In 1992, Mr. Rukavina envisioned a scholarship program that would reward the academic excellence of high school seniors. That same year he founded the Spokane Scholars Foundation, and he continues to serve as the president of the Foundation s volunteer board of directors. Most state colleges and universities have matched Foundation grants for the scholars attending their institutions. More than 175 companies and individuals now contribute time and money to the Foundation. Spokane-area high schools are invited to nominate their top students in each of six disciplines.
Students receive the scholarships at an elegant banquet held in their honor.
Mr. Rukavina is a lawyer in private practice emphasizing personal injury litigation and admiralty law. He is also a certified arbitrator and mediator. A 1972 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Mr. Rukavina received his Juris Doctorate degree from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1979. He has been an active member of the Washington State Bar Association, Spokane County Bar Association, American Trial Lawyers Association and Washington State Trial Lawyers Association. He is a past-president of the Notre Dame Club of Spokane, and is currently the director of Six Bridges Arts Association.