A Tribute to Pete
For the many friends, associates, and family who had the privilege of knowing Pete, attempting to summarize Pete’s positive impact on those that he touched is beyond words. With deep humility and grace, Pete left his mark on this world in countless ways. A big believer in Teddy Roosevelt’s famous “Man in the Arena” quote, he made a conscious choice to be “in the game” in whatever he pursued. If he was involved, he was going to be fully committed. That included his role as husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, entrepreneur, business leader, mentor, author, teacher, and civic leader. The adjective “best” was used to describe Pete by so many in so many facets of life…a rare honor indeed, yet well-deserved. To quote a family friend, “After you spent time with Pete, you walked away wanting to be more like him”.
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Pete founded and built successful businesses, playing an outfront leadership role in all of them. At the time of his passing, he was the founder/CEO of Fusion Education Group, an innovative education company launched in 2007 focused on the individualized needs of the student. Under Pete’s leadership, Fusion has grown to nearly 100 schools across the country, as well as a remote-learning division. Pete’s message to others about his own business journey was consistent. He espoused reaching for great heights, knowing that one would likely experience some failure, which in his mind was always the best teacher.
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Pete’s life can best be remembered by his huge smile and love for others. His happy place was enjoying family on the cottage deck overlooking Lake Michigan with the American Flag flying beside him and a single-malt scotch in his hand.
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While is missed by so many, Pete’s contributions truly made the world a better place, and his big heart and humble compassion for others will live on forever as his legacy.
About the Fund
This scholarship fund will enable a deserving young man to attend Pete's alma mater, St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati (www.stxavier.org). St. X had a huge impact on Pete’s life, challenging him to become a leader and a “Man for Others”.
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Our goal is to raise $100,000 in the first year. We have early commitments totaling $25,000 from Jessica Ruppert and family, along with the extended Ruppert and Lumsden families. With the generous support of family, friends, and colleagues we hope to surpass this goal and create a fund that will provide scholarships to St. X students for years to come.
How to Donate
1. Mail check: St. Xavier High School, 600 West North Bend Road, Cincinnati, OH 45224 (Attn: John Schrantz)
2. Online donation: St Xavier website @ https://www.stxavier.org/support-st-x/make-a-gift•
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Select the Scholarship/Endowment Funds button
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Type “Peter G. Ruppert Scholarship Fund” in “Name of Scholarship or Endowment Fund” text field
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St. Xavier Federal TAX ID number: 31-05375113.
3. Gifts of Securities: St. Xavier website @ https://www.stxavier.org/support-st-x/ways-to-give
St. X contact John Schrantz: Email Jschrantz@stxavier.org / Phone: 513-761-7815 (ext 159)
A free throw shootout honoring the legacy of Pete
The Free Throw Shootout is meant to be a fun and engaging way for people to support the Scholarshop Fund.
Shootout Schedule and Format
Start a team: Recruit 5-10 players total for your team. Your players can live/shoot anywhere - this is a virtual contest. Email me your team's name and email addresses for your players. Collect/submit full tournament fee for team ($300 total team entry fee) by venmoing @tim-ruppert-2
Round 1: Each team will shoot their free throws before March 29. The top 16 teams advance
Round 2 - 4 : 1 on 1 matchups begin and will be assigned on March 30. Each team will have a week to shoot
Final Round : The final round will take place on MM DD and will be livestreamed on the instagram
