Ruth Westheimer, MA Sociology ’59

Dr. Ruth, one of the world’s most recognized sex therapists, shaped culture by transforming controversial topics into healthy, everyday conversations.

Ruth Westheimer, MA Sociology ’59, better known as Dr. Ruth, is a renowned sex therapist, media personality, author, radio, television talk show host, and Holocaust survivor. For decades, Dr. Ruth has used television, radio, and books to speak frankly about human sexuality and, effectively, transformed what were once controversial topics into healthy, everyday conversations.

Her media career began in 1980 with the radio show Sexually Speaking, which continued until 1990. She is also the author of 45 books on a variety of topics about sex and sexuality.

At age 90, Westheimer shows no signs of slowing down. In 2019, she released a new documentary, Ask Dr. Ruth, which takes a look at Westheimer’s powerful life story as as an advisor, author, and Holocaust survivor.

As part of the University’s weeklong centennial celebration, The Festival of New, Dr. Ruth ’59 joined fellow alum Bill Ritter ’16, anchor at ABC Eyewitness News in New York City, for an in-depth conversation at the 2019 Alumni Day keynote event. Watch it here.