Sabine Romero ’95 makes Scripps College the recipient of her financial and personal support.
The holiday season is associated with family gatherings, frosty outings, and feasts of all varieties. At the root of these traditions is gratitude—for what we have as well as what we’re able to give to others.
This fall, we connected with Sabine Romero ’95, a past Scripps College Lois Langland Alumna-in-Resident and chief administrative officer in the City of Austin’s Innovation Office. Below, she shares what she’s most grateful for about her time at Scripps and why she’s been inspired to pay it forward every year since graduating.
Letter from Sabine: Her Scripps College Experience and Why She Gives Back
This year, I’ll be celebrating my 25th reunion, a milestone in life. And I’m proud to say the value of my Scripps experience has continued to grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Coming from rural South Texas, my first year at Scripps was a culture shock. But while I initially felt unmoored, these experiences taught me intellectual perseverance, which continues to serve me in all facets of life.
I was also fortunate to have support from an amazing community of fellow students, faculty, and campus programs. During my junior year, I studied abroad, which expanded my worldview and inspired me to major in international relations.
But it was my core education in the humanities that formed the backbone of my professional life, from my past political work to my current role with the City of Austin: I can confront the big questions—and big problems—of our society with critical thinking, the wisdom of history, and the ability to think confidently and holistically about the future. That’s the power of a humanities education.
While a student, my work-study jobs—in the Chicano Latino Student Affairs office and the Motley Coffeehouse—not only supplemented my financial aid but also proved critical to my Scripps experience. One of my most memorable jobs was with Scripps Phonathon. Through Phonathon, I learned how gifts of all sizes matter and inspire others to give, too—giving can even affect Scripps’ rankings, our degree value, and attract gifts from other funding sources. Their generosity and support of my education has inspired me to give every year since I graduated.
Giving is the easiest way for me to stay engaged and show my gratitude to Scripps for the education and opportunities it provided me. I almost always give to scholarships because they made my Scripps experience possible—and as a donor, you also get to choose how to designate your gift to Scripps. Whether you give to scholarships, academic programs, campus enhancement and preservation, or simply to meet the College’s greatest need, together, you’re making an immediate and meaningful impact on our community.
As we look towards the new year, I encourage you to join me by making your annual gift, paying it forward, and creating life–changing opportunities for a current student. Thank you for supporting Scripps!
This season and all year round, we’re deeply appreciative of the openhearted community that continues to support our students and the Scripps experience. Click here to make a gift of any size or here to view other ways to give—and don’t forget to tell us what inspires you to pay it forward!
Interested in learning more? Check out our latest giving and impact news here.