Cerro Coso Community College is deeply saddened by the loss of Ruth Cooper. She was a founding member of the Fire Mountain Foundation now called the Cerro Coso Community College Foundation and was the first woman to serve as president serving on the board from 1977 to 2008. A visionary leader with a compassionate heart, Ruth cared deeply about the people of the Indian Wells Valley.
“It has been a great privilege to have worked with Ruth in many capacities over the years,” stated Cerro Coso President Jill Board. “Ruth was one of the most prominent and respected voices in support of education in the Indian Wells Valley. She strongly believed that higher education opens doors and opportunities to a better future. Her leadership and support helped shape the CCCC Foundation into what it is today. We will miss her tremendous contribution to the community, exemplary leadership, and dedication to the college.”
The CCCC Foundation is a vital support system for Cerro Coso students, providing valuable resources to help students complete their programs and succeed in their particular areas of study. Ruth led the organization with integrity and a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success. She was a trusted advisor and has been in the forefront as an advocate for the college.
We have lost not only one of the Foundation's founders and most faithful benefactors, but we have lost a most gifted leader whose success, generosity, service, integrity, and zest for life well lived should be an example for us all. Our hearts go out to her family and to the extended community of family and friends who held her dear.
