Julio González-Ruiz was an Associate Professor and former Chair of Spelman College’s Department of World Languages and Cultures (previously World Languages and Literature). González-Ruiz passed in March 2021 at his home in Los Alcarrizos, Dominican Republic. In the 17 years he spent with the Spelman community, he became a beloved teacher, cherished colleague, and friend to many. He made important contributions to our global studies program, creating and directing two study abroad programs for our students in collaboration with the University of Malaga, Spain, and CIEE-Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He served as chair of the Library Advisory Council of the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library, organized Spelman’s International Film Festival, and chaired the department of World Languages and Literature from 2015-2018 with good humor and dedication. He enjoyed teaching African Diaspora in the World, as well as his popular courses in world languages. Julio was part of the AfroLatinidades Institute, and we honor his commitment to opening doors for Black students.