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The Cal State Â鶹´å community is paying the highest tribute to teacher, librarian, activist, mentor and community leader Helen B. Rucker, who passed away the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 19. 

Helen was a champion of education as a way of uplifting lives and was a devoted supporter and ally of Cal State Â鶹´å and its students. 

She and her late husband, James Rucker, an Army veteran who served at Fort Ord, donated annually to a scholarship fund beginning in 1998, and later established a permanent endowment to ensure continued support for future generations of students: the Platoon Sergeant James Rucker and Helen B. Rucker Scholarship.

Helen supported the creation of the Helen Rucker Center for Black Excellence in 2020, and the student center is a tribute to her extraordinary impact and enduring partnership with the campus.

In 2022, Â鶹´å awarded Helen an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of her tremendous contributions to education, equity and community service. 

“Personally, Helen was not only a mentor but also a profound influence in my life,” said Â鶹´å President Vanya Quiñones. “Through her words and actions, she showed me how one person can make a lasting difference simply by living with purpose and compassion each day. I looked up to her as both a guide and a role model, learning from her warmth, wisdom and unwavering strength. She had a rare ability to bring out the best in others, and her presence touched all of us in meaningful ways.”

Anyone wishing to honor her memory and support Â鶹´å in continuing her work is welcome to .