This is another in a series of interesting alumni profiles that focus on the professional and personal achievements of Charter Oak graduates. We hope you enjoy Ruth Garby Torres’ story.

Ruth Garby Torres, ‘08
Governor’s Security Unit, CT State Police

Ruth Garby Torres, ‘08
Governor’s Security Unit, Connecticut State Police

Meet the 20-year Connecticut State Police veteran – and Charter Oak alum -- who serves as a key member of the special unit responsible for providing personal security for Connecticut’s governor and the chief executive’s immediate family.

Meet the highly respected law enforcement officer, Native American and aspiring public administrator who plans, following retirement from state service, to use her Charter Oak bachelor’s degree in Political Science and an ultimately-to-be-earned master’s degree in Public Administration to work in the field of Tribal Governance.

Meet the innovative, dedicated and delightful lady who unhesitatingly expresses appreciation for the educational opportunities made available to her as a result of online study. “Taking classes online leaves so much within your control,” says Ruth. “Each time I experienced a shift change in my job as a state police officer, I was able to easily adjust my study schedule, because I could go to my computer at my convenience. The ability to take courses online really expedited my path to a degree.”

Ruth serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the Native American Cultural Center at Yale University. The Center helps gifted Native American students and faculty at Yale make a home away from home.

Her thoughts about ‘giving back’ to her alma mater? “Charter Oak grads are an unusual breed in that most of us were working adults who looked to the College to deliver a degree that would contribute to advancing our careers. I think the least we can do in return is to get out there and ‘talk up’ the College, volunteer to work on Alumni Association projects and support Charter Oak financially to the extent of which we’re able.”

(NOTE: If you are interested in sharing your success story with us, please contact Jason Jakubowski, Charter Oak’s Director of Corporate, Community and Alumni Development, and let him know. He can be reached via e-mail: jjakubowski@charteroak.edu or by telephone: 860-832-3902).