Dear Members of the Scripps College Community,
The Board of Trustees convened for its quarterly session October 7-8 and engaged in a number of community events and conversations in addition to its regular meetings. A summary of the Board’s activities and actions taken follows:
New Trustee
At the Board meeting on October 8, trustees appointed Jennifer McDonnell P’18 to the Board. Jennifer is an active community volunteer who holds leadership roles in civic organizations, including Princeton Club of St. Louis, Girl Scouts, Junior League, and Ladue United Methodist Church. Jennifer earned a BS in engineering from Princeton University and an MS in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Michigan, and she worked as an engineer for General Motors. Jennifer brings great enthusiasm to her new role, and I’m pleased to welcome her to the Scripps community.
Student and Faculty Engagement
In an open session with students, trustees spent time conversing about a range of issues, including the campus climate, student support resources, and SCORE programming. In a presentation to the full board, SAS President Sneha Deo ’17 outlined the group’s priorities for the current academic year in the areas of academics, wellness, residential life, the Claremont consortium, and administrative policies about which students have expressed concern. The Board also participated in the annual trustee-faculty reception and dinner, which provided an informal setting for trustees to meet faculty, learn more about their research, and engage in discussions about the curriculum.
More Scripps Campaign
Trustee Laura Hockett ’85 has pledged $1.5 million to fund an endowed faculty chair, generating $500,000 in matching funds from the Weinberg Foundation. The new chair will be funded and awarded internally for the 2019-2020 academic year, augmenting faculty resources over time. The new endowed chair elevates the Campaign total to $131 million, 75 percent of the $175 million goal.
NEW Hall Dedication
Scripps trustees, faculty, staff, administrators, and friends celebrated the dedication of the College’s tenth residence hall with speeches lauding its architectural beauty, sustainability features, and community-centered design. Donors, trustees, and staff appreciated the opportunity to tour the new space and hear directly from students who are enjoying their new residence.
Presidential Inauguration
As announced this week, I am looking forward to an exciting weekend of programming and events during the inauguration celebration April 28-29. I hope many of you will join me in celebrating Scripps College’s legacy while embracing its future.
I would like to again extend my appreciation to all of the staff who have helped to ensure a productive and enjoyable weekend for the Board members. Have a wonderful fall break!
Sincerely,
Lara Tiedens
President