Committed donor, volunteer receives alumni award

Jim-Ruck-80EVERETT, Wash. – Jim Ruck, retired engineer and production manager and active community volunteer, was honored Sunday, July 26, with the Washington State University Alumni Association (WSUAA) Alumni Achievement Award in recognition of six decades of dedication and service to WSU.

He and his wife, Lee Ruck, have been untiring advocates of their alma mater since they graduated in 1954. In 2000, they established graduate fellowships in chemistry and food science/human nutrition and were honored as benefactors of WSU. In 2008, they were recognized as Diamond Donors to mark five decades of support.

Jim Ruck earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from WSU in 1954. He is a longtime member of the WSU Libraries Council where he helped establish the Glenn Terrell Endowment of Excellence in Student Services and promoted purchase of the large-format scanner for archiving materials. For the College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences, he served on the National Campaign Steering Council 2013-15 and the National Board of Advisors in 2013.

Jim-and-Lee-Ruck-with-WSU-award-web
Jim Ruck, with wife Lee, was presented with the WSU Alumni Achievement Award at the July 26 Everett AquaSox minor league baseball game. (Photo courtesy of the Everett AquaSox)

The Rucks are life members of the WSUAA and participate in the Snohomish chapter. They have been WSU football season ticket holders for 19 years and financially supported construction of the new indoor practice facility.

Jim Ruck worked as an industrial engineer at Boeing in Everett, and in insurance sales and manufacturing before becoming production manager for the Washington State Department of Corrections at Monroe, Wash. While there, he supervised the dairy farm, print shops and manufacturing. He improved the technology for production of license plate tabs.

In addition to his service to WSU, Ruck serves his church on the board of trustees and finance committee. He was commissioner for 40 years in the Tillikum District, Mount Baker Council of Boy Scouts of America.

He has completed six marathons, including the 1989 Boston Marathon at age 60. He competed in the Everett 10K run in 2010 at age 81, coming in third among men 56 and older.

The WSUAA Alumni Achievement Award was created in 1970 by the WSUAA Board of Directors to recognize alumni who have given outstanding service to WSU and made contributions to their professions and communities. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Association. Of an estimated 250,000 students who have attended WSU, Ruck is the 515th Alumni Achievement Award recipient.

 

Contact:
Christina Parrish, WSU alumni engagement, 509-335-6907, parrishc@wsu.edu