Couple Honors Springfield College with $2.4 Million gift

In support of the Advancing Humanics Campaign, Sherry and Bill Ruth, of the class of 1974, are creating a legacy that matches their decorated careers as teachers and coaches.

Both Sherry Kopko Ruth ’74 and Bill Ruth ’74 knew from an early age they had a passion for careers in physical education and health education, and they strived to assist with teaching and coaching youth. 

“At their core, Bill and Sherry are true educators who have given their lives to the betterment of others. Their passion for Springfield College and making an impact through their efforts as teachers and coaches make them a prime example of leading in service to others and being guided by our Humanics spirit.”

Springfield College President Mary-Beth A. Cooper, PhD, DM

Born and raised only seventy-five miles apart in small towns in Pennsylvania, it was Sherry and Bill’s journey to Springfield College that allowed them to find each other and build a life together that has been focused on mentoring youth and promoting a healthy, well-balanced life.

“We were both competitive swimmers, and it’s amazing to look back and realize that we attended so many of the same swim meets when we were kids, starting at ten years old,” explained Sherry. “But at Springfield College, we started an amazing life together.”

Both Sherry and Bill learned at an early age that Springfield College was the perfect fit for them. By the age of eight, Sherry knew she wanted a career as a physical education teacher. “As I got older, I knew Springfield College was the best school to attend to get a degree in physical education,” explained Sherry.

Bill was thirteen when he witnessed a presentation by long-standing Springfield College swimming coach and faculty member Charles “Red” Silvia ’34, G’40 and alumnus Bill Yorzyk ’54. “I wanted to swim for the best, and Coach Silvia and Bill Yorzyk were the best,” he said. “I also swam the butterfly, so of course I wanted to swim at Springfield knowing Yorzyk was an Olympic gold medalist, the first gold medalist in butterfly, when he won it in 1956.”

Both Sherry and Bill were All-America swimmers during their time on Alden Street. They would go on to have decorated careers as teachers and coaches, combining for nine Who’s Who of American Teachers and Educators recognitions while mentoring countless students and athletes.

Bill worked as a physical education teacher and cross country and swim coach for more than thirty years at the same high school he graduated from in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. “Working at the high school level was the perfect fit for me because that’s when you can really have any impact on an individual’s life,” said Bill. 

Sherry’s teaching and coaching career spanned more than sixteen years at the middle school level. In addition, she coached swimming at the Allentown YMCA, and both Sherry and Bill helped start up the Bethlehem Aquatic Club.

Paying it forward

In support of the Advancing Humanics Campaign, Sherry and Bill recently made a significant contribution of $2.4 million to the College, which will help propel the College’s mission to even greater heights.

“The best ‘personal’ benefit that Springfield College provided for us is that we found each other the second day of freshman week — and that chance meeting has given us a wonderful fifty-three years together, both personally and professionally,” said both Sherry and Bill, who now reside in Colorado.

Living a healthy life and promoting the importance of physical education has been at the centerpiece of their life together. Bill and Sherry have both trained and competed in competitive triathlons together, with Sherry also competing in national body-building exhibitions.

“The education and positive experiences we had at Springfield College have transcended every aspect of our lives to make it happy and fulfilling. We will be forever grateful for that,” added Sherry and Bill.

The $2.4 million gift reinforces the College’s commitment to providing a transformative educational experience to its students. Springfield College has long been recognized for its unwavering dedication to fostering social responsibility and creating leaders who are not only accomplished in their fields, but also driven by empathy and service.

In fact, Bill recaps that the second proudest moment of his life was being inducted into the Springfield Athletics Hall of Fame, but the proudest was surprising Sherry in having a scholarship awarded annually to a Springfield College student named in her honor. 

“We are humbled and deeply grateful for this remarkable gift, which will be transformative in the lives of future Springfield College students,” said Springfield College President Mary-Beth A. Cooper, PhD, DM, who surprised Bill and Sherry in Colorado with a visit in July 2023. “At their core, Bill and Sherry are true educators who have given their lives to the betterment of others. Their passion for Springfield College and making an impact through their efforts as teachers and coaches make them a prime example of leading in service to others and being guided by our Humanics spirit.”

The Ruth’s contribution stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of giving and philanthropy, and reinforces the critical role that private support plays in the growth and success of higher education institutions like Springfield College.

“Upon reflecting on the people, places, and experiences that have shaped how we have been able to live our lives, Springfield College is at the top of our list,” said Sherry. “The Springfield College community and its mission needs alumni support, to whatever degree, in whatever way, to ensure that the College can continue to produce the quality people and professionals that truly make a positive difference in the world.”

And throughout their impressive careers, both Sherry and Bill made sure to bring the lessons they learned at Springfield out into their communities.

“At Springfield College, individuals support each other and encourage each other to accomplish great things,” concluded Sherry. “It’s that culture of togetherness and family that we always felt at Springfield, and for more than forty years in our careers, we always wanted the youth we were leading to feel that same type of togetherness and family. To both Bill and I, that’s what makes Springfield College really special, that sense of togetherness and family that lasts a lifetime.”