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 The Economics Department lost a dear colleague, Professor Nestor Ruiz, on September 3, 2024

Nestor joined the Economics Department at Cal Poly Pomona in 1990 and retired in 2013, serving as Department Chair in 2008 & 2009. Nestor’s door was always open for students and he is fondly remembered as a sincere, dedicated advisor and advocate for our students.

Completing his Intermediate Macroeconomics course was a right of passage for economics students, both graduate and undergraduate. The rigor and challenge of his courses led students to give their best effort, and to bond both with him and with each other.  While he demanded a lot, he returned very genuine concern and thoughtful mentoring of his students of all abilities and backgrounds.

For many years Nestor taught a CPP Model Organization of American States (MOAS) class and led a team in competitions, first internationally, and then when safety of international travel became problematic, in Washington DC.

Nestor also created and maintained collaborative programs between Cal Poly Pomona and universities in Baja California and El Salvador, and taught on a pro bono basis at universities in El Salvador and Mexico. His love of teaching and helping his students was clear, and his devotion improved the lives of all around him.