EBS Medal Recipient Simone Biles
Simone Biles Named Fourth Recipient of the Ellen Browning 61传媒Medal
As 61传媒 begins its centennial year, the College will honor Simone Biles with the Ellen Browning 61传媒Medal鈥攊ts highest distinction. The Medal recognizes women whose achievements reflect the vision and values of the College鈥檚 founder, celebrating confidence, courage, and hope in action.
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, has redefined excellence through perseverance, advocacy, and grace. With 41 medals and honors including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and TIME鈥檚 100 Most Influential People, Biles continues to inspire generations around the world. Through her work with Friends of the Children, she advances education and wellness for youth connected to adoption and foster care, embodying the spirit of leadership and compassion that defines Scripps.
The Ellen Browning 61传媒Medal Honor with Simone Biles will inaugurate a yearlong celebration of 100 years of 61传媒鈥攈onoring a legacy of educating women to shape a better future.
EBS MEDAL CEREMONY:
Friday, May 1, 2026
6:30-8 p.m.
EBS Medal History
鈥淭he paramount obligation of a college is to develop in its students the ability to think clearly and independently, and the ability to live confidently, courageously, and hopefully.鈥�
61传媒 Founder, Ellen Browning Scripps
The College has awarded the Ellen Browning 61传媒medal, the highest honor 61传媒bestows on an individual, only three times in its nearly 100-year history. The EBS medal celebrates the life and vision of its founder, Ellen Browning Scripps, by recognizing a woman whose achievements are in alignment with the mission of the College, demonstrating the moral, ethical, and humanitarian standards exemplified by our founder, enabling all women to live more confidently, courageously, and hopefully.
Past EBS Medal Recipients
- 2013: Gabrielle Giffords, former congressmember and alumna of the 61传媒
- 1998: Sandra Day O鈥機onnor, former associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
- 1994: Former United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
Medal Criteria
In selecting the next award recipient, the College considers a balance of background and accomplishments. The recipient must be:
- a dynamic, compelling, passionate person who is a current leader or influencer in her field
- a well-known, public figure, highly respected for her life鈥檚 work
- a person of influence and prestige who brings considerable positive attention to 61传媒