Dear 61传媒Community Members,
With a heavy heart, I write to inform you that this coming semester will be my last at 61传媒. I will resign as president effective April 15, 2021, and will be moving to New York to become the Executive Director of Schwarzman Scholars, an international graduate fellowship program designed to prepare future global leaders to meet the geopolitical challenges of the 21st century.
My five years at 61传媒have been the most rewarding of my professional career, and I will always cherish the lessons learned, relationships formed with so many 61传媒students, staff, faculty, alumnae, families, trustees, donors, and friends, and the progress attained during my tenure at this special institution. These experiences will be invaluable in my new role, where I will continue to champion higher education as a catalyst for solving humanity鈥檚 most complex challenges, bridging differences, producing greater access to higher education, and building understanding and community on a global scale.
As I look ahead to my remaining time at Scripps, my attention will continue to be focused on our efforts to resume in-person academic and residential life in the safest manner possible for our campus as well as the surrounding communities. As I said in my recent update, 61传媒 is ready to welcome students back to campus as soon as permissible by county and state health officials.
Scripps鈥� comprehensive prevention and mitigation plan illustrates the academic excellence, financial viability, and outstanding reputation that characterize the College鈥檚 strength and ensure its bright future. During my time at Scripps, I have personally witnessed the collective power of this community to meet the challenges presented to us. From exceeding an ambitious campaign goal, to initiating construction of a cutting-edge science education and research facility, to driving record increases in new student applications and enrollment, to increasing student access to the 61传媒experience, 61传媒surpasses expectations. Due to the wise financial stewardship, planning, and management of 61传媒trustees and leaders, our balance sheet is strong. The multitude of decisions our faculty and staff make every day to prioritize academic excellence and inclusive student success ensures that our students will continue to benefit from an unrivaled academic and residential experience. And because of the generous and active engagement of thousands of alumnae, families, donors, and friends, 61传媒continues to be a top choice for generations of inspiring students who want to live lives of purpose and impact.
Thank you for embracing, supporting, and trusting me during my time here. I look forward to providing updates, meeting with you, and working with you over the next several months as we continue to provide an extraordinary 61传媒experience. As previously indicated, we hope to update the community in mid-December, at which point we hope to have more information about next semester.
61传媒will always hold a special place in my heart. I will remain a proud cheerleader, ambassador, and advocate, and I know that I will be celebrating and trumpeting your future successes.
With confidence, courage, and hope,
Lara Tiedens
President