Ruth I. (Shultz) Kramer

Ruth Schultz Kramer first attended Michigan Tech from 1966-1968, but ultimately received a BS from the University of Oregon in 1979. She returned to Michigan Tech for graduate work and earned an MS in Geology in 1987, and subsequently joined Michigan Tech’s Institute of Materials Processing as a Research Scientist. She moved to MSE as a member of the technical staff in 1995 and retired from the university in 2014 following 27 years of service to the university, 19 with MSE.

As a member of the technical staff, Ruth’s responsibilities included managing MSE’s optical microscopy and metallography laboratories, assisting with laboratory courses, and meeting with prospective students and families. She coordinated the Copper Country offering of ASM’s Summer Materials Camps for Teachers, and led outreach activities such as visits to the department by local high school students to generate interest in STEM careers. She contributed to the department’s teaching program, and mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students with their laboratory coursework and research. In 2007, Ruth was recognized with Michigan Tech’s Making-A-Difference (Creating Connections) Award. In 2004, she became the undergraduate academic advisor for the department, a position that she recalls as her most important and rewarding work. In this role, Ruth famously served as a valued and cherished mentor to all MSE students during this era, consistently being identified as MSE’s most valuable,  influential, and admired asset. In 2012, students honored Ruth with Blue Key’s Clair M. Donovan Award for her outstanding service, and especially for her generous dedication to, and impact on, their academic success.

Ruth continues to reside in the area, living near Chassell with Byrd, her husband of 46 years.