Ripon College

Merline Thoma Lovelace ’68 will be honored with a Distinguished Alumni Citation this Friday as part of the College's 1851 Awards Dinner during Alumni Weekend. Merline is a trailblazing military leader and an extraordinarily prolific novelist whose life and career embody a profound dedication to service, scholarship and creative storytelling.

During a distinguished 23-year career in the United States Air Force, she shattered glass ceilings, earning promotions ahead of her contemporaries to the ranks of major, lieutenant colonel and colonel. Her exemplary leadership culminated in her selection as the Base Commander/Commander of the 3200th Air Base Wing at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where she held direct command of more than 4,000 personnel. Her exceptional military service earned her numerous high-level decorations, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Legion of Merit with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star for her service in Vietnam, the Air Force Meritorious Service Award with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Service Badge, and selection as Oklahoma’s Female Veteran of the Year.

Following her retirement from the military, she transitioned into a remarkably successful second career as a novelist. A literary powerhouse, she has authored more than 100 published novels, with more than 12 million copies sold in 53 countries and translated into multiple languages. Her captivating storytelling has frequently landed her books on the USA Today Best-selling Booklist. Her impact on the literary community has been widely celebrated; she was named the 1998 University of Oklahoma Writer of the Year and received the 2001 RITA Award — widely regarded as the “Oscar” of the romance publishing world.

Think you understand what separates an authentic country music artist from an imposter? This Catalyst course challenges students to examine the historical origins of the country music genre and how it relates to American identity.

Learn more about this and Ripon's other unique Catalyst course offerings at ripon.edu/catalyst-curriculum