2003 Distinguished Alumni College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences Sarah Rippy '98, Theater Arts "Service to, support of, and facilitator of others."

Sarah Rippy is a faithful supporter of Cal Poly Pomona's theatrical arts. She remains involved with the theatre department's costume design program and has donated her time and resources by keeping the theatre staff informed of special discounts on machinery and fabric.

Her contributions with the university have been recognized in many ways. Her college has bestowed her with an Outstanding Alumni Award and an Award of Special Recognition.

"I credit all of the people in the theatre department with influencing me, most of all: Bob Gilbert, Kathy Waln, Bill Morse, Joyce Ehrenberg and Dennis Logan." Rippy says. "These people are much more than instructors and professors-they are friends and mentors."

Sarah Rippy's contribution to Cal Poly Pomona has left a lasting impact on her alma mater. Her gift of $5,000 allowed the Terry Gullo Memorial Scholarship to become an endowed scholarship.

"Sarah speaks highly of the education she received at Cal Poly Pomona and is proud of the knowledge and life-skills she gained through her major in theatre," says Barbara Way, CLASS dean.

After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona, Rippy pursued a master's degree at Chapman University in organizational leadership in preparation for the role of President and CEO of Fred R. Rippy, Inc., her late father's engineering company.

Rippy's work philosophy is "service to, support of, and facilitator for others," an idea that has led her into leadership roles beyond Cal Poly Pomona and into her community. She has devoted herself to the Whittier Area Literary Council where she serves as tutor, member of the board of directors, office manager and newsletter editor. She subsequently received the Five-Year Volunteer Service Award for her work with the council.

She has been on the board of directors and assisted in fund-raising for the Ruth B. Shannon Center for Performing Arts at Whittier College. Rippy also has served as a youth camp counselor for the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ and has assisted Habitat for Humanity in building homes for disadvantaged families in her community.

Rippy enjoys reading and traveling and says she is passionate about Hawaii because it is a place where she can renew her spirit.