Ruth Marshall

Born: April 22, 1940 Died: August 31, 1987 Education: BS MS -- University of Tennessee, Textiles and Clothing Ph.D. -- Pennsylvania State University, Home Economics Education Teaching Career.

For twenty-five years Ruth taught and mentored students. She began as a Home Economics Teacher at East Ridge Junior High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After that she held faculty positions at The University of Tennessee, Ohio State University, and Pennsylvania State University. In 1980 she accepted an assistant professorship in Textiles and Clothing at Iowa State University. She continued in that position until her death.

Publications: Unit Method of Clothing Construction (7th ed), co-authored with Phyllis Brackelsburg (Iowa State University) 1990. Honors and Awards: 1986 Omicron Nu National, Advisor Award of Excellence; 1976 American Home Economics Association- Outstanding Faculty; The Ohio State University, 1975; Alfred J. Wright Award for Outstanding Service to Student Organizations; The Ohio State University, 1974, College of Agriculture and Home Economics- Outstanding Service to Student Organizations; The Ohio State University, 1970, American Home Economics Association -Outstanding Faculty, The Ohio State University; 1967, Tennessee Home Economics Association, Outstanding Research Award.

The brochure announcing the Plaza of Heroines defined heroines as ". . . women who are admired and emulated for their achievements and qualities." We chose to honor Ruth Marshall because we believe she was an extraordinary example. Ruth's list of honors and awards spanning two decades speaks loudly of her commitment to and impact upon the university community. She believed in teachable moments. She understood that they did not always fit her schedule for the day but they were too important to be ignored.

Ruth also recognized that education is not confined to the four walls of a classroom and an eight to five regimen. She surrounded herself with the aura of a learning environment teaching students whenever and wherever they met her. Ruth's vita describes her professional teaching career and credentials. But Ruth was also a teacher in the laboratory of life.

Through her involvement in campus ministry at Collegiate United Methodist Church / Wesley Foundation she mentored many undergraduate and graduate students. They found in her a role model for putting faith into practice. In her memory the Campus Ministry Associate annually gives the Ruth Marshall Award to recognize other such members of the university community.

Ruth was a quiet heroine who probably did not realize the extent to which she was admired and emulated. With this brick we honor the contributions she made to our lives and many others.

3/14/95