Alumnae Respond to Scripps' "Liberal Nature"
Why Scripps Should Take Note of Alumnae Displeasure
Christina Noriega
Last Updated: 12/29/09 Section: Campus News
During one conversation, an alumna expressed dissatisfaction with the liberalism of the country in general, especially in universities. Although she had decided to cut off all giving to the universities she supported in the past, she did eventually relented, agreeing to give a $15 donation to Scripps. The message was a mixed one.
Not all concerns are purely political, however. One alumna expressed frustration that she believed Scripps does not encourage women planning to enter the corporate world. Rather than supporting women in business, she felt, preference is given to students in the arts - a direct result of the College's liberalism. Ironically, on November 10 Scripps hosted "An evening with Jane Wurwand," NAWBO-LA's 2009 LA Business Woman of the Year. Wurwand is the founder and owner of International Dermal Institute and Dermologica, winning export awards from the City of Los Angeles and featured in the Harvard Business Review.
But although Scripps and the 5Cs are predominantly liberal, we must remember that alumnae gifts benefit Scripps as an institution, not any particular political party. It would certainly behoove the College to reevaluate its image in the eyes of alumnae. In order to remain a place of vigorous intellectual discourse, Scripps must actively strive for a balance of ideological representation. It is hard to deny that Scripps has become vastly more liberal since its founding, and obviously the alumnae are taking notice. There must now come greater awareness of how that "liberal nature" could impact the institution's future.
Not all concerns are purely political, however. One alumna expressed frustration that she believed Scripps does not encourage women planning to enter the corporate world. Rather than supporting women in business, she felt, preference is given to students in the arts - a direct result of the College's liberalism. Ironically, on November 10 Scripps hosted "An evening with Jane Wurwand," NAWBO-LA's 2009 LA Business Woman of the Year. Wurwand is the founder and owner of International Dermal Institute and Dermologica, winning export awards from the City of Los Angeles and featured in the Harvard Business Review.
But although Scripps and the 5Cs are predominantly liberal, we must remember that alumnae gifts benefit Scripps as an institution, not any particular political party. It would certainly behoove the College to reevaluate its image in the eyes of alumnae. In order to remain a place of vigorous intellectual discourse, Scripps must actively strive for a balance of ideological representation. It is hard to deny that Scripps has become vastly more liberal since its founding, and obviously the alumnae are taking notice. There must now come greater awareness of how that "liberal nature" could impact the institution's future.
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