Connect to Community: Dean of the Dance Raises Funds for Diaper Bank

Connect to Community: Dean of the Dance Raises Funds for Diaper Bank

By Amanda BallardUniversity Relations - Communications
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Joaquin Ruiz and his dance partner, Yolanda Corrales
Joaquin Ruiz and his dance partner, Yolanda Corrales
Ruiz danced the swing to Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog."
Ruiz danced the swing to Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog."

It's no secret that the UA's outstanding employees help make the campus a great place to be. But countless UA employees also devote time and energy to giving back to the greater Tucson community, either in their free time or as part of their University positions.

From volunteering with nonprofits to coordinating creative fundraisers, the work being done by campus employees makes a big difference to those in need.

In this regular "Connect to Community" series, we will highlight some of the inspiring work UA employees are doing in the community.


Who knew that being a University dean would require the ability to be light on your feet?

Though he's normally in the spotlight for his work in earth sciences, College of Science dean Joaquin Ruiz was center stage for different reasons during the ninth annual "Dancing With Our Stars" gala to benefit the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona.

Like the popular "Dancing With the Stars" television show, which pairs professional ballroom dancers with celebrities, the fundraising event featured local Tucson "stars" and professional dance partners performing ballroom routines. This year's event featured the UA's very own Ruiz as one of the local celebrity participants.

Proceeds from the fundraiser – which are still being tallied – will benefit the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona, a local nonprofit organization that provides diapers to children, the disabled, the elderly and others in need.

"I am pleased to support this important organization through my fast feet," Ruiz said.

According to the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona's website, one in three U.S. mothers struggle with diaper needs. For every $1 donated, the bank can distribute $3 worth of supplies to community members in need.

The organization's ninth "Dancing With Our Stars" event was held Friday at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa, and featured 11 local celebrity participants. Some of the other stars included television meteorologist Erin Christiansen and Tucson Medical Center physician Donna Fulton.

Sheila McGinnis, director of outreach and community partnerships in the UA's Office of Community Relations, was asked to help promote the event.

"To my surprise, I saw dean Ruiz signed up as a dancer," McGinnis said. "Maybe I shouldn't say 'surprised' since I know the dean is always the first person to help Tucson's nonprofits. But this made the event even more exciting."

Ruiz danced the swing with his local professional dance partner, Yolanda Corrales. All of the professional dancers at the event donated their time and talents to teach the local celebrities a dance routine in one of four categories: tango, swing, samba and foxtrot.

Prior to the gala, people were invited to vote for their favorite celebrity to receive the People's Choice Award. Each vote cost $10, and all proceeds benefitted the diaper bank. A panel of judges also picked winners in each dance category.

Although Ruiz's swing didn't cinch a win, McGinnis said she was pleased to have the UA represented at the charitable event.

"I am so proud of the UA's staff and faculty," McGinnis said.

To learn more about how you can donate to the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona, visit diaperbank.org.


Are you a UA employee who's working to make a difference in the community? Do you know of an employee or group on campus that is doing something unique to give back? If so, let us know about it by emailing uaatwork@email.arizona.edu. Your story could be featured in a future edition of Lo Que Pasa.

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