thera/Alpha Phi Omega and was commissioned mrough ROTC. After histimesetvingin the U.S An11y, hewasan accountantat Marathon Electricand tl1en Able Disnibuting, botl1 in Wausau. He enjoyed curling and was a memberof the Wausau Curling Cluh Healsoenjoyed tra"'lling '-"ith this"ife, visiting all 50 states and 67 countries. Survivors include his wife. Yvonne; and1wodaughters

ANTHONY N. STEPHANIE '63 ofCranberry, fb\nsylvania,died Aug 27, 2019. Ar Ripon, he majored ineconomics, participated in Lambda Delta Alpha/Deha Upsilon and football, and was commissioned mrough ROTC. He served in 1he U.S Anny, guarding missile sires during tl1e Cold \Var.He tl1en workedin me paint at1d wallcoveringsindusny Heserved aspresident of tl,e National Decorating ProductsAssociationandlvtid-American DecoratingStores.Survivorsinclude his v.ife, ilecl<y;oneson and two daugh1ers. His first wife, JULIE PAULSON STEPHANIE '64, died in 1989.

JAMESL. UNDEM'63 ofSavannah,Georgia,died April 24, 2018 Al Ripon, he studiedeconomics,1v-JSa member of Sigma ChV OmegaSigma Chi,and wascommissioned through ROTC. He

receiveda mas1erofbusinessadministrariondegree in marketing from Indiana UniveISity Bloomington. Heservedasanofficerin

1heU.S Ann)',stationed inSoutl1Korea Heworked forNL'«lorf CornpurerintlieOlicagoandBosionoffices,d1e.nformanyyea rs in Houston,Texas He hada greatsenseof humorand enjoyed golf,softball,camping,fishingandmusic. Sunavorsinclude his former wife,Jan; one son and one daughter.

RICHARO L. MENSON '65 ofDunwood)\ Georgia,diedMay17, 2021.At Ripon,he majored inhistoryandeconomics, panicipated in the undefeated football team,and wast'Ommissioned lhrough ROTC. He also was a gradua1e of North,vestern Universi1y Law School and George Washington University I-le served his countryasaJAGofficer from1965-1973, including18 momhs in Viemam. Hejoh,ed Gardner, Canonand Douglas h1Chicago, Illinois, and wasa pmtner from1977-1998 In 1998,hejoined McGuireWoods as managing partner of the Chicagooffice. He retired in 20 J 2 Survivors include his ,vife, Lynne Lemke Menson; and two daughters.

ROBERT c."CHRIS" OOLLOFF '69 of Belfast, Maine, died April 16, 2021. At Ripon,he studiedchemistryand Frenchand' later became a Panner in the Legacy I-le was aninternationally awardwinningcreativecl1ocolatechemist andexpert inqualit)' control at "The Chocolate Factory" (Merkins) in Mansfield, Massaclmsetts Hefonnulated tl1ecocoafor theOreocookieand forPaul Newrnanschocolate products Hehada broad rangeof interesrs,including,vordgames,artl,ropology, historyand trivia. He enjoyed cats,complex woodworking projectS, the culinary ans,caring forplanrs, genealogyand music;and heplayed the guitar and keyboard

MELODY MOLAND KANTEN '69 of Baldwin, Wisconsin, died Jan I], 2021 She received a degree in fine arts from Lhe t-,,LinneapolisCollege of An andDesign and was an advertising executive for Colle& McAvoyAdvenisingA,,oer1cyi11Mmneapolis, lvlinnesora. She loved ailirnals, livingon a fan11, downhill and crosscounuyskiing,scubadiving,kayakingard flying,Shealso e1 oyecl ridinghorses, bicycling, walkingand creating objects out o,vf ood Su"•ivors include her husband, Tom.

JOHN H. AINSLIE '70 ofSun Prairie,WlSConsin,died April4, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in biologyand,vJSCommissioned through ROTC.Afierserving in1he U.S Army,he worked in1he insurance industry for both American Family Insurance andLhe Stare of Wisconsin After retiring in 2013, heenjoyed working in his garden, fly fishing, woodworking, sil1ging wim vaiious community choirs, tai chi, traveling andstudying geolo!l}' He volw1teeredfortl1eStu, PrairieFood Pantryanddelive, d mealsfor TheColonial Club. I-leenjoyed learningandearnedtwomasters degrees.Survivorsiodude hiswife,CHRISTINEVANDERSLICE AINSLIE '71; twosons;siblings, including WILLIAMAINSLIE '79; ai1da niece, KYLIEAINSLIE '11.

WILLALDIS'70, formerly known as William Porter, of Los Angeles,California,died Dec 3, 2019 AtRipon, hemajored in English and wasa member ofSigma Alpha Epsilon/Delia Sigma Psi. He received a master's degree i11education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He wasanactor, screenwriterand director, best known for "Back toSchool" (l 986),vith Rooney Dangerfield,"S1ealing Home"() 988)withJody Fasterand Mark Hannon,')l,venging Angelo" (2002) with SylvesterStalloneand MadeleineSlowe,''BlackCadillac"(2003)with RandyQuaid;and the cult classic "Gilford" (l 994),vitl1Ma1tinShon_ Hisnovels include Lily\\\"ttt, The Rascal l'linee and Owen Nobodr He

taught screenwtiting at the An Institute of Santa Monica and wasa passion.ate Chicago Cubs' fan.Sur.ivo,s include his wife, Miriam Flynn;oneson and one daugh1er

M. CHRISTINE GRUETT ROBILLARD '71 of Simpsonville, South Carolina, died May 13, 2018 At Ripon, she majored in psychology and educational studies and panicipaied in Alpha Delta Pi/PiTauPi. She1aught a, Oak Creek Elementary b1Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Pontiac Elementa1y in Columbia, South Carolina, and for 17 years at Fairforest Elementary School beforeher retirement. Sur,ivors include her husband, Richard Robillard; oneson and one daughter

JOHNG. WINKLEPLECK '73 of Naples, Florida,died Feb,20, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in economics and was a member of Theta Chi/Alpha Omega Alpha. He later was a member of the185I Club. He received a masterof businessadministration degree in finance fromCleveland Staie University Hespent his entirecareerinbankingin Cleveland,at Cenual National Bank, AmeritrustandKi,yBank,fmmwhich he retin.>d He wasan avid golfer and loved racket sports, especially tennis, squash and paddle tennis. He wasa member ofTavern Club and Mayfield Count!)' Club, servinga tern, as president. Sul'\svors include his" fe, Nancy; and onedaughter.

ROBERTM, MERRITT '74 ofWihnington, Delaware,diedjan

13,2021. AtRipon, he majoredin psychologyand panicipated in athletics. He received masters and Ph.D degrees in applied social psychology from New York Univeisity. He retired from Independence Blue CrossofPhiladelphia asa project manager. Smvivors include his"Sfe, Maria:and two sons

JAMES J, NAULT '74 of White Stone, Virginia, died April 11, 2021. A, Ripon, hestudied d1e11:i5try and patticipated in Phi DeltaTheta/Alpha Phi Omega and the Beta, Beta, Be1a honors society.Heeameda Ph.D. h1paperchemisuy fromthehtstituieof PaperChemistry. Heworked formorethan40 yearsinthe pulp and paper industl)\ holding many technicaland management positions, including positions at WestRock (fonnerly Smurfit Stone Container Corp.) He enjoyed fishing, boatingandoys1er farming Survivorsinclude his"Sfe,Janice:onedaughter,anda nephew, KEITH KAISER '97.

JONFASANELLI-CAWELTI75 ofMuscatine,lowa,died March 30, 2021. At Ripon College, he majored in history and an, played trumpet and participated in trackandcrosscounny He continuedtoplaytnunpet laierinseveralbandsand orchestrns in theMuscatinearea.He received hisbachelor!;masters and MFA degrees from the University of Iowa School ofAn, andserved asa teachingassistant in the print depanment. He wasan anist andprintmaker whoexhibiied nationally andiniemationally andspecialized in!hean of15th-eentury intaglioprbmnaking. Hehada passionfor history,music,and printmaking Survivors include hiswife, DianeCalzaretta; andtwodaughters

GEORGEC ANASTOS76 of Cottage Grove, Mimiesota,died Feb.6,2021. At Ripon, hemajored in philosophy He received a mastersin divinity from YaleUniversity in 1980 He pastored various churches, including the First Church of Deerfield in Deerfield,Massachusetts,forseveral )'ealS. Duringthat time, he also worked at Yankee Candle Co in Deerfield as an employee relations manager, as well as being a volunieer firefighier and emergency medical technician for the town!; Fire Deparunem and Rescue Squad Smvivors include

his,vife, Ann; one son and twodaugh1ers.

34 I RIPON College

BIRGITABROMAITIS RETSON77 ofWilliamsburg,Virginia, died May 11, 2021. At Ripon, she majored in English and was a member ofAlpha Chi Omega.IAlpha Gamma Theta.She later wasa chaner member of Paru1ersin the Legacy. She received a degieeinnursing&omGeotgeMasonUniversity. Sutvivo1sinclude twosons, including PHILIP RETSON '15,and one daughter.

STEPHEN C.

SNYDER·nofCameron,WISConsin,diedJan.31, 2021.AtRipon,he majored inbiology, panicipated intheWilder FieldStation several times and begananinteresl in mdio v.rork Hereceiveda degreein forestry from the University ofMinnesota in Minneapolis. I-leworked for more than 40yeaisasa forestry technician forRuskCcuntyand asanannouncer forVvWIBRadio for41 years He enjoyed the outdoors and fishing, racquetball player, hisfaith,and perfonning asa keyboardist and sb1ger

GARY H. SCHUBERTH '78 of Barrington, Illinois, died Jan 25, 2021. At Ripon he majored b1biologyand panicipated in soccer and SigAlpha Eps/DelSigPsi.Hegradtmted from Emmy University in 1989 ,vith a specialty degree in orthodontics. He founded Schubenh Onhodontics in B.,nington, where he practiced for morethan 30 years. H,e""5 anavid outdoorsman, fishermanandgolfer I-leenjoyedadventuringandspending time at his parents' cabin in the Smoky Mountains, ,vith his family on Kauai,and fishing b1l.acSeul,Ontarto Ga1y is stm-ived by his"Sfeof nearly39years, Cclleen; onesonand twodaughters.

JEFFREY P. GRIFO '79 of litlle Falls, NewJersey, died May 15, 2021. At Ripon, he majored in economics He worked in NewYorkCity'sgannem district beforea longcareerasa caddie masterfor Maplewood Cotmtry Cluband Cn,sunont Counuy Club in \,Vest Orange. He enjoyed golfing, travelling, cooking, and jazz and blues music. Sumvors include his wife, l.aum; and one daughter.

PATRICKJ, TESTER '81ofTexasdiecljan.29,202]. Hespent a yearat Riponand panicipated inSigma Nu/ThetaSigmaTau He then joined his family in Fon l,\klnh,Texas,and attended Tex.-is Christian University Heworked in education for more than 25 years in Austin, Denver and, priniarily, lhe DallasIndependent Schooldistrict, focusb1gon specialeducation.Afterretiringfrom education in 2006, he worked as a Realtor He was an active member oflions Club International.

PETER W,JOCHIMSEN'89 of Mbmeapolis, l'vlinnescta, died April 17, 2021. He had atiended RiponCollege and Kirkwood Community College. Heworked for Nonh Prairie Tue Works and made specialty tiles,some used in historical buildings. He enjoyed biking, camping and studying Gen George Custer He participaied in the St. Paul Curling Club and Sao Line Community Garden Survivors include his father, PETER R JOCHIMSEN '61 and hismotlier,Grace;andan uncle,WILLIAM G. JOCHIMSEN '61.

ERICRPILSL'93 ofWild Rose,Wisconsb1,died Feb.27,2021. At Ripon, he 1najored in speech communication and played basketbill.Hereceiveda masterlidegn,efromMarqueueUni,,ersit)< Hewasemployed as a pharmaceuticalsales representative until hispassion forworking,vith youthsled himto histeachingcareer at Parkside Middle School in Wautoma

I-le ,aught math and wasa track coach He loved the omdoors, especially hunting, fishb1g, cooking and playb1g golf. Sun,jvors include his ,vife, Jemtifer; and rwostepsons.

MATTHEWR."NIGEL"KENNY'07ofOrland Park,Illinois,died Jan.29,2021 At Ripon,he majored in politicsandgovernment and participated inSrudem Senate, foo1ball and as president of PhiDelta Theta/Alplia Phi Omega He worked at XtraLease in Chicagoand wasa \ 1\11iteSoxfan.Heet oyed politicaldebates, yardworkandmotorcycles Survivorsincludehiswife, Kate;one son and one daughter.

FACULTY AND STAFF

JERRY BASKETT of Green Lake, Wisconsb1, who had sel'\oed asa chef at Ripon Ccllege,died March15,2021.He served in the Navy in Korea, Cuba and Vietnam. He honed hiscookingskillsin hisships'galleys,earningboth therankof commissaryman second class, and thenickname"Biscuit"from hisfellowsailors.Afier leaving the Navy,hese1tledin Riponand G11,enlake Heworkedasa cl1efat RiponCcllegcand tl1eGreen lake Conference Center, and owned his own interior/exterior painting business. He enjoyed fishing. Sun,jvors include his wife, Darlene; one son and three daughiers.

MELVIN "HEZZY"BERNDT of Ripon, V.ll.5Cot151Il,a fo1mermaintenance worker al Ripon College,diedJan.24,2021.He ser.-ed ,n the U.S. Na,y from l944-1946, He was a foreman at Admanco in Ripon for more than 25 years, and retired from dieCollege.He wasa member ofVFWSchttltz-Klcmp-V. mland Post 5278and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

PETER CHOBANIAN of Ripon, \\'ISCot1Sb1,a libraiianatRipon College from 1962 to1994, died April 4,2021. He wasan avidand lifelongstudentofthe humanities,srudyinghistol)',literanueand theans. From ltalianoperas10Broadway show tunes, he lo,oed tosing. He also published his own shon SI0riesand poems.Survivorsincludeonesonandonedaughier.

ELAINE M. REILLYofRipon,Wisconsin, died May 25, 202.l. She had been a bookkeeperattheRiponCollegebookstore and alsoliad worked as a teacher's aide for the Ripon schools Shewasa hospice volunteer for several years, a member of Immanuel United Methodist ChurchinRiponand Zion Uniied Methodist Church in Neshkoro,WISCOnsin,and wasacti,vve ith several organiza1ions within the churches. In her youngeryea,;, she enjoyed making crafts, tl'aveling and camping. Sul'\avors include five children

VIDA VANDE SLUNT of Waupun, \.Visconsin, a longtime staff member in academicsuppon at Ripon College,died March31,2021.SheworkedatRiponfo r 20years, retiringin2014asadministrative assistant for West Hall. She reoeived the

E R.NicholsCampus Communicator Award in 2014.She was active in theatre produc1ions all her life, including at Ripon College, Ripon Summer Players and Waupun Community' Players. Shee1 oyed music,watching herchildren playhockey. travelingand cooking li1.humlian meals for familyand friends Sun-ivorsinclude herhusband,DennisVandeSlum; and three sons, including ADAM VANDE SLUNT '98 and MICHAEL

A Packer or not? It's a question of interpretation

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Kc-11,von n•lurned to Ripon la:-t fall to compfctc the work for his degree, hut wa:- un:ihlc to play foothnll fnr Ripon, li:tdng- played his four ycnrs in 1914, 1915, 19161 and 1919 Three rimes s-elected for tale.! ch;lrn pion:-:hip eleven:,., ··K:ro'i vc:r.v appropriately :-lipped into an :1:-:-i tant's pl.ice on the foatbnll fieltl I Ii coaching h:1:-:hcen invnhmhle in hol terin11:up the line, c pccially ;1t -:-enter and guard positions.

A question and answer about a onetime Ripon College football standout recently was shared on packers com "No, they didn't play for the Packers; But some of the stories are whoppers" ran April 1, 2021, answered by Packers team historian Cliff Christi.

"When I was in high school, I had a math teacher that claimed he played center for the Packers and was fram Ripon College. I think he would have played early 1920s Hi.s name was Dwight Kenyon

Your teacher never played for the Packers in a leaguegame, but I'm all but certain he started at left guard against the Hibbing (Minn.) Miners in the Packers' only exhibition game before the 1923 season During Kenyon' stay in Green Bay, the Green Bay Press-Gazette referred to

/1im only as "Crow" (sic) Kenyon, a product of Ripon College T can't imagine it's not the same guy as your teacher. The Pachers used only 12 players against I-libbing and Kenyon was the only starte,· who was replaced. He left the game in the second quarter: Why and why he never played again, I can't tell you. If I had three guesses, T'd say he didn't play wel.l and was cut, he was injured and Lambeau got rid of him so he didn'l have lo pay him, or he simply quit Playing pro football at the time wasn't exactly a life of luxury. Plus, he probably would have made more money as a tea.:her: He was a good player at Ripon. He was team captain as a senior and weighed 235 pounds, which was bigfor that lime.

Dwight "Kro" Kenyon '24 did always say he had played for the Packers under Earl "Curly" Lambeau, and that was stated in his obituary in 1976.

At Ripon, Kenyon studied physics and mathematics. I-le entered school in 1913 but interrupted his studies to volunteer for service in the Army in France from 1917-1919 during World War L He returned to Ripon, serving as an assistant coach because his playing eligibity had run out, and graduated in 1924.

The caiupus later wrote of him: "During his Ripon days, he was one of that gTeat triumvirate of football linemen . whohave long since placed in the Crimson hall of athletic fame He was also an excellent singer and instrumentalist."

In his long career in education, he was a Leacher, coach, administrator and longtime county superintendent of schools in Ashland County, Wisconsin

Ripon College in the news

• Ripon's Plus Semester(s) Program received wide coverage in January Students enrolled in the fall 2020 andspring 2021 semesters whose studies of certain classes were impacted by the pandemic were eligible to have their tuition waived for a ninth semester or fifth year.

• Ripon College senior Chan Myae Khine '21, a native of Myanmar, was featured Feb 18, 2021, in the Ripon Commonweolth Press The article documented her concern for her family and home country after a military coup there earlier that week. The interview can be read at ripon.edu/Myanmar On March 16, she did an interview on the same subject on WOSH Radio in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

• A touching article on milesplit com, which ran Feb 28, 2021, commemorated Eric R Pilsl '93 of Wild Rose, Wisconsin, who died suddenly Feb. 27 just hours before his stepson, Ashton Schwartzman, ran a race in the adidas Indoor Nationals in Virginia Beach, Virginia

• Adam Sonntag '08 started as city administrator of the City of Ripon in March "Welcome (back) to Ripon, Adam Sonntag!" was published March 10, 2021, in the Ripon Commonwealth Press.

• Leading up to the NCAA men's basketball tournament in March, "Dairyland Dance: 20 players and coaches from Wisconsin in the NCAA men's basketball tournament" ran in the Wisconsin State Journal/madison com and other media outlets The list included Brad Soderberg '84, assistant coach for the University of Virginia Cavaliers. He started his college playing career at Ripon College, played under Dick Bennett '65 at UW-Stevens Point and coached under Bennett at UW-Madison from19952001.

• In March, news that Ripon College and Marian University in Fond du Lac created a joint working group to consider a possible collaborative partnership was shared in several news media, including RiponCommonwealth Press, KFIZ Radio and Inside Higher Education.

• Vice President for Enrollment Jennifer Machacek was quoted March 21, 2021, on centralmarketingnews.com: "How hasthe COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Ripon College Enrollment and Recruitment?"

• On April 6, 2021, Inside Higher Education published "A Pandemic Financial Success Story?" The focus is Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, but Ripon's success financially and in enrollments during the pandemic is highlighted

• Ripon's on-campus COVID-19 vaccination clinic on April 6, 2021, received attention from area media, including the Ripon Commonwealth Press and television stations WFRV and Fox 11.

• An exhibit by Director of Creative and Social Media Ric Damm, who also owns Ric Damm Photography, was featured in several area media outlets The exhibit ran through May 31at the Thrasher Opera House in nearby Green Lake, Wisconsin.

• Paul Schools, professor emeritus of economics, continues to give interviews about current economic issues for area radio stations. Most recently, on April 23, 2021, he talked about how he sees further stimulus payments as unnecessary.

Arnold H. Glasow '27: A 'happychondriac'

For more than 60 years, Glasow published a syndicated monthly newsletter of humor and inspiration to businesses around the country to share with their customers At the newsletter's height, there were more than 100 publications representing 45 states with a circulation of half a million each month

he said. 'i\gain, I have Ripon to thank for developing this knack. The truth is that 1 bought very few textbooks during my four years in college. The night before a quarterly exam I'd borrow one from some less procrastinating classmate and go through it faster than I went through my quarterly allowance."

American humorist and businessman Arnold H. Glasow '27 kept the nation laughing with his insightful and quirky views of the world. His knack for creating snappy observations began in high school in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and was honed at Ripon College.

At Ripon, he majored in English, served as president of Phi Kappa Pi and for two years was editor-in-chief of College Days. He wrote jingles for "Campus Chaos," part of a column called "Squirrels on the Hill."

This proved to be a "good training ground for writing and publishing," Glasow later said

For decades, Glasow also had a humor column in the Chicago Tri.bune and was quoted in national publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Saturday Evening Post and Reader's Digest.

He still is cited in anthologies of humor, although some of his quotes are attributed to "Anonymous" or other people who happened to repeat them.

In 1995, at the age of 90, he published Glasow's Gloombusters, a selection of about 800 of his best writings from a 70-year career

"vVriting humorous commemaries day after day calls for some super-fast reading - the ability to fathom a page at a glance,"

Ripon presented him with the Distinguished Alumni Citation in 1977

"My intent has always been to bring cheer and optimism to a world which too frequently abounds in negative thinking," he said. He added at another time, "The one fact about my work that has been most interesting to me is that I first learned to write one- and two-line gags for the 'Squirrels on the Hill' column of Tl1e (College) Days. You see, you can never tell just how you'll be able to cash in on a college education "

He died in 1998 at the age of 93