Scripps’ annual Scripps in Residence program— now in its third year—has hosted distinguished alumnae and parents on campus to share their professional journeys as well as offer wisdom and advice about blazing a career path. Typically held over three days in October, the program offers an array of opportunities for Scripps students to hear from guests, including discussion panels, lunches, browsing room chats, and one-on-one informational interviews. For students who are beginning to think about their post-graduation pursuits, Scripps in Residence can help bring clarity and insight to setting oneself up for those next steps. This year’s participants included California State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson ’71, Poppy MacDonald ’97, president of the online media site POLITICO, USA, Briana Smith ’14, a data analyst and market researcher for Pinterest, and Avanti Kumar-Singh P’20, a physician and integrative medicine specialist who focuses on yoga therapy, healing, and self-care.
According to Virginia Halverson, director of Parent Engagement and Philanthropy and a co-organizer of the program, “We consider who would be exciting to bring to campus, which relationships we want to strengthen with the College, and who we think would enjoy connecting with students. Covering a range of interests is important, and we strive to [connect with alumnae and parents] who are doing compelling things in their fields.”
For their time spent on campus, each alumna and parent guest develops a schedule that is designed around their areas of expertise. Their days might be filled visiting classes, leading talks in the residence halls, or participating in other academic and co-curricular activities—for example, attending a reception at the Intercollegiate Feminist Center, chairing a Laspa Center lunch on women’s leadership, or teaching a yoga therapy and meditation session in the Sallie Tiernan Field House. Events are free and open to all Scripps students.
Since its inception in 2015, Scripps in Residence has grown to be a popular draw for students, several of whom have landed internships because of meetings they had with Scripps in Residence guests. “The program provides an incredible opportunity for students to benefit from the Scripps network and connect with impressive alumnae and parents,” says Halverson. “The events definitely foster conversations on career path advice, but they also inspire students to think more broadly about their futures in an exciting way.”