Lisanby Scholar Series: Laura Ruple
College of Visual and Performing Arts
SUMMARY: Double majoring in oboe performance and justice studies, Laura Ruple is one of eight freshman arts students to have received a Lisanby Scholarship.
By Jen Kulju (M'04)
Homegrown from Harrisonburg, Virginia, Laura Ruple grew up with close ties to JMU. Her dad, Dr. Eric Ruple, is a faculty pianist who had been her accompanist through her senior year of high school—first for the violin and then for the oboe. Laura is now a freshman at JMU double majoring in oboe performance and justice studies. “I think I was created to be a professional musician, and I feel like I need to become more educated in how I can help the world,” says Laura of her two majors.
The Lisanby Scholarship was a “big reason” Laura decided to come to James Madison, along with new oboe professor Dr. Jeanette Zyko. Laura is also happy to have her dad close by. “He’s helped me a ton, and even now, I send him recordings of my music. Every goal I have in life is to be what he is…”
