Scripps College: A Legacy of Notable Alumnae and Enduring Excellence
When considering top-tier liberal arts colleges in California, Scripps College often stands out. Nestled in the picturesque Claremont Colleges consortium, Scripps has earned its reputation as one of the most prestigious women’s institutions in the United States. Scripps College is a private liberal arts women's college in Claremont, California.
Academic Excellence and Prestigious Programs
Scripps performs well in national rankings of both women’s and co-educational colleges. U.S. News & World Report places Scripps at No. 44 among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Top-Ranked Departments
Scripps’ excellence extends beyond overall rankings. The college stands out in various academic fields, with several departments ranking highly among liberal arts colleges. Scripps’ commitment to academic excellence is evident in its strong programs across humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
Research Opportunities
At Scripps, ample opportunities exist to engage in cutting-edge research. The college is recognized for its robust undergraduate research programs, both within the Scripps community and across the Claremont Colleges consortium. Scripps excels in several key research areas, including:
- Environmental sustainability
- Feminist, gender, and sexuality studies
- Neuroscience
As an undergraduate, participation in original research across various disciplines, including STEM, humanities, arts, and social sciences, is possible. The Scripps College portal provides access to numerous research opportunities and resources.
Read also: Exploring Majors at Scripps
Distinguished Faculty
The college boasts an impressive faculty, including award-winning professors and industry experts. These distinguished educators not only lead the way in scholarly pursuits but also serve as mentors, helping students become purpose-driven individuals who can make a positive impact on society.
Campus Life
At Scripps, a campus life that’s as diverse and vibrant as the Claremont community can be found. With countless opportunities to get involved, finding a place in the Scripps community is easy.
Student Organizations
Endless options to pursue passions and discover new interests at Scripps are available, from academic societies to cultural groups. Clubs like the Scripps Environmental Action League or the Scripps College Portal, which connects students with various campus activities, can be joined. The Scripps College Press or the Motley Coffeehouse are options for those interested in the arts.
Athletic Programs
Scripps College, in partnership with Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Athletics, offers a robust intercollegiate sports program. Whether a seasoned athlete or a newcomer to sports, opportunities to stay active and competitive can be found. The Scripps College map showcases excellent athletic facilities, including the Tiernan Field House and the CMS Roberts Pavilion.
As a Scripps student, one becomes part of a proud athletic tradition. While Scripps College itself doesn’t lead in NCAA championships, it partners with Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Athletics to offer exciting sports opportunities. Cheering on fellow Athenas in various sports, including basketball, swimming, and tennis, is common. The CMS teams have claimed numerous conference titles and NCAA appearances. With easy access to sporting events, showing Scripps spirit is always an option.
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Location in Claremont
Scripps College's location in Claremont, California, offers unique networking opportunities. The college’s proximity to Los Angeles provides access to a diverse job market and internship possibilities. Scripps’ career services team works tirelessly to connect students with alumni and industry professionals, fostering valuable relationships that can lead to job opportunities.
On campus, countless chances to build relationships with like-minded individuals who can help achieve goals are present. Events, student clubs, and activities across Scripps provide ample opportunities to connect with fellow students and professionals from various programs.
Career Opportunities
Choosing Scripps College means not just selecting a university but also opening doors to a world of career possibilities. While not as large as some employers, Scripps offers a supportive environment that fosters talent and professional growth. The Career Planning & Resources center provides ample opportunities to flourish in a chosen field. Scripps’ commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a welcoming workplace for people of all backgrounds.
Scripps hosts virtual and in-person career events throughout the year, allowing connections with staff and learning about exciting opportunities. By joining the Scripps College Portal, staying informed about job postings and internships is made easy. This proactive approach to career development sets Scripps apart and helps build a strong foundation for the future.
Entertainment and Culture
At Scripps, immersion in a vibrant cultural hub occurs while getting an education. The campus hosts numerous visual, performing, and media arts events annually, attracting visitors from across the Claremont Colleges. Access to world-class performances at venues like Garrison Theater and unique cultural experiences at the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery is available.
Read also: Summer Research at Scripps
For art enthusiasts, the Scripps College Press showcases student-produced works. The Motley Coffeehouse offers an array of contemporary music performances. Many of these cultural events are free or discounted for students, making it easy to explore and expand horizons.
Notable Alumnae
Scripps College has a long and distinguished history of producing leaders in various fields, from academia to entertainment. The college has produced leaders in various fields, from academia to entertainment. Representative Gabrielle Giffords.
Here are some notable alumnae of Scripps College:
- Gabrielle Dee Giffords: An American retired politician and gun control activist, Giffords served as a member of the United States House of Representatives representing Arizona's 8th congressional district from January 2007 until January 2012.
- Serena Altschul: An American broadcast journalist, known for her work at MTV News and CBS.
- Matthew Logelin: An American author, blogger, public speaker, and charity founder known for his memoir "Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss and Love."
- Eva Rubinstein: A Polish-American photographer whose artistic works present portraits, nudes, and interiors, often taken in Europe as well as the United States.
- Ellen F. Rosenblum: An American lawyer and politician who served as the 17th Oregon Attorney General from June 2012 to December 2024. She is the first female state attorney general in Oregon's history.
- Hannah-Beth Jackson: An American politician who served in the California State Senate from 2012 to 2020, representing the 19th Senate District.
- Alison Saar: A Los Angeles-based sculptor, mixed-media, and installation artist. Her artwork focuses on the African diaspora and black female identity.
- Susan G. Finley: An employee of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory since January 1958, making her the longest-serving woman in NASA.
- Pae White: An American multimedia visual artist known for her unique portrayal of nature and mundane objects through her creations of suspended mobiles.
- Margaret Taylor Hance: Served as mayor of Phoenix, Arizona, between 1976 and 1984, winning four consecutive two year terms. Hance was the first woman to hold the office.
- Lisa Adams: An American painter who emerged in the mid-1980s. She is best known for her oil paintings of imaginary worlds that address both personal and collective realities.
- Yoshiko Shimada: A Japanese printmaker and performance artist who has been referred to as "Japan’s premier feminist and antiwar artist."
- Anne Arundel Hopkins Aitken: An American Zen Buddhist, in the Harada-Yasutani lineage. She co-founded the Honolulu Diamond Sangha in 1959 together with her husband, Robert Baker Aitken.
- Elizabeth Turk: An artist and native Californian known for her marble sculptures and community installations. She is a MacArthur “Genius” Fellow.
- Jack Zajac: A Californian West Coast artist who has been concerned with the “Romantic Surrealist tradition”.
- Karen Irene Tse: A Swiss American of Chinese descent, and lives in Geneva. Tse is primarily concerned with human rights and is the founder and CEO of the global non-profit International Bridges to Justice which advocates for legal rights in more than 50 developing countries.
- Margaret Dilloway: A Japanese American author best known for her novels How To Be An American Housewife and The Care And Handling Of Roses With Thorns.
- Suzanne Muchnic: An art writer who was a staff art reporter and art critic at the Los Angeles Times for 31 years. She has also written books on artists, collectors, and museums.
- Judith Nelsen Keep: A United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California.
- Molly Munger: A civil rights attorney and education advocate.
Scripps College Timeline: Key Moments in History
Scripps College has a rich history marked by significant milestones and transformative events. Here's a glimpse into some of the key moments:
Early 20th Century: Founding and Early Years
- James A. Blaisdell's Vision: James A. Blaisdell, president of Pomona College, envisioned a "group of institutions divided into small colleges-somewhat on the Oxford type."
- Ellen Browning Scripps's Endowment: Ellen Browning Scripps endows a college for women as the first element in a coordinated system of affiliated colleges and graduate schools surrounding Pomona. The College was to offer to women an education designed to “train her for the fullest and richest life that she herself may have, as well.
- Ernest J. Jaqua's Leadership: Ernest J. Jaqua is elected the first president of Scripps. In the fall, Scripps College opens. The College consists of three small cottages.
- First Graduates: In June, the first class graduates from Scripps College on Bowling Green.
1930s-1940s: Establishing Traditions and Navigating Wartime
- Dorms Open: In fall, Grace Scripps Clark Hall is completed. It is the joint gift of Grace Scripps Clark and Ellen Browning Scripps, in memory of James E. Scripps, founder and editor of the Detroit Evening News and father and brother of the donors. The building features a high-ceilinged baronial dining room.
- The President's House: The President’s House is built, following Gordon Kaufmann’s design. The first six presidents of Scripps resided in this structure during their respective tenures.
- The Scripps College Press: The Scripps College Press is a gift from the class of 1941 and begins printing that year.
- World War II Interim Presidency: With American involvement in World War II, the search for a new president of Scripps is temporarily halted, and an interim female president is appointed: Mary Kimberly Shirk.
1950s-1970s: Expansion and Social Change
- Mary Kimberly Residence Hall: Scripps’ fifth residence hall, Mary Kimberly Residence Hall, opens to students.
- Mark H. Curtis's Presidency: Mark H. Curtis becomes Scripps’ president, serving from 1964 to 1976.
- Civil Rights Era: During the Civil Rights movement of the 60s, Claremont feels the explosion of two bombs, one in Balch Hall and the other in Pomona College’s Carnegie Hall.
- Garrison Theater Opens: Garrison Theater opens to provide a facility for all the Claremont Colleges to use for theatrical productions, concerts, movies, lectures, and other events.
1980s-2000s: New Leadership and Academic Growth
- John H. Chandler's Leadership: John H. Chandler is appointed president of Scripps College, serving until 1989.
- Nancy Y. Bekavac's Presidency: Nancy Y. Bekavac begins her term as Scripps College president, becoming the first woman fully appointed to this position.
- The Performing Arts Center: The Performing Arts Center, an expansion of Garrison Theater, opens.
- 75th Anniversary: Scripps celebrates its 75th Anniversary with yearlong events.
- Sallie Tiernan Field House: Sallie Tiernan Field House, a state-of-the-art recreational and athletic facility, is added to the campus.
2010s-Present: Strategic Planning and Continued Development
- Lori Bettison-Varga's Presidency: Lori Bettison-Varga is appointed eighth president of Scripps College.
- Strategic Planning: The College embarks on a strategic planning process initiated by President Tiedens, advancing four themes: Inclusive Student Success, Mission-Driven Outreach, Distinctive Identity, and Innovative Learning Organization. The College’s new strategic plan, the Scripps Centennial Plan, is developed.
- New Residence Hall: Scripps’ tenth residence hall, NEW Hall, opens to new and returning students.
- Suzanne Keen's Appointment: On July 1, Suzanne Keen begins her term as the 10th president of Scripps College.
- Amy Marcus-Newhall: Amy Marcus-Newhall is appointed the College’s 11th president by a unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees.
Recent Developments
- The Nucleus: The Nucleus, the new state-of-the-art science center shared between Scripps and Pitzer Colleges, opens in fall.
- Sustainability Efforts: A variety of sustainability efforts were implemented, including: solar panel installation on the Lang Arts building roof, the addition of smart meters on every building, LED retrofits in all residence halls’ browsing rooms, and upgrading life-cycled boilers with low-emission replacements.
- Rose Garden Dedication: A new rose garden was dedicated in the South Balch Courtyard to honor the life and contributions of alumna and Life Trustee Gabrielle Jungels-Winkler ’72.
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