In memoriam: Ruth Jackson

Ruth M. Jackson

All of us at ELI mourn the passing of our friend and colleague, Ruth M. Jackson, who died on November 4. A member of the faculty for over 18 years and the anchor of our advanced English for Academic Purposes program until her retirement in June, Ruth quickly gained a reputation as perhaps the most demanding teacher in the Institute—a reputation she wore as a badge of honor. There were many ELI students who groaned under the weight of Ruth’s assignments, only to return a semester after matriculating to thank her for having prepared them so well for the demands of degree work. Many alumni continue to write years after being in Ruth’s class to say they owe their degree, in part, to her strict but caring mentoring.

With over 40 publications, papers and professional presentations to her credit, Ruth brought innovation to the field of ESL through the use of film as a medium for cultivating critical thinking skills and as an advocate of the Strategic Interaction method, developed by Robert DiPietro, with whom she co-authored the book American Voices. She also served her profession as a key member of TESOL’s Socio-political concerns committee, and then as vice president, president and past president of our regional professional organization, PennTESOL-East.

But there was an artistic side to Ruth as well. A performer in local theater, she loved acting and possessed a true diva’s voice. She frequently used her talents to create memorable ELI graduation performances, often inspiring students to share their own gifts of music, dance or acting.

Ruth approached everything about her job with infectious enthusiasm and inspiring passion. The historian David McCullough once remarked, “Real success is finding your lifework in the work that you love.” Certainly this was true for Ruth. ELI was indeed Ruth’s lifework. She cared deeply about each and every student and believed fully in the life-transforming importance of the work that is done here. And because of that, she made a difference in the lives of both her students and her colleagues.

Memorial scholarship
A scholarship in memory of Ruth M. Jackson has been established through CHEP’s Development Office. The Ruth Jackson Memorial Scholarship will be given annually to a meritorious ELI student or applicant in need of financial support who is studying in our English for Academic Purposes program. Donations may be made by check payable to the University of Delaware. On the memo line, please write “Ruth Jackson Memorial Scholarship” and mail to:

Thank you.