By Kendra Pintor
- Members of the Scripps College Class of 2026 dedicated a lemon tree on Olive Walk as their Senior Class Gift, honoring the campus staff whose work helps make Scripps feel like home during the College’s Centennial year.
- The student-led fundraising initiative, launched during the Day of Giving, inspired strong participation from seniors and supporters, with additional impact provided through a matching gift from alumna, parent, and trustee Amanda Kocon ’95 P’24.
Members of the Scripps College Class of 2026 gathered on Olive Walk on May 6 to celebrate the dedication of a lemon tree honoring the staff members who help make Scripps feel like home. The event recognized the success of the senior class-led fundraising initiative during the College’s Day of Giving and marked the official dedication of the 2026 senior class gift.
Held during Scripps College’s centennial year, the celebration brought together students, staff, and campus leaders to recognize a growing culture of student philanthropy and gratitude on campus.
“As we celebrate 100 years of Scripps College and the remarkable community of students, staff, and supporters that has sustained it, we are immensely grateful,” said Megan Hast, director of leadership annual giving and The Scripps Fund, during her opening remarks. “Today, we celebrate the members of our 2026 senior class who chose to give back to Scripps College—students who we are proud to work alongside, and whose passion, leadership, and commitment we have had the privilege to witness firsthand.”
The Class of 2026 selected the fruit tree initiative as both its Day of Giving campaign and Senior Class Gift, with the goal of honoring campus staff whose daily work supports the student experience. As of April 23, 76 households had contributed to the effort, including 65 members of the senior class.
Scripps College President Amy Marcus-Newhall praised the seniors for creating a lasting symbol of appreciation and community care.
“At the beginning of our centennial year, we gather to celebrate you—the senior students whose generous participation in the senior class gift, marked by the planting of this lemon tree, reflects your care for Scripps College,” Marcus-Newhall said. “Through this meaningful gesture, you honor the staff who help make Scripps feel like home—from the groundskeepers who keep Scripps beautiful to the dining and facilities staff who support daily life on campus.”
Marcus-Newhall also noted that the project reflects a longstanding Scripps tradition of giving back.
“Your gift also continues a tradition of giving back to the community that has shaped you and leaves a living symbol of gratitude, growth, and hope as Scripps steps into its next century,” she said.
The initiative received additional support through a matching gift from Scripps alum, parent, and trustee Amanda Kocon ’95 P’24, which amplified the impact of the campaign.
Student leaders Sophia Farrand ’26 and Bella Guizler ’26, co-presidents of Scripps Associated Students (SAS), also addressed attendees, thanking fellow students and the broader Scripps community for supporting the effort and emphasizing the importance of recognizing the staff members who contribute to campus life every single day. Reyna Silva ’26 later shared remarks in Spanish.
The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and attendees then gathered to enjoy refreshments and spend time in the newly dedicated space.
The lemon tree now stands as a living tribute to the staff members who sustain the Scripps community and as a symbol of the Class of 2026’s commitment to gratitude, philanthropy, and collective care.
Give Today! Each generation has strengthened Scripps College in meaningful ways—and now, we have an opportunity to shape the College’s future as we mark this historic centennial milestone. We are proud to announce Scripps Forward: The Centennial Campaign for Scripps College. Over the next three years, our goal is to surpass $100 million in donor support to secure a future of infinite possibility for the next century.
As we continue to attract a growing pool of top talent, your support ensures that these students—regardless of their financial circumstances—can fully engage in Scripps’ academic and cocurricular life.
Thank you for your generosity and moving Scripps students forward.