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Ruth A. Burns
Lady Ruth Burns 3.4.1912 - 3.1.2002 
Lady Ruth Burns, honorary life member of the Alumni Association and wife of former Principal of Lincoln College, Sir Malcolm Burns, died in Auckland on January 3, 2002.
Born in America in 1912 Ruth came to New Zealand as a young bride in 1936 and settled at Lincoln when her husband was appointed senior lecturer in soil science. Apart from a four-year stint in Auckland from 1949-52, Lady Burns had a continuing active involvement in the life of the College until her husband's retirement in 1974.
On January 29, 2002 a large gathering of friends, family, former and current staff and students filled Memorial Hall for a commemorative service. Present were Lady Burns' three children Elizabeth, Carolyn and Donald.
Paying tribute to Lady Burns, University Chancellor Margaret Austin said she had enormous presence, a sense of fun and a wonderful way with words. She was always interested, kind and compassionate and her grace and grooming commanded respect and admiration. She may have been Lady Burns by reason of her husband's position and accomplishments but she earned the accolade through her own achievements and the commitment she made in so many ways.
"Almost as soon as she arrived in New Zealand she joined the Federation of University Women and subsequently served as National Treasurer, President of the Canterbury Branch, then as National Vice-President and Archivist. Her commitment to graduate women was recognised with Honorary Membership in 1973. She was an active member of the Pan-Pacific and South-East Asia Women's Association and the first editor of its Journal."
Lady Burns also served as a Government appointee to UNESCO.
Ruth Burns will be forever remembered for championing the preservation and restoration of Ivey Hall. It was, Mrs Austin said, a consuming passion adding that the present library and the Ruth Burns Court in Ivey Hall were a testament to her energy and devotion.
The opening of the Library and the announcement of University status in 1989 gave her enormous pleasure and were the culmination of much work, research, writing, drawing and fundraising.
Referring to Lady Burns' involvement with students, her close friend, Mrs Grace Blair said many would remember the drama plays she produced, the costumes she created and the hours she spent tutoring students in the Lodge. A real highlight for her was the success of the four lads she coached in the New Zealand Drama Festival in 1961.
Ruth's paintings were all of a very high standard especially the large mural hanging in the Hilgendorf Building.
The Lincoln College Women's Group, another of Ruth's initiatives, provided an opportunity for the women of the College to meet regularly, be entertained in one way or another and welcome new-comers. "All were welcome- Ruth felt that equality was essential- each women having a right to her own identity and individuality unrelated to her husband's position.
"We all give thanks to God for the life, work and example of this wonderful lady. Lincoln was so fortunate in having her here," Mrs Blair said. (Obituary: 2002 Alumni News, Lincoln University, p37)