4/25/23 Forever Ripon Capital Campaign Launched
25 April 2023 News
Ripon College President Victoria Folse shared a secret during her inauguration as the College’s 14th president Saturday. She says when she arrived in Ripon nine months ago she learned of a secret capital campaign. She notes given the sustained culture of philanthropy at the school it’s not surprising that in 2 ½ years the silent leadership phase of the campaign managed to raise $52 million of the $75 million goal for what is known as “Forever Ripon.” Folse says she has no doubt that $75 million goal will be exceeded by the time the school celebrates its 175th Anniversary in 2026. Out of the $75 million $40 million will be used for endowments, $20 million for facility improvements and $15 million will be allocated to the Ripon Fund.
More About the Forever Ripon Campaign
“The early success and energy of the silent leadership phase brings credibility to the campaign priorities and signals that Ripon’s philanthropic culture is strong,” says Tom Abendroth ’81, chair of the Board of Trustees. “The Forever Ripon campaign is and will be a foundational element in solidifying Ripon’s place as a relevant and accessible institution for generations to come.”
Forever Ripon, which is scheduled to reach its goal by June 30, 2025, focuses on three funding priorities:
- Endowment Growth ($40 million)
- Creating Access ($25 million) — Endow student access and retention scholarships while increasing opportunities for Ripon students to engage with faculty for scholarship and research.
- Curricular Development and Innovation ($15 million) — Endow new and existing faculty positions and experiential programming for students.
- Facility Enhancement ($20 million)
- Franzen Science Center, Hopp Stadium and residence hall upgrades
- Ripon Fund ($15 million)
- Provide crucial flexibility to the College’s budget, enabling leadership to respond to the highest and most immediate financial needs on campus.
Pictured Tom Abendroth and Victoria Folse courtesy of Ripon College.
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