In August 2016, David Ruiz, International Student House alumna and Business Manager for nearly 20 years passed away. During his tenure, David touched the lives of countless resident scholars as he was often one of the first people new residents met when they entered through our doors. He formed many personal and ongoing friendships with alumni of the House all over the world. For years, David kept alumni apprised of events and happenings in the House.
To celebrate his extraordinary commitment not only to International Student House, but also to his deep and endearing personal relationships with our residents and alumni, the Ruiz family established the David Ruiz Alumni Fund. Contributions to the Fund support programs, events, and efforts to engage ISH-DC alumni.
If you would like to support alumni programming, click here to make a gift to the David Ruiz Alumni Fund.
You may also make a check payable to:
International Student House
1825 R Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
Please indicate that the gift is for the David Ruiz Alumni Fund.
Among our alumni and here at the House, David will be remembered as a modest man and a gentle spirit. A few years ago, former ISH Executive Director, Tom O’Coin, casually asked David what he did on his day off. He responded “I went to a reception at the White House.” David had neglected to mention that his father was receiving the National Humanities Medal from President Barack Obama.
David was indeed a cherished member of our student house family and will always be remembered by the hundreds of lives he touched – students from every corner of the world who have called David a friend.
