In a geological context, evolution is an exceedingly slow and gradual process. But evolution occurs at a much faster pace in UNLV's geoscience department. The story behind the Ruth Roark Scholarship shows how — and the two photos below say it all.
In the 1970s, Ruth Roark, pictured in the black-and-white photo with her UNLV geoscience colleagues, served as department secretary. She estimates that at the time, the department's faculty and student body were 95% male.
Fast forward to today and gender no longer defines the department's makeup.
The Ruth Roark Geoscience Scholarship was established earlier this year through a gift from her daughter-in-law, Jenny Lee, honoring Roark's 15 years of service to the department.
The scholarship was awarded this spring to two geoscience students: Brittany Meyers, who is pursuing a master's degree, and Ph.D. candidate Baylee Colburn. Roark said she was delighted to learn both recipients are women — something she couldn't have imagined when she worked in the department 50 years ago.
The second photo was taken in April at the UNLV Foundation Art of Scholarship reception. It shows Roark (left) with her daughter-in-law and scholarship donor, Jenny Lee; scholarship recipient Baylee Colburn (right); and College of Sciences Dean Eric Chronister (back).
Like her mother-in-law, Lee spent many years at UNLV. She is a triple alumna, earning a bachelor's in communication studies, a master's in business, and a JD. She said creating the scholarship was a way to honor Roark while giving back to the university that shaped both of their lives.
Lee plans to return to campus this fall to tour the planetary geology microscopy labs with her 4-year-old son, who is fascinated by planets and the solar system. She hopes the visit will inspire him to become a third-generation Lee/Roark Rebel.
