Long Time Volunteer Donates $12,218 to Preserve Plant Samples

If there’s a stubborn weed taking residence in a yard or garden, chances are Ruth O’Brien can identify it.

O'Brien, 85, graduated with a master of science degree in 1980 when the campus was Corpus Christi State University. Since then she has been a volunteer worker in the University’s herbarium and has also studied plant taxonomy.

“When I first looked at a plant under a microscope, I was absolutely hooked,” said Ruth. “They’ve got glands, color and hair. I still get a thrill out of looking at them.”

Due in large part to her initiative, the Ruth O’Brien Herbarium in the Science and Technology building houses more than 1,500 Coastal Bend plants. Ruth and her husband, Joseph, recently donated $12,218 to install special cabinetry to archive pressed plant samples. The couple also provided the monies for the original cabinets, shelving and materials in the collection room.

“If we didn’t have Ruth, this place wouldn’t look as good as it does.” said Dr. Roy Lehman, professor of biology. “She keeps us on our toes.”

In addition to 48 years of volunteer work at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, Ruth, who received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in 1945, offers her expertise to the University 10 hours each week. In addition to grading papers and assisting students in the lab, she identifies plants, glues plants to archival sheets, creates labels and maintains archives for students and the public.

“I enjoy the friendships with people, but I also enjoy the challenge of correctly identifying plants,” she said. “I’m very happy to be able to do this.”