It is with profound sadness that the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and the Department of History convey news of the death of Juan R. Hernández García yesterday, February 25, 2021. Professor Hernández received his Ph.D. in History at the University of Michigan in 2007 and joined the faculty at the University of Puerto Rico, Recinto Río Piedras in 2008. Throughout his career at UPR he retained very close ties with UM, returning regularly as a much beloved Visiting Lecturer for LACS and History, and serving as a foundational figure in establishing and co-coordinating the UM-UPR Outreach Collaboration, now in its eighth year.
Professor Hernández built a truly special community of scholars from UPR and UM. He worked tirelessly to extend our collaboration's efforts to benefit educators of all levels in Michigan and Puerto Rico and he has touched so many lives, directly and indirectly, through this important work. Professor Hernández was a kind and compassionate mentor who delighted his students each year with his passion for teaching through animated storytelling alongside probing analysis. His generosity, humor, and fierce commitment to collaboration and intellectual exchange has left the UM community forever enriched by his many contributions and we deeply mourn his untimely departure.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Juan's family, friends, and many loved ones around the world. We join in solidarity with the University of Puerto Rico, Recinto Río Piedras in commemorating Professor Hernández's contributions to our shared community.
Jay Cook
Victoria Langland
Alana Rodriguez
