Betsy Reinhold ’57
By Kendra Pintor
Elizabeth “Betsy” Gordon Reinhold ’57 lived a life guided by beauty, creativity, and generosity—and through her final gift to Scripps College, her values will continue to uplift future generations of students.
In an act of profound generosity, Reinhold’s transformative $6.3 million bequest is helping Scripps build a more inclusive and vibrant future. Through a quasi-endowment, $4 million of her gift will directly support scholarships and advance the Scripps Access Initiative (SAI), the College’s current effort to extend significant financial aid so more high-achieving students can enroll.
Reinhold passed away on January 15, 2024, in Laguna Beach, California, after a brief illness. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, she eventually made Southern California her home, where she cultivated a life centered on music, nature, and philanthropy. A dedicated classical pianist and longtime supporter of the arts, Reinhold’s passion for music and education was a guiding force throughout her life—and for 35 years, she faithfully supported Scripps College and its mission to empower young women through the liberal arts.
“Planned gifts like Betsy’s are vital to Scripps College’s ability to grow and thrive for future generations,” says Director of Gift Planning Casey Crosbie. “Her bequest not only reflects her deep personal connection to Scripps but also exemplifies how thoughtful estate planning can create lasting impact—supporting students, enhancing campus life, and advancing the College’s mission well into the future.”
Betsy Reinhold ’57
SAI is a transformational investment designed to open the doors of Scripps to more exceptional, under-resourced students. This initiative aims to raise $15 million by 2032 to fund up to 32 new four-year scholarships that cover tuition, housing, and food—empowering promising scholars to thrive at Scripps.
In addition to scholarships, Reinhold’s bequest will also help fund the Centennial Plaza Project, a key revitalization effort that will transform the western entrance of campus, connect the College’s arts district, and add much-needed academic and community space—including a long-anticipated new dance facility. Her contribution to the project reflects her lifelong dedication to the arts and her belief in their place at the heart of the Scripps experience.
Reinhold’s legacy is felt not only through financial support but also in the day-to-day lives of students. As part of her estate, she donated a Kawai grand piano, now housed in a residence hall, offering students the opportunity to engage with music and creativity just as she had throughout her life.
“We are deeply grateful for Betsy’s remarkable generosity,” says Marlon Rodriguez, coordinator of gift planning. “Her bequest is a moving expression of trust in Scripps’ mission and being part of a gift that’s changing so many lives feels incredibly special—like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be, at just the right moment.”
Reinhold shared her intention to include Scripps in her estate plans in 2016, and her generosity established her as a member of the Elm Tree Society. Founded in honor of Ellen Browning Scripps, the Elm Tree Society recognizes individuals and couples who have made similar commitments to Scripps’ future.
Legacy gifts—often supporting internships, scholarships, campus preservation, research, and social justice initiatives—help ensure the College’s long-term vitality and uphold the values of its founder. Reinhold’s thoughtful planning is part of this tradition, giving Scripps the confidence to make bold, future-focused decisions.
Beyond her philanthropy, Reinhold is remembered for her warm spirit, her love of nature, and her lifelong commitment to the values of education and community. Bequest gifts like Reinhold’s also help sustain the Scripps Fund/Parent Fund, providing vital, flexible support for current and future students.
Reinhold’s final gift to Scripps is more than a bequest—it is a living testament to the transformative power of access, the arts, and the enduring bonds between alums and the College that helped shape them.
This blended planned gift is a beautiful example of how including Scripps College in your vision—through simple language in your will or trust—can create a lasting legacy that inspires future generations, all without impacting your current finances. To explore how planned giving can support future generations at Scripps, please contact Scripps’ Office of Gift Planning. For more inspiring stories from others who’ve included Scripps in their planned giving, click here.