New York Attorney General Letitia James and the City University of New York (CUNY) Board of Trustees Chairperson William C. Thompson, Jr. announced the establishment of the Ruschell Boone Scholarship. This memorial fund honors the late award-winning journalist and supports West Indian students pursuing journalism degrees at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY or Baruch College.
Ruschell Boone, an Emmy award-winning reporter at Spectrum News NY1 and a graduate of CUNY’s Baruch College, passed away in 2023 after battling pancreatic cancer. The scholarship is supported by an initial endowment of $125,000 pledged by the CUNY Board of Trustees and University supporters to help defray college-related expenses for students.
“Ruschell Boone was a brilliant journalist who touched the lives of everyone she encountered,” said Attorney General James. “Her understanding of this city, its communities, and its people truly made her a New York City treasure. She uplifted people whose stories were often overlooked, and always showed up during the tough and scary times because she knew her reporting brought comfort to this city. With this scholarship, Ruschell’s legacy lives on – empowering a future generation of journalists to embody her authenticity and compassion. I am so grateful to Chair Thompson and CUNY for providing this scholarship and honoring Ruschell in the most impactful way.”
“We are proud to honor Ruschell Boone, continuing the principle she lived by, with this new scholarship in her name for CUNY students,” said CUNY Board of Trustees Chairperson William C. Thompson Jr. “We are appreciative to her fellow CUNY alumna, New York State Attorney General Letitia James, for having the idea to preserve Ruschell’s legacy in this meaningful way.”
“Ruschell Boone made a name for herself in her two decades keeping New Yorkers informed on NY1, even as she battled pancreatic cancer,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “She was an inspirational Baruch alumna who made it her mission to support those who came after her, and it is our honor to keep the memory of her dedication to mentorship alive with this scholarship.”
“Ruschell’s presence leapt off the screen,” said Spectrum Networks Executive Vice President Michael Bair. “She was effervescent, on and off camera. She was also a fierce, ambitious, and determined journalist. She set high standards for herself, NY1, and our whole city. It is only fitting that her incomparable legacy live on through this investment in the next generation of journalists.”
Ruschell dedicated her career to telling the stories of New York’s diverse communities and made it her personal mission to give back to the community and inspire youth to pursue their passions. In recognition of this mission, Attorney General James and the CUNY Board of Trustees established the Ruschell Boone Scholarship to defray tuition costs, fees, and other college-related expenses for West Indian students pursuing degrees in journalism at CUNY.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Ruschell spent her early childhood there before immigrating to the Bronx at age 11. As a student at Baruch College, she discovered a passion for journalism that led her first to CNBC and CNN before landing at Spectrum News NY1 in 2002. Over 20 years at NY1, she became beloved by New Yorkers for thoughtful reporting focused on often ignored or marginalized communities.
In addition to covering major events such as Hurricane Sandy and protests for racial justice, Ruschell conducted notable interviews including one with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez following her primary win that went viral. Her work earned multiple awards including Best Spot News Reporting from the New York Association of Black Journalists.
Donations can be made payable either to City University of New York or Research Foundation of City University of New York if a 501(c)3 is required.