Distinguished Service Award (DSA) Ruth
Gerber Hiddleson ’58, Former Member of the
St. Olaf Alumni Board, College Volunteer Ruth Gerber Hiddleson ’58 has held many titles over the years, but perhaps she is best known to St. Olaf students as the “Pretzel Lady.” Hiddleson, who graduated with a B.A. degree in history, social studies education, and American racial and multicultural studies, dedicates much of her time to making sure Iowa Oles are well taken care of. A self-proclaimed “St. Olaf Contact Person,” Hiddleson is the woman behind the much-loved care packages of chocolate-filled pretzels that Oles frequently enjoy. Hiddleson and her husband Marv also host an annual fall picnic for new and returning Oles and their families in the Greater Des Moines area. The picnic helps introduce attendees to St. Olaf’s mission and assures new students that they have chosen the right place to spend their next four years. Many Des Moines-area high school students choose to attend St. Olaf with Hiddleson’s encouragement, and she keeps in touch with many Iowa students. In 2003 she and her husband Marv established the Ruth Gerber Hiddleson and Marvin Hiddleson Endowed Scholarship. Hiddleson also is a past member of the Alumni Board and is a Class Fund Agent for her 50th reunion. She also works closely with the Alumni & Parent Relations department on off-campus events. In addition to her lifelong dedication to St. Olaf, Hiddleson is an avid supporter of education. She was a high school teacher for several years and became involved in Alpha Delta Kappa, a 60-year-old international honorary society for female educators with an emphasis on educational excellence, altruism, and world understanding. Hiddleson has held leadership positions in this organization at all levels, from the local Des Moines chapter to the international level. Membership in Alpha Delta Kappa is by invitation only for women who have excelled in the education field as teachers, administrators, or other roles. Hiddleson has served as the organization’s Iowa State President, and she was also the vice president of the North Central Region, overseeing nine states and two Canadian provinces. She helps coordinate state conferences and conventions and has been a keynote speaker at such events. At the international level, Hiddleson was one of 23 members responsible for the 45,000 members of the organization. In this capacity, she helped other leaders set Alpha Delta Kappa’s goals and vision based on her analysis of member preferences and needs. She also served as the International Historian and as a Membership Consultant, focusing on recruitment and retention. Hiddleson is also actively involved in her Windsor Heights Lutheran Church congregation, serves as the wedding coordinator, and is a member of the church council as chairman of the Care and Nurture Committee. She founded and coordinates the “Joyful Travelers” program, which makes two to four daylong educational trips around the state each year. On these tours, congregation members develop a deeper understanding of the Iowa land, people and heritage. Hiddleson and her husband also volunteer at the Iowa Hall of Pride, she is a former docent at the Iowa Historical Society, and she is a member of the local Thrivent chapter board. Hiddleson lives by the motto: “To whom much is given, much is expected,” and her dedication to countless Oles, as well as to the advancement of education, is truly admirable. |
