By Kendra Pintor听
A $500,000 gift from a Scripps alum will expand scholarships and create new wellness and community-building resources to better support Scripps student-athletes as they balance academics and athletics.
Thanks to a generous alum, Scripps College has received a $500,000 gift to expand access to a Scripps education and strengthen the experience of its student-athletes, the Athenas.听听
At its core, the gift recognizes the unique demands placed on student-athletes and seeks to ensure that they are free to thrive academically, physically, and socially. Funding will expand access to scholarships and community/wellness-focused events to address the realities of balancing rigorous academics with athletic commitments.听
鈥淪tudent-athletes juggle early-morning practices, travel for competitions, and intensive coursework,鈥� says DeMethra LaSha 鈥淪ha鈥� Bradley, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. 鈥淭his gift addresses those realities concretely: expanding new student programming for Athenas and their families, creating space to host events that amplify school spirit, and providing enhanced wellness resources tailored specifically to the needs of scholar-athletes.鈥�
Beyond scholarships, proposed initiatives supported by the fund include additional dining access to accommodate student-athletes鈥� practice and competition schedules and the introduction of 鈥淪cripps Night鈥� to foster community at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CMS) athletic events.听
鈥淯ltimately, this gift ensures every Scripps Athena feels recognized, supported, and proud鈥攖oday and for years to come.鈥�听
鈥淚ncreased visibility at CMS 鈥楽cripps Night鈥� events, as well as opportunities for students to access Scripps-branded Athenas merchandise, will amplify support for our athletes,鈥� Bradley adds. 鈥淯ltimately, this gift ensures every Scripps Athena feels recognized, supported, and proud鈥攖oday and for years to come.鈥�听
Office of Student Affairs will steward the fund to implement the new initiatives and create enduring impact. Bradley also emphasized the broader importance of ensuring scholar-athletes feel deeply connected to the College community. As Scripps continues to champion access, equity, and student success, this gift underscores the powerful role of philanthropy in shaping a more inclusive and vibrant campus.听
鈥淚t鈥檚 essential that Athenas are also acknowledged and supported as integral contributors to the Scripps community,鈥� Bradley says. 鈥淭his gift opens a new chapter for Scripps Athenas!鈥�听
鈥疶丑谤辞耻驳丑鈥�Scripps Forward: The Centennial Campaign for Scripps College, we aim to surpass $100 million in donor support over three years and secure a future of infinite possibility for the next century. Your generosity helps talented students fully engage in Scripps鈥� academic and co-curricular life.鈥�听