A passion for education

Although Ruth Ann Bennett (1937 – 2020) was not an alumna of Idaho State University, she left a part of her legacy to the College of Business and several other universities and non-profits with which she was connected. Bennett, an alumna of Iowa State University, was the niece of Burton Albertson, who graduated from Idaho State University in 1924 with a degree in business education. Prior to her passing, Bennett contributed regularly to the Burton J. Albertson Memorial Scholarship, in addition to a second generous contribution to the scholarship in her will.

The Burton J. Albertson Memorial Scholarship was established in 1983 and benefits seniors or graduate students in the Idaho State University College of Business who have a financial need and a minimum GPA of 2.8.

Bennett was born in Hancock, Michigan to George Baggley and Herma Albertson Baggley, where her father managed the Isle Royale National Park. Bennett’s mother made history as the Park Service’s first female Ranger-Naturalist and co-authored the book “Plants of Yellowstone”.

After frequent moves and travels in her childhood, Bennett enrolled at Iowa State University, where she joined Delta Delta Delta and graduated in 1959 with a degree in institution management. After graduating, she began her successful career working in school food services in the Washington and California regions.

Bennett was quick to strike up a conversation with anyone and so throughout her life made many friends and connections around the world, where she left lasting impressions and fond memories. She stayed close to her sorority sisters and joined the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), which supports the advancement of women through education, especially those at Cottey College in Missouri.

Bennett’s support of education extended beyond her passing, as she left her estate to numerous scholarships at various institutions and charities.

Ruth Ann (bottom row, second from the left) at a Tri Delta reunion in 1997.

“I had the privilege of meeting Ruth Ann in the fall of 2019,” said College of Business Director of Development Catherine Rider. “She immediately made me feel like a friend she’d known for years. She was warm, enthusiastic and a true philanthropist who left everything to scholarship funds and non-profit organizations that were meaningful to her. Ruth Ann’s gift to the Burton J. Albertson Memorial Scholarship will provide an additional $10,000 per year in scholarship funding for Idaho State students in perpetuity. We are so grateful to have been included in Ruth Ann’s plans, and to play a small role in her continuing legacy as a passionate advocate for education.”

Ruth Ann kept a bucket list of places she wanted to travel. Fortunately, she was able to cross most of those places off her list.