Dear Members of the Scripps College Community,

As a community, we are saddened by the horrific bombing yesterday at the Boston Marathon.

While Scripps has not received any reports of current students, faculty, staff, alumnae, or friends injured at the marathon, a tragic event of this magnitude can impact us in a variety of ways. Some of us may be disoriented as we process what happened and learn more details. If you are worried about friends and loved ones, or if you are having difficulty with the disturbing news, please speak with someone in the Dean of Students Office, the Chaplains at McAlister Center, or the Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services (Tranquada Center) for support.

At this time, our thoughts are with the people of Boston and all those who have been affected by yesterday’s terrible act. We salute the many first responders and civilians who showed courage in the face of danger and acted to help the many wounded.

Sincerely,
Lori Bettison-Varga

Congratulations to Danica Patrick, who yesterday won the pole position for NASCAR’s upcoming Daytona 500, with a lap at 196.434 mpg. She is the first woman in the history of NASCAR to win the pole for any race.

After the race, Patrick said on CNN: “I’ve heard stories about a kid, a boy or a girl, saying, ‘But mommy, daddy. That’s a girl that’s out there racing.’ And then they can have that conversation to say, ‘You can do anything you want to do and gender doesn’t matter.’ Your passion is what matters. And that’s cool.”

I couldn’t say it better myself.

Let’s cheer on the women who continue to break barriers—and wish Patrick the best of luck this coming Sunday in what’s considered the Super Bowl of NASCAR.