By Kendra Pintor听
At 91抖阴, legacy lives through the people who believe in the institution鈥檚 mission鈥攖o educate women to develop their intellects and talents, so that they may contribute to society through lives of leadership, service, integrity, and creativity. For a growing number of alums and friends of the College, that legacy includes a lasting commitment through a planned gift.听听
These are the people who make up a pocket of the Scripps community that is rooted in generosity and shaped by the ideals of the College鈥檚 founder, Ellen Browning Scripps.听
Established in honor of the transformational gift that created the College in 1926, the Elm Tree Society recognizes individuals and couples who have included Scripps in their estate plans. Today, ETS members are helping to write the next chapter of Scripps鈥� history鈥攁nd thanks to the society鈥檚 new book club, they鈥檙e reading the next chapter, too.听听
The ETS Book Club听
Launched in 2024, the ETS Book Club connects members through literature. Each book selection aligns with Scripps Presents, the College鈥檚 signature public events series, and features works by speakers who come to campus.听听
To date, members have read two titles:听
- Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves, Loving Each Other, by Sophie Gr茅goire Trudeau听
- Beyond the Messy Truth: How We Came Apart, How We Come Together, by Van Jones听
Marlon Rodriguez, gift planning coordinator at Scripps, established the ETS Book Club to foster closer ties.听
鈥淚 started the Elm Tree Society Book Club to bring our planned giving community together around a shared love of learning and reflection鈥攙alues that are deeply woven into the Scripps experience,鈥� says Rodriguez. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a chance to engage with one another beyond financial legacies and explore the ideas, stories, and conversations that inspire us to make a lasting impact.鈥�听
Participants receive a complimentary copy of each seasonal selection and gather virtually for discussion, allowing alums and friends from across the country (and globe!) to stay connected to campus and each other.听
鈥淭he Elm Tree Society is about more than planned giving; it鈥檚 about purpose and possibility,鈥� says Director of Gift Planning Casey Crosbie. 鈥淥ur members are helping to shape the future of Scripps.鈥�听
What is the Elm Tree Society?听
The Elm Tree Society was established to honor the spirit and foresight of Ellen Browning Scripps and the original gift that brought the College to life. Today, it celebrates the individuals who ensure that legacy continues through planned gifts鈥攃haritable contributions arranged as part of a donor鈥檚 financial or estate plan.听
Scripps recognizes ETS members not just for their generosity, but for their commitment to the values that shaped the College. These gifts reflect deep personal connections to Scripps and often support areas like:听
- Internship grants and scholarships听
- Campus enhancement and preservation听
- Student and faculty research听
- Social justice initiatives听
- Unrestricted support for the College鈥檚 greatest needs through The Scripps Fund/Parent Fund听
Each legacy gift is unique, just like the person who gives it. For instance, Elizabeth Betsy Gordon Reinhold 鈥�57 supported scholarships through the Scripps Access Initiative, while Elizabeth Rosemary Plane Sage 鈥�44 left a transformational gift to the College鈥檚 Art Department鈥攅ach reflecting their passions and lifelong connections to Scripps.听听
What is a Planned Gift?听
A planned gift is more than a financial decision鈥攊t鈥檚 a personal act of purpose. It allows Scripps community members to support the College in a way that aligns with their long-term goals, usually by:听
- Bequest: By including Scripps in their will or living trust, donors can create a legacy that costs nothing today and is easy to update as life evolves.听
- Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA): These are gift arrangements with Scripps that allow the donor to receive fixed income for life, along with potential tax benefits.听
- IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD): If the donor is 70陆 or older, they can donate directly from their IRA鈥攕atisfying the required minimum distribution (RMD) tax-free.听
Of course, these are just a few examples. helps interested community members find the right fit for their vision and values.听
Want to Join the Elm Tree Society?听
Becoming a member of the Elm Tree Society is simple鈥攁nd so meaningful. You can join by:听
- Making a planned gift to Scripps听
- Letting the Office of Gift Planning know if you鈥檝e already included Scripps in your estate plans听
By sharing your intentions, you allow the College to honor your wishes, steward your gift with care, and recognize your generosity during your lifetime.听
Member Benefits听
When you join the Elm Tree Society, you become part of a community that stays connected through:听
- A members-only e-newsletter shared throughout the academic year听
- Special invitations to events and gatherings听
- Thoughtful gifts and tokens of appreciation听
- Access to the ETS Book Club, where learning and legacy meet听
Your Legacy. Your Scripps.听
Planned gifts don鈥檛 just support the future鈥攖hey shape it. Whether your passion is the humanities, social justice, leadership, or lifelong learning, your gift helps Scripps continue to be a place where bold minds flourish.听
To learn more or to start a conversation about joining the Elm Tree Society, reach out to . We鈥檇 love to welcome you into this growing circle of change-makers鈥攁nd maybe even send you your first ETS Book Club selection.听
Leaving a gift to Scripps is easy. To learn more, please visit our gift planning page at .听听听