President Lori Bettison-Varga today announced a $5.5 million gift from the Sidney J. Weinberg, Jr. Foundation. In 2010, the Weinberg Foundation pledged $3 million to Scripps College along with $2 million to Claremont McKenna College to establish The Weinberg Family Dean of Science Endowment Fund for the W.M. Keck Science Department. With these gifts, trustee Elizabeth “Betsy” Smith ‘74 continues a legacy began by her father, the late Sidney J. “Jim” Weinberg, Jr., chair emeritus of the Scripps College Board of Trustees until his death in 2010. Through the generous support of the next generation, Betsy Smith led the effort to secure this important gift from the Weinberg Foundation.
The additional $5.5 million gift came in anticipation of a significant fundraising initiative and will produce immediate and long-term benefits for the College.
“Scripps College’s future is bolder because of the foresight and generosity of our valuable trustees,” Bettison-Varga said. “Betsy Weinberg Smith is a committed alumna who exemplifies the qualities of Scripps graduates with her passion for making a difference. This key gift from the Weinberg Foundation to Scripps College will make an impact on the lives of young women for generations to come.”
Smith has served as a Scripps trustee since 1995 and currently is co-vice chair of the board. She and her family are well respected for their philanthropic outreach, and she currently is a trustee of the Weinberg Foundation. Jim Weinberg served as Scripps College board chair from 1986 – 1991, and as a trustee from 1974 – 2010. Smith and her father have carried forward the family’s philanthropic legacy began by Smith’s grandfather, Sidney J. Weinberg, and continued by the Sidney J. Weinberg, Jr. Foundation.