Mari-Jo P. Ruiz, 1943 – 2022 (Memo U2223-044)

 

With deep sadness, we inform the University community of the passing away of Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, Mari-Jo Panganiban Ruiz, yesterday, 29 December 2022.

Mari-Jo was educated at the College of the Holy Spirit in Manila and went to Marymount Manhattan College in New York where she graduated in 1963. Soon afterwards, she completed a master's degree at New York University.  In 1965, she joined the Ateneo de Manila faculty where she earned her doctoral degree in 1981.

Specializing in graph theory and operations research, Mari-Jo was an educator par excellence. She was given the Most Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award by the Ateneo Schools Parents’ Council (ASPAC) in 1991, the Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Award (Tertiary Level) in 1992, and the Metrobank Award for Continuing Excellence and Service (ACES) in 2004. In 2009, she was conferred the title of Professor Emeritus by the Ateneo de Manila University, and in 2014, she received the Lux-in-Domino award, - a testimony to her being a light to others, an inspiration that kindled the lights of many others to shine brightly for many more.

While teaching was her main love, she also generously served the university in key leadership positions:  Chair of the Mathematics Department in the 1980s; Chair of the Management Engineering Program, of which she was one of the pioneers; Dean of  the School of Arts and Sciences from 1994 to 1999.  She also served as a member of the Ateneo’s Board of Trustees for three terms since 2005.

After doing her tour of duties as an administrator, the ever gracious Mari-Jo continued to teach, do research, and mentor younger colleagues. She also developed a closer affinity to artistic creativity through her sketches, ‘mathematical art, and paintings.

The Ateneo de Manila University will continue to treasure and honor Dr Mari-Jo P. Ruiz for her legacies of excellent teaching, mentorship, and research; steadfast leadership; and sterling service.

We request the Ateneo community to keep Dr Mari-jo P. Ruiz and her family in your prayers. She is survived by her children (who are all Ateneans) – Joanna, Judah with Atenean wife Shine, and Joelle with husband Marc – as well as her grandchildren: Javy (also an Atenean), Aeon, Zari, and Basti.

Arrangements are being made for the wake to be held in the College Chapel.  A separate announcement on the details will follow.



Eternal rest grant unto Mari-Jo, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace. Amen.