NYC Gazette

New York Attorney General Letitia James and the City University of New York (CUNY) Board of Trustees Chairperson William C. Thompson Jr. have announced the creation of the Ruschell Boone Scholarship. This memorial fund honors the late Emmy award-winning journalist and will support West Indian students pursuing journalism degrees at either the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY or Baruch College.

Ruschell Boone, a reporter for Spectrum News NY1 and a graduate of Baruch College, passed away in 2023 after battling pancreatic cancer. The scholarship is supported by an initial endowment of $125,000 from the CUNY Board of Trustees and other university supporters to help cover 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.”

Boone dedicated her career to telling stories about New York’s diverse communities while making it her mission to inspire youth to pursue their passions. In recognition of these efforts, Attorney General James and the CUNY Board established the scholarship fund.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Boone immigrated to the Bronx at age 11. At Baruch College, she discovered a passion for journalism that led her from CNBC and CNN to Spectrum News NY1 in 2002. During her 20-year tenure at NY1, Boone was known for thoughtful reporting focused on often ignored or marginalized communities.

Boone covered significant events such as Hurricane Sandy and protests for racial justice while being a strong community presence at many key New York events. She conducted notable interviews including one with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez after her primary win which became viral.

For donations to support the Ruschell Boone Scholarship Fund checks can be made payable either to City University of New York or Research Foundation if a 501(c)3 designation is needed.

The City University of New York serves over 233,000 undergraduate and graduate students across five boroughs offering affordable education that significantly contributes towards social mobility within New York City.

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