Scripps College

The Opportunity

Amid a challenging pandemic year, Scripps partnered with SimpsonScarborough to tackle three key goals: solidify 2021 enrollment and yield, boost donor and alumnae engagement during their Day of Giving, and unveil a new institutional visual and verbal identity to support mission-critical initiatives. The stakes were high, but the opportunity? Immense.

The Insight

The legacy of Ellen Browning Scripps—a feminist, writer, traveler, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and tireless champion of women’s education—revealed an undeniable truth: Scripps College isn’t just an institution; it’s the modern woman’s college. Research and insights from its diverse community of anthropologists, astronomers, neuroscientists, writers, mathematicians, and economists crystallized the brand promise. Scripps College stood as a beacon for bright, earnest, brave, and selfless women, a realization that sparked our creative strategy.

The Solution

Drawing inspiration from this powerful legacy, we crafted a comprehensive brand strategy to resonate in a world transformed by 2020. Our process began with a deep dive into competitive and brand audits and extensive quantitative research with prospective students, current students, and alumni. This research informed our creation of a brand platform that was both modern and true to Scripps’ history. With custom creative concepts, refined brand guidelines, and a suite of communications and campaign strategies, we designed initiatives that extended from the Day of Giving microsite to tailored digital yield campaigns. Every element was crafted to showcase Scripps College as the ultimate destination for modern women ready to change society.

The Results

In a year where the pandemic redefined enrollment marketing and engagement, the new Scripps brand has proven to be a game changer. The campaign generated record-setting success, deepened connections with core constituents, and narrowed the gap between aspiration and resources.

This transformation is a testament to Scripps College’s enduring commitment to advancing the women who advance society, and to the power of a strategy built on legacy, research, and visionary storytelling.