After 30 dedicated years of service, Ruth Foy, the coordinator of Health Services at De Anza is retiring.

Being a registered nurse, Foy came to De Anza because of her love of people, and her hope to educate people about health concerns. “The job was everything I wanted to do,” said Foy.

She has seen a wide array of incidences from the comical to the tragic. Through all of it, what the students went through she went through also.

Being at De Anza, she has seen the school’s population shift from 10,000 to 35,000. She saw the change in trends, the hair, the pants, and the attitude. More importantly she saw the changing health issues of the students.

As AIDS became more widely spread, her role became more important. Throughout her career she has been interested in birth control and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Thus she was a qualified representative of awareness. She has addressed issues of AIDS, and issues relating to sex through classes throughout her career.

“People are shocked to see this old hag talk about condoms and issues about sex,” said Foy.

Lisa Zulaica, an employee of the Health Center said, “She’s a great boss. She’s irreplaceable.”

Foy plans to move to a small community with her husband. She plans to spend time with her 5 step-kids, and 9 grandchildren. She also plans to volunteer in programs for youth. She believes educating youth is very important and plans to devote herretired life to it.

When asked what she will remember most about De Anza, “The people. Students and faculty sharing experiences … the good and the bad. Doing it together.”