Friends and Family of Dr. Ruth I. Walker

A native of Michigan, Ruth Walker earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1926. She came to Milwaukee in 1931 as a botany instructor at the former University of Wisconsin Extension Center. Following the merger of the Milwaukee Extension and Wisconsin State College, which created UWM in 1956, Dr. Walker served as Chair of the Botany Department until 1960. Throughout her career, Dr. Walker was devoted to teaching, research, and service to the University. She was internationally recognized for her research in cytology and embryo development. Upon her death in 1962, friends and colleagues established the Ruth I. Walker Memorial Scholarship Fund. In 1990, the Walker Fund was significantly enhanced by a gift from the estate of her sister, Jessie M. Walker.