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Updated: September 3, 2025 @ 2:46 am
From left are Ruth Thacher Scholarship recipient with Pack Horse Ford Chapter members: First Vice Regent Becki Hill, M.D.; Regent Sue Benson; Elizabeth Cushwa; Second Vice Regent Rosalind Grenfell; Historian Kathy Klein; and Chaplain Kathy Sholl.
From left are Ruth Thacher Scholarship recipient with Pack Horse Ford Chapter members: First Vice Regent Becki Hill, M.D.; Regent Sue Benson; Elizabeth Cushwa; Second Vice Regent Rosalind Grenfell; Historian Kathy Klein; and Chaplain Kathy Sholl.
SHEPHERDSTOWN – Pack Horse Ford Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Shepherdstown (DAR) is honored to award an academic scholarship to a Shepherd University student in memory of one of the chapter’s most honored members, Ruth Power Thacher. Martinsburg resident Elizabeth Cushwa, majoring in historic preservation, is the recipient of the 2025-2026 scholarship award, established through the Shepherd University Foundation.
Cushwa is one of eight generations to grow up on the family farm. She is also a 2019 recipient of the WV Golden Horseshoe Award. After college, she hopes to work in the preservation consulting or planning of historic sites and artifacts.
In a note to the chapter, Cushwa wrote, “Thank you so much for your generous contribution to my future at Shepherd University. I am extremely grateful for your support, as it will help me to continue on to a career in preserving our history. It’s an honor to receive this scholarship from the Pack Horse Ford Chapter.”
The late Ruth Thacher aspired to make a difference in the lives of countless numbers of diverse people. She was a member of the Pack Horse Ford Chapter for over 50 years and served honorably in the role of Regent. In recognition of her 50 years of service to the Chapter, Ruth was named Honorary Regent.
Ruth accomplished much in her life. She graduated from Martinsburg High School as a member of the National Honor Society. She attended Shepherd University and received her bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University, as well as a master’s degree from George Washington University. She began her 38-year career as an educator at John Street School in Martinsburg and went on to serve as a principal at multiple elementary schools in Washington County, Maryland.
In 1939, Ruth married William R. “Pappy” Thacher, a professor of Economics and Sociology at Shepherd University for 38 years and the first president of the Shepherd University Foundation. Thacher Hall was named in his honor. Ruth also served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors for 15 years in the role of vice president. She was awarded an honorary doctorate from Shepherd University in 1991 and the President’s Medal in 1997. In 2001, she was made an honorary director of the Foundation. She also served as a member of the Board of Advisors of Shepherd University as alumnae advisor to the Beta Delta Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority.
A leader in the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Ruth served as state president of the West Virginia Division. During her term as state president, the International Study Program was established as a means of promoting goodwill in other countries. The first AAUW International Study Grant from West Virginia was named in her honor.
Ruth Power Thacher passed away on May 6, 2008. “Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched with her caring personality, leadership in education, and her devoted service to the community,” said Cindy Nicewarner, Regent Pack Horse Ford Chapter, “That’s why the Pack Horse Ford Chapter decided to establish a scholarship fund in her memory. This is one way that Ruth can still touch the lives of others.”
To learn more about making a gift of any size through the Shepherd University Foundation, contact Kristi Veach-Ross, Executive Assistant and Communications, Shepherd University Foundation, P.O. Box 5000, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443-5000, 304-876-5397, kveach@shepherd.edu or visit the Foundation online at www.shepherduniversityfoundation.org.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-profit, non-political organization. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible to join. DAR is historic preservation, education, patriotism, and friendship. If you would like to learn more about the Pack Horse Ford Chapter or wish to join the chapter, contact Regent Susan Benson at Susan.Gail.Benson@gmail.com. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org.
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