Ripon breaks ground on new facilities

RIPON (WLUK) -- Ripon College is breaking ground on two new projects.

Generally speaking, there are certain things that could paint a picture of the health, or how well a school is doing, of smaller colleges and universities.

"Taking a look at the campus infrastructure and how well things are being maintained because that’s an indication of prosperity if your buildings are maintained, your grounds are maintained," said Eric Fulcomer, president of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

If infrastructure is an indicator, Ripon College has reason for optimism Friday.

The school broke ground on an on-campus stadium and an expansion to its current science center.

About four months after the announcement of two new projects, Ripon College officially broke ground on its new on-campus stadium and science center Friday.

The first phase of the project includes a $24.5 million investment into expanding the science building, which will be named the Franzen Science Center.

Kalen Narance, a junior who’s a science major, says he can’t wait to see what the new center has to offer.

"I mean, I live in this building already, and it getting added onto is going to do a lot for research and as well as in the classrooms, which can be really amazing," said Narance.

Ripon College President Victoria Folse says this is an exciting time for the school.

"By renovating and expanding the science center, we'll strengthen the existing programs that we offer, and we are an ongoing dialogue about what exciting new program can occur because of the expanded space," said Folse.

The groundbreakings come after a few small private colleges in the state announced program cuts or closure earlier this month.

"We are investing in the future of Ripon College, so this is a wonderful and vibrant time on our campus community," said Folse.

FOX 11 asked Folse if she thinks Ripon College is doing anything different compared to other schools.

She says the college is making data-driven strategic decisions.

"How do we retain what's unique about Ripon College while making adjustments for the future? I think what's different is we're working together to create a vision that we can all get behind," said Folse.

The other part of the first phase also includes an $8.5 million investment in building a new on-campus stadium, named Hopp Stadium.

Ripon is the only school in the Midwest Conference without its own football stadium. It currently shares with the high school.

"We've had a tremendous partnership with the high school, but as we expand and the high school expands, it's time for us to both have our own space," said Folse.

The new mixed-use space will house the Ripon College football and men's and women's soccer teams.

Jarrett Zibert is a junior and plays football at Ripon College. He says the new Hopp Stadium will benefit not only the team but also the fans.

"Just a sense of home -- finally something to call ours," he said. "And it's closer to campus, so more students will be able to get here, and it'll just be a lot more fun for everyone."

The new stadium is projected to open this fall, and the science center is scheduled to open in fall of 2024.