Some 60 community members gathered on Tuesday, June 4, at the Mexican Consulate to hear Joaquin Ruiz, Ph.D., dean of the College of Science at the University of Arizona, speak about his life and work, highlighting Tucson’s geology, diversity, and extensive natural wonders. Ruiz is a member of both the Jewish and Hispanic communities. Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Arizona co-sponsored the event.
Ruiz, who was born and raised in Mexico City, joined the UA in 1983. He has been dean of the College of Science since 2000, executive dean of the Colleges of Letters, Arts and Science 2009-2018, and vice president for innovation since 2013. He is also the Thomas R. Brown Chair and director of Biosphere 2. In 2018, the Mexican Secretary of State named him one of 40 distinguished Mexican citizens living abroad who have brought distinction to the country.
