By Emily Glory Peters
Getting involved with the Scripps doesn’t need to involve a lot of time or resources
The Scripps College community is built differently. From mentoring to serving on councils and committees to presenting on panels, we’re fortunate to have so many alumnae, parents, and friends who provide their knowledge and experience to each other and our students.
But not everyone has the same time, resources, or sense of connection to Scripps, even if they want to get involved. “Microengagement”—smaller ways to connect—may be the answer.
“At first, I thought involvement had to be big commitments and could only be meaningfully done by local alumnae. But after co-chairing two reunions and moving across the country, I began looking for ways to feel connected in bite-sized pieces,” shares Megan Mandeville ’89. “I grew increasingly interested in getting to know a broader range of the community—including those about to begin the Scripps journey, about to graduate, or in the heart of their studies.”
Now based in New York, Mandeville has tailored her engagement to her location and availability. She’s done a little bit of everything, from interviewing prospective Scripps applicants (“so fun to hear their talents, interests, and passions!”) to co-chairing Camp Scripps to providing alums who are new to her area with tips on the neighborhood.
The accumulated effect, she says, enriches others’ lives as well as her own.
“At the risk of sounding cheesy, staying involved with Scripps in so many ways has tied together my past, present, and future,” she notes. “It brings me back, keeps me present, and helps me look ahead.”
For those with mixed feelings about their College experience, says Darcie Giansante ’03, their engagement is especially valued. Without it, Scripps may miss out on or delay progress where it’s most needed.
Scripps alums at a recent Author Salon Series event
“If someone is hesitant because they feel their involvement won’t matter, I’d say that’s when we need you the most,” says Giansante, a former Scripps employee who has remained active with the College as a volunteer and advocate. “Institutions intrinsically can be slower moving, but that’s where we come in: people who know Scripps and can bring our outside experience, beliefs, and values to move things forward.”
Seeking improvement that benefits others is a common thread that knits the College community together, Giansante adds. Engaging with Scripps, even occasionally, can create a much larger ripple effect.
“What happens when you pass through our gate, that magic and creative questioning, is exactly what our world needs,” she says. “Scripps alums and students are not just out for themselves—they ask ‘What is a better way?’ That’s what makes me want to stay involved. I want more of that!”
Assistant Director of Alumnae Engagement Nailea Castillo agrees, emphasizing that microengagement impacts everyone involved.
“We create a lot of different avenues for engagement, but you can also invent something new,” says Castillo. “Whether you’re a CEO, retired, just graduated, building a family—you having something to offer and to gain by connecting with Scripps.”
Scroll through the following list for ways you can microengage with the College and reach out to us to learn more at [email protected] | [email protected]
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Write a Supportive Letter to Scripps Students
Twice a year, alumnae continue a cherished tradition by sending encouraging notes to incoming first-year and transfer students, as well as outgoing seniors. Sign-ups for the spring letter writing campaign will open in February 2023.
Attend a Virtual or In-Person Event
Scripps stays buzzing with fun events throughout the year. Scripps Presents, the College’s signature public events series, recently launched a fantastic in-person season for this spring, headlined for the first time by a trio of popular comedians. Most of Scripps Presents’ events are free and take place in our most beautiful campus venues.
For those not near Claremont, the College has also hit the road with its free Author Salon Series, hosted by new Scripps President Suzanne Keen and prominent authors in select cities across the US. And online, parents can take advantage of the Scripps 101 Series, which takes a deep dive into campus life and programs that families may not know about.
Join Olive Grove
Olive Grove is the official online community platform exclusive to the Scripps community. Free to join, Olive Grove is where alums, students, parents, staff, and faculty can connect organically with others in their area, search for and share job opportunities, access career-focused articles and videos, and engage in mentorship. And on that note…
Submit a Career Opportunity
Whether it’s a job, internship, fellowship, or a creative alternative, sharing a career opportunity with the community is a powerful way to microengage. Submitting an open role is easy—just fill out this online form.
Make a Gift
While gifts can be made in mere seconds, their impact is lasting: Donations of any amount expand everything from scholarships and internships to research grants and campus improvements. Last year, members of the Scripps community donated more than $8 million to support our students!
Advocate for Scripps on Social Media
Each year, Scripps hosts virtual campaigns such as GivingTuesday and Day of Giving to raise funds for student aid. Advocating for these campaigns can be as quick as a like, comment, or share on social media—all of which advance Scripps’ mission without any donation needed.
Update Your Contact Information
Updating your address, email, or phone number is a small but mighty move that ensures you receive relevant engagement opportunities of all sizes. Make your updates using this form.
Share Your Successes and Experiences
The Scripps community loves a reason to celebrate! Alums can share life updates, career changes, and achievements as a “Class Note” for our biannual magazine. Submit a Class Note by emailing [email protected].
Tell Your Story
Sharing what Scripps and its community mean to you is a powerful way to bond with inspire current and prospective students. Submit your story idea here for an opportunity to be featured on the College’s website or in other communication materials.