Chapter Eternal Welcomes Past Grand Archon Ruth Burg

It is with great sadness that Phi Sigma Sigma shares the passing of Past Grand Archon Ruth Cooper Burg, Kappa Chapter at The George Washington University. Ruth served as Grand Archon of Phi Sigma Sigma from 1954-1956.

“Ruth is a true champion for women and her life is a testament to Phi Sigma Sigma’s mission of advancing womanhood. As a woman of many firsts, Ruth helped pave the way for women in law and government contracting. She brought that same passion and energy to Phi Sigma Sigma, encouraging the advancement and continuous growth of our beloved sisterhood,” said Grand Archon Tess Stovall. “As a fellow Kappa Chapter sister, I have always looked up to Ruth and her forward-thinking leadership. It is an honor to have known her and call her a sister. Her legacy will be forever memorialized through her numerous contributions to Phi Sigma Sigma.”

Ruth attended The George Washington University where she joined Phi Sigma Sigma’s Kappa Chapter. She received her Juris Doctor cum laude from The George Washington University Law School, where she was the first woman to graduate first in her class.

Ruth was a trailblazer and advocate for women in the law. She was the first woman to serve in a Tax Court clerkship, the first woman appointed an administrative judge at the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals; and the first woman to chair the American Bar Association’s public contracts law section. Paving the way for women in government contracting, Ruth’s work was recognized with many honors including the D.C. Bar Association Beatrice Rosenberg Award for outstanding government service, the George Washington University Law Alumni Association Fulbright Award for public service, the "Star of the Bar" award by the District of Columbia Women's Bar Association in 2002, and she was the first recipient of the American Bar Association Public Contract Law Section Fellows Spirit of Leadership Award.

In addition to her professional work, Ruth was an active member and leader within her community. She was founding president of a chapter of B'nai B'rith Women and served on the Board of Advisors of the Federal Contract Reports, Court of Federal Claims Advisory Council and past chair of the American Bar Association.

Ruth and her late husband, Maurice, a world-renowned medical researcher at the National Institutes of Health, enjoyed traveling and spent many summers in their home in Montana enjoying flyfishing for trout. Ruth treasured time with her family and leaves behind four children: Elizabeth Kelley, Larry Burg, Joan Starreveld, Robert Burg, and their spouses, as well as three grandchildren.

Should you wish to send your condolences to the family, cards can be sent to the following address:

Phi Sigma Sigma

1213 Liberty Rd

Suite J #335

Eldersburg, MD 21784