Ripon College (Wisconsin)

Last updated
Ripon College
Ripon College Seal.svg
Former names
Brockway College (1851–1863) [1]
Motto
Fides Christi Scientia
Motto in English
Faith in Christ is Knowledge
Type Private liberal arts college
Established1851;173 years ago (1851)
Endowment $108.1 million (2021) [2]
President Victoria N. Folse [3]
Students754 (2024) [4]
Location
Ripon, Wisconsin
,
U.S.

43°50′37″N88°50′29″W / 43.8436°N 88.8413°W / 43.8436; -88.8413
CampusSmall town, 250 acres (100 ha)
Colors    Red and Black [5]
Nickname Red Hawks [3]
Sporting affiliations
 NCAA Division III – Midwest Conference
MascotRally the Red Hawk [6]
Website www.ripon.edu
Ripon College Logo.svg

Ripon College is a private liberal arts college in Ripon, Wisconsin. As of 2024, the college enrolled around 754 undergraduate students. Nearly 80% of students were Wisconsin residents. [7]

Contents

History

Smith Hall Smith Hall, Ripon College.jpg
Smith Hall

Ripon College was founded in 1851, although its first class of students did not enroll until 1853. It was first known as Brockway College, named for William S. Brockway, who gave the most, $25, in a fundraising effort. [8]

Ripon's first class, four women, graduated in 1867. [9] The college was founded with ties to local churches, but early in its history the institution became secular. In 1868 formal ties with Presbyterian and Congregational churches were cut, but Ripon would retain some ties to its religious past. During the nineteenth century, students were required to attend two church services each Sunday. The first six presidents of Ripon College had clerical backgrounds. Today students are not required to attend religious services. [10]

The National Forensic League was founded at the college in 1925.

Academics

Harwood Memorial Union Harwood Memorial Union, Ripon College.jpg
Harwood Memorial Union

Students may choose from 31 majors, a variety of pre-professional advising options and also opt to self-design a major. Off-campus study is highly encouraged; nearly one-third of all Ripon College students elect to spend a semester off-campus on a focused area of study. [11] Ripon has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1. [12]

Catalyst Curriculum

Students take five Catalyst courses that focus on solving real-world problems. The Catalyst curriculum consists of five seminars spread over three years. After completing the Catalyst curriculum, students receive a certificate in Applied Innovation. Ripon College provides a four-year graduation guarantee to all students who remain in good academic standing, declare a major course of study by the end of sophomore year, and follow an approved course plan. [13]

Center for Politics and the People

Todd Wehr Hall Todd Wehr Hall, Ripon College view 2.jpg
Todd Wehr Hall

The Center for Politics and the People was established in spring 2014. The center sponsors scholarship and hosts special events featuring elected officials and policy makers, high-level campaign operatives, academic experts, journalists, prognosticators and citizens representing a spectrum of political views. The center also manages the college's annual Career Discovery Tour to Washington, D.C., and helps place students in internships. [14]

Center for Career and Professional Development

The Center for Career and Professional Development offers resources to students such as workshops, employer visits, job fairs, and assistance with writing a resume. It also helps organize the annual Career Discovery Tour. [15]

Summer Opportunity for Advanced Research (SOAR)

SOAR is a program offered to students of various disciplines to research alongside professors over the summer while living on campus and partaking in volunteer projects around the local community. It was first offered in summer 2021. [16]

Badger Boys State

From 1941 to 2019, the college served as the host site for Badger Boys State, a summer leadership and citizenship program for more than 800 Wisconsin high school juniors that focuses on exploring the mechanics of American government and politics. [17] [18] [19]

Masters of Exercise Science

The only graduate program offered at the college is a master's degree in exercise science, with concentrations in exercise physiology, sport psychology, and sport management. The program was launched in 2024. [20]

Arts

The college's C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts houses the Departments of Art, Music, and Theater. [21]

Visual art

The Art Department manages two gallery spaces, one of which is dedicated to student work and the other to art more broadly. Work by students and professional artists is also shown across campus. A sculpture garden is located adjacent to the building. Two art works of note in the permanent collection of the college are life-size portraits by Anthony van Dyck of Princess Amalia of the House of Orange and Sir Roger Townshend. [22] The Classics department also manages a collection of classical Greek and Roman artifacts, many of which are displayed in the campus library. [21]

Music

The college has a music department which offers classes, lessons, and ensembles. Students of any major may participate in the music department and are eligible for music scholarships. The department offers the following ensembles: Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Rally Band, Jazz Ensemble, and three choirs (Chamber Singers, Choral Union, and Concert Choir). [23] All musical ensembles, with the exception of Chamber Singers [24] , are open to students, faculty and staff, and community members to join without auditioning. All musical performances by campus groups are free to students and the public. The program also hosts visiting musicians each semester, and performances are free to all students. [21]

Theater

The college's theater program produces three productions per year, with students from any major encouraged to act or be involved with set, costume, and makeup design. Each theater major directs a one-act production their senior year, as part of a campus theater festival. [25] Students regularly participate in the Region III Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. All theatrical events are free to students and the public. [26]

Sustainability and the environment

Sustainability initiatives

Ripon College attempts to be a sustainable institution. It has a fleet of campus hybrid vehicles, a recycling program, and uses energy efficient light bulbs. [27]

Ceresco Prairie Conservancy

The college is home to the Ceresco Prairie Conservancy, consisting of 130 acres (53 ha) of native prairie, oak savanna, and wetland habitat in the making. The Ceresco Prairie Conservancy is used by different classes in a number of different disciplines. [28] [29] Trails for walking and snowshoeing throughout this area connect to a municipally run older growth woods nature park, the South Woods, which consists of 55 acres (22.26 ha). [30]

Environmental activism by students and faculty

A student group, EGOR: The Environmental Group of Ripon, focuses on awareness of environmental issues and contributes to the restoration and preservation of the prairie.

Environmental Studies major

Students can also major in environmental studies, which is an interdisciplinary program. [31]

Media

Student life

Clubs

There are over 60 student clubs on campus, including special interest groups, diversity-based groups, political groups, Greek organizations, and academic honor societies. [34] There is also a Student Senate, a student government that is open to all students to discuss issues and vote on different matters. [35] [36]

Greek life

A side view of Johnson Hall Ripon College Johnson Hall Side View.jpg
A side view of Johnson Hall

The college has several sorority chapters and fraternities. All of the Greek chapters live in dorms. [37] The only exception, local fraternity Phi Kappa Pi, also known as the Merrimen, had its own house from 1939 until it was razed in 2021. [38] [39]

Diversity

People of color compose 16.9% of the student population. [40] The McNair Scholars program supports first generation college students and African American, Native American, and Hispanic students who wish to attend graduate school. [41] The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI), inaugurated in 2015, is a space on campus that centers diversity, including programming such as multicultural events. [42] Student groups that focus on the experiences of racially diverse, culturally diverse, and LGBT students are also active on campus, and are part of a wider Diversity Coalition through the CDI. [43]

A women's basketball game at Ripon College in the Weiske Gymnasium in the Wilmore Center PXL 20230204 200220286.MP.jpg
A women's basketball game at Ripon College in the Weiske Gymnasium in the Wilmore Center

Athletics

Ripon athletics teams participate in NCAA Division III as part of the Midwest Conference. Conference competition for men includes: cross-country, football, soccer (fall), basketball (winter), swimming (winter), indoor and outdoor track, baseball, and tennis (spring). Conference competition for women includes: cross-country, soccer, tennis, volleyball (fall), basketball (winter), swimming (winter), indoor and outdoor track, and softball (spring). [44]

Campus facilities

Education buildings and offices

Smith Hall Ripon College Smith Hall.jpg
Smith Hall
East Hall RiponCollegeEastHall.jpg
East Hall

The Ripon College Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places. [45]

Recognition

For 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked the school tied at #136 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and tied at #38 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. [46] The school's volunteerism and community service earned it a place on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for 2009. [47]

Notable alumni

Notable faculty

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Wisconsin System</span> System of public universities in Wisconsin

The Universities of Wisconsin is a university system of public universities in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is one of the largest public higher-education systems in the country, enrolling more than 160,000 students each year and employing approximately 41,000 faculty and staff statewide. The system is headquartered in the state capital of Madison.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bucknell University</span> Private college in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Bucknell University is a private liberal-arts college in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1846 as the University at Lewisburg, it now consists of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Freeman College of Management, and the College of Engineering. It offers 65 majors and 70 minors in the sciences and humanities. Located just south of Lewisburg, the 445-acre (1.80 km2) campus rises above the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lawrence University</span> Private college and conservatory in Appleton, Wisconsin, US

Lawrence University is a private liberal arts college and conservatory of music in Appleton, Wisconsin. Founded in 1847, its first classes were held on November 12, 1849. Lawrence was the second college in the U.S. to be founded as a coeducational institution.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University</span> Private U.S. university system specializing in aviation and aerospace

Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) is a private university focused on aviation and aerospace programs. Founded at Lunken Field in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1926, its main campuses are located in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona. It is the largest accredited university system specializing in aviation and aerospace. It has numerous online programs and academic programs offered at satellite locations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire</span> Public university in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, US

The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire is a public university in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. It is part of the University of Wisconsin System and offers bachelor's and master's degrees.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Wisconsin–Stout</span> Public university in Menomonie, Wisconsin, US

The University of Wisconsin–Stout is a public university in Menomonie, Wisconsin. A member of the Universities of Wisconsin, it enrolls more than 9,600 students. The school was founded in 1891 and named in honor of its founder, lumber magnate James Huff Stout.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Minnesota Morris</span> Public college in Morris, Minnesota, US

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN–Morris) is a public liberal arts college in Morris, Minnesota. It is part of the University of Minnesota system and was founded in 1960 as a public, co-educational, residential liberal arts college offering Bachelor of Arts degrees.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marist College</span> Private university in Poughkeepsie, New York

Marist College is a private university in Poughkeepsie, New York. Founded in 1905, Marist was formed by the Marist Brothers, a Catholic religious institute, to prepare brothers for their vocations as educators. By 1969, the college had become private with a predominantly lay board of trustees and in 2003, the Catholic Church recognized Marist as a secular institution.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Earlham College</span> Private college in Richmond, Indiana, US

Earlham College is a private liberal arts college in Richmond, Indiana. The college was established in 1847 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and has a strong focus on Quaker values such as integrity, a commitment to peace and social justice, mutual respect, and community decision-making. It offers a Master of Arts in Teaching and has an affiliated graduate seminary, the Earlham School of Religion, which offers three master's degrees: Master of Divinity, Master of Ministry, and Master of Arts in Religion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luther College (Iowa)</span> Lutheran college in Decorah, Iowa, US

Luther College is a private Lutheran liberal arts college in Decorah, Iowa. Established as a Lutheran seminary in 1861 by Norwegian immigrants, the school today is an institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The upper campus was listed as the Luther College Campus Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marquette University</span> Jesuit university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US

Marquette University is a private Jesuit research university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Established by the Society of Jesus as Marquette College on August 28, 1881, it was founded by John Martin Henni, the first Bishop of the diocese of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Initially an all-male institution, Marquette became the first coeducational Catholic university in the world in 1909.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St. Norbert College</span> Catholic college in De Pere, Wisconsin, US

St. Norbert College (SNC) is a private Norbertine liberal arts college in De Pere, Wisconsin. Founded in October 1898 by Abbot Bernard Pennings, a Norbertine priest and educator, the school was named after Saint Norbert of Xanten. In 1952, the college became coeducational. As of April 2023, the school's enrollment is 2,009 students.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alma College</span> Private college in Alma, Michigan, U.S.

Alma College is a private Presbyterian liberal arts college in Alma, Michigan. It enrolls approximately 1,400 students and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Alma College is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and offers bachelor's degrees in multiple disciplines as well as four master's degree programs. Its athletics teams, nicknamed the Scots, are part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) – Division III and the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Viterbo University</span> Private Catholic University in La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States

Viterbo University is a private Catholic university in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Founded in 1890 by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Viterbo is home to three colleges with nine schools offering 48 academic programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Diego Mesa College</span> Community college in Clairemont Mesa, California, US

San Diego Mesa College is a public community college in Clairemont Mesa in San Diego, California. It is a California Community College and one of four colleges in the San Diego Community College District.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Wisconsin–Green Bay</span> Public university in Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.

The University of Wisconsin–Green Bay is a public university in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with regional campuses in Marinette, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan. Founded in 1965, it is part of the University of Wisconsin System. As of Fall 2020, student enrollment was approximately 8,970, including 8,531 undergraduate students.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Wisconsin–La Crosse</span> Public university in La Crosse, Wisconsin, US

The University of Wisconsin–La Crosse is a public university in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Established in 1909, it is part of the University of Wisconsin System and offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. With 9,600 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students, UW-La Crosse is composed of four schools and colleges offering 102 undergraduate programs, 31 graduate programs, and 2 doctoral programs. UW-La Crosse has over 95,000 alumni across all 50 U.S. states and 57 countries as of 2021.

Kettle Moraine High School (KMHS) is a secondary school located in Wales, Wisconsin. It is a part of the Kettle Moraine School District.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western Technical College</span> Public community college in La Crosse, Wisconsin, U.S.

Western Technical College is a public technical college in La Crosse, Wisconsin. A member of the Wisconsin Technical College System, the Western Technical College District serves 11 counties and enrolls over 5,000 students. The college has six campus locations in western Wisconsin and its main campus is in downtown La Crosse. Western is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of San Francisco</span> Private Jesuit university in San Francisco, California, US

The University of San Francisco (USF) is a private Jesuit university in San Francisco, California. The university's main campus is located on a 55-acre (22 ha) setting between the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park. The main campus is nicknamed "The Hilltop" and is split into two sections within a block of each other. Part of the main campus is located on Lone Mountain, one of San Francisco's major geographical features. Its close historical ties with the City and County of San Francisco are reflected in the university's traditional motto, Pro Urbe et Universitate.

References

  1. ↑ "Historical Timeline". ripon.edu. Ripon College. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
  2. ↑ As of June 30, 2021. U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2021 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY20 to FY21 (Report). National Association of College and University Business Officers and TIAA. February 18, 2022. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
  3. 1 2 "Ripon at a Glance". Ripon College. n.d. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
  4. ↑ "Ripon College" . Retrieved August 9, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Graphics Standard and Usage Guide - Ripon College". Issuu. Ripon College. 7 March 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
  6. ↑ "'Rally' the Red Hawk". Ripon College Athletics. Ripon College. n.d. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
  7. ↑ "Ripon College". Forbes. 2020. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  8. ↑ Samuel M. Pedrick (March 14, 1930). "Why Brockway College changed its name". Ripon Commonwealth.
  9. ↑ "Ripon College". Forbes. Retrieved 2018-06-04.
  10. ↑ "Ripon College Presidents | Ripon College" . Retrieved 2019-06-28.
  11. ↑ "Academics - Ripon College". Ripon College. Archived from the original on 2022-12-05. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  12. ↑ "About - Ripon College" . Retrieved 14 December 2022.
  13. ↑ "Catalyst Curriculum". Ripon College. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  14. ↑ "Center for Politics and the People". Ripon College. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  15. ↑ "Career and Professional Development". Ripon College. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  16. ↑ Schulz, Joe. "Ripon College SOAR program teaches research skills, gives back to the community". RiponPress.com. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  17. ↑ "Program History". Badger Boys State. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  18. ↑ Schulz, Joe (August 25, 2021). "'There always will be a sentimental value': Badger Boys will no longer be hosted in Ripon". Ripon Commonwealth Press. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  19. ↑ "About Boys State & Boys Nation". The American Legion. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  20. ↑ Kaster, Ashley (1 August 2023). "Ripon College set to launch exercise science master's degree program". FOX 11 News. Retrieved 22 May 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  21. 1 2 3 "Fine Arts at Ripon". Ripon College. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  22. ↑ "About Ripon College". Artwork Archive. Retrieved 2024-05-23.
  23. ↑ "Music - Ripon College". Music - Ripon College. Ripon College. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  24. ↑ Reports, From Staff. "Ripon College Chamber Singers to go on annual Midwest tour". The Reporter. Retrieved 2024-05-23.
  25. ↑ on, Published (2024-04-26). "Local students appear in one-act horror play at Ripon College". RiponPress.com. Retrieved 2024-05-23.
  26. ↑ "Theatre Events". Ripon College. Retrieved 2022-04-12.
  27. ↑ "Student Life: Parking & Transportation". Ripon College. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  28. ↑ "Ceresco Prairie Conservancy". Ripon College. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  29. ↑ "Outdoor Recreation". Ripon Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 2024-05-23.
  30. ↑ "South Woods | South Woods Park Association | Ripon, Wisconsin". South Woods. Retrieved 2024-05-23.
  31. ↑ "Campus Sustainability - Ripon College" . Retrieved 2016-10-06.
  32. ↑ "Ripon Media" . Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  33. ↑ "Parallax Magazine". Ripon College. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  34. ↑ "Clubs & Organizations". Ripon College. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  35. ↑ "Student Leadership". Ripon College. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  36. ↑ Media, Ripon. "Student Senate constitution undergoing possible changes – Ripon Media" . Retrieved 2023-02-08.
  37. ↑ "Greek Life". Ripon College. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  38. ↑ Roznik, Sharon. "Ripon College's plan to raze historic Merriman House draws objections from Phi Kappa Pi fraternity alumni". The Reporter. Retrieved 2024-05-23.
  39. ↑ Schulz, Joe (2021-07-06). "Follow up: Ripon College's Merriman House has been razed". RiponPress.com. Retrieved 2024-05-23.
  40. ↑ "Ripon College". Forbes. 2020. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  41. ↑ "Ripon College : McNair Program". Ripon.edu. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
  42. ↑ "Multicultural Affairs". Ripon College. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  43. ↑ "Ripon College: Clubs & Organizations". Ripon.edu. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
  44. ↑ "Ripon College Athletics - Official Athletics Website". Ripon College Athletics. Retrieved 2022-12-14.
  45. ↑ "National Register Information System – Ripon College Historic District (#95000679)". National Register of Historic Places . National Park Service. November 2, 2013. Retrieved January 20, 2020.
  46. ↑ "Ripon College Rankings". usnews.com. U.S. News & World Report . Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  47. ↑ "Welcome to Corporation for National and Community Service" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-02-28. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.