George Cruz was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, the youngest of three children. A product of private schools, Cruz chose to enroll at Southwestern because he appreciated the academic challenges and the small town setting.

Some of Cruz's fondest memories include current traditions such as Midnight Breakfast. He also remembers taking full advantage of the SU experience--spending time volunteering, attending plays and recitals, going to local spots like Blue Hole, the Candle Factory and Inner Space Caverns.

The faculty are also a significant part of the Southwestern experience. Says Cruz, "The faculty at SU are superb, and you would be remiss not to meet and talk with them. You don't have the time to take a class from each professor, but you can take advantage of their expertise nonetheless. I think it's the experiences like these that really define your time at Southwestern."

Cruz encourages all students to take advantage of everything that the University has to offer. Joining a club or talking to someone you don't know, whether it is a professor, a student or an administrator, can prove to be a valuable and enlightening experience. "Remember why you chose to enroll at Southwestern and reflect on that periodically. Step out of your comfort zone while you are an undergraduate, and keep an open mind. Take classes that will challenge you. Play hard, but work harder," he explains.

Actively involved in his fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, Cruz served in numerous offices, including president. "I have always thought the Greek system is an important part of the campus community. The system at Southwestern is one that instills value, character and integrity to its members," he notes. Cruz also was involved in a number of other organizations including S.H.A.R.P., Student Congress, Academic Affairs Council, Alpha Phi Omega and the University Programming Council.

Today Cruz takes great pride in continuing his involvement with the University. He is a class agent, which he delights in since he "loves to keep in touch with his old classmates." Cruz also is involved with the A.R.E.A. program, which hosts send-off parties and other meet-and-greet activities.

He also serves on the Alumni Board of Directors. "I have truly enjoyed this experience and will always be grateful for having the opportunity to serve on this Board. I have met supporters of the University that span every decade and have been fortunate enough to work closely with some of the finest members of the administration."

Cruz is enthusiastic about the direction that the University is headed. He says, "I am excited about the Paideia Program. I think this is a very challenging program that will ultimately benefit the students. The University will also benefit because the program will aid in solidifying Southwestern's place on the map of national liberal arts colleges and universities."

As for the future, Cruz has a vision of his own. He says, "I want to see the University reach out to alumni more than it has in the past, and I would like for the campus community to be more inviting and continue to serve as a welcoming place for alumni." Additionally, he hopes the administration and faculty will continue to seek diversity in their respective memberships.

He attributes much of his success to Southwestern. "I feel that the University, with its excellent professors, taught me how to approach problems from a multi-faceted perspective." Cruz graduated SU with a degree in Spanish and biology. He now serves as the Research Study Coordinator for the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Texas' Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. His current project involves studying patients with terminal cancer. When he is not busy conducting and coordinating research, Cruz enjoys skydiving and traveling.