Ripon College grants 100-year-old woman’s birthday wish with bachelor’s degree

RIPON, Wis. (WBAY) — Ripon College granted the birthday wish of a woman who turns 100 this month.

In 1942, Lois Ohnstad attended Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin, but was unable to graduate. Her daughter, Debra, says Lois’ only regret in life is not getting her bachelor’s degree.

After Debra contacted Ripon College, President Victoria Folse visited Lois in Menomonie, Wisconsin, to present her with an honorary Bachelor of Arts degree on her 100th birthday.

Lois notes that she attended Ripon College during wartime, “when all the men were gone.” After her year at Ripon, Lois went on to earn her nursing degree from the Columbia School of Nursing in Milwaukee.

The college said at least four members of Lois’ family also attended Ripon College.

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