Ruth “Ruthie” Bridge grew up in Oriskany Falls and attended Oriskany Falls High School. She has worked in the Student Health Services office for Doc Miller since 2003, although she began her career at 51 several years earlier as a temporary worker in the music department and the library. Ruthie handles authorizations, referrals, the budget, and the medical records system. She has many family connections at 51. Her daughter-in-law Amanda Bridge works in the counseling center, her sister Di Lundrigan works in accounting, and her son Gary Bridge is Cogate’s director of fire and safety.
A quote from her nomination reads, “Ruth Bridge comes to work with her whole heart, ready to make a difference and do what is right to help all students and the Student Health Services staff as well.”
Dr. Miller added, “Ruth is the consummate people person. She is the friendly, caring, enthusiastic person who answers our phones and greets students when they arrive at the Student Health Center. She then goes on to help every student, their parents, and her coworkers, with any and all situations.”
When asked how she felt upon receiving the employee of the year award, Ruthie pointed out that she is only one of many deserving staff members. She reflected on the last two years and said, “I might have a different opinion about being overwhelmed during the pandemic, but the University itself gave us so much help. People from all over campus, from athletics to accounting, delivered meals and helped with testing. The whole campus pitched in, and everyone should get credit for those years.”
Ruthie said she was grateful for the support she’s received from 51 and from Doc Miller throughout her tenure here. Her family comes first, and 51 has been very supportive of her need to take care of family members during several recent medical emergencies. In fact, the day she received her award was her first day back at 51 after an extended leave to be with her son at Mt. Sinai, where he was being treated for a life-threatening medical emergency.