A C C E S S T O E D U C AT I O N
MAKING THE LIBERAL ARTS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL A
liberal arts education can spur a monumental shift in the course of one’s life. But for many seeking a college education, there are significant barriers to that dream: family finances, lack of family background in higher education, ethnicity and identity, and physical and learning disabilities. Ripon College has long focused on removing those barriers — granting financial assistance to 100% of our students; graduating a higher-than-average number of first-generation students, meaning neither of their parents have earned a four-year degree; and providing access to undergraduate research and collaboration with professors. The current first-year class has 22% ethnic diversity, 39% are first-generation and 35% are Pell Grant-eligible, for those from lowerincome households. Recent national conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education make this attention even more critical. Ripon is re-thinking and enhancing access to ensure a liberal arts education is achievable for the best and brightest students who would benefit the most from our personalized education. Each student should succeed, not only at Ripon College, but also in their careers and in life. 6
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Amari Poe ’25 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is receiving assistance through the recently established Richard V. and Frances S. Dietrich Trust Scholarship, established in the names of the parents of Professor Emeritus of Music Kurt Dietrich and his siblings.
