Roosevelt Ruffin Symposium
The Roosevelt Ruffin Symposium was created to honor the legacy of local educator, community activist and leader, the late Roosevelt Ruffin. For years, whether in his role with the Saginaw Public Schools or during his time with SVSU, Roosevelt championed the importance of education. This is why SVSU is a proud sponsor and supporter of the Roosevelt Ruffin Symposium. Roosevelt lived the values and attributes SVSU holds in high regard: the life-altering significance of education, the celebration of diversity, leaership and the importance of giving back to your own community. Embodied in education is the power to becoming something more, something better. No one knew this better than Roosevelt. Middle school and high school studnets from the greater Saginaw area are invited to join professional faculty, staff and friends of SVSU at the Annual Roosevelt Ruffin Symposium. The day is filled with challenges, excitement and information centered on teacher education opportunities. The annual event is hosted by educators and professional from SVSU, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community Schools, Buena Vista School District, Carrollton Public Schools, Saginaw Public Schools, Saginaw Township Community Schools and Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity.
Program Highlights
This program is designed to enhance middle and high school students' awareness of:
- Teaching Careers
- Post Secondary Opportunities
- Collegiate Success
Dr. Roosevelt Ruffin
Dr. Roosevelt Ruffin was a true Renaissance man. He was an accomplished educator, author, lecturer, linguist, musician, historian, actor, athlete and community servant. Most of all, he was an outstanding human being, a kind and compassionate man always ready to lend a helping hand to friends and strangers alike. He was a role model for students and colleagues, displaying genuine compassion for all people, a zest for life and a commitment to his community. Ruffin cared deeply about education. A product of the Saginaw Public School District, he earned a doctorate from University of Michigan. He was a dedicated and talented secondary school administrator who served in the Saginaw Public School system for many years. At this time of his death in October 1994, Dr. Ruffin was Director of Multicultural Program/Affirmative Action at Saginaw Valley State University. In 1978, Ruffin wrote Black Presence in Saginaw: 1855-1900, the first book tracing the history and contributions of African Americans in the community. A humanitarian who fought quietly for racial equality, Ruffin communicated effectively across racial and generational lines. Following his death, The Saginaw News wrote: "Roosevelt Ruffin, for such a quiet man, had a voice that boomed across this community - and will echo long after his death."
For more information contact: Minority Student Services
Office: (989) 964-7090