Grace Ruth
Grace Ruth was a life-long resident of Youngstown, Ohio.
Her dream was to attend college and ultimately become a
lawyer; however, this dream was cut short by her father’s
untimely death.
She was an avid reader, exceptionally bright and very intelli-
gent, graduating from high school in just two years, ranking
third in an Ohio math contest, and being a consummate
writer. She used her latter skills to edit three of her grandchil-
dren’s papers while they attended YSU -Linda Reeder (B.S. in
BA 1979; M.B.A. 1981 ); Robert Reeder (B.S. 1981) and
Brian Reeder (B.S. 1983).
Grace gave much of herself to others and the Youngstown
community. She tutored underprivileged students, taught
Sunday School at John Knox Presbyterian Church, was the
President of the PT A at Garfield and Williamson Elementary
Schools, and was a Cub Scout Den Mother. She exemplified
her lifelong motto – “Always treat others the way you would
like to be treated.” Grace supported civil rights long before
the protests of the l960’s, gave generously to, among other
charities aimed at helping the poor, the Rescue Mission, Vol-
unteers of America, and the Red Cross, and always was quick
to lend a helping hand to another.
The Grace Ruth Professor
The Grace Ruth Endowed Professorship requires that applicants meet the following criteria:
This position of academic teaching, research/scholarship and professional service which includes a salary and administrative support stipend will:
- Teach in the undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Maintain an active agenda in research and scholarship, including but not limited to writing books, short stories, and other literature, professional presentations and journal publications.
- Be a nationally recognized English scholar of good moral character.
- Maintain active involvement in their profession at the national, regional and local levels
- Demonstrate active involvement in the activities that increase the visibility of and support the goals of their respective college and YSU. Be chosen by and assumed duties as assigned by the Provost and the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, after discussion with Robert W. Reeder III or his successor designated in writing (and subsequent successors specified by the predecessors in writing, it being understood that each successor may designate another successor so long as the Professorship exists).
Dr. Laura L. Beadling was chosen as the inaugural Grace Ruth Professor in English.