This library subject endowment was established in honor of the contributions of Ruth Engel, one of the early members of the Friends of the UCSC Library and among its most influential, dedicated, and active supporters. Ruth Engel served with distinction on the Friends Board of Directors and, for over a decade, as Friends Membership Chair. The Library Office staff considers her a member of the library "family."

The Ruth Franklin Engel Horticulture Collection Fund is established to provide enriched support for library collections in horticulture, gardening, and related fields, including materials on the historical and continuing importance of gardens in art, aesthetics, history, literature, and popular culture. Acquisitions include monographs, serials, and nonprint media such as video recordings, selected for their relevance to faculty and student interest and the UCSC academic program.