Ripon College has broken ground on a science center expansion and its first on-campus stadium. Here's what to know.
RIPON – Ripon College, a private institution with undergraduate enrollment of around 800, has broken ground on two major infrastructure projects on its 250-acre campus.
The first is an expanded and renovated science center and the second is the school’s first on-campus stadium.
The college also introduced the names of the new facilities during groundbreaking ceremonies April 21.
Here’s what to know about the projects.
Franzen Science Center to get instrumentation upgrades, new laboratory, classroom and collaboration spaces
The new science center facility will be named the Franzen Science Center in honor of benefactors Mark J. Franzen, class of 1983, secretary of the Ripon College Board of Trustees, and Janice Heinz Franzen, class of 1983.
According to a news release from the college, the Franzens’ comprehensive campaign commitment to the science center, campus stadium, residence halls and endowment, is the largest cash commitment in Ripon College’s history.
“We are delighted to support the college as it builds and expands for the future,” the Franzens said. “Ripon has a long tradition of academic excellence in the sciences. Our hope is that this comprehensive renovation enhances this tradition and enables current and future STEM students to learn, innovate and create.”
Victoria N. Folse, president of Ripon College, said in the news release: “Simply, this project isn’t possible without Mark and Janice’s support. Not only has their commitment supported the renovation and expansion of the science center, it has encouraged a broader discussion about curricular development and bolstering STEM education’s role in the liberal arts at Ripon.”
More than 150 guests attended the groundbreaking ceremony on the steps of the current Farr Hall of Science. Speakers included Ripon Area School District Superintendent Mary Whitrock; representatives of the project teams: Tom Boldt, CEO of Boldt Co.; Larry Schnuck, senior principal at Kahler Slater; and John Sisko, dean of faculty at Ripon College; and Ripon College senior leadership: Shawn F. Karsten, vice president for advancement, marketing and communications; and Folse, who spoke before revealing the new name for the science center and turning to the Franzens for remarks.
The complete renovation and expansion of the facility first built in 1961, which was announced in late 2022, will include more than 68,500 square feet of renovation and expansion with more than 19,000 square feet of new construction. Included will be instrumentation upgrades, new laboratory, classroom and collaboration spaces. The space is designed to meet the STEM learning needs of science students today and create the flexibility to adapt to needs of the future.
Hopp Stadium, at 157,000-square-feet, will seat 2,000
The college also announced the new on-campus athletics stadium will be named Hopp Stadium in honor of a leadership commitment from benefactor Steven J. Hopp, class of 1983, a member of the Ripon College Board of Trustees.
The 157,000-square-foot facility will be Ripon’s first on-campus stadium.
Hopp said in a news release: “The skill sets and relationships that I developed as a Ripon College student-athlete have greatly impacted my adult and professional life. My wife, Meg, and I are grateful to be in a position to show our gratitude in support of a project that will continue the legacy of excellence associated with Ripon College athletics while enhancing the overall student experience. I have no doubt that witnessing the first game at Hopp Stadium will be a humbling and profound experience.”
This mixed-use space on the corner of Thorne and Union streets will house the football and men’s and women’s soccer teams, seat 2,000, allow for a better fan experience for students and families, and provide a setting for concerts, intramurals and other student and community activities.
Folse added: “In many ways, Steve exemplifies the realized potential of a Ripon College student-athlete, and we are grateful for his leadership commitment to this campaign. The impact of Steve and Meg’s generosity will be broad as we predict the stadium will provide immediate benefit to athletics, student life vibrancy, third-stream revenue and the City of Ripon’s economy.”
The completed facilities are projected to open in the fall.
More than 200 people attended the groundbreaking for the stadium, including Ripon College’s Rally Pep Band and mascot Rally the Red Hawk. Remarks were offered by Folse; City of Ripon Administrator and alumnus Adam Sonntag, class of 2008; project team members Tom Boldt, CEO of Boldt Co., and John Kneer, president of Rettler Corp., and incoming Athletic Director Chris Schumacher. Karsten revealed the new stadium name before Hopp offered remarks about how the camaraderie and commitment to being a student-athlete teaches important life skills about building relationships and overcoming challenges that carry over into personal and professional lives after college.
“I remain in awe of the philanthropic commitments from Ripon College alumni and friends,” Folse said. “It has allowed the college to think boldly about enhancing campus vitality for years to come.”
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Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews.
This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Ripon College building stadium on campus, expanding science center
