Walsh University is excited to announce that U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Walsh Alum Joshua Ruiz ’21 has been appointed as Walsh’s first ever Veterans Affairs Coordinator. Ruiz, who experienced first-hand the transition from active military to college student, truly understands the importance of this role and hopes his contagious “Cavalier pride” will help others feel welcome as he grows the veteran population on campus.
In this role Ruiz will oversee the newly established Center for Veteran Affairs, which will serve the needs of veteran and military member students and their families. Ruiz will work as a liaison for veteran and military students, providing resources related to health and wellness, community benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense, and other local, state, federal agencies and organizations.
Ruiz will actively recruit potential military students and their families, create programming designed to make these students successful and establish a campus climate that is consistent with the University's commitment to serving our veterans and their families. He will also lead the review of University policies to create and implement military-friendly changes on behalf of veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists and dependents.
“We are excited about Joshua joining our team and bringing his experiences as a veteran and an alum to the position,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management Rebecca Coneglio. “He will be instrumental in Walsh's commitment to serving those who have served our country through recruiting veterans and providing student success supports.”
Read more about Walsh University's 2023 Top Ten Military Friendly Designation.
Ruiz enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on November 3, 2008, and attended boot camp at MCRD San Diego, CA. After Graduation he was sent to Camp Pendleton, CA, for Marine Combat Training and then to Camp Johnson, NC, for MOS training as a 0481, Landing Support Specialist. Upon graduation of MOS school he was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA, and attached to CLR-17 (Combat Logistics Regiment 17), Landing Support Company where he was sent on his first deployment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, where he conducted daily flight and ground operations in Afghanistan over his eight-month tour.
After being rotated out of Afghanistan, he was given orders to his next unit and spent the rest of his tenure with the U.S. Marine Corps. CLB-15 or Combat Logistics Battalion 15 conducted sea operations and training with foreign militaries in an operation known as Iron Fist. Corporal Ruiz led this operation on several occasions. While leading these operations, he received a Navy and Marine Corps Accommodation Medal for his initiative. This exceptional achievement would lead to his next promotion to Sergeant. Sergeant Ruiz led two separate MEUs (Marine Expeditionary Units) successfully through several combat environments and other engagements through his time at CLB-15. While being stationed in San Diego, CA, he met his wife Tiffany (Geis) ’05, who was serving in the U.S. Navy at the time. Together, they have two children, Lorenzo and Marcello.
Ruiz was honorably discharged in November, 2016, after proudly serving eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps and moved to Canton, OH. With the encouragement of his wife, also a Walsh University alumna, he used his GI Bill® to enroll at Walsh University in fall of 2017. While attending Walsh he gained valuable professional experience and earned several promotions with the telecommunications company that employed him. With the support of his family he was able to graduate from Walsh in May 2021, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education. According to Ruiz, he is looking forward to becoming a part of the Walsh team and growing the veteran population! “Semper Fi and Swords Up!”
