Wisconsin's Private Colleges - WAICU

Committed to Community: Andy Kitslaar, Ripon College ‘06

Long before he was leading Alliant Energy’s corporate foundation, Andy Kitslaar ’06 was assisting fellow students at the Ripon College recreation center and guiding prospective families across campus as an admissions tour guide. Those early roles, alongside a packed schedule of student group involvement, helped shape a career rooted in leadership and community impact.

Ripon is a tradition in Andy’s family. His three siblings and a brother-in-law all attended the college. While pursuing a BA in environmental studies and politics and government, along with a minor in biology, Andy took advantage of numerous campus opportunities. He served as president of the student activities committee, participated in a fraternity, and held roles in the admissions office and the president’s office.

“My experience working in the president’s office led me toward institutional advancement and the completion of a Master of Education in higher education administration from Vanderbilt University,” he shared.

Prior to joining Alliant Energy in 2022, Andy held key advancement roles in higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Haverford College, and Gettysburg College. He served as an alderman for the City of Monona for four years, bringing a thoughtful, community-centered perspective to local governance.

Today, as manager of community affairs and executive director of the Alliant Energy Foundation, he continues to focus on building partnerships and strengthening communities while overseeing the company’s philanthropic efforts.

Andy speaks highly of his time at Ripon and the importance of Wisconsin’s private colleges.

“Ripon College and a liberal arts degree not only prepare you with an academic education, but also make you a well-rounded individual who is knowledgeable, skilled, and comfortable moving into a career in any field, even outside of your major,” he says. “A liberal arts education makes you ready for anything.”

Edgewood University Professor Sarah Stolte, Ph.D., second from left, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Underkofler Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. Dr. Stolte, an alumna of the university, serves as associate professor of art history in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Funded by the Alliant Energy Center Foundation, the award honors educators who shape future leaders by going above and beyond to connect with students, bring their subject matter to life, and inspire a lasting love of learning.

Pictured from left to right are Aimee Davis, vice president for marketing and communications and customer operations at Alliant Energy Corporation; Professor Stolte; Carolyn Ayers, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and Eric Fulcomer, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Photo courtesy of Edgewood University.

The 2026 Higher Education Summit – Wisconsin concluded with a thought provoking fireside chat featuring Peter Lake of Stetson University College of Law, pictured second from left, and higher education strategist and author Elliot Felix, pictured far right, who challenged attendees to rethink the role of colleges and universities in a rapidly evolving world. The session was moderated by Blaze Bowers of Drexel University.

At the heart of the discussion was a powerful call to action: to embrace change with intention rather than hesitation. Lake and Felix highlighted the enormous opportunity ahead for campuses to serve as engines of positive societal impact, spaces where innovation, policy, and purpose converge.

Attendees left inspired by a forward-looking vision of higher education, one where institutions harness both technological advancement and human insight to lead, adapt, evolve, and thrive in the future.

The 2026 Wisconsin Higher Education Summit - Wisconsin, hosted by the Universities of Wisconsin, Wisconsin's Private Colleges - WAICU, and Wisconsin's Technical Colleges, and held May 19-21 at the Memorial Union in Madison, brought together more than 260 leaders nationwide to discuss timely issues in higher education.