By Kendra Pintor
A $500,000 gift from a Scripps alum will expand scholarships and create new wellness and community-building resources to better support Scripps student-athletes as they balance academics and athletics.
Thanks to a generous alum, Scripps College has received a $500,000 gift to expand access to a Scripps education and strengthen the experience of its student-athletes, the Athenas.
At its core, the gift recognizes the unique demands placed on student-athletes and seeks to ensure that they are free to thrive academically, physically, and socially. Funding will expand access to scholarships and community/wellness-focused events to address the realities of balancing rigorous academics with athletic commitments.
“Student-athletes juggle early-morning practices, travel for competitions, and intensive coursework,” says DeMethra LaSha “Sha” Bradley, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “This gift addresses those realities concretely: expanding new student programming for Athenas and their families, creating space to host events that amplify school spirit, and providing enhanced wellness resources tailored specifically to the needs of scholar-athletes.”
Beyond scholarships, proposed initiatives supported by the fund include additional dining access to accommodate student-athletes’ practice and competition schedules and the introduction of “Scripps Night” to foster community at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CMS) athletic events.
“Ultimately, this gift ensures every Scripps Athena feels recognized, supported, and proud—today and for years to come.”
“Increased visibility at CMS ‘Scripps Night’ events, as well as opportunities for students to access Scripps-branded Athenas merchandise, will amplify support for our athletes,” Bradley adds. “Ultimately, this gift ensures every Scripps Athena feels recognized, supported, and proud—today and for years to come.”
Office of Student Affairs will steward the fund to implement the new initiatives and create enduring impact. Bradley also emphasized the broader importance of ensuring scholar-athletes feel deeply connected to the College community. As Scripps continues to champion access, equity, and student success, this gift underscores the powerful role of philanthropy in shaping a more inclusive and vibrant campus.
“It’s essential that Athenas are also acknowledged and supported as integral contributors to the Scripps community,” Bradley says. “This gift opens a new chapter for Scripps Athenas!”
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