Ruth Griffith: Peace Scholarship recipient to study economics at University College Cork

Ruth Griffith, rising junior and member of the Honors College from Parkman, Maine has received the 2024-2025 academic school year George Mitchell Peace Scholarship to study abroad at the University College Cork in Ireland in spring 2025. Griffith is also the 25th annual recipient of the scholarship, which was created to honor former Sen. Mitchell’s role in brokering peace talks in Northern Ireland. 

Griffith is majoring in economics with a minor in mathematics and international studies. She is primarily interested in understanding rural economics through mathematics and data science. Griffith has been able to explore her interest through her coursework at UMaine, and through the various research positions she has held with Kathleen Bell, professor of resource economics and policy, and Andrew Crawley, associate professor of regional economic development.

“Knowing Ruth, she will definitely make the most of her experiences abroad,” Bell said. “Ruth brings wisdom, passion, courage, integrity, creativity and openness to every experience. More broadly, Ruth’s willingness to engage mindfully with different cultures, places and ideas combined with her commitment to public service establish her as an excellent George J. Mitchell Peace Scholar.”

Previously, Griffith has been named a 2022 George Mitchell Scholar and 2023 Robert E. Mitchell Pioneer Scholar. She said that before this scholarship, the only international destination she has visited is Quebec, and “that’s closer to [her] house than Boston.”

“I’m very excited about immersing myself in a new educational environment, gaining a new perspective on economics and experiencing a new culture,” Griffith said. “The George Mitchell Peace Scholarship is a way for me to do that — in a financially feasible way, of course.”

Griffith’s application was sponsored by Melissa Ladenheim, associate dean of the Honors College. Ladenheim also serves as the adviser for the UMaine Fiber Arts Club, where Griffith is the Vice President, and organizes the annual Maine Day Meal Packout, where Griffith holds the position of Fundraising Chair. 

“Ruth is an outstanding choice for the Mitchell Peace scholarship,” Ladenheim said. “Her academic achievements, strength of character and history of community engagement have positioned her to take full advantage of all this experience will offer her, both in and outside of the classroom. In the tradition of Sen. Mitchell, Ruth is committed to living out her core value of providing service to others in all that she does. She will be an excellent ambassador for UMaine.”

Jakob Streipel, assistant professor of mathematics, also sponsored Griffith. 

“Ruth is a wonderful student in ways above and beyond her excellent grades. She is compassionate, helps her fellow students eagerly with things she has a good handle on and gracefully receives help in the reverse situation. Living abroad, let alone studying there, is a wonderful and enriching experience that I expect will only further these qualities of hers,” Streipel said. 

Griffith will attend UCC in spring 2025 after she defends her economics thesis in the fall, which focuses on regional economic volatility in Maine and the policies that can help mitigate its impacts. She said that she is most excited about learning about different economic systems in Ireland, and she hopes to take a course on Irish labor economics.

“There’s so much value in the diversity of thought,” Griffith said. “I’ll also have the opportunity to engage with the local community and see what they’re doing differently there. So much in terms of microeconomic practice could be different so it will allow me to explore that entirely new landscape.”

She also hopes to get involved with UCC’s Women in Business club and adventure outings club, as well as local volunteer opportunities.

The George Mitchell Peace Scholarship began in honor of Sen. George J. Mitchell’s work brokering a peace deal in Northern Ireland in 1998; the inaugural class of the scholarship exchange was in the 1999-2000 academic school year. 

Griffith didn’t piece together that she would be the scholar sent during the 25th anniversary of the scholarship until after she was awarded it, but admits to being a fan of Sen. Mitchell’s writings even before she won the scholarship. 

“In one of his books — it’s called ‘The Negotiator’ — in multiple points in the text, he goes back to his core values and his parents’ core values and I really appreciate how committed he is to those values in all facets big and small. I have read a few of his other books as well, and I think his story is really amazing,” Griffith said.

In the following Q&A, Griffith discusses what motivated her to study abroad, the researcher and extracurricular activities that helped her earn this prestigious scholarship, and what she cherishes the most about her UMaine experience so far. 

What motivated you to study abroad? 

I’m motivated to study abroad because I believe that immersing myself in a new educational environment will not only broaden my academic horizons, but also provide me with a fresh perspective on economics and culture. I’m confident that the lessons I’ll gain from this experience will be invaluable, shaping both my personal and professional growth. 

How do you feel about earning the Peace Scholarship?

Earning the [Mitchell] Peace Scholarship feels surreal and incredibly validating. The scholarship recognizes a student who demonstrates excellence in scholarship, leadership and service — qualities I strive to embody. It’s deeply meaningful to know that the scholarship committee, my recommenders and my network believe I fit that description. 

Why did you choose to come to UMaine?

I chose to come to UMaine because it offers a wealth of opportunities for both personal and academic growth. The university’s strong emphasis on undergraduate research, community service and leadership development was exactly what I was looking for in a college experience.

Describe any research, internships or scholarly pursuits in which you have participated. 

I have had the opportunity to engage in research with Dr. Kathleen Bell and Dr. Andrew Crawley. Under Dr. Bell, I’ve studied community resilience at the municipal level, exploring how local communities adapt to and recover from challenges. With Dr. Crawley, I’ve researched the economic impact of the biannual time change and examined how economic resilience is measured in published academic research. 

I am also currently writing my honors thesis. My thesis adviser is Dr. Crawley and my committee members are Dr. Bell and Dr. (Adam) Daigneault. My thesis aims to uncover regional economic volatility throughout Maine. 

What extracurricular activities occupy your time at UMaine?

I’m very involved on campus at UMaine! I serve as the secretary for the Honors College Student Activities Board, where we work to support the Honors College community and various service projects, including the Maine Day Meal Packout, which last year donated over 47,000 meals to food pantries across the state. I’m also the vice president of the Fiber Arts Club, the sector head for international investments for the UMaine Student Portfolio Investment Fund (SPIFFY), and I previously served as the president of the UMaine Women in Economics Club. Additionally, I dedicate time to off-campus volunteer work.

Have you worked closely with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at UMaine better? 

Yes! Dr. Ladenheim has been an incredibly supportive mentor, consistently encouraging me to align my actions with my values and to consider different perspectives. Dr. Bell has also been an invaluable mentor, teaching me that mentor relationships are two-sided. She emphasizes that while I learn from her, she is also learning from me, which has made her mentorship especially meaningful. I have also had many other valuable mentors, including Dr. Crawley and my professors. 

Describe UMaine in one word, and explain.

Opportunity. At UMaine, students have the chance to explore their interests and pursue what excites them most. I deeply appreciate the flexibility and abundance of opportunities the university provides for both personal and academic growth.

Story by Sam Schipani. 

Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; marcus.wolf@maine.edu