February 9, 2018

Scripps Recognizes Transformative Leadership with 2017-2018 Named Scholarships

Throughout its history, Scripps College has benefited greatly from the support of influential alumnae, family members, and friends. And three inspiring women, in particular, have enhanced the Scripps experience for current—and past—students with their commitment to academic excellence and scholarship. We honor these women and their support of the College through endowed scholarships, awarded annually to deserving, continuing students.

Established in 2010 to recognize the political leadership and philanthropic spirit of alumna and emerita trustee Ellen Clark Revelle ’31, the Ellen Clark Revelle Scholarship—affectionately known as The Nellie—remembers the philanthropist and Ellen Browning Scripps descendant. A member of Scripps College’s first graduating class in 1931, Revelle was passionately devoted to the arts and education. She had been an active alumna and supporter of the College throughout her lifetime, marking nearly a half century of service as a board member and trustee. In addition to her commitment to Scripps, Revelle participated in a number of San Diego community organizations, including the La Jolla Play Readers, the La Jolla Library Association, the La Jolla Art Museum, and the Women’s Committee of the Musical Arts.

Revelle’s commitment to education and access is reflected by The Nellie, which has provided more than $100,000 in support to Scripps students.

Established in 2002 by friends, students, and supporters, the Samella Lewis Scholarship honors Scripps College Professor Emerita of Art Samella Lewis as an instructor, artist, and mentor. In 1951, Professor Lewis became the first African American woman to earn a PhD in fine arts and art history. The first tenured African American professor at Scripps, Lewis taught at the College until 1984. As a professor, she helped introduce African, Asian, and South American art to the Claremont College community.

In 2007, Scripps launched the Samella Lewis Contemporary Art Collection—with the assistance of and in honor of Lewis¾at the College’s Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery. The collection focuses on contemporary artists, with an emphasis on works by women and African American artists. In honor and recognition of Lewis’s impact on the African American art community, the College awards this scholarship to a junior or senior African American student who demonstrates scholastic achievement, and excellence in character, leadership, and responsibility.

Celebrating former Scripps College Dean of Students Bekki Lee’s lifelong commitment to education, access, and inclusivity, Lee’s friends and family established the Bekki Lee Memorial Endowed Scholarship in 2013. Lee served as a devoted dean of students and vice president of student affairs from 2010 to 2013. During that time, her contributions to the success and wellbeing of Scripps students were remarkable. Under her guidance, the student affairs department made tremendous strides in developing its students as leaders and in continuing to cultivate a deep sense of community. Before arriving at the College, Lee had a distinguished 23-year career at Amherst College, serving students in a wide range of positions. She also held key posts at Oberlin College, University of California, Davis, and the University of Pennsylvania. She invested her heart in helping students and was deeply committed to issues of equity and social justice.

To celebrate Lee’s commitment as a volunteer, coach, and adviser, Scripps awards the scholarship to a student with financial need who has enhanced the Scripps community through programs, initiatives, or general involvement.

 

This year’s recipients of the Ellen Clark Revelle Scholarship, Samella Lewis Scholarship, and Bekki Lee Memorial Endowed Scholarship are Michelle Ramirez Martinez ’20, Bemnet Gebrechirstos ’19, and Michall Singleton ’18, respectively. Congratulations to these students and their commitment to leadership within the Scripps community.

Scripps College congratulates our recent scholarship recipients and commends their work to strengthen the community. For additional information on these and other Scripps scholarships, visit the Office of Financial Aid. You can also read more about this year’s scholarship recipients.

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