Ruth Kern

Ruth Kern (1919-2010), a founding member of San Diego County Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation, generously supported the following scholarship programs.

  • Purdue University
  • Mesa College Foundation
  • San Diego County Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation

Kern_Elmer_Jr_and_RuthRuth was born in Denver, Colorado. She graduated from Proviso High School in Maywood, Illinois in 1937. In 1944, her only sibling, Elmer, graduated Purdue University. One year later Elmer was killed in action in World War II.

In 1946, Ruth and her family moved from Los Angeles to San Diego, where she worked at Pacific Bell until 1979. After retirement, she owned and operated a store in College Grove Shopping Center called La Columbiana Imports. After several years, she closed the store and devoted her free time to investing, philanthropy, and fundraising for many of the charitable organizations in which she was involved. She was passionate about helping students in need, and she was especially focused on creating scholarships for students.

Ruth’s Accomplishments

  • President of the San Diego County Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation
  • Founder of Dollars for Scholars
  • President of the Mesa College Foundation
  • Member of the National Business and Professional Women’s Club
  • Lifetime member of the Angels of Aseltine, supporting Aseltine School for children with special needs
  • First woman president of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, and the first woman to hold such a title of any chamber in San Diego County (1971)
  • Held a degree in music
  • Classical pianist
  • Soprano with the North Hollywood Methodist Church choir
  • Conductor of the Telco Carolers
  • Conductor of the Point Loma Methodist Church choir

Through Ruth’s efforts and generosity, thousands of college students have received financial support. Ruth’s vision continues to guide San Diego County Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation today.