Ruth Blake was one of Kansas City Music Foundation’s original founders, which makes her very special to us. Interestingly, Ruth received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1945 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She continued working on her Master’s in Economics but was not issued a degree due to the prejudices of the male professors who did not believe, at that time, women could understand economics. Several years passed and Ruth attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory and completed her Master’s in Music in 1954.

From then on, Ruth divided her interests between economics and music. She put her economic degree to work and started a real estate business, while teaching piano lessons at night. Over the years, and because of her interest in economics, she was sought after and served on many prestigious local boards.

She was instrumental in getting the Equal Rights Amendment passed in Missouri in 1982. In 2004, highlighting her passion for civic service, she was awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service by President George W. Bush.

Ruth taught music for over 35 years.

She was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity (SAI) for 70+ years.

The Kansas City Alumnae Chapter of SAI and the Kansas City Music Foundation honor Ruth with this scholarship in her name.