91ΧΤΕΔ faculty, staff and students are mourning the loss of Ruth Bridges, Director of Student Life, who passed away Thursday, May 16.
Bridges, known as “Miss Ruth” to thousands of students, served 91ΧΤΕΔ for more than 40 years. As Director of Student Life, among her many responsibilities, she was the point person for all student organizations and hosted dozens of student activities each year, including the annual Fall Fest, which drew more than a thousand community members to campus in October.
“Miss Ruth was the heart of the 91ΧΤΕΔ campus,” said Dr. Christy Ponce, President of 91ΧΤΕΔ. “She was loved by everyone who met her. She served each student with a huge smile and her infectious laugh was heard everywhere she went. After COVID, she was so eager to see the students. She treated everyone like her own children and did anything for them. She was loved by all.”
Miss Ruth was famous on campus for setting up pop-up food tables – handing out free nachos, hot dogs, snow cones and popcorn to students, faculty and staff. She was a staple at all events, sharing the 91ΧΤΕΔ spirit and always encouraging students to succeed.
During her time at 91ΧΤΕΔ, Miss Ruth served as an admissions clerk, records coordinator, associate director of admissions. In September 2006, she accepted the position of Director of Student Life and Community Outreach.
Her service to 91ΧΤΕΔ was often a family affair. Her husband of 47 years, Selman Bridges Jr., was often on campus, helping his wife set up for events. During the Fall Festival, her children and grandchildren were on hand to help staff the event and then help in the clean-up. During a recent Board of Trustees meeting during which Miss Ruth was honored for her many years of service, the audience was full of family members, supporting their mother and grandmother.
“I miss her. We all miss her,” Ponce said. “Her absence is felt across campus and throughout the community, but her legacy for all that she did at 91ΧΤΕΔ and how she made people feel will go on forever.”
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Don D. Summers Funeral Chapel in Temple. Her official obituary is .