Dear Scripps Students, Faculty, and Staff,
Happy New Year and welcome to the spring semester at Scripps! I hope you all had a rejuvenating winter break. We have much to be proud of and celebrate in 2026. Below are some highlights I’m especially excited to share.
Ellen Browning Scripps Medal Event with Simone Biles: May 1, 2026
Join us this May as we begin the College’s yearlong Centennial Celebration by honoring Simone Biles—the most decorated gymnast in history—with the College’s highest honor, the Ellen Browning Scripps medal. Details on in-person and virtual viewing options for the event will be shared soon.
Scripps Access Initiative
It is my great pleasure to announce that the College has raised $14.7 million of its $15 million goal for student scholarships! We have now expanded our goal to $20 million and remain committed to increasing access so every qualified student can fulfill their dream of attending Scripps.
Centennial Plaza Project: Phase One
Phase one of the Centennial Plaza Project is well underway with construction of the 10th Street Building and the Carolyn Lake Dance Center. Thanks to generous donors and the support of the Scripps community, this defining project will unite Scripps’ arts district to the historic center of campus. Learn more about the project here.
Scripps In Bloom Presidential Tour
The Scripps In Bloom Presidential Tour continues this spring in cities across the country, including Washington, DC, Seattle, and Boston. I am excited to meet with our community to share the College’s current priorities and successes.
Family and Reunion Weekends
We look forward to welcoming Scripps families to campus on February 14–15 and alums on May 1–3. Programming will foster deeper connection to the College and celebrate student and faculty achievements. Registration for Family Weekend is open now.
96th Commencement: May 16, 2026
The College’s Commencement is a joyous time when we applaud our graduates’ accomplishments as they join our vibrant alum community. The Commencement speaker, selected by a committee of students, faculty, staff, alums, and parents, will be announced in the next few weeks.
Scripps College’s 2024–25 Annual Report
I encourage you to explore the 2024–25 Annual Report to learn more about Scripps’ academic distinction, vibrant community, and institutional strength.
Upcoming Events and Exhibitions
The campus will be alive with cultural and intellectual offerings this semester, including the Humanities Institute’s Asian philosophical traditions lecture series (February 12–May 1); the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery’s 81st Ceramics Annual (February 7–April 5); and the Clark Humanities Museum’s 100 Years of Science (through February 20). Join us for Capstone Day on May 7, where Scripps seniors showcase their original scholarship.
As we enter 2026, I look forward to connecting with our students, alums, families, and friends throughout what promises to be a monumental year for Scripps College. Incipit Vita Nova.
Sincerely,
AMN