RIPON, Wis. – October 13, 2024 – Ripon College has announced a historic $20 million gift, aimed at enhancing residence life and student engagement across campus. This transformative donation, the largest gift commitment in the college’s history, will most immediately fund sweeping improvements to student housing, revitalization of a historic Greek house, and expansion of student programming, as well as potentially create a new residence hall. “This gift represents another energizing investment in Ripon College and further positions us to drive enrollment and student life initiatives,” said Ripon College President Victoria N. Folse. “Our commitment to providing an exceptional residential experience is a key part of our mission to nurture future leaders, and this generous contribution will allow us to enhance living and learning spaces where students can thrive.”
Key initiatives:
● Modernization of Residence Halls: Existing residence halls will undergo renovations to improve amenities, provide modern living spaces, and promote sustainability. With 98%
of students living on campus, the $20 million gift positively impacts nearly the entire student body. These upgrades will include the addition of new furniture, study lounges,
and collaborative spaces, catering to the evolving needs of students.
● New Residential Community: A portion of the gift will enable a matching gift challenge, which could fund the construction of a new residence hall designed to foster community
building and collaborative learning.
● Merriman House: New construction for a revitalized Merriman House is planned to begin in 2025 and will house the Phi Kappa Pi fraternity and Merriman alumni activities.
The House’s footprint will remain on the Congress Street property, where the house stood for more than 100 years.
● Student Support Programs: A portion of the funds will be allocated to creating and expanding programming that supports students’ personal and academic growth. These
initiatives will include leadership training, increased mental health resources, and activities aimed at fostering a sense of belonging among students.
The anonymous donor(s), believes the gift will inspire others to financially support Ripon College’s mission to deliver a premier liberal arts education in a close-knit, inclusive community. The donation reflects a profound belief in the power of a residential college experience to shape well-rounded, engaged citizens. “The philanthropic response to our ‘Forever Ripon’ Campaign from our alumni, and this gift in particular, serve as strong indicators of the collective belief and relevance of our mission to further strengthen Ripon’s position as a leading liberal arts institution in the Midwest,” said Vice President for Advancement, Marketing and Communications and Chief of Staff Shawn Karsten. “Ripon College and its alumni continue to signal to the region that they remain a vital part of the community, showing incredible commitment to their liberal arts education.”
The Forever Ripon Campaign, which exceeded its initial goal of $75 million 18 months ahead of schedule, set an extended goal of $100 million in January 2024. This commitment brings the Forever Ripon total to $117 million with 8 months remaining in the campaign. Renovations and new construction are planned to begin in 2025. The potential addition of the new residence halls is announced as Ripon College prepares for more campus improvements. The new on-campus stadium opened in the fall of 2023, followed
by their new Frazen Science Center, opening in December of 2025.
