Ruth Colvin, the esteemed founder of Literacy Volunteers of America, passed away at the age of 107 on August 18, 2024, at her home in Syracuse, New York. Ruth dedicated her life to improving literacy rates, creating a legacy that has impacted millions worldwide.
With no prior teaching experience, Ruth began her journey in the early 1960s by launching a tutoring service from her basement to address the low literacy rates in her community. This initiative eventually grew into Literacy Volunteers of America, a nonprofit organization that has taught countless individuals to read and write.
Ruth Colvin’s work was deeply personal and driven by her interactions with people from all walks of life. One of her first students was a Black pastor from the segregated South, who, despite memorizing Bible verses for his sermons, sought to learn to read and write to enhance his abilities. This experience fueled Ruth’s commitment to literacy and inspired her to recruit volunteers and expand her efforts.
By the 1990s, Literacy Volunteers of America had established over 450 chapters in the United States and initiated literacy programs in approximately twenty other countries. Ruth, along with her husband, Robert, dedicated themselves to overseeing the establishment of literacy centers worldwide, contributing to the creation of educational resources in various languages.
Ruth’s contributions were recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President George W. Bush in 2006. Despite her many accolades, Ruth remained focused on the people she helped, often sharing stories of her students, like the Haitian schoolgirls who gifted her a straw hat with her name embroidered on it.
Tributes to Ruth Colvin have poured in from across the globe. The New York State Attorney General, Letitia James, described Ruth as "a giant who dedicated herself to improving the lives of millions through literacy." Kathy Eason, expressing her gratitude on Facebook, wrote, "So thankful for her. May she rest in peace."
Ruth Colvin’s legacy as a champion of literacy will continue to inspire generations to come, leaving an indelible mark on communities worldwide.