Ripon College Celebrates 175 Years of Transformative Education and Impact

January 29th, also known as Founders' Day, will kick off a year of celebration.

Ripon, WI (01/27/2026) —

EMBARGOED UNTIL: January 29 6:00 AM

Ripon College Celebrates 175 Years of Transformative Education and Impact

January 29th, or Ripon College's Founders' Day will kick off a year of celebratory events.

RIPON, Wis. - Beginning Thursday, Jan. 29, Ripon College proudly marks the 175th anniversary of its founding, celebrating nearly two centuries of academic excellence, innovation and commitment to preparing students for lives of purpose, leadership and service.

Founded in 1851, Ripon College has grown from a small frontier institution into a nationally respected liberal arts and science college known for close faculty-student engagement, experiential learning, and a strong tradition of civic involvement. As it commemorates this milestone, the College reflects on a legacy shaped by generations of students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters who have contributed to its enduring mission.

"For 175 years, Ripon College has remained steadfast in its belief that education should challenge students intellectually while preparing them to make meaningful contributions to the world," said President Dr. Victoria N. Folse. "This anniversary is both a celebration of our history and a moment to look boldly toward the future."

On this day 175 years ago, in the midst of a snowstorm, Alvan E. Bovay and Capt. David P. Mapes staked out the first building (what would become known as East Hall) of the Ripon Lyceum - an institution that would later become Brockway College and, eventually, Ripon College. For nearly two centuries, Ripon College has stood at the center of education, civic life and national history.

Ripon History

In 1861, the College closed for a year during the Civil War, when East Hall was rented by the U.S. Army as headquarters for the First Wisconsin Cavalry, and the campus housed more than 600 men. Ripon also has been a hub of civic engagement: the Republican Party celebrated its Diamond Jubilee on campus in 1929; Secretary of War Patrick J. Hurley launched President Hoover's 1932 campaign from Ripon; and in 1996, the Venerable Lobsang Samten - former Tibetan monk and personal assistant to the Dalai Lama - resided on campus for five weeks.

Ripon College was home to Wisconsin's first Senior ROTC program, publishes the state's longest-running college newspaper (The College Days), founded the National Forensic League, hosted Badger Boys from 1941-2021, and maintains one of Wisconsin's longest football rivalries with Lawrence University.

Throughout its history, Ripon College has been recognized for its innovative academic programs, commitment to undergraduate research, and emphasis on critical thinking and ethical leadership. The College's distinctive approach to liberal arts education continues to equip graduates with the skills and adaptability needed in an ever-changing global landscape.

Celebration Overview

Ripon College will kick-off the celebrations on Founders' Day, Jan. 29, by honoring Past Board President Bob Abendroth whose family represents the longest consecutive board service, and holding an annual giving day. Throughout the year, Ripon will host a series of commemorative events and initiatives that coincide with the institution's annual Alumni Weekend and Homecoming celebrations. These activities are designed to commemorate the College's past while engaging the broader campus community in conversations and excitement about the next century.

"Ripon College's story is one of resilience, curiosity and community," said Mark Franzen, chair of the Ripon College Board of Trustees. "As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to providing a transformative educational experience for generations to come."

For more information about Ripon College's 175th anniversary and related events, visit https://ripon.edu/175-celebration/.

Media Kit - https://riponcollege.photoshelter.com/galleries/C0000Q_sAKW0Ll.4/Ripon-College-Media-Kit

President Folse available for interviews.

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