CWU To Honor Scholarship Efforts

April 22, 2004

Contact: Mark Anderson (509-963-1493/fax 509-963-2301/e-mail: andemark@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash.-- For Ruth Harrington, lunch must be her favorite meal. That's because she's been invited to lunch, sometimes more than once a week, for more than 30 years. But, as much as she likes her lunch, she likes to help Central Washington University students even more.

Harrington's brainchild "scholarship luncheons" have been collecting money over all of those years, enough to provide more than 700 CWU student scholarships. The current endowment is $258,000.

In 1973, Harrington, the wife of former CWU Provost Edward J. Harrington, invited friends to her home to consider an idea she had of having a lunch that combined university and community members as a way to enjoy good food and make new friends.

"I sensed a social coolness between the college and the town," recalls Harrington of that era. "So I set about to fix the problem. I saw this as a way to bridge the gap."

Hosting responsibilities would be rotated each month. The hostess would donate the food, with $1.50 asked of each luncheon participant. The proceeds would go to needy students at the then Central Washington State College.

Twenty-two women attended that first luncheon and liked her idea. In fact, they divided into groups, figuring they could invite more of their own friends, and decided on having their luncheons once a month.

At the end of the first year the program had grown from 22 members to 23 groups (12 in each) and had raised more the $2,700. Eight $300 scholarships were awarded.

A year later several additional brunch groups began - ideal for young moms who could get away while their children were in school - along with the first men's luncheon. Dinner groups then started along with groups for singles.

Special interest groups also formed, some lasting just a short time while others continue today. "It has reached the point where I eat out most everyday," Harrington points out.

Harrington reports there are now 65 groups - involving nearly 800 people - that meet every month. Newcomers are always welcome.

"It's a full-time job," Harrington says with a laugh, "but it's fun. The scholarship money is neat, but the friendships are even better. It's exciting!"

Over the years, the lunch tab has risen to $3.50. Some of the scholarships go to Kittitas County high school seniors who are planning to enroll at Central. They are based on need, scholarship and leadership. In addition, other scholarships are awarded to current CWU students, who are single parents and need financial help in finishing their degrees.

"We try to invite our recipients to visit one of the luncheon groups during the year so they can see how the money is raised," Harrington adds. "Several of our recipients and many of their family members have joined luncheon groups."

Harrington has at times considered retiring from her avocation, but the need for scholarships is still there, and that's what maintains her enthusiasm.

"Ruth is our 'Energizer Bunny,'" Jen Gray, CWU director of gift and estate planning, says. "She keeps going and going. She has more energy, perseverance and enthusiasm than anyone I have ever met. I don't know what motivates her, but I do know Central wouldn't be the same without her."

Her efforts have been noted through the years. In 1979, the CWU Chapter of the Phi Delta Kappa named Harrington "Outstanding Citizen of the Year." The Straight Arrow Pioneer Society (SAPS) presented her with their award for outstanding community service in 1984. In 1992, she received the "Diamond Award" from the American Freedom Foundation and the National Society of Fund Raising Executives also honored Harrington on National Philanthropy Day in 1993.

The next acknowledgement of her work will come Tuesday, May 4, at 6 p.m. in the Samuelson Union Building Ballroom, as CWU acknowledges the 30th anniversary of her luncheons by honoring Harrington through renaming the existing "Luncheon Scholarship" to the "Ruth Harrington Scholarship."

"We wanted to name a scholarship in her honor years ago," says Dr. Paul Baker, CWU vice president of university relations, "but, she just didn't want it that way."

The public event in Harrington's honor will include a pasta buffet. Tickets are $10. Advance purchase is required by Monday, April 26. To make a reservation, or for persons of disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-2764, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-2143.