Ruth Arviso, 2008 Jack Kent Cooke Scholar: A Double Major Graduate Works Doubly Hard to Help Others

In the fall of 2008, Ruth Arviso will begin working toward a PhD in psychology at the New School for Social Research in New York. Ruth, a non-traditional age student, majored in Organizational Studies and Political Psychology (Honors) at Pitzer.

“I plan to commit my life to inspiring despondent members of marginalized populations to realize their potential through overcoming personal and social obstacles. We sometimes need to be reminded of the powerful human spirit within us—and with this awareness we can empower ourselves to reach our God given potential,” Ruth said.

According to the Pitzer nomination committee who recommended Ruth, her work with small grass-root agencies in California, and later with the NAACP, has focused on providing communities with the type of skills and opportunities that will enable them to achieve goals not typically associated with marginalized communities. In all her activities, both community-based and academic, she brings an extraordinary passion to all that she does.

Prior to arriving at Pitzer, Ruth worked for non-government agencies and worked in the community. She served as a Commission Member for the Northwest Commission for the City of Pasadena, which is a monitoring body for the Northwest Community. She also worked as a Program Manager for El Centro, an active grassroots community organization in Pasadena that provides services to thousands of families and individuals each year, from all backgrounds and ethnicities.

“Professor of Political Studies Dan Ward helped me identify the academic field that best aligned with my personal aspirations,” Ruth said. Professor of Organizational Studies Kate Rogers served as Ruth's advisor and mentor.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is a private, independent foundation established in 2000 through the will of Jack Kent Cooke. When he died on April 6, 1997, Mr. Cooke left most of his fortune to establish the Foundation.

For more information, visit the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.

06/24/2008