The New York Attorney General and CUNY Board of Trustees Chair William Thompson Jr. announced the creation of the Ruschell Boone Scholarship, which will support West Indian students pursuing degrees at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism or Baruch College. The scholarship honors the late Emmy-winning journalist Ruschell Boone, who discovered her passion for journalism at Baruch College.
Funded by an endowment of $125,000 by the CUNY Board of Trustees and university supporters, the scholarship will help cover college-related expenses for students in need.
Boone, a proud Jamaican woman, began her journalism career when she stepped in for a classmate who missed their radio slot as a senior.
She joined NY1 in 2002 as the Queens reporter, covering all news stories ranging from neighborhood controversies and police misconduct cases to Hurricane Sandy.
Boone went on to receive multiple awards for her work, including Best Spot News Reporting from the New York Association of Black Journalists, a New York Press Club Award for Best Feature Reporting and a New York Emmy Award for a series that she produced called, “New York: Unfiltered.”
In 2018, she gained national attention as the television reporter in a viral reaction video of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s victory against incumbent Joseph Crowley.
After 20 years of reporting for NY1, Boone was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away on Sept. 3, 2023, leaving behind a legacy for future generations.
“Ruschell Boone made a name for herself in her two decades keeping New Yorkers informed on NY1, even as she battled pancreatic cancer,” CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez said.
Attorney General James added, “Ruschell Boone was a brilliant journalist who touched the lives of everyone she encountered.”
One of the most important things to Boone was her cultural heritage. She regularly attended the West Indian-American Day parade on Eastern Parkway, and knew the significance of helping people with rich, diverse cultural backgrounds.
“Her understanding of this city, its communities, and its people truly made her a New York City treasure,” James said. “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,” the attorney general continued.
