Scripps College, located in Claremont, California, is known for its strong sense of community and vibrant campus life. As with many colleges and universities, Scripps has a mascot that represents the school's spirit and identity. The official mascot of Scripps College is the "bearded iris," a type of flower that holds significance to the college and its history. The choice of the bearded iris as the mascot is not only unique but also meaningful. The flower is native to the Mediterranean region, which reflects the diverse and international community that Scripps College fosters. Additionally, the bearded iris symbolizes wisdom and learning, characteristics that align with the college's commitment to academic excellence and intellectual growth.
Athletics and Recreation at Scripps
The Claremont Colleges approach their athletics programs in a unique way: by splitting them into two, thus forming the “Sixth Street Rivalry” after the narrow road that divides CMS (Claremont-Mudd-Scripps) and Pomona College (Pitzer shares their athletics with Pomona to form Pomona-Pitzer, but happens to be on the same side as CMS). CMS Athletics is one of the most dominant Division III programs on the West Coast, having most recently defended their national women’s tennis title whilst ranking highly weekly for nearly every sport out of the 21 offered. The men’s teams play under the Stags mascot, while the women’s teams are known as the Athenas.
The Athenas and Stags train primarily at Claremont McKenna’s campus, where facilities like Roberts Pavilion, Axelrod Pool, Pritzlaff Field, etc. act as the “home” location for competitive matches. Non-varsity athletes also have access to these spaces, as Roberts Pavilion serves as a gym and recreational space for all CMS students, hosting group fitness classes, intramurals, and club sports. CMS Recreation offers a variety of intramurals every semester, from inner tube water polo to dodgeball to cornhole; they also have trivia every Thursday (which I co-host with another Scripps junior)! Opened in 2016, Roberts boasts 144,000 square footage across three levels, with large exercise rooms on the first floor along with a two-story fitness studio that boasts a view of the San Gabriel mountains.
The Tiernan Field House is the Scripps gym and proudly demonstrates a commitment to emphasizing emotional wellness in addition to physical fitness. Tiernan hosts weekly events- Mindfulness Mondays, Destress Tuesdays/Thursdays, SRH (Sexual/Reproductive Health) Wednesdays, and Feel Good Fridays- in order to prioritize the mental well-being of students, as well as provide an educational, safe space for the community to come together. The Field House also oversees the Scripps Green Bike Program, which “collects and repairs unwanted bikes and rents them to Scripps students, faculty, and staff”, according to the Field House bike policy. Tiernan is also home to the Scripps pool, a resort-like oasis that serves as a retreat on sunny days.
The Ronald and Maxine Linde Activities Center (LAC) is the wellness and physical hub at Harvey Mudd’s campus. The LAC is outfitted with a gymnasium, aerobics room, weight room, computer lab, lounge, and game room. Students can also check out bikes here, as well as other equipment, whether for sports, camping, etc.
With so many options to choose from, students will always have spaces to get active, whether it be at the gyms mentioned above, the many basketball and tennis courts, the beach volleyball court at Scripps, or simply by traversing through the one square mile that encapsulates the 5 colleges!
Scripps College Traditions
Scripps College has a long history of unique traditions. Here are a few of our most notable traditions, many of which continue today:
Additionally, the bearded iris symbolizes wisdom and learning, characteristics that align with the college's commitment to academic excellence and intellectual growth. The bearded iris is a distinctive flower with its large, colorful blooms and unique structure. It typically features three upward-facing petals known as "standards" and three downward-facing petals called "falls.
La Semeuse
The seal of Scripps College, designed by sculptor Lee Lawrie, depicts La Semeuse—she who sows. The image of the sower of “the good seed of thought, of action, of life” was chosen by the faculty in the 1927-28 academic year. They also selected the College motto, Incipit Vita Nova—here begins the new life. Professor Hartley Burr Alexander was largely responsible for the seal’s image and motto. Before he arrived on campus, he suggested phrase, the first words of Dante’s New Life.
“It seems to me that what colleges ought to do is to begin a new life in a very real sense, and perhaps the motto would have a double significance for Scripps in indicating not only the new life begun for each student, but also the new life which we hope may be begun from a renewed vitality in education [evidenced in the founding of this college for women].”
" These petals, along with the beard-like appendages on the falls, create a striking appearance that is instantly recognizable. The bearded iris mascot can be seen throughout the Scripps College campus and at various events and sporting activities. It serves as a visual representation of the college's identity and values, inspiring pride and a sense of belonging among students, faculty, and alumni. The mascot embodies the college's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community where individuals can flourish and grow. In addition to its symbolic significance, the bearded iris also holds practical value. The flower's hardiness and adaptability make it an ideal choice for the Southern California climate, mirroring the resilience and determination of the Scripps College community. Overall, the bearded iris mascot is an integral part of Scripps College's identity. It embodies the college's values and fosters a sense of pride and belonging among its students and staff. Whether seen on banners, merchandise, or during events, the bearded iris serves as a reminder of the college's commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and personal growth..
Reviews for "The Scripps College Mascot: An Iconic Figure in Campus Events and Traditions"
1. Emily - 2 stars - The Scripps college mascot is seriously lacking in creativity and originality. A simple squirrel? Really? It's such a cliché choice and doesn't represent the spirit and uniqueness of the college. I was expecting something more vibrant and powerful. It's a major letdown for the school's image.
2. Alex - 1 star - The Scripps college mascot is a complete joke. I mean, a squirrel? Seriously? It's such a ridiculous choice for a mascot. It's embarrassing when compared to the mascots of other colleges and universities. It's time for Scripps to step up and find a mascot that actually reflects the strength and values of the institution.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - The Scripps college mascot is simply uninspiring. A squirrel may be cute and all, but it's not exactly the most intimidating or impressive mascot choice. This decision only contributes to the perception that Scripps is a lesser college compared to its peers. It's disappointing to see such a lackluster representation of the school.