Julio, my beloved friend and brother. It was an honor to meet you. Many thanks from the bottom of my heart for the poetry, music, life, and the genuine friendship we shared. You'll always be in my heart. You inspired students, friends, and colleagues with love. You made the life much better.
-- Flor Pagan
Mi querido Julio, te has ido muy pronto tan injustamente. Nunca olvidaré los buenos momentos vividos contigo durante nuestros años de estudios universitarios. Me alegra haberte visto aquí en nuestra Málaga hace 4 años. Qué ratito tan bueno echamos en mi casa. Siempre recordaré tu sonrisa, tu cariño y tu buen hacer en todo aquello que te proponías. Sé que ahora vas a estar en un buen lugar porque eras todo corazón. Tendremos un ángel en el cielo ♥️♥️
-- Rosemary Picón Fernández
It is with dismay that I write in memory of a beloved friend who left us all too soon. One of the brightest and purest of lights has been extinguished and it is impossible to make sense of it. You will rest in our hearts, never to be forgotten. Brief is life but love is long.
-- Melissa Fiori
I am eternally grateful for you, Julio. My time at Spelman was one of the most difficult times of my life and you made it clear that you cared about me -- not just my grades or my learning but about my entire well being; and I am only one of many students who shares this feeling. To the professor who made me laugh like no other and made me feel seen, understood, and cared for... Who inspired me to travel the world, move abroad, learn the Spanish language, history and culture, fight for justice for ALL people, and live LOUD! THANK YOU. Gracias para todo. BESOS. BESOS para siempre. Qué en paz descansa Dr. Julio González-Ruiz. Te quiero mucho.
-- Shayna Johnson
Julio was a dear colleague and friend, one of the people that most welcomed me at Spelman and made me feel at home. He was the chair of World Languages when I started working at Spelman, and he became one of my pillars while working there. I remember him as someone always so generous, with a warm, happy laugh to share with everyone; but what I will remember the most is his joy for life and his friendship. Julio, amigo, te voy a extrañar muchísimo!
-- Ines Cordeiro Dias
Dr. González-Ruiz was an inspiring and hilarious professor. I was one of his students in the 2011 study abroad trip to Málaga. This was the first time that I felt truly competent and confident in my Spanish speaking abilities. Professor González-Ruiz encouraged me to pursue my own Ph.D., which I finished in 2020. He had a significant influence on my life and education, and will be missed.
-- Alexia Williams C‘2012