It is with the deepest regret that the Department of Mexican American Studies would like to inform the community that our beloved Department Head, Dr. Richard Ruiz passed away Friday, February 6th, 2015.  

We are understandably sad, and our hearts are with the Ruiz family and many friends. However, we are focused on celebrating his many gifts to us, his lessons, his kind heart and legacy of excellent scholarship.

Dr. Ruiz was a wonderful human being who dedicated his life to motivating others and helping them to succeed.  He was always present for us, providing support and words of wisdom.  We will always remember him by his cheerful personality, unique wit, incomparable sense of humor, but most importantly his unconditional acceptance and willingness to help others.

At this time, we only know that the family will hold services the first or second weekend of March.  Details will be provided in an obituary that will be in the Sunday Newspaper. 

We would like to share this UA News Article: http://uanews.org/story/richard-ruiz-remembered-for-his-passion-and-humor

The Arizona Daily Star has also dedicated an article to Dr. Ruiz: http://tucson.com/news/local/celebrated-ua-professor-dies-at/article_00e3f3a2-b24c-11e4-91ff-a39c7cf32840.html

For donations to the Richard Ruiz Memorial Scholarship please visit the following page: https://www.uafoundation.org/NetCommunity/donations/ruizmemorial

Saturday April 11

The University of Arizona will organize a memorial for Dr. Richard Ruiz open to the public on Saturday, April 11 at 11:00AM at Crowder Call.  For more information please visit this flyer.

Wednesday February 11

At 12:00pm join the Guerrero Student Center at Cesar Chavez Building for a peanut butter and jelly meet with students and faculty fellows to share memories and stories of Dr. Ruiz.

Between 3:30pm and 4:15pm join the LRC and TTE along with other faculty from the College of Education for coffee in spirits of keeping this tradition that Dr. Ruiz started and to share stories and memories about him. This will take place at the Education building on the lobby of the south main entrance.

Monday February 9

Today, Monday, February 9, 2015, the public is invited, to a student led vigil from 6:00 – 8:00 pm in front of the Cesar Chavez Building.  

We will be creating an altar outside of the Chávez building. Please bring flowers and candles in glass containers.  We will have a talking circle to share some words and pay our respects.

Please feel free to visit our website periodically for any updates with regards to his services.