Skip to main content


Repost Message will copy the article into draft mode and enable you to edit/change dates and information.
Do not change the dates of this posting because it will affect the original.

MCC Daily Tribune

Betsy Ripton's Reflections Over 20 Years of Service as a 2021 Carmen Powers Legacy Lecturer

Betsy Ripton is one of our 2021 Carmen Powers Legacy Lectures honorees. In addition to her exceptional work and dedication to running the Registrar’s office, Betsy took it upon herself to create a safe environment for MCC’s substantial population of transgender students. In her nomination letter, her colleague writes, “Betsy created a system in which trans students, whether they have legally changed their name or not, are ensured that their deadnames are never revealed to their professors through the roster. This has created a safe and nurturing space for our gender variant students. I have personally called, emailed, and even walked students to Betsy's office to have her explain the system she instituted.  I have seen their anxiety dissipate before my eyes at it became clear that they would not be outed to their peers during class session.”

Attached are Betsy’s reflections about her career at MCC. Please take the time to read her reflection and enjoy her spread infectious the way she always did on campus.

Thank you, Betsy, for sharing your light and wrapping our trans students in safety and love.

Attached Files:
Betsy Ripton 2021 Legacy Lecture.pdf

Natasha Christensen
Anthrop/History/Poli. Science/Sociology
05/21/2021