By Emily Glory Peters
Angela Schmitt P鈥�23 knows that women鈥檚 colleges like Scripps are rare. Just as her daughter Zoe will this spring, Schmitt graduated from one herself, an experience that instilled an appreciation for learning environments shaped by women鈥檚 perspectives and leadership.
But this is only one of the reasons she鈥檚 been intentional about giving to Scripps.
鈥淚 was impressed by the College鈥檚 commitment to attracting diverse students, and wanted to show appreciation for the consideration given to Zoe, who received a merit scholarship that was incredibly generous. This made her feel so special and worthy,鈥� Schmitt explains. 鈥淚 wanted to ensure that Scripps could assist other students in the future who might hesitate to enroll without [financial help].鈥�
Today, more than a quarter of the College鈥檚 budget is dedicated to financial aid. Contributions from families help Scripps increase much-needed support for scholarships to admit a student cohort that better reflects the world we live in. Fostering discussion and interaction among those from different backgrounds benefits everyone, Schmitt says.
鈥淪cripps should be a safe space, but not so safe that students are never challenged by anything new or different,鈥� she says. 鈥淒iverse colleges with wide offerings challenge students鈥攖hat鈥檚 how you develop resilience and the confidence to weather different storms.鈥�
鈥淓ach and every contribution can perpetuate Scripps鈥� mission鈥�
To encourage fellow parents and families to support the student experience, Schmitt has become an advocate for , Scripps鈥� 24-hour virtual fundraiser.
Powered by our community, each year Day of Giving brings in critical funding that offsets the cost of Scripps鈥� operations, new initiatives, and the programs and resources students depend on. The event starts the morning of March 22, 2023, and concludes the following morning.
Schmitt says she hopes to break down some of the misconceptions that only 鈥渂ig鈥� gifts make an impact鈥攁 concern she has also grappled with.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 important that parents and possible donors know that each and every contribution can perpetuate Scripps鈥� mission,鈥� she says. 鈥淚f there is a message here, it鈥檚 that gift size doesn鈥檛 matter.鈥�
In serving as an advocate for that mission, Schmitt is fulfilling several of the 鈥淔ive Ts鈥� of philanthropy: time (volunteering, attending events), talent (mentoring, presenting), treasure (donating), testimony (sharing one鈥檚 story), and ties (expanding networks for both students and the College).
Parents who engage in any of the Five Ts help ensure that every student receives the college experience they deserve鈥攁nd foster the intimate community Scripps is known for.
鈥淭he Scripps parent community is very strong. I鈥檝e enjoyed the chances to attend Family Weekend and care package parties and to meet with families who are brand new to share that it鈥檚 all going to be okay,鈥� she says. 鈥淚鈥檒l never be a Scripps alum, but I鈥檒l always be a Scripps parent.鈥�
Day of Giving is Wednesday, March 22, 2023! To learn more about how you can help, visit聽 and be sure to spread the word.