Tiger Heritage Spotlight: Jesus Ruiz BS ’97

What led you to RIT?
I was specifically interested in schools with programs that cater to students who have demonstrated proficiency or interest in the sciences, and RIT does an exceptional job marketing to prospective STEM students. I received multiple direct mail pieces highlighting RIT’s value proposition, including cooperative education, career placement, and investment from tech companies. What stood out to me most was not only the focus on learning the concepts in the classroom but the emphasis the school places on hands-on learning by placing students in real work environments where they can get the skills needed to excel in these roles post-graduation.

What about college were you least prepared?  
As a first-generation college student, I was least prepared to deal with the lack of diversity in the student population in addition to the lack of programming/initiatives to retain students of color my freshmen year. Being the first in my family to attend college also meant that I did not have an extensive body of knowledge to serve as a reference point, which led me to seek out those resources on my own. In that search, I identified a gap that I felt compelled to address.
 

What were your favorite classes and why? 
My favorite classes were anatomy & physiology, and organic chemistry. I’ve always been passionate about biological sciences and how to diagnose and treat diseases after witnessing the physical deterioration of close family members. I enjoyed the combination of lecture and labs where I got to apply the theoretical information learned in a practical environment. I learn best when I’m actively involved in solving problems. 

Who influenced you most during your time at RIT? 
The people who influenced me most were faculty advisors for my major that helped guide me through difficult times and kept me on track to graduate. Additionally, the folks that mentored me during my internships at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester General and Sisters of Charity Hospital gave me the tools I needed to succeed in my field. 

What influenced you to bring Lambda Alpha Upsilon to RIT? 
As I mentioned earlier, I was least prepared to deal with the lack of diversity and inclusion I experienced my first quarter at RIT. So much so, I almost transferred to a school closer to home in NYC. I felt we needed to create spaces for Latinos/students of color to feel welcome and experience their cultures far from home. If administration wasn’t going to do it, we’d fill that void and help those students remain at RIT and complete their education. Nobody should sacrifice their career goals because they don’t fit in or aren’t accepted in the campus community. We brought Lambda Alpha Upsilon to RIT to build a family environment at RIT where we can support each other personally and academically. Moreover, to share our culture with the campus community and contribute in a meaningful way to a more diverse student population.

What advice would you offer current RIT students?
Participate in as many professional and extracurricular activities as possible. It significantly helps to augment your education by sharing your knowledge and experiences with people that have common aspirations and backgrounds. Take advantage of all the resources RIT has to offer, including physical fitness, tutoring, career services and placement, fraternity and sorority life, clubs, etc. College goes by so quickly and you don’t want to regret not making the most of your time there.