Last year, parents Kathy and Tim Coleman and Raven and Thomas Shieh issued an incredible challenge to first-year parents in honor of their daughters’ graduation this spring: raise $75,000 to support Scripps College and we’ll match it. Their hope was to ensure both the legacy of parent giving and the future of the school.
The Shieh family (l-r): Beverly '08, Raven, Tiffany '11, and Thomas
“Kathy and I realized early on Scripps was a special place,” says Tim Coleman. “We wanted to make a donation while [daughter] Erin was still attending in order to show our support, to help support and maintain all the great programs and extracurricular activities that add so much to the general education.”
“It is important to engage first year parents early,” says Thomas Shieh, “because Scripps needs the financial support to continue its mission in providing the best liberal arts education in the country. Scripps is a place where our daughters thrive.”
Parents responded to the challenge in true Scripps fashion: as of June 15, 2011, the goal was not only met, but exceeded by almost $25,000. Ultimately, more than 44% of first-year parents participated in the challenge, a number that thrills both families.
Tim and Kathy Coleman with daughter Erin '11
“We are very happy with the results,” says Coleman, “and we know the proceeds will benefit both the college and its students.”
“Every little bit counts,” adds Shieh. “It’s an investment to keep Scripps strong.”
The College hopes to continue the challenge into the 2011-12 academic year and is currently looking for parent challengers. All monies raised go to Annual Fund support, which provides unrestricted funds to help relieve budgets in areas like campus enhancement, faculty research, and scholarships for students.
Their legacy at Scripps College secure, the Colemans and Shiehs have one final bit of advice for incoming first-year parents: your daughters graduate faster than you think.
“It goes by so fast,” says Coleman.
Shieh agrees: “The hardest year for parents is when their daughters leave their home. Just be parents, don’t be afraid to call and visit Scripps and their daughters.
“Before you know it, it’s graduation time.”
If you would like to join the 860 parents and family members who have already given to the College this fiscal year, you may make your gift online at scripps-staging.skybox0.com/giving or call the Annual Fund Office (909) 607-1542.