Rosemary Gruber
Class of 1968
Awarded 2018

The Beloit College Alumni Association is pleased to award the Distinguished Service Citation to Rosemary Gruber, class of 1968, on this, her 50th reunion.

Rosemary has dedicated her life to the service of others. A member of the infamous first Beloit Plan class, she is used to quick turnarounds and jumping head first into whatever she does. In her three years at the college, she was a cheerleader, she met the love of her life, and she was president of her sorority Kappa Alpha Theta.

Post-Beloit, Rosemary channeled her energy and skills for organizing into community building and helping others. In 1985, she began her career as the development associate for United Arts, where she was responsible for soliciting gifts for the annual campaign for arts organizations in St. Paul, Minn. She then moved on to Children’s Hospitals and Clinics Foundation, securing the the first $1 million gift for the foundation.

By 1999, Rosemary was making her mark in the world of philanthropy. She took a job with the University of Minnesota. Undertaking fundraising efforts for the school’s foundation and Masonic Cancer Center, she was crucial in raising more than $53 million for cancer research. Those that know her say she processes a rare quality: authentic integrity. She doesn’t just raise money from others, she also practices what she preaches. She and husband, Donald’66, have generously donated to their alma mater, the YMCA, and a variety of local organizations.

For leading a fulfilling life marked by high achievement, personal responsibility, and public contribution-in other words, for living the mission of Beloit College-the Alumni Association is pleased to award Rosemary Gruber with its highest honor: the Distinguished Service Citation.