Eric Ruff

Eric Ruff is a staunch Midwesterner who grew up in Chicago. He is the youngest of eight boys of cafeteria worker Mertha and construction worker Elzie Lee, both from Tupelo Mississippi. Early on Eric enjoyed watching his older brothers perform in talent shows, and his mother sing in the church choir, motivating him to seek creative outlets. During elementary, Jr. high, and high school he performed in numerous school choirs, talent shows, plays and was on the speech team. After graduating from high school, Eric enrolled at the College of DuPage, intent on pursuing the arts. He performed in several plays and was mentored to succeed in public speaking, winning over 100 local, state, regional and national awards including 8 national titles, overall speaker and the fellowship award for consistently showing up to support his fellow competitors. Eric continued his speech studies at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, competing on their National Championship speech team, winning national