Ruth Tuttle Ackerman, Class of 1948, is being inducted posthumously into the Hall of Fame for her efforts, with her class, to start and maintain the Centennial Award, and her long service to the students of the district and community.
Ruth Tuttle Ackerman attended Rensselaer schools from kindergarten. She received top honors for the commercial program her senior year, which was also the 50th class to graduate from the district. Ruth especially enjoyed history class and was the recipient of the D.A.R. Award for Excellence in History.
After graduating from high school, Ruth married and worked in the library of Sterling-Winthrop, Inc. for a few years before staying home to raise her three children. From time to time, she would assist as a substitute librarian at the Rensselaer community library. Her love of reading and books somehow always directed her to libraries.
In 1965 she began her career with the Rensselaer City School District as assistant to the librarian at Van Rensselaer High School. At that time, the library also served as study hall. So besides helping students with selecting books and research projects, she also had the responsibility of making sure that the library remained a quiet place when it contained 35-40 students who were supposed to be studying. Some of her most memorable stories came from the antics of the students she was attempting to manage for 45 minutes in a non-classroom setting.
Ruth's children also attended Van Rensselaer, so she was always involved in assisting with school activities such as chaperoning cheerleaders, band members and class trips. She was the recipient of a lifetime membership to the Van Rensselaer PTO for her years of service.
After several years of working in the library Ruth secured a year-round position as administrative assistant in the Superintendent's office. Ruth found her true passion in this job since one of the tasks was to assist with the Committee on Special Education (CSE). She became a passionate advocate for students with special needs, assisting them in obtaining necessary accommodations for maximum learning. Her passion for advocacy was passed down to two of her grandchildren as one is a special education teacher and another a school psychologist.
In 1992 Ruth retired from the district after 32 years of service. In her retirement she was able to spend more time with her 11 grandchildren and find more time to read and travel. Ruth also was a very active member of the Van Rensselaer Star Chapter #256, Order of the Eastern Star, and held various offices within the charitable organization. Ruth also worked hard fund raising with her class to be able to start and maintain the Centennial Award, which became two $500 awards to graduating seniors meeting specific criteria. This award has continued with the help of the Alumni Association, and in particular, her son Robert, who is also being inducted tonight. Until her death in 2004, Ruth participated on the review committee to determine the two recipients of this award. Ruth was truly an advocate for excellence in education.
Ruth was nominated by her daughter, Nancy Ackerman Schroeder '68 who lives in Castleton with her husband Dave, also an alumnus of the class of 1966.
