Elizabeth M. Ruane, M.Ed.
Philanthropist
Doctor of public service
Elizabeth M. Ruane, M.Ed. and her husband, Michael A. Ruane ’71, ’13Hon., have been among the college’s most generous benefactors. Their philanthropy enabled construction of the Ruane Center for the Humanities, which opened in 2013 as a home for the college’s signature Development of Western Civilization Program. They have supported academic excellence by providing scholarships for deserving students and endowing professorships. In addition, thanks to their support, the Ruane Friar Development Center was completed in 2018 as a state-of-the-art practice faculty for men’s basketball.
Born in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and raised in Swampscott, Mrs. Ruane graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1970, and earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, in 1978. Before the birth of her children, she was a special education teacher in Salem. The Ruanes decided early in their marriage to make Providence College a beneficiary of their philanthropy in appreciation for the scholarship the college awarded Mr. Ruane.
After Mrs. Ruane was diagnosed with Hurthle Cell thyroid cancer in 2004, she became a founding member and benefactor of the International Thyroid Oncology Group. The organization consists of world-renowned physicians, scientists, and advocates who collaborate on treatment and cures for the most challenging thyroid cancers. The Ruanes also are members of the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center Advisors and have funded two published papers on advances in thyroid cancer treatment. At the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, their philanthropy has enabled clinicians and scientists to provide care, pursue research, and train leaders in ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and head and neck surgery. Recognizing the importance of community hospitals, they also support Beverly Hospital in Massachusetts and Jupiter Medical Center in Florida.
The parents of three and the grandparents of seven, the Ruanes reside in Florida.
