Spelman Remembers Julio González-Ruiz, Ph.D.

I’m so saddened to hear about Dr.Gonzalez. He was such a wonderful person to be around and he will be missed immensely. He guided me through my three years at Spelman and I couldn’t have been more grateful to know him. He was such a beautiful person and I hope that his partner and family can find peace someday. Love you so much, Julio!
-- Victoria Glapion-Frogier

Ya te echo de menos, eres único. Te quiero Julio.
-- M. Trini

He is a great loss to the school. I was studying French but would always here him telling jokes or singing Beyoncé lyrics in the elevator to the language arts department. He brought joy to everyone around him. He will be missed.
-- Loganne Canady

Rest in Peace
-- Steve Biko Institute

Julio González Ruiz was a fun and caring person who achieved excellence as a scholar, teacher, activist and leader. Julio was an exceptional human being who carried out Spelman College's mission globally by inspiring and empowering students to learn, engage and travel while combating all kinds of racial, gender and sexual discrimination.

Julio was a real friend, and always there for us. He invited us to Spelman College in 2010, a visit that helped us to open a partnership with the school and that later on greatly shaped our educational mission. Julio visited us in Salvador in 2012, as part of the UNCF Mellon Foundation International Seminar. Then we met him frequently in Málaga, Spain…and also talked on the phone often. We will always remember you, dear Julio… smiling… so elegant, so charming. Thank you for being such an incredible human being and the best friend! Our deepest condolences to Julio´s family, Kendrick and Spelman College community!
-- Patrícia Burgos & Javier Escudero

Siempre estarás en nuestros corazones.
-- Pablo Montosa

If I were to describe Julio, the word I would  choose is "generous." I arrived at Penn State in August of 2000 and as I was looking for an apartment to rent, he very generously offered his place while I could find my own. I was there probably for four or five days and he was incredibly kind.

It is true that I expected to get some help from other Spaniards, or tips on how to navigate the experience, but never such kindness as Julio´s. I visited Spelman two years ago and he sadly was on sabbatical so we couldn´t meet. I´m devastated by the news. He was such a powerful scholar, devoted teacher, friend and person. His presence and impact shall never leave us.
-- Jaume Gelabert

D.E.P. mi amigo.
-- Gustavo García

My condolences to the Spelman community for the loss of this brilliant, generous, and inspiring teacher, scholar, and colleague. As a colleague of Dr. González's, I know he was so proud and energized by the amazing academic community at Spelman. I am so sorry for your loss.
-- Elizabeth Wright, University of Georgia

Dr. Gonzalez-Ruiz changed my life. He loved Black women. He loved to reach and teach women through language and literature. He will be remembered always.
-- Bria Hardin-Boyer

Losing Julio so suddenly is heartbreaking. His beautiful spirit will live on.
-- Myra Burnett

The intellectual legacy that Julio leaves behind speaks for itself. He was a committed scholar, a sound researcher and a versatile intellectual. What is incommensurable and irreplaceable is Julio's ability to reach the people around him. He believed deeply in the good nature of others and outpoured an incredible dose of humanity and kindness in his work and social relations. He is loved by many. I will always remember him for his love of life and the ability to find joy in life around him. He is already deeply missed.
-- Natalia Navarro Albaladejo

I am devastated that my dear friend and hermanito is gone. We became fast friends when both of us started working at Spelman. He embraced me as a sister when I told him I thought I was Spanish in a previous life. My fellow effervescent September baby was as loving and vibrant as he was handsome and brilliant. His biggest impact on me was introducing me to my husband, so he will always be a part of our lives. Mi corazon quebra por mi querido Kendrickcito y La Familia Gonzalez-Ruiz. We must pray fervently for them during this Holy Week and more.
-- Rhonda Mills C'82

Dr. Gonzalez-Ruiz was such a special person to me as a professor and a friend. As a Spanish major, he made topics which would otherwise seem extremely challenging to learn in another language, very interesting. He was loved by many outside of the languages department. He loved Spelman students and was committed to seeing them succeed even after graduation. He was direct and intentional with his words and his advice. I have never heard a negative word about him from anyone. I will always remember him and the impact he has had on my life.
-- Shevaun Culmer-Reid

I spent many unforgettable moments with Julio when we were both doctoral students at PSU, and he opened his house to me in Malaga in August 2000. I felt so welcome by him and his family. Julio was a gifted scholar and an excellent teacher, but above all, he was an outstanding human being: generous, compassionate, always ready to help. He was also funny and charming. He touched countless lives, and he will be sorely missed. ¡Gracias, Julio querido, por haber hecho con tu vida un mundo mejor! Tu recuerdo siempre estará en mi corazón.
-- Gabriela C. Zapata

Dr. Ruiz was so special to me. From the moment I became his student, I felt like I had known him my whole life. His dedication to his students was so evident and inspiring, so much so that many addressed him informally as “Julio.” Dr. Ruiz was one of the few professors who genuinely cared about what I, as a student, was juggling both inside and outside the classroom and he always pushed me to go above and beyond, never letting me take shortcuts. I will forever appreciate his passion and dedication to incorporating the Diaspora into his teachings of world languages so that his students could draw on personal connections and experiences. Dr. Ruiz will be truly missed. May his soul rest in Heaven!
-- Lauryn Collins

Julio, siempre me acordare de ti. Eras una persona de las buenas.
-- William Todd

Passionate and magnetic only scratch the surface of how impactful Dr. Gonzalez-Ruiz was. As a Spanish major, much of my time was spent taking his classes. Dynamic and authentic in every way possible, Julio had this energy and ability to connect students and their lived experiences to the content. Can you imagine being presented with the task of relating Golden Age Spanish literature to the lives of modern day diasporic women? Dr. Gonzalez-Ruiz did it seamlessly! Upon graduating in 2016, I was blessed to have transitioned from being an admiring student to a friend of Julio's. The work that I do as an educator back in my hometown is in large part, to Julio igniting that fire.

Siempre estaras en mi corazon, Julio! Que Dios proteja tu familia, tus queridos amigos, y las personas que han estado bendecidos por tu brillo. Mil gracias por todo, angelito del cielo!
-- Jordan A .Tucker

Julio was my friend and neighbor, a great person who just wanted to make others happy. I hope that all of us who were always privileged to share with him, remember him with that beautiful smile that he had. Love you friend!
-- Andreina Bracho

I'm so, so sorry and in shock. He was a shinning sun; brilliant and such a very good friend. Dear Kendrick, I will always remember both of you at my place, sharing a mal and laughing.

Lo siento muchísimo, Julio era un sol brillante, era un ser lleno de luz que hacía que nuestra vida fuera mejor. No tengo palabras
-- Keti Doblas

Even though I only knew him for just this semester, he was such a nice man and made Spanish so fun. He really cared for us and made sure everyone was comfortable and happy.
-- Laniyah Collins

A Beam of Light! You will be missed immensely!
-- Imani Bennett

I am so honored that I was able to spend so much time with Dr. Gonzalez-Ruiz. I had my first and last Spanish classes with him at Spelman, where he always encouraged me to make assignments and projects my own -- to do whatever spoke to me and whatever I felt passionate about. He wanted learning to have a deeper, more personal experience. During our study abroad trip, he took care of us when most of us had a stomach issue due to the change in food. He took us all to the farmacia and got us exactly what we needed to feel better. He loved making sure his students felt immersed in culture, and everybody knows he always looked good doing it! I will forever cherish the beautiful sentiments and letters of recommendation he graced me with.
-- Brittanie Rice

 

 

 

 

 

 

My first year at Spelman College was in 2004. I LOVED his spirit. He feed my love for the Spanish language and encouraged me to make it my minor. Always full of life and laughter. My condolences to his family!!!
-- Ashlee Jackson

Querido Julio: Gracias por tantos momentos buenos, tu risa, tu humor y todo tu cariño y amor. Siempre te recordare con una sonrisa amigo. Cuida de nosotros y disfruta donde estés. Hasta la próxima.
-- Antonio Montilla

You could tell that Dr.González-Ruiz really cared about the growth and success of his students. He was so kind and made his classroom a welcoming environment. He was such a vibrant person and made others excited about learning and having new experiences. He inspired so many people and his legacy will continue to inspire others. I am so grateful that I crossed paths with such a wonderful person and he will forever have a place in my heart.
-- Maya

How do you describe one of the best dressed, sweet spirited, kindhearted, with a seriously funy sense of humor, happy to make your day, human being… in one-word Julio! You will truly be missed my friend!
-- Renee Jones

It was truly an honor and pleasure to serve on the AUC Library Advisory Committee with Dr. Gonzalez-Ruiz. He filled the room with his energy, passion, and brilliance. He was such a dedicated educator. I'm grateful that I had an opportunity to experience his leadership, collegiality and creativity.
-- Teri Platt

Dr. Gonzalez-Ruiz, I was so excited to take your class this semester. You helped me to feel connected to a part of my heritage that had been forgotten by time and embraced each and every one of us, no matter what. I still can't believe this and your family and loved ones have my prayers.
-- Anaya Hicks

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

Professor Gonzalez-Ruiz was growing to be one of my favorite professors and even though I did not have him for very long this semester, he had such a warm presence that I felt comfortable around him from day one. I looked forward to taking his higher level Spanish classes in the future and would have loved to go on one of his study abroad trips that my Spelman sisters talk about. I am so saddened by the news and my heart sincerely goes out to the family. He was such a light in these darker times and he is deeply missed. R.I.P.
-- Victoria Eaton

Dr. Gonzalez-Ruiz was light. He always kept me laughing and pushed me to succeed in my passion of the Spanish language and culture. I am forever grateful to have studied abroad with him for a month. He was everything to so many of us. What a heartbreaking loss.
-- Alix Tearney C'2018  

Julio was a sun. He made everything brighter, warmer, and happier just by being present. We lost touch after graduate school, but I will always have wonderful memories of him from that time at Penn State. And what a great literary critic! My heart goes out to Kendrick, Julio's family, and his friends, colleagues, and students. What an immense loss! Julio era un sol. Daba luz, cariño y alegría simplemente estando presente. Perdimos el contacto después de la escuela graduada, pero guardo las memorias maravillosas de él de aquel tiempo en Penn State. ¡Y vaya crítico literario! A Kendrick, a la familia de Julio, a sus amigos y amigas, colegas, y estudiantes, les acompaño en sus sentimientos. ¡Qué pérdida inmensa! QEPD, Julio, amigo mío
-- Margaret Marek

We will miss him terribly. Thank you, Spelman, for being his academic home. He was the most generous and loving friend! Mi hermanito divino.
-- Liza Ann Acosta

I remember with great fondness the days in which Julio came into my classroom or my office at Penn State! He lit up the room with his heart-warming smile and his graciousness. He was the ideal student and advisee; and he became a very fine teacher and scholar. We will miss you!
-- Frederick De Armas

Te vamos a extrañar por siempre, y siempre estarás en los corazones de mis hijos, mi esposo y en el mio. Hasta pronto querido Julio.😭😭😭😭😭
-- Rafelina Contreras

I only met Dr. González-Ruiz briefly, but he was incredibly warm and kind and encouraged me to pursue a Spanish major. It’s obvious why he was so beloved by students and colleagues. May he rest in peace.
-- Jaden Hunter

Que descanses en paz. Allá donde estes, que seas feliz.
-- Beatriz Centeno

Julio has been my friend since we met in 1986 in Málaga. I am devastated for having lost him. I love you and I will keep in my heart your contagious laughing, and our many, many moments together, mi niño querido, mi talentoso, mi ser único. Descansa en paz, amor.
-- Rosa Ramos

As his student and friend I am devastated by the news of his passing. The glow of his spirit and warmth of his love will be missed.
-- Yvonne T. Prabhu

Querido Julio, que pronto te han arrebatado de nuestras vidas. Nos dejas un profundo dolor pero el honor de haber compartido con alguien alegre y bueno. Te conocí gracias a mi marido y nunca te agradeceré lo bastante las muestras de cariño que tenias hacia nuestro hijo, aunque solo lo vieras una vez al año. Tu sonrisa será siempre parte de nuestras vidas. Que la tierra te sea leve. Te seguiremos queriendo eternamente.
-- Juan Andrés Teno

Dr. Gonzalez-Ruiz, I am so heartbroken by your passing. During my freshman year of college, I had the opportunity to take you for ADW and it wasn’t until then that I fell in love with the class. You made this little girl from Detroit feel seen. You were so intentional about connecting with your students and I was no different. You’d sit with me as long as you needed to make sure I understood a concept. And your warm smile? It greeted me first every time I’d run into you randomly in Atlanta. You would be so excited and filled with so much energy. I’ll miss those moments. So much love to your family. Rest peacefully.
-- Jaminque L. Adams

JULIO GONZALEZ RUIZ lo conoce a principio del 2016 en mi peluqueria cuando llegó a solicitar de mi servicio como peluquero, desde ahí comenzó nuestra amistad hasta ahora y sin temor a equivocarme fue uno de los mejores seres humanos que he conocido en esta tierra. Una persona humilde,sana, cariñoso,bondadoso,buen corazón y de una sonrisa brillante para todo el que le quedaba a el entorno por esto y miles de cosas más es imposible olvidarte RUBIO LINDO como yo te decia, te deseo que papa Dios te tenga en bonito lugar y te haga descansar paz a tu alma
--- Miguel Angel

Dr. Gonzalez-Ruiz was a wonderful professor. He made learning Spanish fun and had a vibrant personality that lit up the room. His style was impeccable, as well. May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort during this time of grief.
-- Sarita Smith

I only met Julio once through Kendrick. He was very welcoming with a kind spirit and bubbly personality. I will never forget that weekend in Georgia. There was a lot of laughter during that visit. My condolences to the family and Kendrick.
-- Michelle Pelham

Querido amigo, dejas un hueco inmenso. Fuiste una gran persona y un amigo como pocos. No olvidaré los momentos vividos a tu lado. Te quiero Amigo.
-- Tomás Narbona Prieto

Julio was more than my colleague; he was my friend. He was a very kind, gentle and brilliant human being. He was always willing to lend a hand, even before asked. As recent as Friday, he was helping me with Spanish grammatical rules translating the script for a documentary film that I am producing. I still have that email in my Inbox and don't intend to erase it. I am truly saddened by this tragedy and pray for his soul, his family, colleagues and loved ones. My condolences to the Spelman community that knew and loved him. Thanks for this opportunity to express my grief. Te quiero mucho mi compa!
-- Arturo Lindsay

What a tragedy to lose Julio, who was an outstanding colleague, professor and scholar. He enriched every conversation and I loved working with him. May he rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to his partner, family, departmental colleagues and his students. who he loved.
-- Dolores Bradley-Brennan

Julio, niño Siempre estará con nosotros tu alegría, tu chispa, tus genialidades Te queremos Buen viaje
-- Eloy

“Hola guapa, hola cariño.” is how he greeted me every time we encountered each other on campus, back in the early 2000’s, at Penn State. With his gaze focusing on you as you responded, you knew that at that moment, you were the center of his world. Very few people have that ability to turn your mood from sour to instant happiness with just a moment’s attention. Truly a ray of sunshine, warmth, and affection. You just felt it. There is no other way to describe it. My heart breaks for his partner, his family back home, his close circle of friends that became his extended family, his colleagues and students. Sending all my love to his community of people who are hurting for Julio. You are loved and remembered, sweet Julio.
-- Tina Christodouleas

He was a very sweet and kind person who loved life and I really enjoyed him being a part of my brother’s life.(Kendrick)
-- Lashonda Williams

No tengo palabras. Siempre tendrás un hueco en mi corazón. DEP. Mi más sincero pésame a su familia.
-- NICOLÁS MALDONADO

Julio had a special energy that will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace.
-- Leyte

I was honored to be Julio's colleague for his first decade with Spelman's Department of World Languages and Literature. His tireless dedication, boundless generosity, and joie de vivre made him beloved to faculty and students alike. Julio Gonzalez was our better angel. He drew out the best in us. His loss is heartbreaking. May he find eternal peace and his right of place with the angels. Que descanse en paz y duerma con los angeles.  -- Diana Glad

Esto me ha dejado muy triste, porque te fuiste muy pronto eras un excelente ser humano, que papá Dios te acoja en su santo seno, te voy a extrañar siempre ...
-- Anthony Cruz

I last saw Julio when I visited Spelman about four years ago. We chatted about life and I told him I was studying for the Bar. He told me that I *had* to take a trip to celebrate simply taking the exam, specifically to the DR. The trip unfortunately didn't happen, but I love that my final in-person conversation with Julio was about our mutual love of travel and filled with reminders to balance the tougher seasons of life with joy. Mil gracias por todo, Julio.
--  Arienne Jones

I am so grateful to have known Dr. Julio Gonzales-Ruiz. When I came to Spelman as a faculty member, he welcomed me, affirmed me, and encouraged me, and he enveloped all of us in good humor and positive energy. Seeing him (and his always on-point style!) was one of the reasons I looked forward to faculty meetings every month. Like all of us, I wish we had had more time. We love and miss you, Julio.
-- Sarah RudeWalker

Spelman will not be the same without my friend Julio and his big personality and smile. May love and light illuminate his memory.
-- Dorian Brown Crosby

From the day Julio set foot on Spelman’s campus, he was a great teacher, colleague and friend. He immediately joined the study abroad committee and started to help organize opportunities for students to study in Spanish-speaking countries. He spent endless hours working with students on their Spanish speaking and listening skills. He also wrote an incredible number of recommendations for students to participate on programs. One of his other languages was Italian and we used to provide placement testing for students who wanted to offer Italian to fulfill the language requirement. I really can’t believe he is gone. He will be so missed. Rest In Peace.
-- Margery A Ganz, Ph.D.

I am heartbroken by the loss of my dear friend and colleague Julio Gonzalez-Ruiz. Julio always told me how proud he was to teach at Spelman College, and he invited me to Spelman to share with me what he thought was unique there. He absolutely loved his students and the multiples possibilities Spelman gave him to create the study abroad programs of his dreams in his two favorite places in the world: Malaga in Spain and the Dominican Republic.

Spelman is losing an amazing dedicated teacher, a remarkable scholar and professor; and I am losing a very dear friend. We will all remember his wonderful smile, his elegance, his encouraging energy, his way of truly living life to the fullest through simple pleasures, and, most of all, his uncanny ability to reach each student, each colleague, each friend in a deep, unique and positive way. My deepest condolences to Julio´s family, Kendrick and the Spelman College community. Te quiero mi Julio. Siempre estarás en mi corazón.
-- Stéphanie Boulard, Associate Professor of French, Georgia Institute of Technology

It is difficult to comprehend the sudden loss of a colleague who was so ever-present in the life of our department. The Department of WorLanguages and Cultures grew under Julio González-Ruiz’s leadership as chair, and as a senior member, as he encouraged a vibrant engagement of all of us in its growth and change. I am forever grateful to have experienced the vital spark that Julio infused in our department and pray that we may never forget how much his presence energized all of us. A prayer for you, Julio, and your family. May God give us all peace in his knowing hands.
-- Estelle L. Finley

To the Ones moved by Professor Gonzalez-Ruiz, Thank you. Thank you for acknowledging him by acknowledging each other. As a member of the class of 2021 and Spanish minor, thank you. To the teachers who may read this and not recognize my name since it was not on their roll-call, I see you. The teachers I've experienced within the minor are two intelligent women and one-compassionate man. Mr. Gonzalez-Ruiz. Though the details surrounding his life are unknown to me, upon reading our President's address, I gasped. The staff at Spelman are wildly unforgettable simply because you're all dedicated. Before I exit this email and Spelman College it is imperative I give you all, your flowers before I can receive mine. Gratefully Brilliant,
-- Logan James

What a loss. I will miss you dear Julio, our sweet kind neighbor!
-- Mani

Ok! Entonces! I will never forget how you began every class after asking us about our weekends and telling us about yours lol. Your spirit is unmatched and your philanthropy is unforgettable. You were more than our professor, you were our friend, our safe space, and for me, the reason I didn't go hungry during my toughest point as a woman of Spelman. This is bittersweet saying farewell but I know you earned your place in heaven. VIVAS SIEMPRE CONMIGO PROFÉ ♥️♥️
-- Vevlyn Grant

Julio spread so much light, warmth, positivity, kindness and caring. He was a talented, energetic professor who created new courses and study abroad programs; his wit and sense of relevance brought the centuries-old Spanish Golden Age to life in the classroom. Julio's personal charm endeared him to those he met. He loved his work and his students, and through them his legacy persists in the many lives he touched and changed.
-- Rick Langhorst

I do not have words for the loss of our wonderful colleague. As so many already have noted, Julio always was cheerful and welcoming. We worked together when he was Faculty Council representative on the Tenure and Promotion Committee. Dr. Gonzalez-Ruiz enlivened our deliberations, worked with rigor, and was balanced and fair in assessing candidates, always doing so while modeling integrity and good humor. We already miss you, Julio! Thank you for the modeling and the memories.
-- Rosetta E. Ross

Querido amigo, cabalga sobre el aroma de las flores en esta nueva aventura. Un trocito de cielo está reservado para tí.
-- Manu Ruiz

Una gran persona, amigo, hijo y un alna preocupada por la injusticia y la sociedad.... una luz del cosmos que irradiaba y regalaba alegría allá por donde su amor le llevaba..... Pierden los desfavorecidos un gran defensor.... :(
-- Amalia Lucas Zayas

Julio was an amazing individual who will be sorely missed. My heart aches withe rest of the Spelman community.
-- Leyte

Of all that has been lost with the death of dear Julio, the most heartfelt is the loss of his gentle, generous, kind, and brilliant spirit.
-- Johnnella Butler

Beautiful, debonair, warm, funny, FIERCELY INTELLIGENT, and BELOVED. A light, A light, A light is burning bright tonight.
-- Aku Kadogo