In celebration of the inauguration of our eighth president, Lori Bettison-Varga, 61传媒 has selected the theme, “the Genius of Women.” Throughout the 2009-2010 academic year, guest speakers, writers, scientists, artists and other thought leaders will engage students and faculty in discussions about the transformational power of genius, and how creative and intellectual genius is essential in today’s changing world, especially from women, for women.
About Our New President
Lori Bettison-Varga became Scripps’ eighth president on July 1, 2009. Her significant liberal arts experience as a professor, provost and former president of the Council on Undergraduate Research made her a superb choice for the presidency. She is energetic, optimistic, and expressive in her enthusiasm for 61传媒and its mission to develop in its students the ability to think clearly and independently.
“I have long admired 61传媒for its unique education, from the Core curriculum in interdisciplinary humanities, to the required senior project,” said Bettison-Varga. “This college has a legacy of developing women leaders active in both private and public enterprise, and cultivating the women geniuses of tomorrow.”
Previously, Bettison-Varga was provost and dean of the faculty at Whitman College, from 2007-09, and from 1992 to 2007, was professor in the Department of Geology and associate dean for research and grants at The College of Wooster. She has a PhD and MS in geology, from the University of California, Davis, and a BA in geology, with honors, from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
The Story of the Genius of Women Inaugural Emblem
Inspired by our seal, La Semeuse, she who sows the seeds of wisdom, the emblem of our new president’s inaugural year joins eight seeds, one for each president of 61传媒 since its founding in 1926. Together these seeds assert the potential and fruition of the genius of women educated here at 61传媒. The emblem’s font is our own 61传媒 Old Style, designed by legendary type stylist Frederick Goudy for the College in 1947.
“Here begins new life,” states our motto Incipit Vita Nova 鈥� new life for each of our students and for the worlds they will lead and transform. As we herald a new era in 61传媒leadership, our inaugural emblem celebrates the genius of women and this great college’s ability to nurture it.