Ruth Levinson's life-long work with and generosity toward CEHS remembered

19 Jun 2014     By Brad Stauffer

Ruth Diamond Levinson was one of those rare few who had her life's work figured out at a young age. She loved sports, being outside and always knew she wanted to be a physical education teacher. With her passion for physical education guiding her, she graduated from Lincoln High School, enrolled at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and in 1931 graduated with a degree in Physical Education.

Her first teaching job took her to the University of Omaha (now UNO). She developed the dance program and taught her students a love and appreciation of movement education. Professor Levinson was responsible for bringing touring dance companies to Omaha and implementing programs that were of interest to local Nebraskans. She has been called one of the pioneers of modern dance in Nebraska.

In 1942, World War II interrupted Ruth's teaching career. The Red Cross asked her to apply for a job overseas, and she traveled to war torn Bournemouth, England. She became assistant program director and provided “clean beds, something other than wartime food” and activity programs for GIs on leave. During one of those programs, a GI gave Ruth his jacket with his unit patch on the shoulder. Other soldiers contributed until the jacket and a skirt were completely covered with patches. She called it her “GI Josephine” outfit. It is on permanent display at the Nebraska Historical Society.

After the war, Ruth was reunited with Harry Levinson the “man of her dreams.” He had served in the Army in India and they corresponded throughout the war. The two were wed in 1946 and began a long, happy life together. The couple danced on many dance floors, traveled around the world and became loved and respected members of the Jewish community in Lincoln.

After they were married, the renowned physical education pioneer Mabel Lee hired Ruth as a professor at UNL. Throughout her career, she considered Miss Lee her mentor and role model. Ruth retired from UNL in 1973, after 22 years in the Physical Education Department. Even in retirement her love affair with physical activity and Nebraska continued. Ruth established a scholarship for dance students, and her most recent gift came just this year following her death. The gift helped pay for recent renovations in Henzlik Hall.

Ruth Diamond Levinson devoted her life to promoting healthy lifestyles and a spirit of philanthropy. These philosophies continue to inspire us. People like Levinson provide an example for keeping the College of Education and Human Sciences financially vibrant. For information on supporting CEHS through gifts to the University of Nebraska Foundation, please visit nufoundation.org.