First presented in 2022, the 61´«Ã½ Commitment to Community award recognizes an alum for their high achievement in community service and volunteer work beyond 61´«Ã½. The award honors an individual who has carried the spirit of confidence, courage, and hope beyond Honnold Gate. The award is presented each year during Reunion Weekend.
Latest Recipient: Catherine Myman-Kaplan ’00
After four wonderful years at Scripps, Catherine Myman-Kaplan graduated with a degree in classical studies in 2000. She stayed connected to the College throughout the years by serving as vice president on the Alumnae Leadership Council, Reunion Ambassador, GOLD Volunteer, and Class Scribe.
With 61´«Ã½â€™s emphasis on women supporting women close to her heart, Catherine continued to devote her time to causes and charities that assist young women in becoming leaders. She has volunteered with the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles for over nine years. Her troop provided more than 800 hours of community service in a single school year, which earned each scout the President’s National Service Pin. For her work, Catherine was awarded the Leader With A Heart by the Santa Monica Bay Council for inspiring her troop to perform service to the community, the Appreciation Pin by the National Council of Girl Scouts for exemplary troop leadership, and most recently, the exclusive Virtual Vanguard Award for her efforts in keeping the girls connected and community forward during the pandemic.
In addition to the Girl Scouts, Catherine served as a trustee on the financial aid board of The First School in Santa Monica and continues to volunteer on education committees at her temple, as well as the Carthay Circle Explorers’ Club. She currently volunteers as an admission guide at The Archer School for Girls after serving as parliamentarian of the parent teacher association for Roosevelt Elementary School. Catherine also spearheads food, toy, and blanket drives to benefit her local community.
She shares her passion for service with her two daughters, Lucy and Jane, and her husband, Matt.