In memory of this friend and colleague (1920-1984), the O. Ruth McQuown Scholarship Award has been established to aid scholars who best exemplify her values, achievements and commitment to social issues (including addressing issues and fostering opportunities for women, racial minorities and those of low socio-economic background).
These scholarships are made possible through the private donations of numerous friends of O. Ruth McQuown, the estate of O. Ruth McQuown and of her sister, Johanna Watts, and matching funds from the State of Florida.
Each awardee’s name will be inscribed on a plaque that will be displayed in Center for Women’s Studies and Gender Research in Ustler Hall.
The McQuown awards will be made on a competitive basis to students in the fields of Humanities (e.g., Classics, English, History, Philosophy, Religion and Languages), Social Sciences (e.g., Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology), Individual Interdisciplinary Studies (that include social sciences or humanities) and Women’s Studies.
For further information contact:
Jane Santos
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
PO Box 117300
Gainesville, FL 32611
Phone: (352) 392-2230
Fax: (352) 392-3584
Email: jane.santos@ufl.edu
About Dr. McQuown
To those who had the privilege of knowing Dr. O. Ruth McQuown, she is remembered as follows:
- An outstanding student of Political Science both at the University of Kentucky from which she received her bachelor’s degree with honors in 1942 and at the University of Florida from which she received her doctorate in 1961.
- An active professional colleague who taught convincingly, did research on urban politics administration, published, and often served as a consultant on government policies.
- One of the first women to become a dean at the University of Florida.
- A female faculty member who asked the question, “Why can’t women belong to Blue Key?” and then proceeded to work on the answer; in 1978 she was awarded the Florida Blue Key Distinguished Faculty Award.
- An administrator with a rare combination of competence and humanity.
- A human being with a marvelous infectious laugh.
- A Gainesville resident whose involvement in all aspects of local government where equal opportunity and fairness were issues was recognized by the Gainesville City Commissioners proclaiming special recognition to Dr. O. Ruth McQuown on August 6, 1984.