Ruth Swanson Berg, the 41st recipient of the VCSU Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumna Award, attended VCSU from 1938-1940 and later earned her bachelors degree at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. In 1945, she moved with her husband, Reuben, to Portland, OR, and spent five years teaching in the area of Speech Therapy. During the early 1950's Dr. Berg served as publicity director and speaker for the United Fund in Colorado Springs, CO. She also taught at Gogebic Junior College in Ironwood, MI. From 1955 to 1957, Dr. Berg served as speech therapist for the Vancouver (WA) Public Schools. While at Vancouver, Dr. Berg established a speech therapy department within the framework of special education. Dr. Berg earned a master's degree in education in 1957 and a master of arts in liberal studies in 1968. From 1967 to 1972 Dr. Berg taught at St. Martin's College where she became Chair of the Department of Psychology and was also elected teacher of the year. While at St. Martin's, Dr. Berg established a Ph.D. program at McChord Air Force Base. She was awarded a doctoral degree in 1977. From 1978 to 1984 Dr. Berg served as Director of Training for the Washing State Employment Security Department. In 1984 she formed her own business, consulting, speaking and trouble shooting for firms experiencing difficulties. As a featured speaker, she travels around the country reaching hundreds of audiences. During her college years at VCSU, Dr. Berg was a member of the Clionian Sorority and was active in the Debate Team.