The Scripps Voice

By Kara Odum ‘15
Staff Writer

President Lori Bettison-Varga meets with Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton (center) and Madeleine Albright (fourth from right) during the Women in Public Service Institute held on December 15, 2011 at Wellesley College.
Photo courtesy of Scripps College.

The Women in Public Service Project is an initiative started by Hillary Clinton to get more women involved in public policy. The project’s goal is to achieve “at least 50 percent female leaders in civics and politics by 2050.” Through a coalition of women’s colleges and other organizations, the project is focused on improving training, networking, and mentoring to support the next generation’s women leaders.
Originally the East Coast sister colleges, which include Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, Smith and Wellesley, developed the WPSP as a joint effort with the US State Department.

President Lori Bettison-Varga took the initiative to get Scripps College involved in the project by writing to Hillary Clinton. Since then two other California schools, Mount St. Mary’s College and Mills College have joined the project, forming the California’s Women’s Colleges Institute.

The first WPSP Institute was held at Wellesley College in June and included speakers from Kosovo and Cambodia as well as former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The speeches emphasized the importance of encouraging and supporting women in public service, in light of the massive underrepresentation of women holding office around the world.
Clinton shared the astounding fact that “women hold less than 20 percent of all seats in parliaments and legislatures around the world [and] here in the United States, our percentage is even lower, 17 percent. And it’s not just politics. Only 3 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs are women.”

As a part of the California’s Women’s Colleges Institute, Scripps College is partnering with Mount St. Mary’s College to host female political leaders from Latin America for policy forums and workshops. This event will take place in March.

Recently, Josefina Vazquez Mota, Mexico’s first female presidential candidate to run under a major political banner, spoke to students from Scripps and Mount St. Mary’s about her experience as secretary of public education and as a presidential candidate for the National Action Party. Similar public policy leaders will speak at the West Coast WPSP Institute next semester; however, the speaker line-up is still being organized. For more information on WPSP, visit the website at womeninpublicservice.org.

By Alexandra Vallas

Copy Editor

Scripps students were in for an unexpected surprise this summer when news of an error in financial aid reporting was discovered. President Lori Bettison-Varga was forced to send out an email bearing an unpleasant realization for the Scripps community. The message, issued on June 28, stated that “average cumulative loan debt for graduating students for approximately 10 years” had been underreported by Scripps to the Common Data Set.

Sarah Olsen and Phoebe Maddox share a tattered ten dollar bill and cry
as they are reminded of their immense student debt. Photo by Caroline Novit ’14.

Scripps “voluntarily provide(s) statistics for use in higher education publications,” Bettison-Varga assured students, and Scripps still strives “to meet 100% of documented student need.” But although this spares the school the ridicule and shame endured by Claremont-McKenna College last year following their SAT score scandal, the backlash of such an error still has repercussions. First, Scripps was forced to conduct an external review of the issue, as well as a “forensic accounting of our student loan statistics” under the guidance of O’Melveny & Myers LLP, according to the email. Forensic accounting is a branch of accounting dealing with any anticipated legal action, as could be expected from falsification of data. Beyond these procedural measures, however, Scripps’ claims of integrity could be threatened by these kinds of oversights if they continue.

Students in attendance last year at Scripps will remember an even bigger discrepancy with Scripps’ ranking in U.S. News & World Report. Scripps was ranked 29on the list of Liberal Arts Colleges, a six-place drop from the previous year. The first factor in this decline was an underperformance in six-year graduation rates for the freshman class entering in 2004. The other, however, was an error in reporting the number of students who graduated in 2010 in the top 10 percent of their high school class. The college reported that 39%, rather than 70%, of students had graduated in this margin. This also affected the selectivity rating of Scripps, dropping from the coveted “most selective” to the lower “more selective” bracket.

But Scripps students can rest assured that things are coming back together as the academic year begins. This year, Scripps is back to the top 25 liberal arts colleges, tied with Macalester College at the 24 position. The Scripps community also currently is waiting to hear the outcome of the student debt review. Bettison-Varga offered her own words of reassurance in the email to the campus, saying, “We remain fully committed to our primary mission, which is to develop the intellect and talent of our students through a high-quality education.”

“Life After Scripps Week” began on Oct. 5 with a kickoff dessert reception, featuring a speech by Scripps’ new president, Lori Bettison-Varga. Also at the reception was a panel of Scripps alumnae speaking about their personal stories of “What I Wish I’d Known.”

As a senior who knows that she doesn’t want to attend graduate school or apply for a fellowship after graduation, navigating the intimidating job search process is certainly overwhelming. President Bettison-Varga eased these fears by reminding Scripps women of the value of a liberal arts education. Many employers are going to ask us, she said, if our “liberal education” just taught us how to be a Democrat; but our time at Scripps has provided us with
so much more than that! Ask yourself what employers are looking for: someone with problem-solving ability and communication skills, a synthetic thinker who can write and speak well. Essentially, employers are looking for a Scripps graduate. Employers are currently trying to position themselves on the forefront of innovations. As Bettison-Varga said: “You’re creative. You own original thought. You think broadly! Own it. You go out there and own it…You are the future.”

So, if we are the future, is there any advice we should heed before venturing into the unknown? During the “What I Wish I’d Known” panel, Scripps alumnae offered wisdom to current students about the post-graduation job-search. A couple of especially pertinent remarks related to the group-pressure mentality that presents itself senior year.

Abby Stopper (’07) is studying interior design and architecture at U.C. Berkeley after having traveled and worked in France and Washington, D.C. Stopper reminded us that in college, professors want you to get an “A” and will put in the extra effort to help you succeed. In the real world, this is not so much the case, you have to be willing to put in your own effort. Stopper advised students to take some time to navigate the real world before attending graduate school.

Bonnie Brayton (’05) went straight to a doctorate program in plant biology at UC Berkeley, but dropped out after receiving her masters degree. She agreed with Stopper’s perspective and advised Scripps women to take their time to figure out what they want to do. There is no need to go straight to graduate school just because of a feeling of obligation or convention.

Mary Grimes (‘07) is currently pursuing an MFA at Mills College, and worked briefly for Teach For America following graduation. Her main advice was: do what is best for you! In the Scripps community, where everyone feels the pressure to apply for a fellowship, graduate school or certain jobs, it is easy to get caught up in a group-think mentality and plan your future based on what you “should” do instead of what is truly best for you.

You are not alone in the process of planning your life after Scripps. CP&R constantly plans events and workshops to ease the process, so be sure to take advantage of the resources they have to offer.

Well, class of 2010, whatever your future holds for you—be it graduate school, travel, fellowships, a job or just time off—let’s get creative! Own your strengths and venture out into the unknown.

This summer, while most students are far from Scripps College, President-elect Lori Bettison-Varga and her family will move into the Revelle House. The house was known as the President’s House until 2000, when the College purchased a house on College Avenue for the president’s residence. The Office of Alumnae Relations, which currently operates out of half of the house, will move into Balch Hall.

The President-elect was formerly a professor of geology at Pomona College, and she holds a Ph.D and Master’s Degree from the University of California at Davis. She has held a variety of high-level positions at other colleges, including the College of Wooster in Ohio and Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA. The Scripps College Board of Trustees unanimously elected her as president this March, and she will officially become president on July 1, 2009.

Bettison-Varga decided to move into the Revelle House in part because she thinks “it will be easier to get to know the campus, the students and the faculty.” She plans to start moving in sometime in late June with her husband, Robert, and her three children, Matt, Will and Lexie. Their yellow lab Keo—named for a bottling company in Cyprus—will also be joining them.

The family is not planning for large-scale renovations on the Revelle House. The facilities, like the bathroom used by the Office of Alumnae Relations, are in desperate need of an update. However, the rest of the house is in good condition and ready for the new residents. Bettison-Varga plans to turn the conference room in the back of the house into a TV room so that the kids have a place to go when she is holding meetings or entertaining. Additionally, one room may be turned into a music room, since members of the Bettison-Varga family play everything from the saxophone to the mandolin. Overall, Bettison-Varga wants the house to be comfortable and welcoming for her family, students and faculty.

Bettison-Varga and her family plan to have dinner at Malott Commons at least once a week, and students will be welcome to come and chat. She also plans to take advantage of the Sallie Tiernan Field House, though students shouldn’t expect to see her in the kickboxing or boot camp classes any time soon.

The college holds special meaning for President-elect Bettison-Varga, since her mother graduated from Scripps, and several other family members attended the Claremont Colleges. Despite the fact that she did not attend Scripps herself, Bettison-Varga is very-well informed about life at Scripps, and noted that her being situated near Claremont McKenna may require her to purchase earplugs.

It should be relatively easy for Bettison-Varga to integrate into the Scripps community, because she is incredibly accessible, easy to talk to and clearly interested in what students think about Scripps. Once she and her family have moved in, a meeting a or quick conversation with Bettison-Varga should be on every Scripps student’s agenda.

On Monday March 30, the Scripps community filled the Hampton room to welcome Scripps’ newest president: Lori Bettison-Varga.  The excitement in the room was palpable on this sunny morning as Bettison-Varga and her family arrived on campus. Over the weekend, the Scripps Board of Trustees voted unanimously to select Bettison-Varga as Scripps’ eighth president.  Bettison-Varga, a geologist by training, the current provost and dean of faculty of Whitman College and the proud daughter of a Scripps alumna, was elated to greet the many students, staff, faculty, trustees, alumnae and Claremont community members who assembled to congratulate and officially welcome her into the Scripps community—to her new home.
After posing for photos and shaking hands, Bettison-Varga paused from introductions to greet the audience.  Fritz Weis, who recently became the official seventh president of Scripps, introduced Bettison-Varga.  She gave a brief speech, preferring to spend her time meeting as many community members as possible.
During the speech, Bettison-Varga emphasized how thrilled she is about the position and her absolute dedication to the mission and possibility of Scripps.  She said, “Scripps is the embodiment of all that I value in a liberal arts institution.”  At the end of her speech, Bettison-Varga promised, “I’m going to work for you 24/7.” Bettison-Varga’s passion for Scripps and liberal arts education permeated her speech.
Bettison-Varga spoke enthusiastically about her and her family’s decision to take up residence in the Revelle House. As Bettison-Varga put it, “we come as a packaged deal.” Her husband and two kids (she has three children, but her eldest is a freshman at the University of Puget Sound), mother (Scripps class of 1954) and 100-lb yellow lab will “descend on the Revelle House.”
Bettison-Varga was met with loud applause and a standing ovation from the audience.  SAS President-elect Anna Salem (’10) presented Bettison-Varga with a basket of Scripps goodies, including the requisite stuffed squirrel.  As she presented the ample basket, Salem said to Bettison-Varga, “from one president-elect to another.”
Everyone at the brunch expressed excitement over the selection of Bettison-Varga.  Assistant to the president Linda Scott said, “It’s been a long process, but I’m so very happy with the outcome. I’m looking forward to working with her.”
Judy Harvey-Sahak (’64), the Sally Preston Swan Librarian at Denison Library and the Assistant Director of the Libraries at the Claremont Colleges, exuded, “I am thrilled! I am thrilled.”
Many students attended the brunch and introduced themselves to Bettison-Varga.  Mirabelle Korn (’12) said, “It’s really cool that so many people came out to meet her.” Bettison-Varga mentioned how excited she is to begin interacting with students.
Lara Colvin (’09) attended the brunch and noted, “she is really passionate about Scripps, and she’ll convey that passion when fundraising.”  Colvin added, “A lot of my friends are excited about her background as a geologist.”
Bettison-Varga will become Scripps’ official president on July 1, 2009.  She ended her speech by saying that she is privileged to serve the Scripps community and eager to get started. After a two-year search period, it is safe to say the Scripps community will welcome the excitement and stability that Bettison-Varga promises to bring to campus.

The search for Scripps’ seventh president is well underway and nearing its hopefully successful conclusion. All three of the candidates have been impressive—both on paper and in person—but are distinctive and would clearly approach the leadership position in unique ways. As the candidates get to know Scripps and Scripps gets to know the candidates, we are one step closer to finding someone to serve as Scripps’ dynamic leader and public persona.

Lori Bettison-Varga, the third presidential candidate, visited Scripps the weekend of February 8. In keeping with the hectic schedule of the first two candidates, she met with trustees, faculty, students and administration throughout the brief visit.

Bettison-Varga is lively and personable, approachable and energetic. She emphasizes that she is first and foremost a teacher and deeply values the oppurtunity to teach and interact with students. In this vein, she was adamant about her desire to connect with students and involve them in the workings of the college to the best of her ability. She was realistic, however, in saying that the primary role of a president is to fundraise for and represent the college so that the ideas and goals of its community can be realized.

A professor and administrator, with a background in fundraising, Bettison-Varga approaches the position with a strong knowledge of and respect for liberal arts institutions. In particular, she is quite familiar with Scripps and the Claremont consortium. She began the meeting with students on Sunday by mentioning proudly that her mother is a Scripps graduate. In fact, she joked that she grew up thinking of Scripps as synonymous with college, because her mother regaled her with tales of undergraduate life. All that deterred Bettison-Varga from applying to Scripps was an early desire to study geology—a discipline not offered at Scripps.

Bettison-Varga received her bachelor’s in geology at the University of California at Santa Barbara and her Ph. D and Master’s from the University of California at Davis. In 1992, she accepted her first teaching position as an assistant professor of Geology at Pomona College, where she taught for two years and gained a deeper understanding of and respect for the Claremont Consortium.

In 1994, she moved to Ohio to accept a teaching position at the College of Wooster, where she was on a variety of academic and administrative committees, culminating in her position as Associate Dean for Research and Grants in 2005. At the College of Wooster, she served on a variety of faculty and student committees, including a diversity task force and a committee on undergraduate research in the sciences. In the summer of 2007, she moved to Washington to serve as Provost and Dean of Faculty at Whitman College. Though Bettinson- Varga was initially reluctant about seeking out another position so soon after uprooting her family from Ohio to Washington, she felt that she could not pass up the opportunity to continue her career at Scripps.

In her presentation with students, Bettison-Varga maintained a professional air while simultaneously interacting with students in an informal, engaged manner. She stressed the uniqueness of Scripps’ curriculum—citing the Core program and the requisite senior thesis—and her goal, if selected, to promote Scripps and tell its story across the country. Bettison-Varga said she feels the college does not get as much national recognition as it deserves.

She easily fielded a variety of complex questions, ranging from transgender bathrooms to the role of women’s colleges to California earthquakes to campus sustainability.

Laurel Benz (’09), a member of the student leadership committee that meets with each candidate, was impressed with Bettison-Varga. She commented, “She understands the importance of a women’s college, and she has great ideas on how to get Scripps out there and heard about. Even though she isn’t as experienced as other candidates we have seen, she has a background in fundraising and I believe that she would prove a very valuable asset to Scripps in the future.”

On the whole, the Scripps community was excited by Bettison-Varga’s warmth, passion and accessibility.

The fourth candidate, Jane Wales, will be visiting this weekend to conclude the search. Following her visit, the Scripps community will face the difficult process of selecting the candidate whom it best feels would serve and represent the community.

Students can contact the presidential search committee at presidentialsearch@scrippscollege.edu.