A graduate of USF and a member of the USF Libraries Advisory Board, Coleman published a five-book series about the Coleman family. This extensive project grew out of her USF education that motivated her to pursue a course on “Writing Your Life,” in an effort to pass down family stories to her children after her husband died. Over the years she has sold real estate, raised a family and continued to volunteer in her community, but considers her contributions to USF among her greatest privileges.
Ruth Coleman found a way to translate her passion for books and writing into support for something else she loves…the USF Libraries. She established The Coleman Award for Excellence in Short Fiction Writing and Special Collections to encourage and reward USF writing students. A remainder trust gift will support the Children’s and Young Adult Literature Collection so that these resources will continually be available for reading and research.
“I always loved to read and write, and was encouraged in a class at USF to expand my writing,” said Coleman. “Now I get to encourage other students in the same way.”
