Ruth S. Harley ('24, '50 (Hon.), matriarch of the Adelphi community for more than 85 years, passed away July 4 at the age of 103. At this difficult time, the university reflects on the leadership, kindness and devotion to other people that made this woman so unique.

Upon entering Adelphi University as a freshman in 1920, Dr. Harley immediately became involved in a number of activities, such as the basketball team, student government and orchestra, and her commitment to Adelphi only increased as the years passed. After graduation, she worked for the university in a number of positions: secretary to the dean, registrar and eventually the dean of women, a post she held from 1942 until her retirement in 1970.

Her ties to the university didn't end with her retirement; Dr. Harley continued to serve her alma mater as an active member of the Adelphi Alumni Association Board, the President's Advisory Council and the Friends of the Adelphi Library. Although her busy schedule also included participation in her church, the Garden City community and professional organizations, this ever-lively woman still found time to enjoy her favorite hobbies of travel, gardening, jewelry making and crocheting.

"I am grateful to have known Ruth and will always remember her spirit and devotion to the university and the community," Adelphi President Dr. Robert Scott said. "Ruth had a tremendous impact on higher education and the lives of many Adelphi alumni. For more than eight decades, she inspired students, faculty and administrators."

Dr. Harley's seemingly endless supply of dedication to others has been honored through many fitting awards, including her receipt of Adelphi's Paul Dawson Eddy Distinguished Service Award in 1967 and the Zonta Club of Long Island's Woman of the Year Award in 1992 and being named Dean Emerita in 1970. Her name and memory were immortalized within the Adelphi community through the establishment of the Ruth S. Harley Endowed Scholarship, the Ruth S. Harley Society and the Ruth S. Harley Award for Distinguished Achievement presented to a deserving alumnae at graduation. In addition, she was such a dedicated student advocate that in 1972, the University Center was named in her honor.

"One of the reasons I've lasted this long with Adelphi is because I really love people," Dr. Harley said when interviewed just before her 100th birthday. Indeed, that love of people was constantly made evident in what became one of her trademarks - her uncanny ability to never forget a name or a face.

The number of lives Ruth S. Harley has touched throughout her years at the university is immeasurable, cementing her legacy in Adelphi history for all time.