Ellen Browning Scripps Medal

“The paramount obligation of a college is to develop in its students the ability to think clearly and independently, and the ability to live confidently, courageously, and hopefully.”
Scripps College Founder, Ellen Browning Scripps

EBS MEDAL CEREMONY: Friday, May 1, 2026

The College has awarded the Ellen Browning Scripps medal, the highest honor Scripps bestows on an individual, only three times in its nearly 100-year history. The EBS medal celebrates the life and vision of its founder, Ellen Browning Scripps, by recognizing a woman whose achievements are in alignment with the mission of the College, demonstrating the moral, ethical, and humanitarian standards exemplified by our founder, enabling all women to live more confidently, courageously, and hopefully.

PAST EBS MEDAL RECIPIENTS

• 2013: Gabrielle Giffords, former congressmember and alumna of the Scripps College
• 1998: Sandra Day O’Connor, former associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
• 1994: Former United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

MEDAL CRITERIA

In selecting the next award recipient, the College considers a balance of background and accomplishments. The recipient must be:

• a dynamic, compelling, passionate person who is a current leader or influencer in her field
• a well-known, public figure, highly respected for her life’s work
• a person of influence and prestige who brings considerable positive attention to Scripps College