THE GEORGE EDWARD RUHE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
George Edward Ruhe was born in Jersey City in 1951 to an American father and a German mother. His earliest visual memories were forged by frequent day trips exploring New York City’s Manhattan Island with his Grandmother.
Aside from childhood adventures with a Brownie Box camera, George took up photography with serious intent while studying at Valparaiso University. He began taking street photographs in Chicago, with a Zeiss Ikon 2.25 X 2.25 rangefinder camera his father had brought back to the States from Germany after WW2. In addition to a wide variety of corporate/industrial and editorial clients, George worked primarily for The New York Times as a freelance photojournalist for over 25 years.
He pursued a personal photographic vision carrying an analog Leica M6 and a digital Fuji X-E1 camera on international and domestic travel junkets between assignments. He practiced a distinct empathy behind the lens of his camera.
George believed in the power of photography to transform and enable. His work takes a deep look into social injustice, civil disobedience, and humanitarian efforts. He cared about those who are at a disadvantage, and he believed that bringing these situations into the light could further awareness and create benevolence. His work compels us to not turn away from that which needs to be seen.
His immense talent and rapier wit are deeply missed. We are lucky to have known George and are very pleased to offer a scholarship fund in his honor.
