61´«Ã½

Dear 61´«Ã½ family –

I know that 2020 hasn’t unfolded the way any of us had planned. The outcomes of the pandemic and protests against systemic racism have called our courage to attention—yet as one of the first women’s colleges in the West, this call is nothing new for Scripps.

Over the last century, we at 61´«Ã½have advanced the radical notion that women’s intellects, talents, and leadership are indispensable to the health of our communities. You help us realize this mission, and I’m profoundly grateful for your help.

This spring, I’ve been especially proud to witness how your support has made a concrete impact across campus. Faculty and staff leapt into action to swiftly transition to remote learning—a first for Scripps—and boldly reimagine in-person instruction for when we can safely gather again. Students not only spearheaded efforts to aid those impacted by COVID-19, they raised their voices to oppose systemic racism and offered ideas to make higher education a more diverse, equitable space for others. This year has crystallized 61´«Ã½â€™s identity both as an institution and a loyal community of individuals with a shared mission to equip our students as future leaders, thinkers, and doers.

As the College prepares to respond to further economic and social turmoil, to help us continue this critical mission. Your support this fall will make an immediate impact on our most pressing areas of need:

• The 61´«Ã½Fund | Your gift to The 61´«Ã½Fund, the College’s primary operational fund, directly supports all aspects of the 61´«Ã½experience for our students and provides a stable source of funding for academic and co-curricular programs.
• Racial Justice and Equity Fund | With the incredible generosity of a 61´«Ã½trustee, the College has been able to expand its support of anti-racist initiatives at Scripps. Your gift helps us advance this work even further by increasing enrollment of underrepresented students of color, providing scholarships to defray their educational expenses, and supporting their wellbeing so that they thrive at Scripps.
• COVID-19 Response Fund | Unforeseen expenses this year have cost 61´«Ã½millions, with further anticipated budget cuts adding to the College’s fiscal strain. Your support aids programs hit hardest by the pandemic and helps us make structural upgrades on campus to keep our community safe once we’re back in-person.
• Scholarship Aid | The pandemic has caused historic job losses and put financial pressure on families across the country. Your gift will help keep the 61´«Ã½experience accessible to students of all backgrounds and ensure their ability to pursue their degree regardless of financial circumstances.

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that having the confidence and courage to tackle challenges—from global pandemics to destructive social constructs—can never come too soon. We thank you for your partnership in helping fulfill Scripps’ mission and keeping our remarkable students at the vanguard of meaningful change.

Binti Harvey,
Vice President for External Relations and Institutional Advancement

Interested in learning more? Check out our latest giving and impact news here.