Photo by Krystal Hicks

As Coordinator for the Department of Education, it is up to Ruth Eurenius to make sure that certain events, such as the graduation ceremony for the students, goes off without a hitch. "I have to make sure we know who is graduating, see to it that they all get invitations, and plan the ceremony." Explains Ruth. She also deals with advising, supervision, scheduling, purchasing, telecommunications liaison, payroll, hiring, and publications within the department.

With eight years of advising and seven years of coordinating under her belt, Ruth enjoys her position within the UNH community. "I originally worked at Colby Sawyer College as a publications editor and I never got to see the students," says Ruth, "I realized that I needed that and applied for the advising position here. I'm fortunate it worked out. This is a really great department."

Dealing with students has definitely fulfilled a big part of her life, yet Ruth admits it's one of the more nerve-racking parts of her day. "I am very aware that students come to me for advice and they are investing a lot of time and money to be here so I want to be absolutely sure that what I'm telling them is accurate." states Ruth, "If I draw a blank on something I'll make some phone calls and double check. I'm conscious of that probably every second of the day."

If there's one thing Ruth is very open about, it's her admirable feelings towards her department and the university in general. "I think people are always going to find things to complain about, whether it's the parking or salaries, but for the most part, I'm just really glad I work here. The people are wonderful and if I ever need to talk about something, they listen." says Ruth. "With this campus, you really have something to feel proud of and it's tangible. In the big scheme of things, your job is important." She also loves the fact that any university staff member can take classes. "I definitely think it makes a person feel better and if someone feels better about themselves they are more apt to enjoy their job and do better."

One thing people might not know about Ruth is that, chronologically speaking, she chose to go about her college experience a little differently. "I pretty much did everything backwards." she laughs, "I got married after high school, had kids, and then later on, decided I wanted to go back and get a degree." As a non traditional student, Ruth found it difficult to get started, "Getting here was the hardest part," she remembers, "but once you get through the panic and the paperwork, you just keep putting one foot in front of the other. If you've got loans, then you just keep going."

Some of the most enjoyable times for Ruth during her under-grad years came while she was a work-study student with University Publications. "It was so exciting because people would encourage me to write, and then actually let me do it." she smiles, "I was eventually made Assistant Editor which was such an honor." While working for Publications, Ruth was highly galvanized to pursue grad school. "Mary Peterson was my supervisor and she was someone who really encouraged me to go." Tory Poulin, her academic advisor, was also a huge support system and after obtaining her English degree, Ruth continued on to receive her Masters.

When asked if there was anything she regretted not doing in life, Ruth didn't hesitate to reply. "I always dreamed of joining the Peace Corps." she reminisced "but I graduated, turned 40, and watched my son get married, all in one week. I really didn't know what was happening to me!" Unsure of whether or not she could walk away from everything for two years and still return and have a job, Ruth decided against her ambitions. "I think we've all had those fantasies before, you know? Save the world! Dig Ditches! I mean I couldn't even lift a shovel, but I'd be out there digging!" she laughs, "I'm a legend in my own mind."