University of Denver’s School of Education and the university’s Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) received a $5 million gift toward their new joint building by Joan and Mike Ruffatto whose daughter, Kathie Ruffatto graduated from DU in 2005.

Kathie Ruffatto was admitted to DU at the age of 16 with the requirement that she enrolled in LEP. Ruffatto was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 12.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal tissue and body functions. The reason for Lupus is unknown.

“Students with chronic health problems are often misunderstood academically, which can lead to educators making the wrong assumptions about the student’s ability and motivation,” read a press release announcing the gift.

“The educational options for students like Kathie are usually limited not by the individual’s intelligence and commitment, but by the attitudes that some educational professionals hold about individuals with chronic health conditions.”

Ruffatto graduated from DU with a degree in biology and minors in chemistry and communications.

Ruffatto’s mother gives a lot of credit to the LEP program for her daughter’s success.

“This gift is our way of saying thank you to DU for what the Learning Effectiveness Program did for our child,” said Joan Ruffatto. “If it wasn’t for the LEP, and it’s Director Ted May, Kathie would not have graduated.”

Joan Ruffatto has since joined the LEP as an academic counselor and she recognizes that forward thinking of having the School of Education and LEP in the same building.

She continued,”Education is all about learning and many students can benefit from the special help in learning that the LEP provides.”

Chancellor Robert Coombe described the Ruffattos as “passionate supporters” of DU and the LEP and continued on that “we are grateful that they chose to recognize the impact it had on their daughter’s life.”

“The co-location will enable the two programs to develop collaborative research and community outreach, which will have a positive outcome for our community and our state,” said Coombe.

The LEP is a 25-year-old, nationally recognized program that offers students with learning disabilities including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder all-inclusive, individualized services.

The program supports students academically by providing academic counselors, tutoring and organizational and study strategy specialists.

There are more than 200 students enrolled in the program.

The College of Education has a student-faculty to ratio of 13-1.

The program trains its students in a variety of subjects including educational change, building community and fostering social equity.

There is also an emphasis on student teaching and has long standing relationships with local school districts, educational organizations, libraries, business and mental health agencies.

The school has experienced significant growth since 2001.

It has grown 50 percent since that time increasing from fall 2001 from 495 students to 735 this past fall.

At the present the LEP is located on the ground floor of Driscoll South. The offices are located across the hall from the Center for Community Engagement and Service learning.

The School of Education is currently located at 2450-60 S. Vine St.

The Katherine A. Ruffatto Hall will be located on Evans Avenue between Race and High Streets.