Dear Scripps Students, Faculty, and Staff:
As we begin spring semester, my heart is with everyone navigating the devastating impact of the recent wildfires. Some of our students, faculty, staff, and extended loved ones have experienced unimaginable loss, including the destruction of their homes. Our community stands with you in this time of grief and hardship.
These challenges make our moments of celebration and collaboration even more meaningful, and I look forward to connecting with you throughout the semester. Please take some time to explore the following updates and announcements for spring as you settle back in at Scripps.
Scripps College Emergency Fund
With generous support from the Board of Trustees and so many in our community, the newly established Scripps College Emergency Fund is available for financial assistance to students, faculty, and staff affected by the fires. Contributions can be made here, and applications for the Emergency Fund are available here. Thank you for your outpouring of support.
Centennial Celebration Planning
Planning is underway for Scripps’ centennial celebration, which takes place fall 2026 through spring 2027. I encourage you to visit Scripps’ Centennial site to share your ideas for the yearlong event. In the coming weeks, you may submit your nomination for the next Ellen Browning Scripps Medal recipient. The medal is the College’s highest honor awarded to a woman whose accomplishments have made a significant and positive difference in the possibilities available in women’s lives, enabling all women to live more confidently, courageously, and hopefully. Past recipients include Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sandra Day O’Connor, and Gabby Giffords ’93.
Campus Updates and Events
IDEA 2.0
The College continues to deepen its commitment to DEIJ work by supporting our new Racial Justice and Equity Fellows: Professor of Politics Nancy Neiman and Assistant Professor of History and Africana Studies Westenley Alcenat. Community gatherings will continue this spring, including an event with the Laspa Center for Leadership on February 4. The Equity and Justice Team will also co-host two ConverActions this semester on healthy boundaries and antisemitism and Islamophobia. View the most recent IDEA newsletter for more information.
Scripps College’s 2023–24 Annual Report
Scripps recently released its first digital annual report. This interactive year-in-review is designed to engage our broader educational community, increase transparency about the College’s programs, people, and initiatives, and provide examples of how Scripps is fulfilling its academic mission.
The Nucleus
Last fall, I announced the opening of the Nucleus, Scripps and Pitzer Colleges’ new science center. I’m excited to share that the facility’s third floor, complete with rooftop greenhouse, is now open to the community. I invite you to visit the building and explore its beautiful indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.
CMS Athletics
Congratulations to Scripps’ student-athletes who helped lead Athenas to a successful fall season! Triumphs included SCIAC and NCAA Regional titles for women’s cross country, a SCIAC Tournament title and NCAA bid for women’s soccer, and a SCIAC regular season title and NCAA bid for women’s volleyball. I hope to see you in the stands and on the sidelines cheering on this spring’s athletic events. Please join me, Vice President for Academic Affairs Mary Hatcher-Skeers, and Vice President for Student Affairs Sha Bradley for a special Scripps CMS night on Monday, March 24 at 7 p.m. when the Athenas play Williams College in Lacrosse.
Family Weekend, Reunion Weekend, and Commencement
We’re delighted to welcome Scripps families and alums to campus during Family Weekend (February 15–16) and Reunion Weekend (May 2–4). The exciting programming will deepen our shared ties and celebrate student and faculty achievements. The College’s 95th Commencement will be held Saturday, May 17. In the next few weeks, I’ll share an announcement on the selected Commencement speaker.
Scripps In Bloom Presidential Tour
During the Scripps In Bloom Presidential Tour this past fall, I had the pleasure of meeting many Scripps community members in cities across the country. These gatherings convene alums and families to share the College’s current priorities and recent accomplishments. The tour continues this spring with visits to Austin, Los Angeles, and Boston. Details on upcoming In Bloom visits will be shared on the events page on Olive Grove.
While we will undoubtedly face complex challenges this spring, I ask that we do so with compassion and care for each other. Here’s to a productive and edifying semester together!
Amy Marcus-Newhall
President