Ruth Altheim has a passion to share life and is inspired by her belief that education has the power to shape and change lives. Beginning 14 years ago, Ruth was able to connect with George Mason University’s senior auditor program. This program is a benefit for Virginia residents 60 years of age or older to attend classes as non-degree students without fees, and to the disappointment of some, without grades.
Ruth has always desired to be a lifelong learner. George Mason has given her educational opportunities that did not exist or were not part of her liberal arts education in Brooklyn, New York. Graduating from high school at 16 years old, Ruth was determined to live on her own, away from stressful circumstances. Her college education was gained through personal sacrifice as she worked full-time to afford tuition and attend classes at night. Ruth, now retired, fuels her love for connection and connecting others through George Mason’s auditing program where she has taken more than thirty classes in the humanities and social sciences and in music appreciation.
"I learned that intense study provides excitement,” said Ruth. “It satisfies a deep curiosity about the world, gives me hope, and shoves aside feelings of isolation and aloneness. These endeavors sustain and inspire me."
For Ruth, what she gains from auditing classes at George Mason speaks to the core of our human existence. This is what has moved her to establish a planned gift to benefit both George Mason’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Reva and Sid Dewberry School of Music.
Her sentiment speaks to our university’s commitment to provide transformational learning experiences to help students grow as individuals, scholars, and professionals—at any and every starting point.
Ruth began her career as a teenager on Wall Street becoming a financial officer in advertising agencies on Madison Avenue and in Los Angeles.
Later she worked at Universal Studios in Burbank, California, and finally in Northern Virginia where she worked as a financial software consultant with General Electric Capital Consulting.
Her intentional effort to share support that will benefit future George Mason students and programs is a testimony to her personal mantra: “I am not done.”
Her pledge is received during the university's Mason Now: Power the Possible campaign and is a reflection that our community can help provide lasting support to our students and programs.
Ruth now spends time traveling, cultivating her blog, Creative Everyday, making art, and auditing courses at George Mason, of course.
George Mason University's Celebration of Giving event, December 2024.
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George Mason’s community of senior auditors meets each semester through Reflect and Connect events hosted by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Visit our website at to.gmu.edu/ReflectandConnect to learn about upcoming events.
Individuals who have included George Mason in their long-term financial or estate plans at any giving level are invited to join the university’s Legacy Society. To learn more about planned giving options with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, you can contact Eleanor Weis, senior director of development, at eweis2@gmu.edu.
June 06, 2025