For alumnae, the value of a Scripps connection extends far beyond Commencement
By Emily Glory Peters
Scripps alumnae, while dizzyingly diverse in their interests, talents, and future goals, find common ground in their shared academic experience. Yet, as graduates become embroiled in post-College life, they can miss out on reaping the full benefits of remaining connected not only to one another, but also to one of the leading women’s colleges in the nation.
Helping alums leverage the full value of that connection begins with communicating all the College has to offer. Here, we’ve pulled together a few excellent ways you can get the most out of your Scripps degree.
Join Olive Grove
Olive Grove is Scripps’ exclusive online professional and social networking community, created to help alumnae flourish through lifelong, purposeful connections. Launched this fall, the platform was designed with considerable input from Scripps alums, and gives members the opportunity to receive and offer flash mentoring as well as access to job and recruiting prospects, curated interest groups, and Scripps-centric resources and discussion forums. Often an early registration hotspot for programs and events, Olive Grove also gives members first access to the latest Scripps happenings. It’s free to join and you can sign up in just a few clicks here.
Attend our Latest Virtual Career Conversations Series
With the pandemic punching a hole in our economy this spring, many alums were left questioning next steps for their professional journeys. Career Conversations, an interactive speaker series, helped attendees develop a pandemic game plan with an emphasis on maintaining emotional health amid a shifting career terrain. This popular virtual series returns this fall with five new workshops on personal branding, interview strategy and preparation, maximizing networking tools, and more. Registration is open now—click here to sign up.
Take Advantage of the Bridge Program
Made possible through a generous alumna gift, the Bridge Program offers one-on-one career counseling to any Scripps graduate at any stage in their career. In partnership with Scripps’ Office of Career Planning & Resources and Career Journeys, a woman- and minority-owned organization in Pasadena, alums enjoy four free hours of personalized counseling (including virtual sessions), plus access to a discounted rate for future sessions.
Begin Giving—Because Participation Counts
Gifts of any size not only shape Scripps students’ lives for the better, they benefit our alumnae community. In fact, Scripps’ national rankings are directly impacted by the number of alums who give back. When Scripps remains highly ranked, alumnae gain increased marketability in a competitive job market and a decided edge over peers—ultimately increasing the return on investment in a Scripps degree. To strengthen Scripps’ rankings, click here to make a gift.
Attend Reunion Weekend and Camp Scripps
Studies have shown that networking not only helps women prevail in their careers, it builds confidence, produces a more positive outlook on life, and fosters deeper levels of emotional intelligence. Camp Scripps—which is designed for alums by alums—and Reunion Weekend both offer distinctive programming and opportunities to network in a memorable atmosphere with multiple generations of Scrippsies. Plus, Reunion Weekend often offers a reduced rate for recent alums, making it easier than ever to participate. While we’re determining whether this will be a virtual or in-person event, alums are encouraged to save the date for April 30–May 2, 2021 to enjoy a chance to celebrate after such a challenging year!
Access Denison Library and Tiernan Field House
Access to some of Scripps’ most exceptional resources doesn’t end at graduation. Alumnae benefit from free passes to Sallie Tiernan Field House, Scripps’ premiere health and wellness center on campus, as well as privileges at the historic Ella Strong Denison Library. Although currently closed to the public during the pandemic, future passes to the Field House can be obtained by contacting [email protected] and current inquiries into materials at Denison may be directed to Library Director Jennifer Martinez Wormser ’95 at [email protected]. To view rare materials at Denison, start with setting up an Aeon account here.
Shape Scripps and Develop Leadership Skills as a Volunteer
Superior leadership competency is a matter of lifelong learning—something Scripps alumnae are known for. On a revolving basis, a number of Alumnae Leadership Council roles open to alums, as well as volunteer committees focusing on alumnae/student diversity, engagement and outreach, and fostering young alumnae participation. These volunteers not only serve as advisors to Scripps’ Board of Trustees and other campus leaders, they are strategic partners who help Scripps create new ways to engage alums, improve services and programs for current students, and fulfill Scripps’ mission. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact [email protected].
Regardless of when alumnae commence down Elm Tree Lawn, a connection to Scripps remains one of the most valuable levers for personal and professional growth. Now is the ideal time to explore all of the ways you can engage with the Scripps community.
Scripps is committed to the success of our remarkable alumnae. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit our new alumnae website at scrippscollege.edu/alumnae.
Interested in learning more? Check out our latest giving and impact news here.