Uncrowned Community Builders

A native of Ellenville, New York, Ruth came to Buffalo to attend the University at Buffalo, which was a private institution. Following graduation from UB, her family told her that she could remain in Buffalo if she obtained employment. Opportunities in the mid- to late 1960s were limited to young woman of color, but sensing that job growth was possible at her alma mater, and being true to the advise of her elders in securing employment, Ruth began her long tenure at the University.

She is an administrator, involved in both University and community activities, and a political activist. In 1982, she was appointed Assistant Dean in the School of Architecture and Planning where she was responsible for all human resource-related activities as well as school-wide events. She was the first person of color to be elected Chair of the Professional Staff Senate (1988), the governing body for professionals at the University at Buffalo. She has served on university-wide committees including the Task Force on Women at UB, Faculty Senate Committee on Governance, and numerous search committees. She also has been active SUNY-wide in faculty governance.

Her community activities include the following: Board of Directors, The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo [Chair: Jan. 2001-Dec. 2002]; Chair, Board of Directors for the Reverend Dr. Bennett W. Smith, Sr., Family Life Center; and Chair, Board of Directors HELP, Buffalo and Community Advisor for Junior League of Buffalo. Other board memberships include Local Initiatives Support Corporation; Rental Assistance Corporation and Housing Development Corporation; and for nine years, United Way of New York State (Secretary, 1996-2000). Her immediate past board activities include: Education Fund for Greater Buffalo; Board of Trustees, Medaille College; Co-Chair, United Neighborhoods; the Erie County Cultural Resources Advisory Board; and the YWCA of Western New York. The YWCA, Everywoman Opportunity Center, National Conference, NAACP, Black Achievers, and the University at Buffalo have honored Ruth with awards for her community service.

A graduate of Leadership Buffalo Class of 1993, Ruth is a political activist having been elected a committee person and serves as a member of The Women's TAP Fund, a political action committee, which supports local women running for elective office. Her neighborhood involvement includes Chairperson of the Willert Park Village Community Association, a neighborhood that has won national awards for its redevelopment, and appointment by Mayor Anthony M. Masiello to chair the Ellicott District Planning Council in 2002, but due to time constraints, resigned in May 2003.

A founding member of the Buffalo Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Ms. Bryant believes one of her roles is to mentor and share her knowledge with others.

Ms. Bryant is an active member of St. John Baptist Church where she serves on numerous committees under the leadership of her pastor, Rev. Michael Chapman.

She is married to Earl M. Lynch and is the step parent to three adult children and step grandparent of Aisha, Aidan, and Lauryn.