Finishing the Race: Ohio Native Ronald Rucker Establishes $25,000 Endowment to Honor His Parents and Support Determined Wilberforce Students

When Ronald Rucker reflects on his journey from a self-described “average student” at the University of Akron to a successful professional and committed philanthropist; one word comes to mind, gratitude. 

That gratitude has now taken shape through a transformative gift to Wilberforce University: the Prentis H. Sr. and Jereldean Allen Rucker Memorial Scholarship Endowment, a $25,000 investment designed to uplift students who, like Rucker once did, are determined to succeed; even when the path is not easy. 

A Legacy Rooted in Love, Sacrifice, and Perseverance 

Established in memory of his parents, the endowment honors two lives defined by resilience and unwavering devotion to family. 

Prentis H. Rucker Sr. and Jereldean Allen Rucker built their lives together on a foundation of faith, hard work, and compassion. Raised in rural Georgia, they moved to Ohio in the early 1950s in search of opportunity and created a home centered on love and community. 

A proud U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, Mr. Rucker Sr. dedicated more than 30 years to the steel industry before launching his own tow truck business. An entrepreneurial step that reflected his determination to provide and persevere. Mrs. Rucker, meanwhile, cultivated a nurturing home environment that emphasized integrity, generosity, and resilience. 

“My parents didn’t have much formal education, but they taught us everything we needed to know about perseverance, generosity, and integrity,” Rucker shared. “They inspired me to give back and help others who are working to cross their own finish line.” 

That philosophy is at the heart of the Rucker Memorial Scholarship.  Rather than focusing solely on high-achieving students, the scholarship intentionally supports those who may not fit the traditional mold of academic excellence. Eligible recipients will maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, ensuring the award reaches students who demonstrate persistence, growth, and a commitment to finishing strong. 

“I wanted this scholarship to be the kind of student I was,” Rucker explained. “I had to take remedial classes, and college wasn’t easy for me. But I learned that effort could change everything.” Reflecting on his own journey, he adds: “If I had given just 20 percent more, I might have been in the top 10 percent of my class. So this gift is about encouraging students to keep going, because how you finish matters more than how you start.”  This approach redefines success; not as perfection, but as progress, resilience, and determination. 

From Family Tradition to Institutional Impact

The endowed scholarship is also a continuation of a long-standing family tradition of giving.  For the past 10 years, the Rucker family has awarded informal scholarships during family reunions that have spanned nearly 4 decades; supporting relatives pursuing higher education and career advancement. These grassroots’ efforts, often presented in his mother’s name, have helped recipients attend trade schools, community colleges, and universities, provided they demonstrated consistent effort and progress. 

By establishing a formal endowment at Wilberforce, Rucker with the support of his siblings (Alice, Prentis Jr (Raisel), Wanda, Artina, James, Allen, Barry) are expanding that impact and transforming a personal tradition into a lasting institutional legacy that will benefit generations of students. 

A Purposeful Investment in Wilberforce University 

Rucker’s decision to support Wilberforce University was both personal and intentional. Having lived in Atlanta, home to several prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Rucker developed a deep appreciation for their mission, history, and cultural significance. At the same time, his Ohio roots inspired him to invest in an institution within the state where his parents built their legacy. 

Wilberforce, the nation’s first private HBCU owned and operated by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, stood out not only for its historic significance but also for its opportunity to benefit from targeted philanthropic support. “I wanted to support a smaller HBCU that might not always be on the radar,” Rucker noted, emphasizing the importance of sustaining institutions that play a critical role in expanding access to higher education. 

Leadership, Brotherhood, and Personal Growth 

Rucker also credits his lifelong brotherhood in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. as a pivotal influence in his development.  Joining the fraternity at age 20, he found a brotherhood that reinforced values of leadership, accountability, and service, principles that helped shape both his academic turnaround and long-term success. “That’s when I really started taking college and life, seriously,” he said. Those lessons continue to guide his commitment to giving back in meaningful ways. 

A Call to Support the Next Generation 

At its core, the Prentis H. Sr. and Jereldean Allen Rucker Memorial Scholarship Endowment is about more than financial support—it is about belief. 

Belief in students who may be overlooked. 
Belief in the transformative power of education. 
Belief that determination, not perfection, defines success. 

Rucker hopes his gift will inspire others to invest in students and in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, particularly those that often operate with fewer resources but deliver profound impact.  “HBCUs have always produced fearless leaders,” he said. “We have to continue investing in them, because the next change-maker could come from one.” 

Finishing Strong 

Through this endowment, Ronald Rucker has created more than a scholarship; he has established a pathway of encouragement, opportunity, and possibility. 

For Wilberforce students striving to overcome challenges and complete their academic journey, his message is clear: 

It’s not how you start the race—it’s how you finish. 

And now, thanks to the legacy of Prentis H. Sr. and Jereldean Allen Rucker, more students will have the support they need to cross the finish line. 

To learn more about how you can give to Wilberforce University email oia@wilberforce.edu.

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Media Contact
Lena Arnold
larnold@wilberforce.edu
937-708-5532