Family and Friends of Ruth A. Wallinger

Family and friends established the Ruth A. Wallinger Leadership Studies Scholarship to honor her thirty-five years of service to Frostburg State University students. In many ways her life reflected her commitment to the “servant leader” model. We can think of no better way to honor that memory than to set criteria for the scholarship that reflect her personal, professional and educational values. Specifically:

• Declared Minor in Leadership Studies: Ruth was instrumental in developing the interdisciplinary program and served as the first Coordinator. She was a model of the ability to work cooperatively with faculty from different disciplines as well as administrators from Student Affairs. Together, these varied educational professionals designed a program that truly integrated academic and experiential leadership development.
• Completion of 60 Credits / Junior Status: Ruth was goal driven and admired that quality in others, especially students. She wanted students to have identified educational goals, with a major and at least one minor firmly chosen and on their way to achievement.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA: Students in Ruth Wallinger’s classes knew there was no such thing as an “Easy A.” They knew (or soon learned) that a grade on an assignment or in the course was something they earned, not something she gave to them as a gift.
• Participation in Leadership and Community Service Activities: Her life reflected her commitment to the “servant leader” model of leadership. In both professional and personal life she led, not by “commanding” or “enforcing,” but by example, wise counsel, strong communication skills, and service. She practiced that model as a parent, as a program coordinator, as a member and officer of committees in her church and community.
• Financial Need: While never living in poverty, neither did she grow up or live in the lap of luxury. While in high school she worked afternoons and weekends in the family grocery store. She helped fund hear undergraduate education at Valparaiso University through scholarships and working as an R A. Graduate teaching assistantships funded graduate work at Colorado State University and the University of Utah. In short, some form of institutional aid enabled her higher education.

In summary, this scholarship honors not only Ruth A. Wallinger’s thirty-five years of service to FSU, it honors her life of servant leadership, community service, high academic standards and respect for student financial needs.