The Common Good honored Ruth Gruber with the American Spirit Award. Catherine Crier served as the evening's emcee and Ann Curry presented the award. The event was hosted by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Catherine Keener, Kelly Klein, Barbara Kopple, Former First Lady of New York Michelle Paige Paterson, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Bob Richman, Rachel Roy, and Naomi Wolf. Other VIP guests included: Lola Astanova, Debbie Bancroft, Kathleen Chalfant, Henry Chalfant, Rita Cosby, Dr. Lewis M. Feder, Rachel Lee Hovnanian, Ara Hovnanian and Lynne White.
There was also a special screening of “Ahead of Time”. Born in Brooklyn in 1911, Ruth Gruber became the youngest PhD in the world before going on to become an international foreign correspondent and photojournalist at age 24. She emerged as the eyes and conscience of the world. With her love of adventure, fearlessness and powerful intellect, Ruth defied tradition in an extraordinary career that has spanned more than seven decades.
Ruth was an inspiration not only for her ground-breaking career, but for her vitality and humor at 98 years old. The film interweaves verite scenes with never-seen-before archival footage.
Ruth Gruber was distinguished for many of her achievements, but especially for her efforts as a humanitarian and trailblazer for women. Ruth Gruber became the youngest PhD in the world before going on to become an international foreign correspondent and photojournalist at age 24; she emerged as the eyes and conscience of the world.
