2017 Hall of Honor Inductee Jeff Ripperda, M.D., Class of 1996

Mater Dei is proud to announce that Jeff Ripperda, M.D., will be inducted into the Mater Dei Hall of Honor on May 5, 2017, with fellow inductees Phyllis (Fox) Berndsen, the late James Kirby, M.D. and Rita (Schomaker) Winkeler.

Following his graduation from Mater Dei in 1996, Jeff Ripperda, M.D., earned his bachelor degree from Knox College and his doctoral degree from the University of Illinois School of Medicine.  He currently serves as a family physician at Murphysboro Health Center, which he selected for its commitment to providing affordable healthcare to those without insurance, and as the president of the medical staff at St. Joseph Hospital, both located in Murphysboro, Illinois.

In keeping with our calling to “serve as our brother’s keeper,” Jeff dedicates himself to serving patients struggling with opiate addiction and patients for whom English is their second language.  In addition, as a volunteer for Friends of the Children of Haiti, Jeff travels to Haiti every other year for two weeks to serve as a physician at a primary care clinic.

As a resident of Murphysboro, Jeff is as an active member of St. Andrew Catholic Church, serving as the founder and director of the choir, a cantor and a guitarist; the Murphysboro Knights of Columbus Council #988, serving as the deputy grand knight since 2011; and the Murphysboro Historic Preservation Commission.  He is the co-founder of the not-for-profit organization FACE (Families for the Advancement of Catholic Education), which assists students in southern Illinois with obtaining a Catholic secondary education; as well as the founder of and mandolinist and vocalist for the bluegrass band Nine88, which donates its profits to the Murphysboro Knights of Columbus Council #988.

Jeff and his wife Kate, also a 1996 Mater Dei graduate, are blessed with four children: Greta, Elena, Lucy and Xavier, who attend St. Andrew Catholic School.  Jeff is the son of Leonard and Geralyn (’72) Ripperda.

Established in 1997, the Hall of Honor recognizes alumni and friends of Mater Dei who have lived their lives as witnesses of her mission.  The celebration will begin at 6:30 pm with Mass in the Mater Dei Chapel, followed by dinner and the induction ceremony. Proceeds benefit the Mater Dei Grant-in-Aid program.  For reservations ($20 per person), please contact the office (618-526-7216).