Class of 2026: Ruby Stewart is navigating her dream path in outdoor leadership

By Sian Wilkerson

Growing up, Ruby Stewart spent much of her time outside. As an avid athlete, and with encouragement from her Australian-born dad, she filled her days with softball, cycling and exploring the world around her.

However, it wasn't until a family trip to Alaska the summer before her sophomore year of college that the Virginia Commonwealth University student realized how her lifelong passion for the outdoors might translate into a dream career.

"I got to see a couple of women who were only a few years older than me at the time working these seasonal jobs in Alaska" guiding kayaking and hiking tours, she said. For Stewart, it was an epiphany: "I was like, 'Oh my God, I could do that.'"

Now, with Stewart graduating this spring with her bachelor's in environmental studies from the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability, part of the College of Humanities and Sciences, she's practically a seasoned vet.

Throughout her time at VCU - she transferred in 2023 from the University of Lynchburg - Stewart has been involved with the Outdoor Adventure Program, part of RecWell in the Division of Student Affairs, which facilitates everything from brief local adventures to extended trips abroad.

Stewart, who is from Northern Virginia, decided to come to VCU in large part because of the program. When she arrived, she jumped into training right away, impressing OAP coordinator Emily Philpott with her drive and commitment.

"She was always taking us up on opportunities to work on her skills, as well as making time in her own schedule for self-directed learning," Philpott said. "Ruby has become a strong pillar of our program and community - she's put in a lot of effort to keep the OAP community strong, and I think that it has really paid off."

Stewart, who has her Outdoor Leadership Certificate, advanced to student manager and senior trip leader roles. She also is one of two students working in the program who has earned a swiftwater rescue instructor certification.

Her work with OAP has taken her everywhere from Pennsylvania and Florida to Iceland, where she helped to lead a week-long backpacking trip. Through these experiences, "I've learned so much about myself," Stewart said. "I really like to be that leader for people, and someone that people can fall back on and count on - and be there for people when they're struggling."

Often on big trips, she noted, participants come in with big goals and expectations, which can lead to self-doubt when something doesn't go quite as planned. Stewart is no different: During a staff development bike-packing trip she organized in Florida, a necessary last-minute change of plans flustered her.

"I put a lot of pressure on myself to have it be perfect … and it was hard for me to let go of that original plan I had made," Stewart said. "But understanding and being adaptive to that change definitely paid off, because everyone afterward was able to share and reflect with me that they had such a great time."

It was important, she continued, to receive that support, and she knows that being flexible is all part of the job.

"In her time here, Ruby has reached a level of technical skill, instructional ability and professionalism that rivals many other professionals a few years into their career," Philpott said. "With all of these things, Ruby maintains a positive attitude that is fun and welcoming to be around. We're all so excited to see where she goes next, but her presence will surely be missed by our program."

When she graduates, Stewart will continue to work as a guide and outdoor leader, first in Richmond and then, down the road, maybe farther afield. This summer, she hopes to spend a couple of weeks paddling the Grand Canyon, which she called a lifelong dream.

Stewart is grateful for VCU's role in propelling her journey, and she recommends the OAP for everyone.

"Even if it's not going on a five-day, long, tiring and exhausting backpacking trip, if it's just a couple of hours in the afternoon," she said. "You get to meet some awesome people and learn a little more about the world we live in, and how we're a part of it. The program is there, it's open, and it's super welcoming to everyone."