Lou died May 2, 2006, after a long bout with cancer. He wasn't well enough to come to the 50th reunion. He wanted to be there. He loved a celebration.

Lou was born Jan. 30, 1933, the second of four Rukeyser boys whose father was already prominent in economic journalism. Lou was first and foremost a journalist with stints for the Baltimore Star based in New Delhi, India. He was on assignment there during our 10th reunion. He also lived in Paris, where he made TV specials for ABC News.

He really hit the sweet spot in 1970 with Wall Street Week with Louis Rukeyser, which became the longest-running financial show in television history. He celebrated the 10th anniversary of the show on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, the 20th at Tavern on the Green in New York City, and the 30th with 2,000 guests at Carnegie Hall. The show helped create brilliant careers for his innumerable panelists and guests. His “welcome back” beginning, the puns in the monologue, and the wink at the end kept us smiling and coming back week after week 8:30 on Friday nights. His highest ratings came when his father, Merryle, appeared on the show, a proud moment for both men.

Lou loved the good life — the best restaurants and great wines — but there was more to come in his career. The newsletter, the books, the cruise ships, the town halls across the country — all combined to make Lou a one-man industry. He received lots of awards and dealt with much hoopla, which he never took too seriously. 

Lou was devoted to his family. He met Alex in London and was married on the Isle of Man, her home. He adored his daughters, Beverly, Susan, and Stacy '91, who now writes TV shows in Los Angeles. He was a giant in the class, and our heartfelt condolences go to the immediate family and Lou's brothers, Bud, Bob, and Bill '61. Lou's optimism is still shining somewhere up there. His charm and his wit enriched all of us.

The Class of 1954



Undergraduate Class of 1954