In this issue:

Back

Vol. 3, No. 4 July 2007

FOUNDATION FACES

Kevin Ruegg , PhD CEO/Executive Director Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education

Vital Stats: Kevin Ruegg, 52, born & raised in the small town of Colwich, kansas. I have 10 children - I gave birth to 7 and 3 are the gift of my recent (4 years now) marriage to the love of my life - Gary Ruegg. The "kids" range from 19 to 33 and each make us very proud and grateful to call them ours. We also have 8 grandkids who fill our lives with laughter, games, and a constant reminder that we aren't as young as we once were! My education has overall been focused on business: I do have a minor in Theology, but a BS in Business, MA in Human Resource Development, and PhD in Applied Managment & Decision Sciences.

First/Most Interesting Jobs: The first job I had was helping my dad in his accounting business where his specialty was assisting the farmers who lived in our small town area. I remember sorting out receipts that were handed to him in multiple stuffed shoeboxes. My job was to read each receipt and put them in the categories he defined. When I got frustrated with the unorganized mounds of small pieces of papers, he would always remind me that we wouldn't make good Farmers so we shouldn't expect Farmers to be accountants.

The most interesting job is always the one I currently have and working at the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education is more than interesting: it is compelling. The legal profession has a dedication to justice that inspires anyone who has the opportunity to really observe the legal system. It is so clear, now that I see from the view of the Foundation window, that justice really starts with people having a 'voice.' The first voice must be their own. Each of us have to know what it means to be a citizen- to vote and live up to our rights and responsibilities of being a part of government or our country can't be 'for the people, by the people' - it needs each of us. The second voice needed is the learned voice in the justice system - when people face legal situations without adequate representation and preparation on their side, they are expecting the justice system to be balanced even though all the 'weight' is on the other side. As my dad taught me, you need to have the accountant representing the Farmer if you want fair treatment when it comes to taxes, and so it is with legal issues - you need legal representation if you want equal justice when it comes to legal issues. The Foundation works toward that end, we promote partnerships and offer technical & financial assistance to groups providing the voice in those two areas: teaching law-related education and offering legal services to those most in need

Hobbies/Favorite Pastime: As my "soap box" above might indicate, I really focus on the job I have - each is more of a mission for me and so each becomes my favorite pastime. I do love to write and of course, being with family is always the best of times. Life is just blessed and always seems to hold yet another wonder - I like discovering each one as I can.

Path to Philanthropy: In one of my past jobs, I ran a homeless shelter. A young couple with a baby was staying there and I observed the mom handing her last disposable diaper to another lady while saying, "we will get more before he (their baby) needs one and yours needs it now." I saw her husband break his last cigarette in two when another resident asked if he could borrow one. Witnessing these generous acts, I had to inquire as to why they were so willing to share. They responded, "You're only poor, if you have nothing to share." The wisdom of that couple has guided me to encourage giving because I know it is in the sharing that true wealth is recognized. Also, I was really gifted by many advisors while living in Omaha. Two of my strongest mentors also became my dearest of friends: Mary Heng Braun and Nancy Mammel taught me so much about philanthropy and really helped prepare me for my role here at the Foundation.

Current Position: CEO/Executive Director, Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education

Favorite Quote: “You're only poor, if you have nothing to share."