Providing 'Lift-Off' for Future Students

Since graduating, Dr. Susan Lovell McLaughlin '62 has returned to Scripps in various roles: professor, bride, volunteer, and camper. Each role has only deepened her connection to Scripps, moving her and her husband, John McLaughlin, to leave a percentage of their family trust estate to the College in gratitude for what she calls "the lift-off into a full and interesting life" that Scripps gave her.

That "lift-off" began when, after leaving Scripps with a psychology degree and passion for dance, Susan was invited to teach in Scripps' dance program for a semester. Inspired, she went on to obtain her master's from UCLA Department of Dance, specializing in dance/movement as a psychotherapeutic modality.

After working as a dance therapist in hospitals from New York to London and training UCLA graduate students for future careers in mental health, she returned to Claremont to pursue her doctorate (with many hours in the Scripps library!). In 1992, Susan earned her Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University, the same year she and John, a consultant in human capital management, were married in the Margaret Fowler Garden.

Those early days at Scripps continue to impact Susan's life and career. Now at her own psychological practice in Santa Monica, she continues to incorporate movement and non-verbal processes into her treatment. She also continues to share her gifts with us, having returned to Scripps many times to teach seminars and inspire our students.

Leaving a bequest for Scripps, like Susan and John have done, is a simple and powerful way to show your gratitude for your own life "lift-off." By leaving a percentage of your estate to Scripps in your will or living trust, you create a legacy of support for the many generations who'll pass through Honnold Gate toward their own "full and interesting" futures.

Contact the Office of Gift Planning at giftplanning@scrippscollege.edu or (909) 621-8400 to learn more about creating your legacy at Scripps.