As part of the College’s Centennial Celebration, Scripps has awarded Simone Biles its highest honor, the Ellen Browning Scripps Medal. The distinction recognizes women of influence who embody the values of Scripps’ founder and align with the College’s mission.
Simone Biles in conversation at Scripps’ Garrison Theater
By Emily Glory Peters
Scripps College has named Simone Biles, one of the most celebrated athletes of all time, as the fourth recipient of the Ellen Browning Scripps (EBS) Medal.
As the College’s highest distinction, the medal recognizes women whose achievements reflect the vision and values of the College’s founder: confidence, courage, and hope.
In October, Biles gathered with the Scripps community in Garrison Theater for the award ceremony and a moderated conversation with Trustee Carolyn Wu Kurtzig ’97. Chair of the Board of Trustees Kalpana Singh Rhodes ’94 and President Amy Marcus-Newhall presented the medal to Biles and reflected on its significance.
Biles and President Amy Marcus-Newhall
“Miss Scripps forged her own path and lived a remarkable life in a time when women’s voices were not encouraged…she was truly a woman ahead of her time,” Marcus-Newhall said at the ceremony. “We are honored to bestow this medal, which is so meaningful to the College, to another remarkable person.”
Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history, having won more than 40 medals and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and TIME’s 100 Most Influential People. Through her work with national nonprofit Friends of the Children, she advances education and wellness for youth connected to adoption and foster care, embodying the leadership and compassion that define Scripps.
Impact, Leadership, and Legacy: A Centennial Conversation
During the lively moderated conversation, Biles also answered questions submitted by the Scripps community. Laughing and learning along with the athlete, the audience gained a glimpse into her life in and beyond the gymnasium.
The Ellen Browning Scripps Medal
Among several topics, Biles expanded on the value of higher education—she’s currently enrolled at Harvard Business School—why she advocates for athletes’ mental health and foster youth, how fellow Black athletes influenced her ascent in gymnastics, and why she believes enjoyment is just as important as winning medals.
Never stop advocating for yourself, for your friends, for your peers. Believe in the power of your voice.
“When we’re competing at such a high level—in school, in workspaces, when we’re striving for something—we can forget the root of why we’re doing it,” Biles said. “Memories are forever, so it’s really important to remind yourself to have fun.”
The College received more than 100 EBS Medal recipient nominations from Scripps’ students, faculty, staff, alums, and broader community, with the Centennial Ambassador Committee finalizing the selection. Only three others—Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sandra Day O’Connor, and Gabrielle Giffords ’93—have received the medal during Scripps’ 100-year history. Biles became the standout choice among submissions ahead of the College’s centennial.
Reflecting on leadership and legacy—notions top of mind for the Scripps community as the College enters its second century—Biles’ take on what others can learn from her example was clear.
“My parents always taught me to stand up for what I believe in, even when you’re standing alone…I hope younger generations walk that same path and make an impact in their communities,” she said. “Never stop advocating for yourself, for your friends, for your peers. Believe in the power of your voice.”