Ruthie’s Light Scholarship
Remembering Ruth Elizabeth George
The Ruthie’s Light Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Ruth Elizabeth George by supporting a student who demonstrates academic excellence, perseverance and a genuine commitment to caring for and uplifting others.
Call to action
Remembering Ruth Elizabeth George
Ruth Elizabeth George, lovingly known as Ruthie, was a beloved daughter, devoted sister, loyal friend and dedicated student whose life was defined by compassion, kindness and an extraordinary ability to care for others.
Born on April 18, 2000, Ruthie brought warmth, laughter, intelligence and empathy to everyone fortunate enough to know her. She had a natural gift for making people feel valued, heard and supported. She was deeply sensitive to the struggles of those around her and often recognized when someone needed encouragement, comfort or simply a person who would listen.
Ruthie’s kindness was reflected in the way she treated others. She lifted others, offering comfort, understanding and hope in moments when it was needed most. Her presence created a sense of belonging and reassurance for those around her.
On November 23, 2019, Ruthie was sexually assaulted and murdered in a UIC campus parking garage. Her life was taken far too soon, leaving an immeasurable loss for her family, friends, and the many people who knew and loved her.
Yet Ruthie’s legacy continues.
The compassion she showed, the kindness she gave so freely and the love she shared with others continue to inspire those who remember her. Ruthie’s memory inspires others to recognize the needs of those around them, lead with compassion and make a difference through everyday acts of care and kindness.
Carrying Ruthie’s legacy forward
The Ruthie’s Light Scholarship was established to honor Ruthie’s life and the values she embodied. It reflects her belief in the importance of caring for others, supporting those around us and using our gifts to make a positive difference in the world.
Through the scholarship, Ruthie’s family and loved ones hope to carry forward the light she brought to others and inspire students to embody those same qualities in their academic, personal and professional lives.
About the scholarship
The Ruthie’s Light Scholarship recognizes a student who demonstrates:
- Academic excellence and a commitment to learning
- Discipline and perseverance in pursuing their goals
- Genuine care and kindness toward classmates and others
- A commitment to supporting and uplifting those around them
- Aspirations that extend beyond personal achievement and reflect a desire to contribute to the betterment of humanity
The scholarship honors students who understand that excellence is measured not only by achievement but also by how we treat others and the difference we make in our communities.
Support Ruthie’s light
You can help carry Ruthie’s legacy forward by supporting the Ruthie’s Light Scholarship Fund. Your gift can help provide an AHS student with financial support while honoring the qualities Ruthie embodied: compassion, kindness, perseverance and a commitment to uplifting others.