Gaskell ’27, a psychology major with minors in legal studies and politics and member of the cross country and track and field teams
By Kendra Pintor
The Scripps community has rallied around educating and empowering women for generations—and the same is true for student-athletes. Every fall, that energy crescendos during the 1946 Challenge, a two-day tradition honoring the founding year of Claremont McKenna College (CMC) in support of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CMS) Athletics. More than a fundraiser, it’s a celebration of the enduring ties that connect past, present, and future Athenas and Stags.
This year, the 1946 Challenge will take place October 15–16. Alums, parents, and friends join together to make gifts in celebration of CMS student-athletes’ accomplishments—ensuring that current and future students thrive both on and off the field.
“Every 1946 Challenge is a chance for our alumni to show the strength of the CMS community,” says Erica Perkins Jasper, William B. Arce Director of Athletics, Physical Education, & Recreation and George R. Roberts Fellow. “We’re excited to launch this year’s challenge and know that, with this support, our athletes will continue to strive for excellence in every arena.”
Celebrating the role of athletics in the Scripps student experience
A Scripps psychology major with minors in legal studies and politics, Sally Gaskell ’27 is a member of the cross country and track and field teams. For her, athletics has become integral to her academic journey.
“Being a student-athlete has shaped every part of my college experience, in the best way possible,” says Gaskell. “It gave me an immediate community when I showed up on campus, and it’s taught me to take care of myself in ways that often get overlooked in college.”
Running, Gaskell adds, has helped in more ways than she can express. “It gives me a routine, channels my anxious energy first thing in the morning, and surrounds me with teammates who have become like family.”
Most of all, she feels inspired by the alums who continue to support CMS.
“Knowing that alums who were once in our shoes care enough to give back makes me feel like I’m part of something much bigger than just my team right now—it’s motivating and humbling to see that cycle of support continue beyond campus.”
CMS Athletics creates opportunities that extend far beyond competition. From outdoor adventures like the Explore Outdoors with CMS Rec hike to Etiwanda Falls, to blood drives, group fitness classes, and spirited water polo and soccer games, CMS builds experiences that connect students and the broader community.
“By giving to the 1946 Challenge, donors are creating better opportunities for our student-athletes to thrive,” shares Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Operations and Director of Physical Education, Randy Town.
Although club sports are not formally part of CMS Athletics, Nichola Monroe ’26 can attest to the importance of access to campus athletics and their shared resources.
“Being part of the Claremont Colleges Ski and Board Team has been such a meaningful experience,” she says. “It gave me a way to rebuild my social group and make amazing friends, while also connecting with other students across the 5Cs who I might not have met otherwise.”
Monroe adds: “A lot of us played sports in high school, so having the chance to keep that going on a strong team feels really special. Sharing that experience together has strengthened our bonds in ways I never expected.”
As a member of the CMS Athletics alliance, Scripps College—and especially its student-athletes on the Athenas teams—benefits from the collective generosity of the 1946 Challenge. Each gift fuels opportunities for students to pursue their passions, compete at high levels, and build lasting community.
This year’s challenge is another chance for alums, parents, and friends to step forward and champion the student-athletes who embody the CMS spirit of excellence, perseverance, and unity.
Athletics help create an exceptional Scripps experience for all students. To support Scripps’ student-athletes with a gift during the CMS 1946 Challenge, please click here.