Family of Tena S. Baruth

The Baruth Scholarship was established in 2017 to honor the memory of Tena Baruth and her dedication to education and athletics. Born in Tzum, Netherlands, to Sam and Minnie Boomsma, Tena immigrated to the United States with her parents and five siblings when she was a little girl, settling in South Dakota. She married Roger Baruth in 1967, and together they raised five sons on the family farm.

As a teacher, guidance counselor and coach (the first female basketball coach in Carthage High School [S.D.] history), Tena had a positive, lasting impact on thousands of children. She shared her commitment to education, love of athletics and solid work ethic with her sons, all of whom participated in college athletics and earned degrees.

The scholarship is supported by Tena’s family, including her husband, Roger, and her son, Randy, who serves as SVSU’s Head Men’s Basketball Coach.