Ruth Ann Knapp was born in Michigan. When she was very young, her family moved to a farm close to Melba, Idaho, where she grew up. She earned degrees in Music Education and Education from the University of Idaho in 1966.
After graduation Ruth Ann moved to Beaverton, Oregon to teach. After spending a summer at the National Music Camp in Interlochen, Michigan, she made the permanent move to Michigan. That move triggered a career in Saginaw Public Schools that lasted over 40 years and continues to this day as a volunteer school board member and leader.
Ruth Ann, like many educators, wore many hats throughout her career. She served as K-12 Music Coordinator, Fine Arts Coordinator and was involved in the Saginaw Education Association. She has twice served the Michigan Music Education Association as President and founded its Archives and Government Relations Program and worked with the Afro Academic Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics, all while continuing classroom education!
Some of her former pupils include Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors and professional football players — Lamarr Woodley, Ron Stanley and Tory Humphreys. A truly dedicated educator, Ruth Ann still stays in touch today with many of her former students — not just the household names!
Since her retirement from teaching in 2010, Ruth Ann has not slowed down — she continues to volunteer with the NAACP and served as 2nd Vice President and Education Chair. She is active with Michigan Scouting. She has served on her local school board, being elected as Treasurer and President, and is active as a board member of the Saginaw economic development organization. In 2022, Ruth Ann joined the Saginaw Intermediate School District Board (county-wide) that runs the Saginaw Career Complex, and Millet Learning Center for special education students. And she was appointed by the governor to the State Fire Safety Board, representing the Michigan Association of School Boards.
She’s been named the Administrator of the Year to the Michigan Youth Arts Festival, the Music Teacher of the Year and Award of Merit, Most Valued Member and Saginaw Hero award of the NAACP of Saginaw and was named the Michigan State Music Teacher of the Year—to name only a few.
Ruth Ann flies the Vandal flag out in Michigan, where she planted the Vandal Spirit black and gold irises that she received from a fundraiser for the U of I Arboretum some years ago. She also sews and uses Vandal fabric to make gifts for friends and family in Idaho and is a member of U of I's Heritage Society for including the university in her estate plans. Her car in Saginaw is adorned with a U of I decal. She attended her Golden I reunion in 2016 and participates as often as she can in U of I remote events.
Most recently, Ruth Ann donated a Besson euphonium to the U of I Lionel Hampton School of Music.
Thank you, Ruth Ann, for demonstrating what being a Vandal means day in and day out in and out of a classroom: sharing your passion, sharing your understanding and gift of music and for being generous with your time to countless students. The University of Idaho is very lucky to have you representing the Vandal Family in Michigan!
