Ruth Asper

Ruth Asper is a business-woman, philanthropist and recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of her community service.  She holds a Bachelor of Recreation Management and a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management as well as a Master’s of Science from Indiana University. Her and her husband David Asper have three children – Daniel, Rebecca and Max.

In 2003, she established a fund at the University of Manitoba to provide a bursary for students enrolled in the Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science program pursuing studies in the physical education stream with a focus on fitness. She has also established major endowments at the University of Manitoba to support the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, the United Way Tomorrow Fund and the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba where she actively supports the Jewish Child and Family Services Helping Hand Initiative.

Ruth has played key support, funding and/or fundraising roles related to Winnipeg Grey Cup Festivals, Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Gimli Film Festival, Pan Am Clinic Foundation, St. John’s Ravenscourt School and the Canadian Olympic Foundation.